EP0553426A1 - Réfrigérateur combiné et convertible - Google Patents

Réfrigérateur combiné et convertible Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0553426A1
EP0553426A1 EP92120059A EP92120059A EP0553426A1 EP 0553426 A1 EP0553426 A1 EP 0553426A1 EP 92120059 A EP92120059 A EP 92120059A EP 92120059 A EP92120059 A EP 92120059A EP 0553426 A1 EP0553426 A1 EP 0553426A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
refrigerator
duct
freezer compartment
usual
shut
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP92120059A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Enzo c/o Whirlpool Italia s.r.l. Rivis
Franco C/C Whirlpool Italia S.R.L. Germi
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Whirlpool Europe BV
Original Assignee
Whirlpool Europe BV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Whirlpool Europe BV filed Critical Whirlpool Europe BV
Publication of EP0553426A1 publication Critical patent/EP0553426A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D17/00—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces
    • F25D17/04—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection
    • F25D17/042—Air treating means within refrigerated spaces
    • F25D17/045—Air flow control arrangements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D17/00—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces
    • F25D17/04—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection
    • F25D17/06—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation
    • F25D17/062—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation in household refrigerators
    • F25D17/065—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation in household refrigerators with compartments at different temperatures
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2400/00—General features of, or devices for refrigerators, cold rooms, ice-boxes, or for cooling or freezing apparatus not covered by any other subclass
    • F25D2400/04—Refrigerators with a horizontal mullion
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2400/00—General features of, or devices for refrigerators, cold rooms, ice-boxes, or for cooling or freezing apparatus not covered by any other subclass
    • F25D2400/16—Convertible refrigerators

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a combination refrigerator of the forced-air circulation type comprising a cabinet presenting at least two compartments, namely a freezer compartment and a refrigeration compartment, which are closed by respective doors, there being provided therein usual cold generation means and means for generating a forced-air circulation, ducts for the forced circulation of the air opening at a wall of said compartments.
  • the freezer compartment may for example be oversized or indeed not be required for use. In this respect, requirements differ variously from season to season.
  • the freezer compartment of the refrigerator can be better used, depending on specific needs, as a refrigeration compartment if the user considers it more appropriate to his requirements.
  • An object of the invention is to provide a refrigerator which the user can adjust in such a manner as to provide an equal temperature in all compartments.
  • a particular object of the invention is to provide a refrigerator comprising simple means by which the freezer compartment can be made to attain and maintain the temperature of the refrigeration compartment.
  • a further object is to provide a refrigerator comprising reliable means for bringing both its compartments to the same temperature and maintaining them thereat.
  • a further object is to provide a refrigerator in which the fact that substantially the same temperature has been attained and is being maintained in its compartments can be displayed to the user external to the refrigerator.
  • a refrigerator of the stated type characterised in that in correspondence with the duct which opens into the freezer compartment there are provided first shut-off means for the air flow, at least one further communication duct being provided between the refrigeration compartment and the freezer compartment, there being provided in one of the two compartments in correspondence with at least one of the mouths of said communication duct second shut-off means for the air flow through said duct in order to allow this air to pass at least when the first shut-off means act on the duct which opens into the freezer compartment.
  • a refrigerator according to the invention is indicated overall by 1 and comprises a cabinet 2 in which a freezer compartment 4 and a refrigeration compartment 3 positioned thereon are defined, both closed by their own door 5 and 6. Between the two compartments there is an interspace 7.
  • the cabinet is insulated with usual insulating material, such as expanded polyurethane 8.
  • Usual seal gaskets 9 and 10 are associated with the doors 5 and 6.
  • the refrigerator 1 comprises a usual refrigeration circuit incorporating in particular a motor-compressor unit 10 and an evaporator 11. In correspondence with this latter there is provided at least one resistance element 14 for defrosting the evaporator.
  • the refrigerator operation is controlled for example by a usual control member 13 comprising at least one known thermostat and a known timer.
  • the refrigerator is of the type comprising forced-air circulation obtained by a fan 15 positioned in correspondence with the evaporator 11 (as can be seen in Figures 1, 2 and 3).
  • the fan is associated with its own electric motor 16, the operation of which is controlled by the member 13.
  • a usual duct 2A (shown only schematically) is provided within the cabinet 2 to enable the circulating air to pass from the evaporator to the compartment 3.
  • a usual valve 2B is provided where said duct opens into this latter compartment.
  • a duct 20 connecting the refrigeration compartment 3 to the freezer compartment 4 is provided through the interspace 7.
  • the duct 20 opens at one end, at 23, at the lower wall 21 of the compartment 3 and at the other end, at 24, at the roof 22 of the compartment 4.
  • Another opening 26 is present in the rear wall 27 of the freezer compartment 4, said opening being provided in correspondence with the fan 15.
  • At least one pin 30 is provided on said wall 27 to act as a hinge for a movable flap 31 connected to said pin at one of its ends 32.
  • the other end 33 of the flap supports at least one pin 35 arranged with its axis parallel to the plane in which the rear wall 27 of the compartment 3 lies and movable within a slotted guide 37 carried by the end 38 of a slidable element 40 secured to the roof 22 of said compartment.
  • the element 40 comprises a slot 41 within which a pin 42 associated with the roof 22 moves relatively. This pin has its shank 43 passing through the slot 41 and its wider head 45 external to the slot.
  • the pin 42 secures the element 40 to said roof 22 but enables it to move in correspondence therewith, this movement in the represented example being a trnslational movement along said roof.
  • the element 40 comprises a step 47 arranged to cooperate with the elbow piece 25 or rather with the mouth 25A of this latter.
  • the element 40 has its other end 48 bent to define a handgrip for moving the element along the roof 22 of the compartment 4 when the temperature of the compartments 3 and 4 is to be made equal (or vice versa different).
  • the temperature of the compartments 3 and 4 is to be equalized, these compartments having been previously used as a refrigeration compartment and as a freezer compartment respectively.
  • the flap 31 is in a position withdrawn from the opening 26 so that cold air can flow from this latter by the action of the fan 15.
  • the step 47 of the element 40 is in correspondence with the mouth 25A of the elbow piece 25; advantageously a seal element (shown for greater clarity by dashed lines in Figure 3 and indicated by 50) is carried by the step 47 to seal this mouth.
  • a seal element shown for greater clarity by dashed lines in Figure 3 and indicated by 50
  • the element 40 is shifted along the pin 42 by pushing said element towards the wall 27 of the compartment 4 (arrow G, Figure 2).
  • step 47 is shifted from the mouth 25A of the piece 25 and the flap 31 closes against the opening in said wall 27.
  • the flap rotates about the pin or hinge 30 to close said opening ( Figure 3); during this movement the pin 35 moves within the guide 37.
  • This action interrupts the flow of cold air reaching the compartment 4 through the opening 26 and enables the relatively hotter air originating from the refrigeration compartment 3 to pass through the duct 20 and emerge through the mouth 25A of the piece 25. In this manner the temperature in the two compartments 3 and 4 is made equal, and both are used as a refrigeration evaporator.
  • the usual thermostat (incorporated into the member 13 in the illustrated embodiment) provided in the compartment 4 and operating usually at a temperature between -30°C and -18°C is replaced with a thermostat operating between -30°C and +5°C.
  • a suitably modified thermostat of the capillary type is achieved by using a suitably modified thermostat of the capillary type.
  • the usual refrigerator control circuit 60 (see Figure 5) is suitably modified.
  • the circuit 60 comprises a line switch 61, the control member 13 being connected to a power line 63 via a movable contactor 63 (connected to that part of the member 13 acting as a thermostat; the contactor can also be incorporated directly into said member); an indicator lamp 65 is connected to the line 62 to indicate usual operation of the refrigerator.
  • a further indicator lamp 66 is connected to the line 62 via a usual movable contactor 67 which also operates on a line 68 terminating in the member 13; the indicator 66 indicates when the refrigerator is operating under rapid-freeze conditions, ie when it is required to achieve the desired temperature in the freezer compartment 4 within the shortest possible time.
  • the circuit 60 also comprises a usual return line 70 to which the indicator lamps 65, 66, the defrosting resistance element 14, the electrical part of the compressor 10 and the motor 16 for the fan 15 are connected.
  • An indicator lamp 71 is also provided in an electrical branch 72 connected to the line 62 and to the line 70.
  • the branch 72 comprises a usual movable contactor 73 connected to the door 5 of the refrigeration compartment 3.
  • the circuit 60 is modified by virtue of a switching member 80 which allows the fan 15 to operate continuously when equal temperatures in the compartments 3 and 4 are desired.
  • the member 13 detects this variation in the operating time of the compressor in known manner and causes a contactor 87 of the switching member to switch onto a fixed contact 86 connected to earth.
  • the contactor 87 was previously connected to a fixed contact 86A in a branch 86B connected to the line 62 so as to electrically power an electrical branch 88 containing an indicator lamp 89; this latter is activated when the compartment 4 functions as a normal freezer.
  • the member 13 causes a movable contactor 90 (connecting a branch 91 from said member to a branch 92 containing the motor 16 of the fan 15) to switch onto a fixed contact 93 in order to connect the branch 92 to the branch 95 powered by the line 62.
  • the branch 86B is also connected to the branch 95.
  • This switching of the contactors 87 and 90 results in deactivation of the indicator lamp 89 and continuous operation of the motor 16.
  • the circuit 60 comprises, in any known manner, a usual timer separate from a known thermostat, the contactors 87 and 90 can be switched (ie the switching member 80 operated) directly by the movement of the element 40. In this case, this latter cooperates with a microswitch 82 acting directly on the contactors 87 and 90.
  • the circuit 60 for the part relative to the timer and thermostat, is similar to those already available commercially.
  • the element 40 is operated by a mechanical actuator 97 (such as a double-acting pneumatic actuator) operating under the control of the member 13, which for this purpose is activated by a usual pushbutton 98 provided on the usual control panel for the refrigerator 1.
  • a mechanical actuator 97 such as a double-acting pneumatic actuator
  • a usual pushbutton 98 provided on the usual control panel for the refrigerator 1.
  • This embodiment enables the element 40 to operate automatically without the need to open the door 6 of the compartment 4.
  • this latter can control its movement on the basis of the temperature and humidity (measured preferably by a usual humidity probe) within the compartment 4, for example to only partly close the mouth 25A and opening 26.
  • control member 13 can interrupt the continuous operation of the fan 15, for example by operating a suitable contactor (not shown) provided in the branch 95 upstream of the contactor 90. This results in a reduction of energy cost during the use of the refrigerator.
EP92120059A 1992-01-28 1992-11-25 Réfrigérateur combiné et convertible Withdrawn EP0553426A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ITMI920148 1992-01-28
ITMI920148A IT1260457B (it) 1992-01-28 1992-01-28 Refrigeratore combinato a circolazione forzata d'aria convertibile in refrigeratore con almeno due vani a temperatura sostanzialmente identica

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0553426A1 true EP0553426A1 (fr) 1993-08-04

Family

ID=11361688

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP92120059A Withdrawn EP0553426A1 (fr) 1992-01-28 1992-11-25 Réfrigérateur combiné et convertible

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0553426A1 (fr)
IT (1) IT1260457B (fr)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2002016843A1 (fr) * 2000-08-23 2002-02-28 Bpl Refrigeration Limited Refrigerateur sans givre pourvu d'un systeme permettant de convertir le compartiment congelateur en compartiment pour aliments frais
EP1965161A2 (fr) * 2007-02-16 2008-09-03 Whirpool Corporation Réfrigérateur sans givre
WO2009083394A2 (fr) * 2007-12-31 2009-07-09 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi Dispositif de refroidissement
EP2559960A3 (fr) * 2011-08-16 2017-07-05 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Réfrigérateur et son procédé de commande

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2543494A (en) * 1944-12-22 1951-02-27 Rush S Hartman Refrigerating device
US3590911A (en) * 1969-09-10 1971-07-06 Gen Electric Combination refrigerator including convertible compartment
US3638717A (en) * 1969-08-25 1972-02-01 Westinghouse Electric Corp Refrigerator-freezer with meat keeper
EP0181781A2 (fr) * 1984-11-15 1986-05-21 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Réfrigérateur comportant un compartiment à changement de mode capable de fonctionner dans la plage des températures de surgélation, de congélation et de réfrigération

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2543494A (en) * 1944-12-22 1951-02-27 Rush S Hartman Refrigerating device
US3638717A (en) * 1969-08-25 1972-02-01 Westinghouse Electric Corp Refrigerator-freezer with meat keeper
US3590911A (en) * 1969-09-10 1971-07-06 Gen Electric Combination refrigerator including convertible compartment
EP0181781A2 (fr) * 1984-11-15 1986-05-21 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Réfrigérateur comportant un compartiment à changement de mode capable de fonctionner dans la plage des températures de surgélation, de congélation et de réfrigération

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2002016843A1 (fr) * 2000-08-23 2002-02-28 Bpl Refrigeration Limited Refrigerateur sans givre pourvu d'un systeme permettant de convertir le compartiment congelateur en compartiment pour aliments frais
EP1965161A2 (fr) * 2007-02-16 2008-09-03 Whirpool Corporation Réfrigérateur sans givre
EP1965161A3 (fr) * 2007-02-16 2014-12-03 Whirlpool Corporation Réfrigérateur sans givre
WO2009083394A2 (fr) * 2007-12-31 2009-07-09 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi Dispositif de refroidissement
WO2009083394A3 (fr) * 2007-12-31 2009-11-12 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi Dispositif de refroidissement
EP2559960A3 (fr) * 2011-08-16 2017-07-05 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Réfrigérateur et son procédé de commande

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ITMI920148A1 (it) 1993-07-29
ITMI920148A0 (it) 1992-01-28
IT1260457B (it) 1996-04-09

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