EP1200782B1 - Refrigerator cooling - Google Patents

Refrigerator cooling Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1200782B1
EP1200782B1 EP00944567A EP00944567A EP1200782B1 EP 1200782 B1 EP1200782 B1 EP 1200782B1 EP 00944567 A EP00944567 A EP 00944567A EP 00944567 A EP00944567 A EP 00944567A EP 1200782 B1 EP1200782 B1 EP 1200782B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
fresh food
food compartment
compartment
quick freeze
quick
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP00944567A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1200782A1 (en
Inventor
Haldun Arçelik A.S. Dingeç
Yüksel Arçelik A.S. ATILLA
Yalçin Arçelik A.S. Güldali
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.)
Arcelik AS
Original Assignee
Arcelik AS
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Filing date
Publication date
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Publication of EP1200782A1 publication Critical patent/EP1200782A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1200782B1 publication Critical patent/EP1200782B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime 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
    • F25D11/00—Self-contained movable devices, e.g. domestic refrigerators
    • F25D11/02—Self-contained movable devices, e.g. domestic refrigerators with cooling compartments at different temperatures
    • F25D11/022—Self-contained movable devices, e.g. domestic refrigerators with cooling compartments at different temperatures with two or more evaporators
    • 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
    • F25D29/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
    • 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
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2600/00—Control issues
    • F25B2600/02—Compressor control
    • F25B2600/025—Compressor control by controlling speed
    • F25B2600/0251—Compressor control by controlling speed with on-off operation
    • 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
    • F25D2400/30—Quick freezing
    • 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
    • F25D2400/34—Temperature balancing devices
    • 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
    • F25D2700/00—Means for sensing or measuring; Sensors therefor
    • F25D2700/12—Sensors measuring the inside temperature

Definitions

  • the present invention is related to providing the freezing capacity in the freezer compartment, at least in conformity with the standards, without lowering the interior temperature in the fresh food compartment below the desired level, in two-door type refrigerators having both the freezer and fresh food compartments.
  • the "Quick Freeze” operation is used in order to lower the temperature of the food placed in the freezer compartment, rapidly to -18°C.
  • the quick freeze capacity is the maximum amount of food that can be frozen in a certain time period, during the quick freeze process.
  • the thermostat When the quick freeze process is started, the thermostat reaches its highest value and the refrigerator operates at 100% capacity. By delaying the compressor operational period, the freezer compartment can reach the desired freezing capacity. However, in this case the inner temperature of the fresh food compartment drops below the desired level and causes the freezing of the fresh food.
  • the fresh food and freezer compartments are cooled by separate cooling circuits, using two compressors. Furthermore, this problem is solved by reducing the quick freezer capacity. In another known technique, this problem has been solved by changing the dimensions of the evaporator in the fresh food compartment. However this change increases the energy consumption.
  • the object of the present invention is to increase the freezing capacity of the double-compartment type refrigerator, the cooling system of which has been designed as a single cooling system with a single compressor and a single control center.
  • Another object of the invention is to avoid the freezing of the food in the fresh food compartment, by preventing the inner temperature of the fresh food compartment from falling below the desired level.
  • the total running time (t quick ) of the Quick Freeze is equal to the sum of the quick freeze 100% running time (t 100 ) and the quick freeze cyclic running times (t cycle ).
  • the duration and temperature values at which the compressor (7) must be operated for the quick freeze process and the operational period of the heater (5) placed in the fresh food compartment (1) to avoid the decrease of the inner temperature of the fresh food compartment (1) during quick freezing, as well as the temperature value at which the heater has to be operated are determined in the control unit (8).
  • the quick freeze process starts and during this process, the control unit (8) performs the below explained operations in order to keep the inner temperature of the fresh food compartment (1) within a range (T Max ,T Min ), determined by the manufacturer or by the standards.
  • T Max ,T Min a range
  • the 100% running time (t 100 ) of the quick freeze function and the estimated duration (t 1 ) of quick freezing, determined by the manufacturer are compared in Step 102.
  • step 104 the temperature sensor (6) placed in the fresh food compartment (1) reads the inner temperature of the said compartment (1) and the control unit (8) compares the values thus obtained, with the upper limit value (T Max ) of the required temperature range for the fresh food compartment determined by the manufacturer. If the inner temperature value in fresh food compartment (1) that is read by the sensor (6) is greater than the upper limit value (T Max ) of the required temperature range for the fresh food compartment determined by the manufacturer, the electrical heater (5) placed in the refrigerator fresh food compartment (1) to maintain required cooling and to avoid the freezing of the food in case the said compartment (1) is excessively cooled, is closed in Step 105 and Step 108 wherein the cyclic running time (t cycle ) of the quick freeze is compared with the estimated quick freeze operation time (t 1 ) starts.
  • Step 108 if the estimated quick freeze operation time (t 1 ) determined by the manufacturer is greater than the cycle running time (t cycle ) of the quick freeze, the quick freeze operation is terminated and normal cooling is carried on. Otherwise, i.e. if the estimated quick freeze operation time (t 1 ) determined by the manufacturer is smaller than the cyclic running time (t cycle ) of the quick freeze, Step 102 starts and the 100% running time (t 100 ) of the quick freeze function and the estimated duration (t 1 ) of quick freezing, determined by the manufacturer are compared.
  • the inner temperature value in the fresh food compartment (1) that is read by the sensor (6) is smaller than the upper limit value (T Max ) of the required temperature range for the fresh food compartment determined by the manufacturer in Step 104 then the inner temperature value in the fresh food compartment (1) that is read by the sensor (6) is compared with the lower limit value (T Min ) of the required temperature range for the fresh food compartment determined by the manufacturer in Step 106.
  • Step 106 if the inner temperature value in the fresh food compartment (1) that is read by the sensor (6) is smaller than the lower limit value (T Min ) of the required temperature range for the fresh food compartment determined by the manufacturer, the electrical heater (5) placed in the refrigerator fresh food compartment (1) to maintain required cooling and to avoid the freezing of the food in case the said compartment (1) is excessively cooled, operates in Step 107 then Step 108 starts.
  • T Min the lower limit value
  • Step 102 wherein the 100% running time (t 100 ) of the freeze function and the estimated duration (t 1 ) of quick freezing, determined by the manufacturer are compared, if the 100% running time (t 100 ) of the quick freeze function is smaller than the estimated duration (t 1 ) of quick freezing, determined by the manufacturer, step 104 starts and the temperature sensor (6) placed in the fresh food compartment (1) reads the inner temperature of the said compartment (1) and these values are compared with the upper limit value (T Max ) of the required temperature range for the fresh food compartment determined by the manufacturer. If the inner temperature of the said compartment (1) is bigger than the upper limit value (T Max ) of the required temperature range for the fresh food compartment determined by the manufacturer, the compressor (7) operates in Step 109 and then Step 108 starts.
  • Step 104 if the inner temperature value in the fresh food compartment (1) that is read by the sensor (6) is smaller than the upper limit value (T Max ) of the required temperature range for the fresh food compartment determined by the manufacturer; Step 106 starts and the inner temperature value in the fresh food compartment (1) that is read by the sensor (6) is compared with the lower limit value (T Min ) of the required temperature range for the fresh food compartment determined by the manufacturer.
  • Step 106 if the inner temperature value in the fresh food compartment (1) that is read by the sensor (6) is smaller than the lower limit value (T Min ) of the required temperature range for the fresh food compartment determined by the manufacturer, the compressor (7) is kept at "OFF" position in all cases and then Step 108 starts.
  • step 106 if the inner temperature value in the fresh food compartment (1) that is read by the sensor (6) is greater than the lower limit value (T Min ) of the required temperature range for the fresh food compartment determined by the manufacturer, the program determined by the control unit (8) is completed in Step 108 (Fig. 2 and Fig 3).
  • FIG. 4 Another embodiment of the refrigerator quick freeze function is illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 and will be described in detail as follows:
  • the control unit (8) maintains the inner temperature of the fresh food compartment (1) within the temperature range (T Max , T Min ) as determined by the manufacturer or by the standards, during the quick freeze process by operating the compressor (7) at 100% capacity and by operating the heater (5) cyclically when the quick freeze button (201) is pressed.
  • the process is illustrated in Figure 4. In this case, the total running time (t quick ) and 100% capacity running time (t 100 ) of the Quick Freeze are equal. During this period, the compressor (7) works at 100% capacity.
  • the control unit (8) maintains the inner temperature of the fresh food compartment (1) within the temperature range (T Max - T Min ) defined by the manufacturer or by the standards, during the quick freeze operation.
  • step 202 the compressor (7) runs at 100% capacity during the 100% capacity running time (t 100 ) of the Quick Freeze; in Step 203, the temperature sensor (6) placed in the fresh food compartment (1) reads the inner temperature of the said compartment (1) and these values are compared with the upper limit value (T Max ) of the required temperature range for the fresh food compartment determined by the manufacturer.
  • T Max the upper limit value
  • Step 207 if the estimated quick freeze operation time (t 1 ) determined by the manufacturer is greater than the total running time (t quick ), the quick freeze operation is terminated and normal cooling is carried on. Otherwise, i.e. if the estimated quick freeze operation time (t 1 ) determined by the manufacturer is smaller than the total running time (t quick ), the process returns back to Step 202.
  • Step 203 if the inner temperature value in the fresh food compartment (1) that is read by the sensor (6) is smaller than the upper limit value (T Max ) of the required temperature range for the fresh food compartment determined by the manufacturer, step 205 where the inner temperature value in the fresh food compartment (1) that is read by the sensor (6) is compared with the lower limit value (T Min ) of the required temperature range for the fresh food compartment determined by the manufacturer, starts.
  • Step 205 if the inner temperature value in the fresh food compartment (1) that is read by the sensor (6) is smaller than the lower limit value (T Min ) of the required temperature range for the fresh food compartment determined by the manufacturer, the electrical heater (5) placed in the refrigerator fresh food compartment (1) to maintain the required cooling and to avoid the freezing of the food in case the said compartment (1) is excessively cooled operates in Step 206, then Step 207 starts.
  • T Min the lower limit value
  • Step 205 if the inner temperature value in the fresh food compartment (1) that is read by the sensor (6) is greater than the estimated quick freeze operation time (t 1 ) determined by the manufacturer the electrical heater (5) placed in the refrigerator fresh food compartment (1) to maintain the required cooling and to avoid the freezing of the food in case the said compartment (1) is excessively cooled, is closed in Step 204 and then Step 207 starts ( Figures 4 and 5).

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)

Abstract

In the cooling system of a two-door type refrigerator with freezer (2) and fresh food compartments (1), the total running time (tquick) of the Quick Freeze is equal to the sum of the quick freeze 100% running time (t100) and the quick freeze cyclic running times (tcycle). The duration and temperature values at which the compressor (7) has to be operated for the quick freeze process and the operational period of the heater (5) placed in the fresh food compartment (1) to avoid the decrease of the inner temperature of the fresh food compartment (1) during quick freezing, as well as the temperature value at which the heater has to be operated are determined in the control unit (8).

Description

  • The present invention is related to providing the freezing capacity in the freezer compartment, at least in conformity with the standards, without lowering the interior temperature in the fresh food compartment below the desired level, in two-door type refrigerators having both the freezer and fresh food compartments.
  • The "Quick Freeze" operation is used in order to lower the temperature of the food placed in the freezer compartment, rapidly to -18°C. The quick freeze capacity is the maximum amount of food that can be frozen in a certain time period, during the quick freeze process.
  • When the quick freeze process is started, the thermostat reaches its highest value and the refrigerator operates at 100% capacity. By delaying the compressor operational period, the freezer compartment can reach the desired freezing capacity. However, in this case the inner temperature of the fresh food compartment drops below the desired level and causes the freezing of the fresh food. In the known technique, in order to avoid this undesired situation the fresh food and freezer compartments are cooled by separate cooling circuits, using two compressors. Furthermore, this problem is solved by reducing the quick freezer capacity. In another known technique, this problem has been solved by changing the dimensions of the evaporator in the fresh food compartment. However this change increases the energy consumption.
  • The object of the present invention is to increase the freezing capacity of the double-compartment type refrigerator, the cooling system of which has been designed as a single cooling system with a single compressor and a single control center.
  • Another object of the invention is to avoid the freezing of the food in the fresh food compartment, by preventing the inner temperature of the fresh food compartment from falling below the desired level.
  • According to the invention, these objects are achieved by a refrigerator as defined in claim 1 or 2.
  • An embodiment of the refrigerator cooling, realized in order to attain the objects of the invention is illustrated in the attached drawings, wherein:
    • Figure 1, is the layout of the evaporator and heater positions;
    • Figure 2, is the flow chart of the cooling cycle control;
    • Figure 3, is the graphic showing the refrigerator cooling cycle operating in the quick freezer mode;
    • Figure 4, is the flow chart of the alternative cooling cycle control;
    • Figure 5, is the graphic showing the alternative cooling cycle operating in the quick freezer mode.
  • The components shown in the drawings have the following numbers;
    • 1. Fresh food compartment
    • 2. Freezer compartment
    • 3. Fresh food compartment evaporator
    • 4. Freezer compartment evaporator
    • 5. Heater
    • 6. Temperature Sensor
    • 7. Compressor
    • 8. Control Unit
  • In the cooling system of a two-door type refrigerator with freezer (2) and fresh food compartments (1), the total running time (tquick) of the Quick Freeze is equal to the sum of the quick freeze 100% running time (t100) and the quick freeze cyclic running times (tcycle). The duration and temperature values at which the compressor (7) must be operated for the quick freeze process and the operational period of the heater (5) placed in the fresh food compartment (1) to avoid the decrease of the inner temperature of the fresh food compartment (1) during quick freezing, as well as the temperature value at which the heater has to be operated are determined in the control unit (8).
  • An embodiment of the refrigerator quick freeze function is illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, and will be described in detail as follows:
  • In the cooling system of a two-door type refrigerator having the freezer (2) and fresh food compartments (1) when the user presses the quick freeze button (101), the quick freeze process starts and during this process, the control unit (8) performs the below explained operations in order to keep the inner temperature of the fresh food compartment (1) within a range (TMax,TMin), determined by the manufacturer or by the standards. After this initial step (101), the 100% running time (t100) of the quick freeze function and the estimated duration (t1) of quick freezing, determined by the manufacturer are compared in Step 102. As the result of this comparison, if the 100% running time (t100) of the quick freeze function is greater than the estimated duration (t1) of quick freezing, determined by the manufacturer, the compressor (7) is operated at 100% capacity during the quick freeze 100% running time (t100), in Step 103.
  • In step 104, the temperature sensor (6) placed in the fresh food compartment (1) reads the inner temperature of the said compartment (1) and the control unit (8) compares the values thus obtained, with the upper limit value (TMax) of the required temperature range for the fresh food compartment determined by the manufacturer. If the inner temperature value in fresh food compartment (1) that is read by the sensor (6) is greater than the upper limit value (TMax) of the required temperature range for the fresh food compartment determined by the manufacturer, the electrical heater (5) placed in the refrigerator fresh food compartment (1) to maintain required cooling and to avoid the freezing of the food in case the said compartment (1) is excessively cooled, is closed in Step 105 and Step 108 wherein the cyclic running time (tcycle) of the quick freeze is compared with the estimated quick freeze operation time (t1) starts. In Step 108, if the estimated quick freeze operation time (t1) determined by the manufacturer is greater than the cycle running time (tcycle) of the quick freeze, the quick freeze operation is terminated and normal cooling is carried on. Otherwise, i.e. if the estimated quick freeze operation time (t1) determined by the manufacturer is smaller than the cyclic running time (tcycle) of the quick freeze, Step 102 starts and the 100% running time (t100) of the quick freeze function and the estimated duration (t1) of quick freezing, determined by the manufacturer are compared.
  • If the inner temperature value in the fresh food compartment (1) that is read by the sensor (6) is smaller than the upper limit value (TMax) of the required temperature range for the fresh food compartment determined by the manufacturer in Step 104 then the inner temperature value in the fresh food compartment (1) that is read by the sensor (6) is compared with the lower limit value (TMin) of the required temperature range for the fresh food compartment determined by the manufacturer in Step 106. In Step 106, if the inner temperature value in the fresh food compartment (1) that is read by the sensor (6) is smaller than the lower limit value (TMin) of the required temperature range for the fresh food compartment determined by the manufacturer, the electrical heater (5) placed in the refrigerator fresh food compartment (1) to maintain required cooling and to avoid the freezing of the food in case the said compartment (1) is excessively cooled, operates in Step 107 then Step 108 starts.
  • In Step 102 wherein the 100% running time (t100) of the freeze function and the estimated duration (t1) of quick freezing, determined by the manufacturer are compared, if the 100% running time (t100) of the quick freeze function is smaller than the estimated duration (t1) of quick freezing, determined by the manufacturer, step 104 starts and the temperature sensor (6) placed in the fresh food compartment (1) reads the inner temperature of the said compartment (1) and these values are compared with the upper limit value (TMax) of the required temperature range for the fresh food compartment determined by the manufacturer. If the inner temperature of the said compartment (1) is bigger than the upper limit value (TMax) of the required temperature range for the fresh food compartment determined by the manufacturer, the compressor (7) operates in Step 109 and then Step 108 starts. In Step 104, if the inner temperature value in the fresh food compartment (1) that is read by the sensor (6) is smaller than the upper limit value (TMax) of the required temperature range for the fresh food compartment determined by the manufacturer; Step 106 starts and the inner temperature value in the fresh food compartment (1) that is read by the sensor (6) is compared with the lower limit value (TMin) of the required temperature range for the fresh food compartment determined by the manufacturer. In Step 106, if the inner temperature value in the fresh food compartment (1) that is read by the sensor (6) is smaller than the lower limit value (TMin) of the required temperature range for the fresh food compartment determined by the manufacturer, the compressor (7) is kept at "OFF" position in all cases and then Step 108 starts. In step 106, if the inner temperature value in the fresh food compartment (1) that is read by the sensor (6) is greater than the lower limit value (TMin) of the required temperature range for the fresh food compartment determined by the manufacturer, the program determined by the control unit (8) is completed in Step 108 (Fig. 2 and Fig 3).
  • Another embodiment of the refrigerator quick freeze function is illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 and will be described in detail as follows:
  • In the cooling system of a two-door type refrigerator with freezer (2) and fresh food compartments (1), the control unit (8) maintains the inner temperature of the fresh food compartment (1) within the temperature range (TMax, TMin) as determined by the manufacturer or by the standards, during the quick freeze process by operating the compressor (7) at 100% capacity and by operating the heater (5) cyclically when the quick freeze button (201) is pressed. The process is illustrated in Figure 4. In this case, the total running time (tquick) and 100% capacity running time (t100) of the Quick Freeze are equal. During this period, the compressor (7) works at 100% capacity. The control unit (8) maintains the inner temperature of the fresh food compartment (1) within the temperature range (TMax - TMin) defined by the manufacturer or by the standards, during the quick freeze operation.
  • In step 202, the compressor (7) runs at 100% capacity during the 100% capacity running time (t100) of the Quick Freeze; in Step 203, the temperature sensor (6) placed in the fresh food compartment (1) reads the inner temperature of the said compartment (1) and these values are compared with the upper limit value (TMax) of the required temperature range for the fresh food compartment determined by the manufacturer. If the inner temperature value in the fresh food compartment (1) that is read by the sensor (6) is greater than the upper limit value (TMax) of the required temperature range for the fresh food compartment determined by the manufacturer, the electrical heater (5) placed in the refrigerator fresh food compartment (1) to maintain the required cooling and to avoid the freezing of the food in case the said compartment (1) is excessively cooled, is closed in all cases in Step 204 and Step 207; wherein the total running time (tquick) and estimated quick freeze operation time (t1) determined by the manufacturer are compared, starts. In Step 207, if the estimated quick freeze operation time (t1) determined by the manufacturer is greater than the total running time (tquick), the quick freeze operation is terminated and normal cooling is carried on. Otherwise, i.e. if the estimated quick freeze operation time (t1) determined by the manufacturer is smaller than the total running time (tquick), the process returns back to Step 202.
  • In Step 203, if the inner temperature value in the fresh food compartment (1) that is read by the sensor (6) is smaller than the upper limit value (TMax) of the required temperature range for the fresh food compartment determined by the manufacturer, step 205 where the inner temperature value in the fresh food compartment (1) that is read by the sensor (6) is compared with the lower limit value (TMin) of the required temperature range for the fresh food compartment determined by the manufacturer, starts.
  • In Step 205, if the inner temperature value in the fresh food compartment (1) that is read by the sensor (6) is smaller than the lower limit value (TMin) of the required temperature range for the fresh food compartment determined by the manufacturer, the electrical heater (5) placed in the refrigerator fresh food compartment (1) to maintain the required cooling and to avoid the freezing of the food in case the said compartment (1) is excessively cooled operates in Step 206, then Step 207 starts. In Step 205, if the inner temperature value in the fresh food compartment (1) that is read by the sensor (6) is greater than the estimated quick freeze operation time (t1) determined by the manufacturer the electrical heater (5) placed in the refrigerator fresh food compartment (1) to maintain the required cooling and to avoid the freezing of the food in case the said compartment (1) is excessively cooled, is closed in Step 204 and then Step 207 starts (Figures 4 and 5).

Claims (2)

  1. A two-door type refrigerator having freezer (2) and fresh food compartments (1), a compressor (7), a temperature sensor (6), an electrical heater (5), and a control unit (8) which provides a quick freeze operation, wherein the quick freeze operation comprises two phases, namely operating the compressor (7) at 100% capacity in a first phase and in cyclic periods in a second phase, the control unit (8) further providing: the inner temperature of that fresh food compartment (1) to be continuously measured by the temperature sensor (6) placed in the fresh food compartment (1) when the compressor (7) runs at 100% capacity during the quick freeze 100% operation time (t100); the electrical heater (5), placed in the refrigerator fresh food compartment (1) to maintain the required cooling and to avoid the freezing of the food in case the said compartment (1) is excessively cooled, to be started if the inner temperature value in the fresh food compartment (1) that is read by the sensor (6) is smaller than the lower limit value (TMin) of the required temperature range for the fresh food compartment determined by the manufacturer, the electrical heater (5) to be stopped if the inner temperature value in the fresh food compartment (1) is greater than the upper limit value (TMax) of the required temperature range for the fresh food compartment determined by the manufacturer and therefore to be operated cyclically during the quick freeze 100% operation time (t100) whereas to be stopped during the quick freeze cyclic running time (tcycle), when the compressor (7) starts cyclic operation at the end of the quick freeze 100% operation time (t100); the inner temperature of the fresh food compartment (1) to be continuously measured by the temperature sensor (6) placed in the fresh food compartment and the compressor (7) to be stopped if the inner temperature value in the fresh food compartment (1) that is read by the sensor (6) is smaller than the lower limit value (TMin) of the required temperature range for the fresh food compartment determined by the manufacturer, whereas the compressor (7) to be started during the cyclic running time (tcycle) if the inner temperature value in the fresh food compartment (1) is greater than the upper limit value (TMax) of the required temperature range for the fresh food compartment determined by the manufacturer.
  2. A refrigerator having a fresh food compartment (1), a freezer compartment (2), an electrical heater (5), a temperature sensor (6), a compressor (7) and a control unit (8) which provides a quick freeze operation, wherein the control unit (8) provides: the compressor (7) to run at 100% capacity during the total quick freeze operation time (tquick), whereby the total quick freeze operation time (tquick) is equal to the quick freeze 100% operation time (t100); the inner temperature of the fresh food compartment (1) to be continuously measured by the temperature sensor (6), which is placed in the fresh food compartment (1); the electrical heater (5), which is placed in the refrigerator fresh food compartment (1) to maintain the required cooling and to avoid the freezing of the food in case the said compartment (1) is excessively cooled, to be started if the inner temperature value in the fresh food compartment (1) that is read by the sensor (6) is smaller than the lower limit value (TMin) of the required temperature range for the fresh food compartment, but the electrical heater (5) to be stopped if the inner temperature value in the fresh food compartment (1) is greater than the upper limit value (TMax) of the required temperature range for the fresh food compartment determined by the manufacturer, thereby causing the heater (5) to be operated cyclically during the total quick freeze operation time (tquick).
EP00944567A 1999-06-04 2000-06-05 Refrigerator cooling Expired - Lifetime EP1200782B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
TR9901264 1999-06-04
TR9901264 1999-06-04
PCT/TR2000/000034 WO2000075582A1 (en) 1999-06-04 2000-06-05 Refrigerator cooling

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1200782A1 EP1200782A1 (en) 2002-05-02
EP1200782B1 true EP1200782B1 (en) 2004-03-31

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EP00944567A Expired - Lifetime EP1200782B1 (en) 1999-06-04 2000-06-05 Refrigerator cooling

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EP (1) EP1200782B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE263345T1 (en)
AU (1) AU5864700A (en)
DE (1) DE60009512T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2218181T3 (en)
TR (1) TR200103790T2 (en)
WO (1) WO2000075582A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (6)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6993920B2 (en) * 2004-01-30 2006-02-07 Carrier Corporation Heater cycling for improved oil return
EP1730456A1 (en) * 2004-03-25 2006-12-13 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi A cooling device and a control method thereof
DE202007017690U1 (en) * 2007-10-26 2009-03-19 Liebherr-Hausgeräte Lienz Gmbh Fridge and / or freezer
EP2397798B1 (en) 2010-06-18 2016-01-27 Vestel Beyaz Esya Sanayi Ve Ticaret A.S. Heater control unit for cooler devices
CN102620516B (en) * 2012-03-30 2014-08-06 合肥美菱股份有限公司 Method for setting refrigerator temperature
CN112856920B (en) * 2019-11-12 2023-01-24 合肥美的电冰箱有限公司 Refrigerator quick-freezing control method, air-cooled refrigerator and readable storage medium

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR0169457B1 (en) * 1996-01-23 1999-01-15 김광호 Rapid cooling control method of a refigerator
JPH11211312A (en) * 1998-01-28 1999-08-06 Matsushita Refrig Co Ltd Refrigerator

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE60009512D1 (en) 2004-05-06
DE60009512T2 (en) 2005-03-17
ATE263345T1 (en) 2004-04-15
AU5864700A (en) 2000-12-28
WO2000075582A1 (en) 2000-12-14
ES2218181T3 (en) 2004-11-16
TR200103790T2 (en) 2002-05-21
EP1200782A1 (en) 2002-05-02

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