EP1939555A1 - Modular refrigerator apparatus - Google Patents
Modular refrigerator apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1939555A1 EP1939555A1 EP06425863A EP06425863A EP1939555A1 EP 1939555 A1 EP1939555 A1 EP 1939555A1 EP 06425863 A EP06425863 A EP 06425863A EP 06425863 A EP06425863 A EP 06425863A EP 1939555 A1 EP1939555 A1 EP 1939555A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- container
- refrigeration device
- port
- refrigeration
- 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- Withdrawn
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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
- F25D15/00—Devices not covered by group F25D11/00 or F25D13/00, e.g. non-self-contained movable 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
- F25D11/00—Self-contained movable devices, e.g. domestic refrigerators
- F25D11/006—Self-contained movable devices, e.g. domestic refrigerators with cold storage accumulators
-
- 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
-
- 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
- F25D23/10—Arrangements for mounting in particular locations, e.g. for built-in type, for corner type
Definitions
- the present invention refers to a modular refrigeration apparatus.
- Current refrigerators for domestic use normally comprise at least two compartments at different temperatures, one at a higher temperature (typically between +3°C and +6°C) for fresh food and the other at a lower temperature (typically -18°C) for frozen and deep-frozen food.
- Each of the two compartments is equipped with a respective evaporator, or with a respective portion of the same evaporator, which forms part of a normal refrigeration circuit with compressor and condenser.
- refrigerators are generally "frost-free", i.e. equipped with means capable of preventing the formation of frost on the wall of the evaporator. For this reason a so-called “ventilated” evaporator, i.e. one which is subjected to forced air circulation, is provided in the lower-temperature compartment.
- the object of the present invention is to provide a refrigeration apparatus which is always appropriate to the needs of the user.
- a modular refrigeration apparatus comprising a refrigeration device provided with a refrigerating circuit of frost-free type, characterised by the fact of comprising at least one thermally insulated external container, separated from said refrigeration device and capable of containing food to be refrigerated, said container comprising a first and a second port and said refrigeration device comprising at least one opening for the emission of cold air into the inside of the container through said first port and at least one other opening for the intake of air from the container through said second port, said apparatus comprising connection means between the openings in said refrigeration device and the ports on at least one said container.
- the modular apparatus comprises a refrigeration device 100 comprising a refrigerating circuit 110 ( figures 2 and 3 ) of frost-free type and one or more containers 200 for preserving and freezing foodstuffs, located above device 100.
- a refrigerating circuit 110 figures 2 and 3
- containers 200 for preserving and freezing foodstuffs located above device 100.
- Refrigerating circuit 110 of refrigeration device 100 includes in known manner an evaporator, a compressor, a filter, a condenser and flow laminators.
- a fan 101 activated cyclically by a suitable electric motor, allows the circulation of air inside the containers 200 relating to the refrigerator. Said fan is capable of aspirating the air which passes through the evaporator and is capable of directing the chilled air to the inside of the containers 200.
- Refrigeration device 100 comprises one or more ports 102 for the output of cold air and one or more ports 103 for air intake.
- a modular refrigeration apparatus is shown in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.
- the modular apparatus of said second embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in that the refrigeration device 300, comprising the refrigerating circuit 110 and openings 102 and 103, is of vertical type and the containers 200 for preserving and freezing foodstuffs are located in proximity to device 300.
- the containers 200 may also be located at a distance and linked by special connections and remote controls.
- Both the refrigeration device 100 and the refrigeration device 300 may be equipped with a handle 105 for transport into suitable environments.
- a container 200 is shown for the modular apparatus shown in figures 1 and 4 .
- the container comprises a compartment 1 capable of housing food to be refrigerated and another compartment 2 into which flows cold air coming from a refrigerating apparatus through a port 3; the cold air flows out through another port 4.
- Ports 3 and 4 consist of insulated tubular elements preferably made of plastic.
- Compartment 1 is separated from compartment 2 by means of a plurality of eutectic plates 5 arranged in the manner of a separating wall; the plates 5 are arranged on a plurality of elements 6 connected to the lower wall 7 of the container.
- the elements 6 are arranged in such a way as to force the cold air coming from opening 3 along a particular path 8 inside the container.
- Path 8 is preferably of serpentine type and consequently the elements 6 are arranged substantially parallel to each other and parallel to the lateral walls 9 of the container; the serpentine path means a longer stay for the cold air inside the container and therefore faster cooling of the eutectic plates 5.
- the container is provided with a removable cover 10.
- the container is thermally insulated so as to maintain a constant temperature for a determinate period of time; the eutectic plates 5 contribute to maintaining said temperature constant for a longer period of time. In this way the container is capable of preserving food for a determinate period of time.
- the container is also fitted with closing stoppers 11 for ports 3 and 4, preferably in polyethylene, to avoid possible falls in temperature through contact between the interior of the container and the external environment after the container has been refrigerated.
- FIG. 11-13 another container 200 is shown.
- the container in figures 11-13 differs from the container in figures 6-10 in that compartment 1 has a removable tent-like cover 20.
- the cover 20 is supported by a frame 21 of adjustable height so as to utilise the minimum volume in relation to the quantity of food to be kept.
- Cover 20 has a sealing rim 22 capable of engaging with a suitable rim on the container for sealing container 1.
- the container has an overall size variable between a minimum shown in figure 11 and a maximum shown in figure 12 .
- FIGS 14-17 show a kitchen including a modular refrigeration apparatus as shown in figures 1-13 .
- the kitchen includes a refrigeration device 100 normally located under a work surface 500 while the container 200 is normally located above the work surface, preferably set up as a wall unit or inside a wall unit.
- the refrigeration device 100 may be made up of a domestic refrigerator with external openings 102 and 103 for the delivery of cold air and the intake of recirculated air.
- the modular refrigeration apparatus comprises connection means 150 for the flow of cold air from the ports 102 to the ports 2 on container 200 and for the outflow of air from the ports 3 on container 200 to the ports 103 on device 100.
- Said connection means are preferably tubular pipes, thermally insulated.
- Figures 18 and 19 show a refrigeration device 100 made up of a domestic refrigerator with external openings 102 and 103 for the delivery of cold air and the intake of recirculated air.
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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
Description
- The present invention refers to a modular refrigeration apparatus.
- Current refrigerators for domestic use normally comprise at least two compartments at different temperatures, one at a higher temperature (typically between +3°C and +6°C) for fresh food and the other at a lower temperature (typically -18°C) for frozen and deep-frozen food. Each of the two compartments is equipped with a respective evaporator, or with a respective portion of the same evaporator, which forms part of a normal refrigeration circuit with compressor and condenser.
- These refrigerators are generally "frost-free", i.e. equipped with means capable of preventing the formation of frost on the wall of the evaporator. For this reason a so-called "ventilated" evaporator, i.e. one which is subjected to forced air circulation, is provided in the lower-temperature compartment.
- It is possible in particular circumstances for domestic refrigerators not to have the capacity necessary for containing all the food to be refrigerated, for example when a greater number of people is present than normal. In other circumstances it is possible for the same refrigerator to have a larger capacity than that required and therefore higher consumption than necessary.
- In view of the state of the art described, the object of the present invention is to provide a refrigeration apparatus which is always appropriate to the needs of the user.
- In accordance with the present invention, this object is achieved by means of a modular refrigeration apparatus comprising a refrigeration device provided with a refrigerating circuit of frost-free type, characterised by the fact of comprising at least one thermally insulated external container, separated from said refrigeration device and capable of containing food to be refrigerated, said container comprising a first and a second port and said refrigeration device comprising at least one opening for the emission of cold air into the inside of the container through said first port and at least one other opening for the intake of air from the container through said second port, said apparatus comprising connection means between the openings in said refrigeration device and the ports on at least one said container.
- The characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become evident from the following detailed description of its practical embodiments, which are illustrated by way of non-limiting examples in the attached drawings, in which:
-
figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a modular refrigeration apparatus in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; -
figure 2 is a schematic view on plan of the refrigeration device only of the apparatus shown infigure 1 ; -
figure 3 is a schematic view in section of the refrigeration device only of the apparatus shown infigure 1 ; -
figure 4 is a schematic view in section of a modular refrigeration apparatus in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; -
figure 5 is a schematic frontal view of the refrigeration device shown infigure 4 ; -
figure 6 is a schematic view on plan of a container usable in the modular refrigeration apparatus shown infigures 1 or4 ; -
figure 7 is a schematic lateral view of the container shown infigure 6 ; -
figure 8 is a schematic view in vertical section along line VIII-VIII of the container shown infigure 6 ; -
figure 9 is a schematic view in transverse section along line VIV-VIV of the container shown infigure 6 ; -
figure 10 is a schematic lateral view of another container usable in the modular refrigeration apparatus shown infigures 1 or4 ; -
figure 11 is again a schematic lateral view of the container shown infigure 10 ; -
figure 12 is a schematic view in section along line XII-XII of the container shown infigure 10 ; -
figure 13 is a schematic view in transverse section of the container shown infigure 10 ; -
figures 14-17 show schematically a kitchen including a modular refrigeration apparatus as shown infigures 1-13 ; -
figures 18-19 show schematically a refrigeration device in accordance with a variant of the apparatus in the previous embodiments. - With reference to
figure 1 , a modular refrigeration apparatus is shown in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The modular apparatus comprises arefrigeration device 100 comprising a refrigerating circuit 110 (figures 2 and 3 ) of frost-free type and one ormore containers 200 for preserving and freezing foodstuffs, located abovedevice 100. - Refrigerating
circuit 110 ofrefrigeration device 100 includes in known manner an evaporator, a compressor, a filter, a condenser and flow laminators. Afan 101, activated cyclically by a suitable electric motor, allows the circulation of air inside thecontainers 200 relating to the refrigerator. Said fan is capable of aspirating the air which passes through the evaporator and is capable of directing the chilled air to the inside of thecontainers 200. -
Refrigeration device 100 comprises one ormore ports 102 for the output of cold air and one ormore ports 103 for air intake. - With reference to
figures 4 and 5 , a modular refrigeration apparatus is shown in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. The modular apparatus of said second embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in that the refrigeration device 300, comprising the refrigeratingcircuit 110 andopenings containers 200 for preserving and freezing foodstuffs are located in proximity to device 300. In both embodiments thecontainers 200 may also be located at a distance and linked by special connections and remote controls. - Both the
refrigeration device 100 and the refrigeration device 300 may be equipped with ahandle 105 for transport into suitable environments. - With reference to
figures 6-10 , acontainer 200 is shown for the modular apparatus shown infigures 1 and4 . The container comprises acompartment 1 capable of housing food to be refrigerated and anothercompartment 2 into which flows cold air coming from a refrigerating apparatus through aport 3; the cold air flows out through anotherport 4.Ports Compartment 1 is separated fromcompartment 2 by means of a plurality ofeutectic plates 5 arranged in the manner of a separating wall; theplates 5 are arranged on a plurality ofelements 6 connected to thelower wall 7 of the container. Theelements 6 are arranged in such a way as to force the cold air coming from opening 3 along aparticular path 8 inside the container.Path 8 is preferably of serpentine type and consequently theelements 6 are arranged substantially parallel to each other and parallel to thelateral walls 9 of the container; the serpentine path means a longer stay for the cold air inside the container and therefore faster cooling of theeutectic plates 5. The container is provided with aremovable cover 10. - The container is thermally insulated so as to maintain a constant temperature for a determinate period of time; the
eutectic plates 5 contribute to maintaining said temperature constant for a longer period of time. In this way the container is capable of preserving food for a determinate period of time. - The container is also fitted with closing stoppers 11 for
ports - In
figures 11-13 anothercontainer 200 is shown. The container infigures 11-13 differs from the container infigures 6-10 in thatcompartment 1 has a removable tent-like cover 20. Thecover 20 is supported by aframe 21 of adjustable height so as to utilise the minimum volume in relation to the quantity of food to be kept.Cover 20 has a sealingrim 22 capable of engaging with a suitable rim on the container for sealingcontainer 1. The container has an overall size variable between a minimum shown infigure 11 and a maximum shown infigure 12 . -
Figures 14-17 show a kitchen including a modular refrigeration apparatus as shown infigures 1-13 . The kitchen includes arefrigeration device 100 normally located under awork surface 500 while thecontainer 200 is normally located above the work surface, preferably set up as a wall unit or inside a wall unit. - The
refrigeration device 100 may be made up of a domestic refrigerator withexternal openings - The modular refrigeration apparatus comprises connection means 150 for the flow of cold air from the
ports 102 to theports 2 oncontainer 200 and for the outflow of air from theports 3 oncontainer 200 to theports 103 ondevice 100. Said connection means are preferably tubular pipes, thermally insulated. -
Figures 18 and 19 show arefrigeration device 100 made up of a domestic refrigerator withexternal openings
Claims (12)
- Modular refrigeration apparatus comprising a refrigeration device provided with a refrigerating circuit of frost-free type (100) characterised by the fact of comprising at least one thermally insulated external container (200), separated from said refrigeration device (100, 300) and capable of containing food to be refrigerated, said container (200) comprising a first (3) and a second (4) port and said device comprising at least one opening (102) for the emission of cold air into the inside of the container through said first port (3) and at least one other opening (103) for the intake of air from the container through said second port (4), said apparatus comprising connection means (150) between the openings in said refrigeration device and the ports on at least one said container.
- Apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that said container comprises at least one eutectic plate (5) for maintaining a constant temperature inside said container.
- Apparatus according to claim 2, characterised in that said container comprises a compartment (1) capable of containing foodstuffs and a further compartment (2), separated from the first by at least one eutectic plate (5) arranged in the manner of a dividing wall, said further compartment (2) comprising said first (3) and second (4) ports.
- Apparatus according to claim 3, characterised in that said container comprises a grille of elements (6) integral with the bottom wall (7) of the container and capable of imposing a serpentine path (8) on the flow of air inside the container.
- Apparatus according to claim 4, characterised in that said container comprises at least two eutectic plates (5) located on the elements (6) of said grille.
- Apparatus according to claim 4, characterised in that said compartment (1) comprises a removable cover (10).
- Apparatus according to claim 4, characterised in that said compartment (1) comprises a tent-like removable cover (20).
- Apparatus according to claim 2, characterised in that said first port (3) and said second port (4) are thermally insulated tubular elements.
- Apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that said container comprises closing stoppers for said ports.
- Apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that said refrigeration device is a domestic refrigerator.
- Kitchen comprising a modular refrigeration apparatus as defined in claims 1 to 10.
- Kitchen according to claim 11, characterised by the fact of comprising a work surface (500), said refrigeration device being located below the work surface and said container being located above the work surface.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP06425863A EP1939555A1 (en) | 2006-12-28 | 2006-12-28 | Modular refrigerator apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP06425863A EP1939555A1 (en) | 2006-12-28 | 2006-12-28 | Modular refrigerator apparatus |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1939555A1 true EP1939555A1 (en) | 2008-07-02 |
Family
ID=38137526
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP06425863A Withdrawn EP1939555A1 (en) | 2006-12-28 | 2006-12-28 | Modular refrigerator apparatus |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1939555A1 (en) |
Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
AU531423B2 (en) * | 1979-01-02 | 1983-08-25 | Charles Ray Evans | Domestic environmental chambers |
EP0099108A1 (en) * | 1982-07-14 | 1984-01-25 | Hitachi, Ltd. | Refrigerator |
EP0223743A1 (en) * | 1985-10-23 | 1987-05-27 | MERLONI ELETTRODOMESTICI S.p.A. | Cold storage plate for freezers |
EP0290992A1 (en) * | 1987-05-12 | 1988-11-17 | Jörg D. Nallinger | Cooling or heating device |
US4895001A (en) * | 1989-03-17 | 1990-01-23 | Jondahl Joseph S | Expandable refrigeration system |
EP0399449A2 (en) * | 1989-05-23 | 1990-11-28 | SEA CONTAINERS ITALIA S.r.l. | A refrigerated transportation unit for foodstuff and the like perishable commodities |
EP0412811A2 (en) * | 1989-08-11 | 1991-02-13 | Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. | Cold box |
WO2003073030A1 (en) * | 2002-02-27 | 2003-09-04 | Energy Storage Technologies, Inc. | Temperature-controlled system including a thermal barrier |
-
2006
- 2006-12-28 EP EP06425863A patent/EP1939555A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
AU531423B2 (en) * | 1979-01-02 | 1983-08-25 | Charles Ray Evans | Domestic environmental chambers |
EP0099108A1 (en) * | 1982-07-14 | 1984-01-25 | Hitachi, Ltd. | Refrigerator |
EP0223743A1 (en) * | 1985-10-23 | 1987-05-27 | MERLONI ELETTRODOMESTICI S.p.A. | Cold storage plate for freezers |
EP0290992A1 (en) * | 1987-05-12 | 1988-11-17 | Jörg D. Nallinger | Cooling or heating device |
US4895001A (en) * | 1989-03-17 | 1990-01-23 | Jondahl Joseph S | Expandable refrigeration system |
EP0399449A2 (en) * | 1989-05-23 | 1990-11-28 | SEA CONTAINERS ITALIA S.r.l. | A refrigerated transportation unit for foodstuff and the like perishable commodities |
EP0412811A2 (en) * | 1989-08-11 | 1991-02-13 | Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. | Cold box |
WO2003073030A1 (en) * | 2002-02-27 | 2003-09-04 | Energy Storage Technologies, Inc. | Temperature-controlled system including a thermal barrier |
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