EP1826515A1 - Kühlvorrichtung - Google Patents

Kühlvorrichtung Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1826515A1
EP1826515A1 EP05787849A EP05787849A EP1826515A1 EP 1826515 A1 EP1826515 A1 EP 1826515A1 EP 05787849 A EP05787849 A EP 05787849A EP 05787849 A EP05787849 A EP 05787849A EP 1826515 A1 EP1826515 A1 EP 1826515A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
compartment
temperature
baffle
opening
switchable compartment
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Withdrawn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
EP05787849A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1826515A4 (de
Inventor
Satoru Hasegawa
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.)
Sharp Corp
Original Assignee
Sharp Corp
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
Priority claimed from JP2004362714A external-priority patent/JP3819014B2/ja
Priority claimed from JP2005029900A external-priority patent/JP3892015B2/ja
Application filed by Sharp Corp filed Critical Sharp Corp
Publication of EP1826515A1 publication Critical patent/EP1826515A1/de
Publication of EP1826515A4 publication Critical patent/EP1826515A4/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current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
    • F25D31/00—Other cooling or freezing apparatus
    • F25D31/005—Combined cooling and heating 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
    • 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
    • F25D23/00—General constructional features
    • F25D23/12—Arrangements of compartments additional to cooling compartments; Combinations of refrigerators with other equipment, e.g. stove
    • 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
    • F25B2400/00—General features or devices for refrigeration machines, plants or systems, combined heating and refrigeration systems or heat-pump systems, i.e. not limited to a particular subgroup of F25B
    • F25B2400/01—Heaters
    • 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
    • F25D2317/00—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • F25D2317/06—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation
    • F25D2317/061—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation through special compartments
    • 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
    • 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
    • F25D2700/121—Sensors measuring the inside temperature of particular compartments

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a refrigerator having a temperature switchable compartment whose interior temperature can be switched to a desired one by the user.
  • the present invention also relates to a refrigerator including a damper for opening and closing a cold air path, the damper being provided at the cold air inlet side of a storage compartment.
  • Patent Publication 1 discloses a refrigerator provided with a temperature switchable compartment in addition to a freezer compartment and a cooling compartment.
  • This refrigerator includes: a damper device for opening and closing a cold air path through which cold air is supplied to the temperature switchable compartment; and a heater for raising the interior temperature of the temperature switchable compartment. This makes it possible for the user to switch the interior temperature of the temperature switchable compartment, according to the purpose for which he/she uses it, to a desired low temperature zone among, for example, those intended for freezing, cooling, partial freezing, and chilling.
  • Patent Publication 1 JP-A-H10-288440
  • One disadvantage with the conventional refrigerator described above is that since the interior temperature of the temperature switchable compartment is changed through the adjustment, using a damper device, of the amount of cold air flowing from a cooling device into the temperature switchable compartment, if there is a large difference between the temperature of the cold air flowing into the temperature switchable compartment and the preset temperature, it is not possible to produce an even temperature distribution.
  • Another disadvantages is that when a heater is energized in an airtight condition, the temperature around the heater rises, making it impossible to produce an even temperature distribution.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator that can produce an even temperature distribution in a temperature switchable compartment.
  • a refrigerator including a temperature switchable compartment, whose interior temperature can be switched among more than one alternatives, is provided with: a cooling device for producing cold air; a blower for sending the cold air produced by the cooling device into the temperature switchable compartment; an introduction gate for opening and closing an air introduction path through which the cooling device communicates with the blower; a return gate for opening and closing an air return path through which the cooling device communicates with an outlet port through which air flows out of the temperature switchable compartment; and a circulation gate for opening and closing a communication path through which a circulation port formed in the temperature switchable compartment communicates with an inlet side of the blower.
  • the introduction gate and the return gate are opened, the circulation gate is closed, and when the circulation gate is opened, the introduction gate and the return gate are closed.
  • the blower when the blower is operated with the circulation gate closed and the introduction gate and the return gate open, the cold air produced by the cooling device is sent into the temperature switchable compartment through the air introduction path.
  • the cold air flows through the temperature switchable compartment, through the outlet port, and flows back to the cooling device through the air return path.
  • the temperature switchable compartment is cooled in this way, and by varying the degrees to which the introduction gate and the return gate are opened or the amount of air supplied from the blower, the interior temperature of the temperature switchable compartment can be switched to different internal temperatures such as a freezing, a partial freezing, a chilling, and a cooling temperature.
  • the air inside the temperature switchable compartment is led out thereof via the circulation port through the communication path to the inlet side of the blower, and is then sent into the temperature switchable compartment.
  • the air inside the temperature switchable compartment is circulated.
  • a heater may be provided for raising the interior temperature of the temperature switchable compartment so as to switch it to the hot setting for keeping cooked food warm.
  • the heater provided in the refrigerator structured as described above may be a heat-radiating glass-tube heater arranged so as to face the blower.
  • a single temperature switchable compartment return damper may be shared to serve as both the return gate and the circulation gate; a single opening may be formed to serve as both the outlet port and the circulation port so that the return path and the communication path extending from the opening branch off each other at the temperature switchable compartment damper; and the temperature switchable compartment return damper may have a double-sided baffle that swings between a position in which the baffle interrupts the communication path and a position in which the baffle interrupts the air return path.
  • the temperature switchable compartment return damper having the swingable double-sided baffle is shared to serve as both the return gate and the circulation gate, and when the double-sided baffle closes the air return path, the communication path is opened.
  • the air inside the temperature switchable compartment is led out thereof via the opening through the communication path to the inlet side of the blower, and thus the air is circulated.
  • the communication path is closed by the double-sided baffle, the air return path is opened.
  • the blower is operated with the temperature switchable compartment discharge damper open, the cold air produced by the cooling device flows into the temperature switchable compartment through the air introduction path, through the opening, and then back to the cooling device through the air return path.
  • the double-sided baffle may be swingably supported by a pivot shaft extending horizontally along a top end of the double-sided baffle.
  • a single damper may be shared to serve as both the introduction gate and the circulation gate; the air introduction path and the communication path may join at the damper so as to be led to the inlet side of the blower; and the damper may have a double-sided baffle that swings between a position inn which the baffle closes the communication path and a position in which the baffle closes the air introduction path.
  • a single damper having a swingable double-sided baffle is shared to serve as both the introduction gate and the circulation gate, and when the air introduction path is closed by the double-sided baffle, the communication path is opened.
  • the air inside the temperature switchable compartment is led out thereof via the opening through the communication path, and to the inlet side of the blower, and thus the air is circulated.
  • the communication path is closed by the double-sided baffle, the air introduction path is opened.
  • the blower is operated with the air return path open, the cold air produced by the cooling device flows into the temperature switchable compartment through the air introduction path, through the opening, and back to the cooling device through the air return path.
  • the introduction gate may be a temperature switchable compartment discharge damper
  • the temperature switchable compartment discharge damper may have an opening that communicates with the temperature switchable compartment and a movable baffle for opening and closing the opening that is arranged on the cooling device side of the opening.
  • the cold air produce by the cooling device is sent into the temperature switchable compartment through the air introduction path.
  • the cold air flows through the temperature switchable compartment, through the outlet port, and then back to the cooling device through the air return path.
  • the temperature switchable compartment is cooled, and according to the degrees to which the discharge damper of the temperature switchable compartment and the return gate are opened or according to the amount of the air supplied from the blower, the interior temperature of the temperature switchable compartment can be switched among, for example, those intended for freezing, partial freezing, chilling, and cooling.
  • the air inside the temperature switchable compartment is led through the circulation port, via the communication path, and to the inlet side of the blower, and is then sent into the temperature switchable compartment.
  • the temperature-swtichable compartment discharge damper is disposed in the air introduction path, and the temperature switchable compartment communicates with the cooling device via the opening.
  • the opening is opened and closed by the movable baffle disposed on the cooling device side of the opening.
  • a heater for raising the interior temperature of the temperature switchable compartment so that, by operating the heater, the interior temperature of the temperature switchable compartment can be switched to the hot setting for keeping cooked food warm.
  • a damper for varying the amount of cold air supplied to the storage compartment is disposed in the cold air path; and the damper has an opening that communicates with the storage compartment and a movable baffle that opens and closes the opening and that is arranged on the cooling device side of the opening.
  • the storage compartment may be a temperature switchable compartment whose interior temperature can be switched among more than one alternatives; and there may be provided a cooling compartment that is arranged in parallel with the storage compartment and to which cold air is supplied through a path that branches off the cold air path.
  • the baffle in the refrigerator structured as described above, may be supported by a pivot shaft horizontally extending along the top end of the baffle.
  • a heat insulator may be provided on a surface of the baffle.
  • the refrigerator structured as described above, at a rim of the opening, at a side thereof opposite from the baffle, there may be formed a step lower than the opening or a slope slanting downward from the rim of the opening.
  • the storage compartment e.g., a temperature switchable compartment
  • a refrigerator is provided with a blower for sending cold air, an introduction gate for opening and closing an air introduction path, a return gate for opening and closing an air return path, and a circulation gate for opening and closing a communication path through which a circulation port formed in a temperature switchable compartment communicates with the inlet side of the blower.
  • the circulation gate when the circulation gate is opened, the introduction gate and the return gate are closed, and this allows the air inside the temperature switchable compartment in an airtight state to be circulated therein, making it possible to produce an even temperature distribution inside the temperature switchable compartment.
  • the circulation gate is closed when the introduction gate and the return gate are opened, and hence the cold air flows through the temperature switchable compartment, and this makes it possible to produce an even temperature distribution inside the temperature switchable compartment. At this time, since the circulation gate is closed, it is possible to prevent the efficiency of the blower from decreasing.
  • a heater is provided for raising the interior temperature of the temperature switchable compartment and the interior temperature of the temperature switchable compartment can be switched to the hot setting for keeping heated food hot by operating the heater, and hence, it is possible to provide a refrigerator that is economical to the user by eliminating the need for a separate warm-keeping box or the like for keeping cooked food warm and that is useful by eliminating the need for securing a space for such a warm-keeping box or the like. It is also possible to prevent the heater and the components around it from deforming, burning, or smoking.
  • the heater is a heat-radiating glass-tube heater having a high heating rate arranged so as to face the blower, and this allows the interior temperature of the temperature switchable compartment to quickly pass through the temperature range in which food poisoning microorganisms grow. Therefore, it is possible to provide a refrigerator which is safe in terms of food hygiene. Furthermore, even a high-capacity heat-radiating glass-tube heater occupies a small space, and hence the heater can be disposed in a rear portion of the temperature switchable compartment, and this reduces the risk of the user getting burned. Moreover, the surface temperature of the heater can be lowered, thereby improving the safety.
  • a single temperature switchable compartment return damper is shared to serve as both the return gate and the circulation gate, and a swingable double-sided baffle selectively closes one of the communication path and the air return path at a time, and this reduces the cost of the refrigerator and improves the volume efficiency thereof.
  • the double-sided baffle is supported by a pivot shaft horizontally extending along the top end of the double-sided baffle, and hence, when a temperature difference arises between the storage compartment side and the cooling device side of the double-sided baffle, causing condensation on the double-sided baffle, the condensed water runs down, away from the pivot shaft.
  • This also helps prevent the swinging movement of the double-sided baffle from being hampered by the condensed water that has dripped down from the double-sided baffle to freeze in a heap.
  • a single damper is shared to serve as both the introduction gate and the circulation gate, and the swingable double-sided baffle selectively closes one of the communication path and the air return path at a time. This reduces the cost of the refrigerator and improves the volume efficiency thereof.
  • a baffle for opening and closing the opening is located on the cooling device side of the opening, and thus, when the baffle closes the opening, only the portion thereof showing through the rim of the opening is exposed to the temperature switchable compartment side, whose temperature is higher than that of the cooling device side.
  • condensation occurs only on the portion of the baffle showing through the rim of the opening but not on the pivot shaft of the baffle or other portions thereof. Therefore, even when the opening is opened and the condensed water meets the cold air to freeze, the normal movement of the baffle is not hampered, and thus undercooling and overcooling of the temperature switchable compartment can be prevented.
  • the baffle for opening and closing the opening is disposed on the cooling device side of the opening, when the baffle closes the opening, only the portion of the baffle showing through the rim of the opening is exposed to the storage compartment side, whose temperature is higher than that of the cooling device side.
  • condensation occurs only on the portion of the baffle showing through the rim of the opening but not on the pivot shaft of the baffle or other portions thereof. Therefore, when the opening is opened and the condensed water meets cold air to freeze, the normal movement of the baffle is not hampered, and thus undercooling and overcooling of the storage compartment can be prevented.
  • the baffle is supported by a pivot shaft horizontally extending along the top end of the baffle.
  • a heat insulator is provided on a surface of the baffle, and this reduces condensation on the baffle.
  • the present invention around the rim of the opening at the side of the opening opposite from the baffle, there is formed a step lower than the opening or a slope slanting downward from the rim of the opening. Hence, when condensation occurs on the baffle and the condensed water runs down, the condensed water is led from the rim of the opening down to the step or along the slope to the side opposite from the cooling device. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the condensed water from entering the cooling device side via the opening when the baffle is opened.
  • the storage compartment is a temperature switchable compartment whose interior temperature can be switched among more than one alternatives, and there is provided a cooling compartment that is arranged in parallel with the storage compartment and to which cold air is supplied through a path branching off the cold air path.
  • a cooling compartment that is arranged in parallel with the storage compartment and to which cold air is supplied through a path branching off the cold air path.
  • FIGs. 1 and 2 are a front view and a right side view, respectively, of a refrigerator embodying the present invention.
  • a cooling compartment 2 is arranged in a top portion of the refrigerator 1, and a temperature switchable compartment 3 and an ice-maker compartment 4 are arranged in a middle portion thereof.
  • a vegetable compartment 5 and a freezer compartment 6 are arranged in a bottom portion of the refrigerator 1.
  • the cooling compartment 2 has double doors and keeps articles in cold storage.
  • the temperature switchable compartment 3 is arranged in a left side of the middle portion of the refrigerator 1 and the interior temperature of the temperature switchable compartment 3 can be switched by the user.
  • the ice-maker compartment 4 is arranged in a right side of the middle portion of the refrigerator 1 and makes ice.
  • the vegetable compartment 5 is arranged in a left side of the bottom portion of the refrigerator 1 and the interior temperature thereof is maintained at a temperature suitable for storing vegetables (e.g., 8°C).
  • the freezer compartment 6 is arranged in a right side of the bottom portion of the refrigerator 1; it communicates with the ice-maker compartment 4, and keeps articles in frozen storage.
  • FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view, as seen from the right side, of the refrigerator 1.
  • the freezer compartment 6 and the ice-maker compartment 4 are each provided with a storage case 11.
  • the vegetable compartment 5 and the temperature switchable compartment 3 are each provided with a storage case 11.
  • the cooling compartment 2 includes a plurality of storage shelves 41 on which to place stored articles.
  • the doors of the cooling compartment 2 have storage pockets 42. These make the refrigerator 1 handy to use.
  • a chilling compartment 23 is arranged, and the interior temperature is maintained within a chilling temperature zone (about -3°C).
  • a cold air path 31 is formed.
  • an evaporator 17 which is connected to a compressor 35.
  • Behind the cooling compartment 2 there is formed a cold air path 32 that communicates with the cold air path 31.
  • the compressor 35 to which a condenser and an expander (neither is illustrated) are connected, is operated, it circulates a refrigerant such as isobutane through a refrigeration cycle and thereby achieves heat exchange with the evaporator 17, which is disposed at the cold end of the refrigeration cycle, where cold air is produced.
  • the compressor 35 and the evaporator 17, together with the condenser and the expander constitute a cooling device for producing cold air.
  • blowers 18 and 28 are arranged, respectively.
  • the cold air produced at the evaporator 17 is supplied through the cold air path 31 to the freezer compartment 6, the ice-maker compartment 4, the chilling compartment 23, and the temperature switchable compartment 3.
  • the blower 28 is operated, the cold air is also supplied through the cold air path 32 to the cooling compartment 2 and the vegetable compartment 5.
  • FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view, as seen from the right side, of the temperature switchable compartment 3.
  • the temperature switchable compartment 3 is, at the top and bottom faces thereof, separated from the cooling compartment 2 and the vegetable compartment 5 by partition walls 7 and 8, respectively.
  • the temperature switchable compartment 3 can be opened and closed at the front face thereof with a pivoted door 9.
  • the rear face of the temperature switchable compartment is covered with a rear panel 33.
  • a drawer-type storage case 11 is provided inside the temperature switchable compartment.
  • an air introduction path 12 is formed.
  • an inflow port 33a formed in the rear panel 33 connects to the cold air path 31 (see Fig. 3).
  • a temperature switchable compartment discharge damper 13 (introduction gate) is provided in the air introduction path 12.
  • Figs. 8A to 8C are a front view, a top view, and a vertical sectional side view, respectively, of the temperature switchable compartment discharge damper 13.
  • the temperature switchable compartment discharge damper 13 has a baffle 42 provided inside a resin-molded housing 40 having an opening 40a formed in the front face thereof.
  • the baffle 42 is swingably supported on a pivot shaft 42a extending horizontally along the top end thereof inside the housing 40.
  • the baffle 42 swings as indicated by arrow H. As the baffle 42 swings, it opens and closes the opening 40a, and thereby opens and closes the temperature switchable compartment discharge damper 13. On the baffle 42, on the side thereof facing the opening 40a, there is disposed a sealing member 43 that is formed of a heat insulating material and comes into close contact with the rim of the opening 40a.
  • FIG. 9 is a vertical sectional view, as seen from the side, showing how the temperature switchable compartment discharge damper 13 is fitted.
  • the temperature switchable compartment discharge damper 13 is fitted to a wall 50 of the air introduction path 12.
  • the air introduction path 12 branches in two directions, specifically on one hand in the direction of the temperature switchable compartment 3, which is arranged further leftward of the figure, and on the other hand, in the direction of the chilling compartment 23, which is arranged further upward of the figure.
  • the air introduction path 12 communicates with the temperature switchable compartment 3 via a hole 50a.
  • the temperature switchable compartment discharge damper 13 is arranged with the opening 40a located on the temperature switchable compartment 3 side of the baffle 42, and with the baffle 42 located on the evaporator 17 side of the opening 40a (relative to Fig. 9, the temperature switchable compartment 3 is situated further leftward and the evaporator 17 is situated further rightward).
  • the baffle 42 Since the temperature of the cold air flowing through the air introduction path 12 is lower than the interior temperature of the temperature switchable compartment 3, when the baffle 42 closes the opening 40a, a temperature difference arises between opposite sides of the baffle 42. If, as shown in Fig. 10, the baffle 42 is located on the temperature switchable compartment 3 side of the opening 40a (i.e., left in the figure), the baffle 42 becomes hotter except in the portion thereof that shows through the opening 40a.
  • the baffle 42 is located on the evaporator 17 side of the opening 40a; hence, when the opening 40a is closed, the baffle 42 becomes hotter only in the portion thereof showing through the opening 40a.
  • the sealing member 43 formed of a heat insulating material disposed on the surface of the baffle 42 prevents condensation.
  • the heat insulator may be disposed on the face of the baffle 42 opposite from the opening 40a.
  • the baffle 42 is particularly prone to condensation of moisture from stored articles when the internal temperature of the temperature switchable compartment 3 is at the hot setting (for example , 55°C to 80°C), which will be described later. Even then, despite a large amount of frozen condensed water, the baffle 42 swings normally, without causing undercooling or overcooling of the temperature switchable compartment 3, and thus with greater effect. Similar benefits can be obtained also in a case where the baffle 42 is a sliding one instead of a swinging one.
  • a damper is arranged for opening and closing a cold air path through which cold air is supplied to a storage compartment whose cold air circuit is arranged in parallel with that of another cooling compartment wherein when the damper is closed, the air in the storage compartment is circulated inside it.
  • a baffle on the evaporator (cooling device) side of an opening in the damper, it is possible to prevent frozen condensed water from hampering the normal movement of the baffle.
  • the pivot shaft 42a is arranged along the top end of the baffle 42, even when condensation occurs on the baffle 42, the condensed water runs down, away from the pivot shaft 42a. Hence, even when the opening 40a is opened and the condensed water meets cold air and freezes, the pivot shaft 42a is prevented more effectively from being frozen up, so that the baffle 42 swings normally.
  • the pivot shaft of the baffle 42 extends vertically, when the opening 40a is opened, the condensed water that has dripped from the baffle 42 freezes in a heap, and this hampers the swinging movement of the baffle 42.
  • the pivot shaft 42a extends horizontally along the top end of the baffle 42, when the opening 40a is opened, the bottom end of the baffle 42 retracts by moving up. This makes it possible to prevent the swinging movement of the baffle 42 from being hampered even when condensed water drips from the baffle 42 and freezes.
  • the hole 50a in the wall 50 is formed to be larger in diameter than the opening 40a, and a step 50b is formed at a level lower than the opening 40a.
  • the condensed water that has run down the baffle 42 is diverted from the rim of the opening 40a into the temperature switchable compartment 3. This prevents entry of condensed water through the opening 40a into the evaporator 17.
  • a slope slanting downward from the rim of the opening 40a may be formed.
  • a blower 14 is arranged between the temperature switchable compartment discharge damper 13 and the inlet port 33a.
  • an outlet port 33b is formed, and when the blower 14 is activated, cold air is easily introduced from the cold air path 31 into the temperature switchable compartment 3 via the inlet port 33a and then discharged out of the temperature switchable compartment 3 via the outlet port 33b.
  • the amount of air supplied from the air introduction path 12 to the temperature switchable compartment 3 is controlled by opening and closing the temperature switchable compartment discharge damper 13.
  • an air return path 19 through which air returns to the air cooling device 17.
  • a temperature switchable compartment return damper 20 return gate
  • openings 20b and 20c are formed, respectively, and inside the temperature switchable compartment return damper 20, there is arranged a double-sided swingable baffle 20a for selectively closing one of the openings 20b and 20c at a time.
  • the pivot shaft of the baffle 20a extends horizontally along the top end thereof, even when a temperature difference arises between the evaporator 17 side and the temperature switchable compartment 3 side of the baffle 20a and condensation occurs on the baffle 20a, the condensed water runs down, away from the pivot shaft. Hence, even when the condensed water freezes when the opening 20b is opened, it is possible to prevent the pivot shaft from being frozen up to ensure that the baffle 20a swings normally. When the baffle 20a swings, the bottom end thereof retracts by moving up. This prevents the swinging movement of the double-sided baffle 20a from being hampered by condensed water that has dripped therefrom and has frozen in a heap.
  • the temperature switchable compartment return damper 20 serves as a circulation gate for opening and closing the circulation path that includes the communication path 36.
  • the outlet port 33b serves as a circulation port via which air flows out of the temperature switchable compartment 3 into the communication path 36.
  • the communication path 36 may be formed by arranging the circulation port at a position different from that of the outlet port 33b. In this case, however, in addition to the temperature switchable compartment return damper 20, another circulation gate for opening and closing the communication path 36 needs to be formed.
  • the outlet port 33b is shared as the circulation port and the temperature switchable compartment return damper 20 having the double-sided baffle 20a serves as the circulation gate, it is possible to reduce the cost of the refrigerator 1 and to improve the volume efficiency thereof.
  • a heater 15 is arranged in a top rear portion of the rear panel 33.
  • the heater 15 is a heat-radiating glass-tube heater, and the heat therefrom is radiated through the rear panel 33 to heat the temperature switchable compartment 3.
  • the blower 14 is arranged such that it sends air toward the surface of the heater 15. This helps lower the surface temperature of the heater 15, and thereby improves safety.
  • a temperature sensor 16 is arranged on the bottom rear portion of the rear panel 33.
  • the temperature sensor 16 detects the interior temperature of the temperature switchable compartment 3 and sends a detection signal to a controller (not shown).
  • the controller controls the heater 15, the temperature switchable compartment discharge damper 13, and the blower 14, so that the interior temperature of the temperature switchable compartment 3 is maintained at a preset temperature.
  • a temperature sensor 24 is arranged adjacent to the heater 15.
  • the temperature sensor 24 is firmly attached on the ceiling face of the part of the rear panel 33 so bent as to enclose the heater 15.
  • the temperature closely above the heater 15, where heating proceeds fastest with the rising stream of air heated by the heat radiating from the heater 15, is detected by the temperature sensor 24.
  • the temperature sensor 24 finds the temperature in the vicinity of the heater 15 to be abnormally high, the heater 15 is de-energized. In this way, it is possible to prevent the heater 15 and the components around it from breaking, burning, or smoking. Furthermore, above the temperature sensor 16, a thermal fuse 30 is arranged. The thermal fuse 30, when the temperature thereof becomes as high as a predetermined level, melts so that the heater 15 is de-energized. This further improves safety.
  • Fig. 6 is a vertical sectional view, as seen from the front, of the middle portion of the refrigerator 1.
  • the cold air path 31 behind the freezer compartment 6 has an opening formed at upper front of the blower 18, and the blower 18 sends air into the ice-maker compartment 4.
  • a freezer compartment damper 22 In a bottom portion of the freezer compartment 6, which communicates with the ice-maker compartment 4, there is arranged a freezer compartment damper 22.
  • the amount of air led out of the freezer compartment 6 is controlled by opening and closing the freezer compartment damper 22.
  • the cold air path 31 communicates with the cold air path 32 via the cooling compartment damper 27.
  • the cold air path 31 also branches into the air introduction path 12, so as to communicate, on one hand, with the chilling room 23 via the chilling compartment damper 25 and, on the other hand, with the temperature switchable compartment 3 via the temperature switchable compartment discharge damper 13 as described above.
  • cooling compartment 2 in a rear bottom portion thereof, there is formed a cooling compartment outlet port (not shown).
  • a vegetable compartment inlet port (not shown) is formed in the vegetable compartment 5.
  • the cooling compartment outlet port and the vegetable compartment inlet port are coupled to each other via a path (not shown) located behind the temperature switchable compartment 3, and thereby the cooling compartment 2 communicates with the vegetable compartment 5.
  • the air return path 19 that communicates with the temperature switchable compartment 3 extends downward from the temperature switchable compartment return damper 20 to run behind the temperature switchable compartment 3 and the vegetable compartment 5.
  • the air in the temperature switchable compartment 3 is led to the evaporator 17 through the air return paths 19 and 21.
  • a vegetable compartment outlet port (not shown) that communicates with the air return path 19.
  • Fig. 7 is a cold air circuit diagram showing how cold air flows in the refrigerator 1.
  • the cold air produced at the evaporator 17 rises through the cold air path 31 as indicated by arrow A (see Fig. 6), and is supplied to the ice-maker compartment 4.
  • the cold air supplied to the ice-maker compartment 4 flows through the ice-maker compartment 4 and the freezer compartment 6, and then flows out via the freezer compartment damper 22 to return to the evaporator 17 through the air return path 21. In this way, the ice-maker compartment 4 and the freezer compartment 6 are cooled.
  • part of the cold air branches off the cold air path 31 at the top thereof to flow into and through the cold air path 32 as indicated by arrow B (see Fig. 6) via the cooling compartment damper 27, and is sent to the cooling compartment 2; that part of the cold air also flows into and through the air introduction path 12 as indicated by arrow C (see Fig. 6), and is then supplied to the chilling compartment 23.
  • the cold air sent into the cooling compartment 2 and the chilling compartment 23 flows through them and then flows into the vegetable compartment 5.
  • the cold air that has flowed into the vegetable compartment 5 flows therethrough and then flows through the air return paths 19 and 21 back to the evaporator 17. In this way, the cooling compartment 2 and the vegetable compartment 5 are cooled.
  • the cooling compartment damper 27 and the chilling compartment damper 25 are closed.
  • part of the cold air branches off the cold air path 31 at the top thereof to flow through the air introduction path 12 into, as indicated by arrow D (see Figs. 4 and 6), the temperature switchable compartment 3 via the temperature switchable compartment discharge damper 13.
  • the cold air that has flowed into the temperature switchable compartment 3 flows therethrough, then flows out thereof through the outlet port 33b, and then returns to the evaporator 17 through the air return paths 19 and 21 as indicated by arrow E (see Figs. 4 and 6).
  • the inside of the temperature switchable compartment 3 is cooled.
  • the interior temperature of the temperature switchable compartment 3 can be switched by the user as he/she desires. For example, the user can select any temperature zone from among those intended for freezing (-15 °C), partial freezing (-8 °C), chilling (-3 °C), cooling (3 °C), vegetable (8 °C). This enables the user to keep articles in frozen or cool storage at the desired temperature.
  • the switching of the interior temperature of the temperature switchable compartment 3 can be achieved by changing the degree to which the temperature switchable compartment discharge damper 13 is opened or the amount of air supplied from the blower 14.
  • the double-sided baffle 20a of the temperature switchable compartment return damper 20 is so located that it keeps the air return path 19 open and the communication path 36 closed. Hence, the cold air that flows in via the inlet port 33a flows via the temperature switchable compartment return damper 20 into the air return path 19, without circulating through the communication path 36. This prevents the cold air from being short-circuited through the communication path 36 and thereby improves the efficiency of the blower 14.
  • the temperature switchable compartment 3 When, for example, the interior temperature of the temperature switchable compartment 3 is switched from the “freezing” to the "cooling” zone, the temperature may be raised by energizing the heater 15. This allows quick switching of the interior temperature of the temperature switchable compartment 3 to a desired one. Furthermore, by energizing the heater 15, the interior temperature of the temperature switchable compartment 3 can be switched from the cold setting for frozen or cold storage of articles to the hot setting for temporary storage of cooked food, warm storage of food for cooking purposes, and the like.
  • the temperature switchable compartment discharge damper 13 When the interior temperature of the temperature switchable compartment 3 is at the hot setting, as shown in Fig. 5, the temperature switchable compartment discharge damper 13 is closed and the double-sided baffle 20a of the temperature switchable compartment return damper 20 is positioned such that it keeps the air return path 19 closed and the communication path 36 open.
  • the heater 15 and the blower 14 are operated, the air sent by the blower 14 as indicated by arrow F flows through the communication path 36 via the outlet port 33b as indicated by arrow G.
  • the air in the temperature switchable compartment 3 is circulated by being led to the blower 14 via the temperature switchable compartment return damper 20 as indicated by the dotted line S in Fig. 7.
  • This makes it possible to keep the temperature switchable compartment 3 airtight and thereby to prevent the warm air therein from escaping.
  • the interior temperature of the temperature switchable compartment 3 at the hot setting be kept at 50°C or more. This is in consideration of the fact that common microorganisms causing food poisoning grow at 30°C to 45°C, and also in consideration of the permitted tolerance in the heater capacity, the temperature distribution inside the temperature switchable compartment 3, and other factors. This helps prevent growth of microorganisms. It is preferable, however, that the interior temperature of the temperature switchable compartment 3 at the hot setting be kept at 80°C or less. This contributes to low cost, because resin components commonly used in refrigerators are resistant up to 80°C.
  • Microorganisms causing food poisoning are killed by heat; for example, enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (e.g., E. coli 0157) are killed when kept at 75°C for one minute.
  • enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli e.g., E. coli 0157
  • the interior temperature of the temperature switchable compartment 3 at the hot setting be kept at 80°C.
  • test sample was prepared that in its initial state included 2.4 ⁇ 10 3 CFU/mL of Escherichia coli, 2.0 ⁇ 10 3 CFU/mL of Staphylococcus aureus, 2.1 ⁇ 10 3 CFU/mL of Salmonella, 1.5 ⁇ 10 3 CFU/mL of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and 4.0 ⁇ 10 3 CFU/mL of Bacillus cereus.
  • test sample was first heated from 3°C to 55°C over 40 minutes, was then maintained at 55°C for 3.5 hours, and was then cooled from 55°C to 3°C over 80 minutes; then the number of the microorganisms were counted again. It was found that the number of any of the kinds of microorganism tested had decreased to 10 CFU/mL or less (i.e., below the detectable level). This demonstrates that keeping the temperature switchable compartment 3 at 55°C at the hot setting provides a sufficient effect of reducing microorganisms.
  • the heater 15 is a heat-radiating glass-tube heater.
  • the heater 15 may be a heat-conducting heater such as a sheet-shaped aluminum-deposited heater, which is inexpensive but has a low heating rate. For this reason, with a heat-conducting heater, when the temperature switchable compartment 3 is at the hot setting, the interior temperature thereof takes a long time to pass through the temperature range from 30°C to 45°C, in which microorganisms actively grow, leading to low safety in terms of food hygiene.
  • a higher heating rate can be achieved by increasing the heater capacity; this, however, cannot be done above the temperature (normally, about 80°C) up to which the component to which the heater is attached is resistant; moreover, doing so may make the heat-radiating surface so large that it extends up to a front part of the temperature switchable compartment 3, increasing the risk of the user getting burned.
  • a heat-radiating glass-tube heater has a high heating rate, which contributes to safety in terms of food hygiene. Furthermore, even a high-capacity heat-radiating glass-tube heater occupies only a small area of space, and thus, as shown back in Fig. 4, it can be arranged in a rear portion of the temperature switchable compartment 3, and this reduces the risk of the user getting burned. Therefore, it is more preferable that the heater 15 be a heat-radiating glass-tube heater.
  • the heater 15 is capable of being operated at an heat output higher than is needed to maintain the interior temperature of the temperature switchable compartment 3 at the hot setting, in which cooked food are kept warm.
  • the heat output of the heater 15 can be changed by changing the energization rate of the heater 15. Hence, rapid switching of the interior temperature of the temperature switchable compartment 3 from the cold setting to the hot setting can be achieved by operating the heater 15 at a high heat output, and this makes the refrigerator 1 useful.
  • the interior temperature of the temperature switchable compartment 3 reaches a preset hot-setting temperature, it can be maintained at the preset temperature by operating the heater 15 at a lower heat output.
  • the interior temperature of a temperature switchable compartment 3 when it has a volume of about 0.023 m 3 , can be raised from 3°C up to 80°C in about 30 minutes. Then, by operating the heater 15 intermittently at an energization rate of 15% (ON for 15 seconds and OFF for 85 seconds), the interior temperature of the temperature switchable compartment 3 can be kept about 80°C.
  • the blower 14 has a motor equipped with an axial flow fan, and is operated so as to send air approximately at a rate of 0.4 m 3 /m.
  • the surface temperature of the heater 15 remains not higher than 250°C, and thus below the ignition point (494°C) of isobutane, which is a flammable refrigerant.
  • isobutane which is a flammable refrigerant
  • isobutane is used as the refrigerant sealed in the refrigeration cycle, even if isobutane leaks from the evaporator 17 or elsewhere, there is no risk of the heat from the heater 15 causing an explosion. This makes the refrigerator 1 safer to the user.
  • the air inside the temperature switchable compartment 3 may be circulated. Specifically, with the temperature switchable compartment return damper 20 so located as to keep the air return path 19 closed and the communication path 36 open, and with the temperature switchable compartment discharge damper 13 closed, the blower 14 is operated. This makes it possible to produce a more even temperature distribution inside the temperature switchable compartment 3 at the cold setting.
  • the air introduction path 12 and the communication path 36 may be opened and closed with the temperature switchable compartment discharge damper 13. This can be achieved by provindig the temperature switchable compartment discharge damper 13 with a double-sided baffle similar to the one provided in the temperature switchable compartment return damper 20.
  • the double-sided baffle When the double-sided baffle is positioned so as to keep the air introduction path 12 open and the communication path 36 closed, the cold air that has flowed into the temperature switchable compartment 3 via the inlet port 33a flows out thereof via the outlet port 33b, and is led to the air return path 19 via the temperature switchable compartment return damper 20.
  • the baffle when the baffle is positioned so as to keep the communication path 36 open and keep the air introduction path 12 closed, the air circulates inside the temperature switchable compartment 3. This makes it possible to reduce the cost of the refrigerator 1 and to improve the volume efficiency thereof as effectively as in the case described above.
  • a damper may be provided at the outlet port of the vegetable compartment 5.
  • closing the above-mentioned damper makes it possible to prevent the hot air in the temperature switchable compartment 3 from flowing back into the vegetable compartment 5.
  • the freezer compartment damper 22 is closed if, when the temperature switchable compartment 3 is switched from the hot setting to the cold setting, the blower 18 is not operated. This prevents the hot air in the temperature switchable compartment 3 from flowing back into the freezer compartment 6 as the blower 14 is operated.
  • the present invention is applicable to a refrigerator provided with a temperature switchable compartment whose interior temperature can be switched by the user.
  • the present invention is also applicable to a refrigerator provided with, at the cold air inlet side of a storage compartment, a damper for opening and closing a cold air path.

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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)
  • Cold Air Circulating Systems And Constructional Details In Refrigerators (AREA)
EP05787849.8A 2004-12-15 2005-09-27 Kühlvorrichtung Withdrawn EP1826515A4 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2004362714A JP3819014B2 (ja) 2004-12-15 2004-12-15 冷蔵庫
JP2005029900A JP3892015B2 (ja) 2005-02-07 2005-02-07 冷蔵庫
PCT/JP2005/017676 WO2006064601A1 (ja) 2004-12-15 2005-09-27 冷蔵庫

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EP1826515A1 true EP1826515A1 (de) 2007-08-29
EP1826515A4 EP1826515A4 (de) 2014-01-15

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US (2) US20080047294A1 (de)
EP (1) EP1826515A4 (de)
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WO (1) WO2006064601A1 (de)

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ITPD20110072A1 (it) * 2011-03-07 2012-09-08 Irinox S P A Metodo per il trattamento di alimenti e dispositivo per realizzare tale metodo
WO2012119843A2 (de) 2011-03-08 2012-09-13 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Kältegerät
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EP2339275A3 (de) * 2009-12-24 2014-12-31 Panasonic Corporation Kühlschrank
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US20080047294A1 (en) 2008-02-28
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WO2006064601A1 (ja) 2006-06-22
RU2007126841A (ru) 2009-01-27

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