EP2449323B1 - A refrigerator operating independently of the ambient temperature - Google Patents

A refrigerator operating independently of the ambient temperature Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2449323B1
EP2449323B1 EP10722148A EP10722148A EP2449323B1 EP 2449323 B1 EP2449323 B1 EP 2449323B1 EP 10722148 A EP10722148 A EP 10722148A EP 10722148 A EP10722148 A EP 10722148A EP 2449323 B1 EP2449323 B1 EP 2449323B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
compressor
temperature
operation ratio
heater
cooling 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.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP10722148A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2449323A2 (en
Inventor
Turgay Ercan
Atilla Tuncel
Mehmet Oturak
Ibrahim Niyazi Ulgur
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
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Arcelik AS filed Critical Arcelik AS
Priority to PL10722148T priority Critical patent/PL2449323T3/en
Publication of EP2449323A2 publication Critical patent/EP2449323A2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2449323B1 publication Critical patent/EP2449323B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

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
    • F25D29/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
    • F25D29/005—Mounting of control 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 relates to a refrigerator having cooling and freezing compartments at different temperatures.
  • Cooling compartment is utilized preferably for storing fresh food and freezing compartment for storing frozen food.
  • Refrigerators are cooled by operating the compressor by using a heat sensor disposed to the cooling compartment.
  • the main problems in the refrigerators wherein the cooling is performed by taking the temperature of the cooling compartment as reference are encountered when the external ambient temperature is much lower or much higher than normal conditions.
  • the heat gain of the cooling compartment of the refrigerator is very low, and the operation ratio of the compressor and hence the cooling efficiency of the freezing department decreases.
  • the compressor does not operate for a long time, the temperature of the freezing compartment exceeds the desired temperature value, and causes the storage time of the frozen foods to decrease or the foods to be spoiled.
  • a heater is disposed in the cooling compartment for solving this problem.
  • the temperature of the cooling compartment is increased by the heater being activated and thus, the operation of the compressor is provided.
  • the compressor operates almost continuously to decrease the temperature of the cooling compartment. This causes icing on the evaporator and its capillaries, and the foods close to the evaporator to freeze.
  • various heaters are used on the evaporator and capillaries to prevent this problem. These heaters used in conventional refrigerators cause high power consumption.
  • the aim of the present invention is the realization of a refrigerator, the cooling performance of which is improved at high or low external ambient temperatures.
  • the operation of the refrigerator is regulated by a control unit.
  • the control unit of the present invention controls the operation time and stopping time of the compressor.
  • the sum of the operation and stopping is called cycle.
  • the control unit obtains the compressor operation ratio from the ratio of the operation time to the cycle time that is the sum of the operation time and stopping time in the previous cycle.
  • the control unit prevents the freezing on and around the evaporator by operating the fan and the heater. If the operation ratio is between the lower limit operation ratio and the upper limit operation ratio, the control unit waits for the compressor to operate at a number equal to a limit value within this interval stored in the memory of the control unit, and to reach the turn-off number, and operates the heater without turning the fan on when the number is reached. If the operation ratio is at the upper limit operation ratio or above, the control unit provides the compressor to reach the compressor cut-in temperature by operating the heater and the fan. Thus, the control unit regulates the operation of the heater and the fan by considering the operation ratios of the compressor. The air heated by the heater is delivered to the evaporator by means of the fan. An effective cooling is provided to be performed in different situations that change according to the cooling device ambient temperature and the door opening frequency.
  • the control unit turns the heater off and maintains the cooling process by operating the compressor again when the sensor detects that the compartment temperature has reached the compressor cut-in temperature after the control unit has operated the heater.
  • the control method of the refrigerator starts with a step wherein the stopping of the compressor is controlled. After the compressor stops, the steps in which it is controlled whether or not the operation ratio is lower than the lower limit operation ratio or higher than the upper limit operation ratio are started. If the operation ratio is lower than the lower limit operation ratio or higher than the upper limit operation ratio, the step wherein the heater and the fan are operated is performed. If the operation ratio is between the lower limit operation ratio and the upper limit operation ratio, it is inquired whether or not the compressor operation ratio remains between the lower limit operation ratio and the upper limit operation ratio in all of the cycles, the amount of which is a consecutively predetermined number.
  • the step wherein the heater is operated is started. In all of the steps wherein the heater is operated, it is controlled whether or not the cooling compartment temperature has reached the compressor cut-in temperature. When the cooling compartment temperature reaches the compressor cut-in temperature, the heater is turned off and the compressor is operated again, returning to the first step wherein the stopping of the compressor is controlled.
  • control unit of the present invention by considering the compressor operation ratios that change according to the external ambient temperature, it is determined whether or not freezing has occurred inside the cooling compartment and in the evaporator, and accordingly, the heater and the fan are operated and the heated air is directed to the areas wherein freezing can occur.
  • the areas which can be heated by using a plurality of heaters are heated by means of a single heater and an advantage in power consumption is provided.
  • Figure 1 - is the sideways schematic view of a refrigerator.
  • Figure 2 - is the flow chart of the control method in an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the refrigerator (1) comprises at least one cooling compartment (2), at least one freezing compartment (3),
  • the control unit (10) of the present invention measures the operation time (t a ) and stopping time (t b ) of the compressor (6).
  • the operation and stopping, in total, are called the cycle.
  • the control unit (10) furthermore, determines the compressor (6) operation ratio ( ⁇ ) from the ratio of the previous operation time (t a ) to the cycle time (t a + t b ) that is the sum of the previous operation time (t a ) and the previous stopping time (t b ).
  • the refrigerator (1) of the present invention furthermore, comprises
  • the fan (9) that is located inside the cooling compartment (2) circulates the air, which is cooled by the evaporator (5) near the rear wall, inside the cooling compartment (2) and thus, provides a homogeneous heat.
  • a sensor (8) is used to be able to detect whether or not the cooling compartment (2) is sufficiently cooled.
  • the compressor (6) cut-out temperature (Tcut-out) it is determined that the cooling compartment (2) is sufficiently cooled.
  • this temperature (Tcut-out) is reached, the compressor (6) is stopped and hence the refrigerant flow to the evaporator (5) is cut off. Excessive cooling is prevented by stopping the compressor (6).
  • the time elapsing while the compressor (6) is operating is the operation time (t a )
  • the time elapsing while the compressor (6) is being stopped is the stopping time (t b )
  • the sum of both (t a , t b ) is the cycle time (t a + t b ).
  • the operation ratio ( ⁇ ) is determined from the ratio of the operation time (ta) of the compressor (6) measured in the previous cycle to the cycle time (t a + t b ).
  • the control unit (10) of the present invention After operating the heater (7), the control unit (10) of the present invention turns off the heater (7) and operates the compressor (6) upon receiving the data from the sensor (8) that the compressor (6) cut-in temperature (Tcut-in) is reached. Thus, determining the operation time of the heater (7) is not required and when the compressor (6) cut-in temperature (Tcut-in) which is required for the compressor (6) to start operating is reached, the heater (7) is turned off.
  • the compressor (6) operation ratio ( ⁇ ) is lower than the predetermined lower limit operation ratio ( ⁇ II).
  • the compressor (6) operation ratio ( ⁇ ) being low causes the freezing compartment (3) not to be cooled sufficiently.
  • the heater (7) and the fan (9) are operated and thus, the compressor (6) is provided to operate again by the cooling compartment (2) being heated, meanwhile local freezing is prevented by the heated air being delivered to the evaporator (5) by means of the fan (9), and a homogeneous heat distribution is provided inside the cooling compartment (2).
  • the compressor (6) operation ratio ( ⁇ ) is between the lower limit operation ratio ( ⁇ II) and the upper limit operation ratio ( ⁇ ul).
  • the control unit (10) saves how many times the compressor (6) has operated between the lower limit operation ratio ( ⁇ II) and the upper limit operation ratio ( ⁇ ul) to its memory to decide whether or not the heater (7) will be operated.
  • the compressor (6) operates between the lower limit operation ratio ( ⁇ II) and the upper limit operation ratio ( ⁇ ul) for the first time, the one time operation-data is saved to the control unit (10) memory.
  • the heater (7) is operated.
  • the temperature of the cooling compartment (2) heated by the heater (7) reaches the compressor (6) cut-in temperature (Tcut-in)
  • the heater (7) is turned off and the compressor (6) is activated.
  • the number of successive operations in the control unit (10) memory is set to zero.
  • the heater (7) is not operated, and instead the cooling compartment (2) temperature is awaited until it reaches the compressor (6) cut-in temperature (Tcut-in), and then the compressor (6) is operated. After the compressor (6) operates, the operation ratio ( ⁇ ) is controlled again. If the compressor (6) operation ratio ( ⁇ ) is realized out of the range between the upper limit operation ratio ( ⁇ ul) and the lower limit operation ratio ( ⁇ II) in any cycle, the number of successive operations is set to zero.
  • the compressor (6) operation ratio ( ⁇ ) is equal to the upper limit operation ratio ( ⁇ ul) or higher than the upper limit operation ratio ( ⁇ ul).
  • the heater (7) is operated since the compressor (6) operation ratio ( ⁇ ) being high causes freezing on and around the evaporator (5), and the fan (9) is also operated for the heated air to reach the evaporator (5).
  • the heater (7) is turned off when the temperature of the cooling compartment (2) heated by the heater (7) reaches the compressor (6) cut-in temperature (Tcut-in).
  • the fan (9) is also turned off when the compressor (6) starts operating, whereas in another embodiment the fan (9) continues to operate since it will also be used while the compressor (6) is operating.
  • the compressor (6) which has exceeded the upper limit operation ratio ( ⁇ ul) due to the external ambient being warm, is prevented from causing freezing on and around the evaporator (5).
  • the external ambient temperature is very high or very low by considering the operation ratio ( ⁇ ) when the compressor (6) stops, and the heat distribution inside the cooling compartment (2) can be provided by using heater (7) and fan (9) as required.
  • the refrigerator (1) is operated according to the following method:
  • the control unit (10) first detects the operation or stopping state of the compressor (6), and regulates the operations of the fan (9) and the heater (7) for an effective and economic cooling when the compressor (6) stops.
  • the compressor (6) stops it detects the heat distribution inside and outside the cooling compartment (2) by the operation ratio ( ⁇ ), and prevents local freezing by operating the heater (7) and the fan (9) if required.
  • the need of cooling and/or heating is detected by considering the operation ratio ( ⁇ ) when the compressor (6) stops.
  • the heater (7) and the fan (9) are operated according to the determined need and a homogeneous heat is provided inside the cooling compartment (2) and thus, freezing on and around the evaporator (5) and heating in the freezing compartment (3) are prevented.
  • the utilization of additional heating devices for the evaporator (5) is not required by the heat of the heater (7) used in the cooling compartment (2) being directed to the evaporator (5) by means of the fan (9), and savings of cost and power consumption are provided.

Landscapes

  • 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)
  • Cold Air Circulating Systems And Constructional Details In Refrigerators (AREA)

Description

  • The present invention relates to a refrigerator having cooling and freezing compartments at different temperatures.
  • Conventional refrigerators have cooling and freezing compartments that are cooled at different temperatures. Cooling compartment is utilized preferably for storing fresh food and freezing compartment for storing frozen food.
  • Refrigerators are cooled by operating the compressor by using a heat sensor disposed to the cooling compartment. The main problems in the refrigerators wherein the cooling is performed by taking the temperature of the cooling compartment as reference are encountered when the external ambient temperature is much lower or much higher than normal conditions. When the external ambient temperature is low, the heat gain of the cooling compartment of the refrigerator is very low, and the operation ratio of the compressor and hence the cooling efficiency of the freezing department decreases. When the compressor does not operate for a long time, the temperature of the freezing compartment exceeds the desired temperature value, and causes the storage time of the frozen foods to decrease or the foods to be spoiled. A heater is disposed in the cooling compartment for solving this problem. In case the external ambient temperature is lower than the determined value, the temperature of the cooling compartment is increased by the heater being activated and thus, the operation of the compressor is provided. When the external ambient temperature is high or the door is opened frequently, the compressor operates almost continuously to decrease the temperature of the cooling compartment. This causes icing on the evaporator and its capillaries, and the foods close to the evaporator to freeze. In the state of the art, various heaters are used on the evaporator and capillaries to prevent this problem. These heaters used in conventional refrigerators cause high power consumption.
  • In the state of the art International Patent Application No WO0231419 , a refrigerator is explained wherein the moment of the actuation of the heater is dynamically determined, depending on the operating rate of the compressor.
  • In the state of the art United States of America Patent Application No US2003145617 , operating a heater by considering the compressor operation rate to adjust the cooling and freezing compartment temperatures according to the external ambient temperature is explained.
  • In the state of the art International Patent Application No WO2006124004 , a control method which activates the heater in the cooling compartment when the temperature of the freezing compartment increases is explained. According to this method, the heater can be activated during the operation of the compressor, and the fan is also operated if required.
    A refrigerator according to the preamble of claim 1 is disclosed in WO2006 124 004 .
  • In the state of the art Japanese Patent Application No JP2005114326 , reduction of the evaporator fan rotation and operation of the heater in situations wherein the atmospheric temperature is low are explained.
  • The aim of the present invention is the realization of a refrigerator, the cooling performance of which is improved at high or low external ambient temperatures.
  • The refrigerator realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is explicated in the attached claims.
  • The operation of the refrigerator is regulated by a control unit. The control unit of the present invention controls the operation time and stopping time of the compressor. The sum of the operation and stopping is called cycle. When the compressor stops, the control unit obtains the compressor operation ratio from the ratio of the operation time to the cycle time that is the sum of the operation time and stopping time in the previous cycle.
  • If the compressor operation ratio is smaller than the lower limit operation ratio stored in the memory of the control unit when the compressor stops, the control unit prevents the freezing on and around the evaporator by operating the fan and the heater. If the operation ratio is between the lower limit operation ratio and the upper limit operation ratio, the control unit waits for the compressor to operate at a number equal to a limit value within this interval stored in the memory of the control unit, and to reach the turn-off number, and operates the heater without turning the fan on when the number is reached. If the operation ratio is at the upper limit operation ratio or above, the control unit provides the compressor to reach the compressor cut-in temperature by operating the heater and the fan. Thus, the control unit regulates the operation of the heater and the fan by considering the operation ratios of the compressor. The air heated by the heater is delivered to the evaporator by means of the fan. An effective cooling is provided to be performed in different situations that change according to the cooling device ambient temperature and the door opening frequency.
  • The control unit turns the heater off and maintains the cooling process by operating the compressor again when the sensor detects that the compartment temperature has reached the compressor cut-in temperature after the control unit has operated the heater.
  • In an embodiment of the present invention, the control method of the refrigerator starts with a step wherein the stopping of the compressor is controlled. After the compressor stops, the steps in which it is controlled whether or not the operation ratio is lower than the lower limit operation ratio or higher than the upper limit operation ratio are started. If the operation ratio is lower than the lower limit operation ratio or higher than the upper limit operation ratio, the step wherein the heater and the fan are operated is performed. If the operation ratio is between the lower limit operation ratio and the upper limit operation ratio, it is inquired whether or not the compressor operation ratio remains between the lower limit operation ratio and the upper limit operation ratio in all of the cycles, the amount of which is a consecutively predetermined number. If the operation ratio remains between the lower limit operation ratio and the upper limit operation ratio in all of the cycles, the amount of which is a consecutively predetermined number, the step wherein the heater is operated is started. In all of the steps wherein the heater is operated, it is controlled whether or not the cooling compartment temperature has reached the compressor cut-in temperature. When the cooling compartment temperature reaches the compressor cut-in temperature, the heater is turned off and the compressor is operated again, returning to the first step wherein the stopping of the compressor is controlled.
  • By means of the control unit of the present invention, by considering the compressor operation ratios that change according to the external ambient temperature, it is determined whether or not freezing has occurred inside the cooling compartment and in the evaporator, and accordingly, the heater and the fan are operated and the heated air is directed to the areas wherein freezing can occur. Thus, the areas which can be heated by using a plurality of heaters are heated by means of a single heater and an advantage in power consumption is provided.
  • A refrigerator realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is illustrated in the attached figures, where:
  • Figure 1 - is the sideways schematic view of a refrigerator.
  • Figure 2 - is the flow chart of the control method in an embodiment of the present invention.
  • The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:
    1. 1. Refrigerator
    2. 2. Cooling compartment
    3. 3. Freezing compartment
    4. 4. Intermediate wall
    5. 5. Evaporator
    6. 6. Compressor
    7. 7. Heater
    8. 8. Sensor
    9. 9. Fan
    10. 10. Control unit
  • The refrigerator (1) comprises at least one cooling compartment (2), at least one freezing compartment (3),
    • an insulative intermediate wall (4) that separates the compartments (2 and 3) from each other,
    • at least one evaporator (5) that is disposed on the rear wall of the cooling compartment (2),
    • a compressor (6) that compresses the refrigerant passing through the evaporator (5) and circulates in the cooling cycle,
    • a heater (7) that is disposed on the cooling compartment (2) ceiling and used for preventing the occurrence of sweating therein,
    • a sensor (8) that measures the cooling compartment (2) temperature,
    • a fan (9) that is located in the cooling compartment (2) and that circulates the air, which is cooled by the evaporator (5), inside the cooling compartment (2), and
    • a control unit (10) that regulates the operation of the compressor (6), heater (7) and fan (9) according to the data received from the sensor (8)
  • (Figure 1).
  • The control unit (10) of the present invention measures the operation time (ta) and stopping time (tb) of the compressor (6). The operation and stopping, in total, are called the cycle. When the compressor (6) stops, the control unit (10), furthermore, determines the compressor (6) operation ratio (Γ) from the ratio of the previous operation time (ta) to the cycle time (ta + tb) that is the sum of the previous operation time (ta) and the previous stopping time (tb).
  • The refrigerator (1) of the present invention, furthermore, comprises
    • a fan (9) and a heater (7) which are activated by the control unit (10) if the operation ratio (Γ) is lower than the predetermined lower limit operation ratio (Γll) or higher than the predetermined upper limit operation ratio (Γul) or equal thereto, and
    • a heater (7) that is activated by the control unit (10) if all of the cycles, the amount of which is a consecutively predetermined number, are realized at an operation ratio (Γ) remaining between the lower limit operation ratio (ΓII) and the upper limit operation ratio (Γul)
  • when the compressor (6) stops (Figure 1).
  • The fan (9) that is located inside the cooling compartment (2) circulates the air, which is cooled by the evaporator (5) near the rear wall, inside the cooling compartment (2) and thus, provides a homogeneous heat. A sensor (8) is used to be able to detect whether or not the cooling compartment (2) is sufficiently cooled. When the compressor (6) cut-out temperature (Tcut-out) is reached, it is determined that the cooling compartment (2) is sufficiently cooled. When this temperature (Tcut-out) is reached, the compressor (6) is stopped and hence the refrigerant flow to the evaporator (5) is cut off. Excessive cooling is prevented by stopping the compressor (6). The time elapsing while the compressor (6) is operating is the operation time (ta), the time elapsing while the compressor (6) is being stopped is the stopping time (tb), and the sum of both (ta , tb) is the cycle time (ta + tb). When the compressor (6) is stopped, the operation ratio (Γ) is determined from the ratio of the operation time (ta) of the compressor (6) measured in the previous cycle to the cycle time (ta + tb).
  • After operating the heater (7), the control unit (10) of the present invention turns off the heater (7) and operates the compressor (6) upon receiving the data from the sensor (8) that the compressor (6) cut-in temperature (Tcut-in) is reached. Thus, determining the operation time of the heater (7) is not required and when the compressor (6) cut-in temperature (Tcut-in) which is required for the compressor (6) to start operating is reached, the heater (7) is turned off.
  • When the external ambient is cooler than normal conditions, the compressor (6) operation ratio (Γ) is lower than the predetermined lower limit operation ratio (ΓII). The compressor (6) operation ratio (Γ) being low causes the freezing compartment (3) not to be cooled sufficiently. The heater (7) and the fan (9) are operated and thus, the compressor (6) is provided to operate again by the cooling compartment (2) being heated, meanwhile local freezing is prevented by the heated air being delivered to the evaporator (5) by means of the fan (9), and a homogeneous heat distribution is provided inside the cooling compartment (2). Thus, using a separate heating device to heat the evaporator (5) is not required, and freezing around the evaporator (5) is prevented by the air, which is heated by the heater (7) used inside the cooling compartment (2), being circulated inside the cooling compartment (2) by means of the fan (9).
  • When the external ambient temperature is not too high or too low, the compressor (6) operation ratio (Γ) is between the lower limit operation ratio (ΓII) and the upper limit operation ratio (Γul). In this situation, the control unit (10) saves how many times the compressor (6) has operated between the lower limit operation ratio (ΓII) and the upper limit operation ratio (Γul) to its memory to decide whether or not the heater (7) will be operated. When the compressor (6) operates between the lower limit operation ratio (ΓII) and the upper limit operation ratio (Γul) for the first time, the one time operation-data is saved to the control unit (10) memory.
  • If the number of successive operations reaches a limit value previously stored in the memory between the lower limit operation ratio (ΓII) and the upper limit operation ratio (Γul) of the compressor (6), the heater (7) is operated. When the temperature of the cooling compartment (2) heated by the heater (7) reaches the compressor (6) cut-in temperature (Tcut-in), the heater (7) is turned off and the compressor (6) is activated. After the heater (7) operates, the number of successive operations in the control unit (10) memory is set to zero.
  • If the value of the limit number is not reached when the compressor (6) operation ratio (ΓII) is between the lower limit operation ratio (ΓII) and the upper limit operation ratio (Γul), the heater (7) is not operated, and instead the cooling compartment (2) temperature is awaited until it reaches the compressor (6) cut-in temperature (Tcut-in), and then the compressor (6) is operated. After the compressor (6) operates, the operation ratio (Γ) is controlled again. If the compressor (6) operation ratio (Γ) is realized out of the range between the upper limit operation ratio (Γul) and the lower limit operation ratio (ΓII) in any cycle, the number of successive operations is set to zero.
  • When the external ambient is warm, the compressor (6) operation ratio (Γ) is equal to the upper limit operation ratio (Γul) or higher than the upper limit operation ratio (Γul). The heater (7) is operated since the compressor (6) operation ratio (Γ) being high causes freezing on and around the evaporator (5), and the fan (9) is also operated for the heated air to reach the evaporator (5). The heater (7) is turned off when the temperature of the cooling compartment (2) heated by the heater (7) reaches the compressor (6) cut-in temperature (Tcut-in). In an embodiment, the fan (9) is also turned off when the compressor (6) starts operating, whereas in another embodiment the fan (9) continues to operate since it will also be used while the compressor (6) is operating. Thus, the compressor (6), which has exceeded the upper limit operation ratio (Γul) due to the external ambient being warm, is prevented from causing freezing on and around the evaporator (5).
  • Thus, it can be determined that the external ambient temperature is very high or very low by considering the operation ratio (Γ) when the compressor (6) stops, and the heat distribution inside the cooling compartment (2) can be provided by using heater (7) and fan (9) as required.
  • In an embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator (1) is operated according to the following method:
    • Inquiring whether or not the compressor (6) is operating (1000),
    • If the compressor (6) is operating, returning to the first step in which it is inquired whether or not the compressor (6) is operating (1000),
    • If the compressor (6) is not operating, inquiring whether or not the operation ratio (Γ) is lower than the lower limit operation ratio (Γll) (1020),
    • If the operation ratio (Γ) is lower than the lower limit operation ratio (Γll), operating the fan (9) and the heater (7) (1021),
    • Inquiring whether or not the cooling compartment (2) temperature is greater than the compressor (6) cut-in temperature (tcut-in) (121),
    • Turning off the heater (7) and operating the compressor (6) if the cooling compartment (2) temperature is greater than the compressor (6) cut-in temperature (tcut-in) (1030),
    • Continuing with the operation of the fan (9) and the heater (7) if the cooling compartment (2) temperature is not greater than the compressor (6) cut-in temperature (tcut-in) (1021),
    • If the operation ratio (Γ) is higher than the lower limit operation ratio (Γll), inquiring whether or not the operation ratio (Γ) is lower than the upper limit operation ratio (Γul) (1022),
    • If the operation ratio (Γ) is higher than the upper limit operation ratio (Γul), operating the fan (9) and the heater (7) (1024),
    • Inquiring whether or not the cooling compartment (2) temperature is greater than the compressor (6) cut-in temperature (tcut-in) (124),
    • Turning off the heater (7) and operating the compressor (6) if the cooling compartment (2) temperature is greater than the compressor (6) cut-in temperature (tcut-in) (1030),
    • Continuing with the operation of the fan (9) and the heater (7) if the cooling compartment (2) temperature is not greater than the compressor (6) cut-in temperature (tcut-in) (1024),
    • If the operation ratio (Γ) is lower than the upper limit operation ratio (Γul), comparing the number of consecutive operations of the compressor (6) between the lower limit operation ratio (Γll) and the upper limit operation ratio (Γul) with the limit value stored in the memory of the control unit (10) (1023),
    • Keeping the fan (9) turned off and turning on the heater (7) if the compressor (6) has operated consecutively at the limit value between the lower limit operation ratio (ΓII) and the upper limit operation ratio (Γul) (1025),
    • Inquiring whether or not the cooling compartment (2) temperature is greater than the compressor (6) cut-in temperature (tcut-in) (125),
    • Turning off the heater (7) and operating the compressor (6) if the cooling compartment (2) temperature is greater than the compressor (6) cut-in temperature (tcut-in) (1030),
    • After the step wherein the compressor (6) is operated (1030), returning to the step wherein the operation of the compressor (6) is controlled (1000),
    • Continuing with the operation of the fan (9) and the heater (7) if the cooling compartment (2) temperature is not greater than the compressor (6) cut-in temperature (tcut-in) (1025),
    • Keeping the fan (9) and the heater (7) turned off if the compressor (6) has not operated consecutively as much as the limit value between the lower limit operation ratio (ΓII) and the upper limit operation ratio (Γul) (1026),
    • Inquiring whether or not the cooling compartment (2) evaporator (5) temperature is greater than the compressor (6) cut-in temperature (tcut-in) (126),
    • Keeping the fan (9) and the heater (7) turned off if the cooling compartment (2) temperature is not greater than the compressor (6) cut-in temperature (tcut-in) (1026),
    • If the cooling compartment (2) evaporator (5) temperature is greater than the compressor (6) cut-in temperature (tcut-in), operating the compressor (6) and increasing the number of operations of the compressor (6) by one in the memory of the control unit (10) between the lower limit operation ratio (ΓII) and the upper limit operation ratio (Γul) (1028), and
    • Returning to the step wherein the operation ratio (Γ) is controlled after the compressor (6) is operated (1000) (Figure 2).
  • By means of this method, the control unit (10) first detects the operation or stopping state of the compressor (6), and regulates the operations of the fan (9) and the heater (7) for an effective and economic cooling when the compressor (6) stops. When the compressor (6) stops, it detects the heat distribution inside and outside the cooling compartment (2) by the operation ratio (Γ), and prevents local freezing by operating the heater (7) and the fan (9) if required.
  • By means of the control unit (10) of the present invention, the need of cooling and/or heating is detected by considering the operation ratio (Γ) when the compressor (6) stops. The heater (7) and the fan (9) are operated according to the determined need and a homogeneous heat is provided inside the cooling compartment (2) and thus, freezing on and around the evaporator (5) and heating in the freezing compartment (3) are prevented. The utilization of additional heating devices for the evaporator (5) is not required by the heat of the heater (7) used in the cooling compartment (2) being directed to the evaporator (5) by means of the fan (9), and savings of cost and power consumption are provided.
  • It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed above and a person skilled in the art can easily introduce different embodiments. These should be considered within the scope of the protection postulated by the claims of the present invention.

Claims (3)

  1. A refrigerator (1) comprising at least one cooling compartment (2) and at least one freezing compartment (3),
    - an insulative intermediate wall (4) that separates the compartments (2 and 3) from each other,
    - at least one evaporator (5) that is disposed on the rear wall of the cooling compartment (2),
    - a compressor (6) that compresses the refrigerant passing through the evaporator (5) and circulates in the refrigeration cycle,
    - a heater (7) that is disposed in the cooling compartment (2) and used for preventing the occurrence of sweating therein,
    - a sensor (8) that measures the cooling compartment (2) temperature,
    - a fan (9) that is located in the cooling compartment (2) and that circulates the air, which is cooled by the evaporator (5) or heated by the heater (7), inside the cooling compartment (2), and
    - a control unit (10) that regulates the operation of the compressor (6), heater (7) and fan (9) according to the data received from the sensor (8) characterized by the heater that is disposed on the ceiling of the cooling compartment, the control unit (10) that measures the operation time (ta) and stopping time (tb) of the compressor (6), and determines the compressor (6) operation ratio (Γ) from the ratio of the previous operation time (ta) to the cycle time (ta + tb) that is the sum of the previous operation time (ta) and previous stopping time (tb) when the compressor (6) stops, and
    - the fan (9) and the heater (7) that are activated by the control unit (10) if the operation ratio (Γ) is lower than the predetermined lower limit operation ratio (Γ II) or higher than the predetermined upper limit operation ratio (Γul) or equal thereto when the compressor (6) stops, and
    - the heater (7) that is activated if all of the cycles, the amount of which is a consecutively predetermined number, are realized at an operation ratio (Γ) remaining between the lower limit operation ratio (ΓII) and the upper limit operation ratio (Γul) when the compressor stops.
  2. A refrigerator (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by the control unit (10) which, after operating the heater (7), turns off the heater (7) and operates the compressor (6) upon receiving the data from the sensor (8) that the compressor (6) cut-in temperature (Tcut-in) is reached.
  3. A method of operating the refrigerator (1) as in any one of the above Claims, said method comprising the following steps:
    - Inquiring whether or not the compressor (6) is operating (1000),
    - If the compressor (6) is operating, returning to the first step in which it is inquired whether or not the compressor (6) is operating (1000),
    - If the compressor (6) is not operating, inquiring whether or not the operation ratio (Γ) is lower than the lower limit operation ratio (ΓII) (1020),
    - If the operation ratio (Γ) is lower than the lower limit operation ratio (ΓII), operating the fan (9) and the heater (7) (1021),
    - Inquiring whether or not the cooling compartment (2) temperature is greater than the compressor (6) cut-in temperature (tcut-in) (121),
    - Turning off the heater (7) and operating the compressor (6) if the cooling compartment (2) temperature is greater than the compressor (6) cut-in temperature (tcut-in) (1030),
    - Continuing with the operation of the fan (9) and the heater (7) if the cooling compartment (2) temperature is not greater than the compressor (6) cut-in temperature (tcut-in) (1021),
    - If the operation ratio (Γ) is higher than the lower limit operation ratio (ΓII), inquiring whether or not the operation ratio (Γ) is lower than the upper limit operation ratio (Γul) (1022),
    - If the operation ratio (Γ) is higher than the upper limit operation ratio (Γul), operating the fan (9) and the heater (7) (1024),
    - Inquiring whether or not the cooling compartment (2) temperature is greater than the compressor (6) cut-in temperature (tcut-in) (124),
    - Turning off the heater (7) and operating the compressor (6) if the cooling compartment (2) temperature is greater than the compressor (6) cut-in temperature (tcut-in) (1030),
    - Continuing with the operation of the fan (9) and the heater (7) if the cooling compartment (2) temperature is not greater than the compressor (6) cut-in temperature (tcut-in) (1024),
    - If the operation ratio (Γ) is lower than the upper limit operation ratio (Γul), comparing the number of consecutive operations of the compressor (6) between the lower limit operation ratio (ΓII) and the upper limit operation ratio (Γul) with the limit value stored in the memory of the control unit (10) (1023),
    - Keeping the fan (9) turned off and turning on the heater (7) if the compressor (6) has operated consecutively at the limit value between the lower limit operation ratio (Γll) and the upper limit operation ratio (Γul) (1025),
    - Inquiring whether or not the cooling compartment (2) temperature is greater than the compressor (6) cut-in temperature (tcut-in) (125),
    - Turning off the heater (7) and operating the compressor (6) if the cooling compartment (2) temperature is greater than the compressor (6) cut-in temperature (tcut-in) (1030),
    - After the step wherein the compressor (6) is operated (1030), returning to the step wherein the operation of the compressor (6) is controlled (1000),
    - Continuing with the operation of the fan (9) and the heater (7) if the cooling compartment (2) temperature is not greater than the compressor (6) cut-in temperature (tcut-in) (1025),
    - Keeping the fan (9) and the heater (7) turned off if the compressor (6) has not operated consecutively as much as the limit value between the lower limit operation ratio (Γll) and the upper limit operation ratio (Γul) (1026),
    - Inquiring whether or not the cooling compartment (2) evaporator (5) temperature is greater than the compressor (6) cut-in temperature (tcut-in) (126),
    - Keeping the fan (9) and the heater (7) turned off if the cooling compartment (2) temperature is not greater than the compressor (6) cut-in temperature (tcut-in) (1026),
    - If the cooling compartment (2) evaporator (5) temperature is greater than the compressor (6) cut-in temperature (tcut-in), increasing the number of operations of the compressor (6) by one in the memory of the control unit (10) between the lower limit operation ratio (ΓII) and the upper limit operation ratio (Γul) (1028), and
    - Returning to the step wherein the operation ratio (Γ) is controlled after the compressor (6) is operated (1000).
EP10722148A 2009-06-30 2010-06-16 A refrigerator operating independently of the ambient temperature Not-in-force EP2449323B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL10722148T PL2449323T3 (en) 2009-06-30 2010-06-16 A refrigerator operating independently of the ambient temperature

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
TR200905077 2009-06-30
PCT/EP2010/058501 WO2011000706A2 (en) 2009-06-30 2010-06-16 A refrigerator operating independently of the ambient temperature

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2449323A2 EP2449323A2 (en) 2012-05-09
EP2449323B1 true EP2449323B1 (en) 2013-03-20

Family

ID=43411507

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP10722148A Not-in-force EP2449323B1 (en) 2009-06-30 2010-06-16 A refrigerator operating independently of the ambient temperature

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2449323B1 (en)
CN (1) CN102472569B (en)
ES (1) ES2406255T3 (en)
PL (1) PL2449323T3 (en)
WO (1) WO2011000706A2 (en)

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102011075004A1 (en) * 2011-04-29 2012-10-31 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Single-circuit refrigerating appliance
US9250011B2 (en) 2011-08-26 2016-02-02 Thetford Corporation Absorption refrigerator with temperature control
PL2798290T3 (en) * 2011-12-26 2016-12-30 A cooling device energy consumption of which is decreased
CN102589231A (en) * 2012-02-23 2012-07-18 合肥美的荣事达电冰箱有限公司 Refrigerator with single refrigerating system
WO2013182374A1 (en) * 2012-06-06 2013-12-12 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi A cooling device with two compartments
CN106352647B (en) * 2016-08-30 2019-02-12 合肥美的电冰箱有限公司 Temprature control method and temperature control equipment and refrigerator

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN1178315A (en) * 1996-09-30 1998-04-08 大宇电子株式会社 Method for controlling fan of refrigerator
CN1137364C (en) * 1998-10-31 2004-02-04 株式会社大宇电子 Defrost technology for refrigerator
EP1030147B1 (en) * 1999-02-19 2004-04-07 Ranco Incorporated of Delaware Controller and method for controlling the temperature in a refrigerator
UA76962C2 (en) * 2000-10-11 2006-10-16 Arcelik As Method for refrigerating device control (variants)
SI22068A (en) * 2005-05-19 2006-12-31 Gorenje Gospodinjski Aparati, D.D. Control of a fridge-freezer appliance
CN101382375A (en) * 2007-09-07 2009-03-11 伊莱克斯(中国)电器有限公司 Defrosting control method for frost-free refrigerator

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES2406255T3 (en) 2013-06-06
WO2011000706A2 (en) 2011-01-06
CN102472569B (en) 2015-04-08
WO2011000706A3 (en) 2011-04-07
PL2449323T3 (en) 2013-08-30
EP2449323A2 (en) 2012-05-09
CN102472569A (en) 2012-05-23

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CN106482441B (en) Refrigeration equipment working method and refrigeration equipment
EP2449323B1 (en) A refrigerator operating independently of the ambient temperature
EP0593194B1 (en) Refrigeration system with sequentially operating multiple evaporators
US8555664B2 (en) Condenser/compressor fan control for refrigerator
EP3356752B1 (en) Temperature control of refrigeration cavities in low ambient temperature conditions
EP2724097B1 (en) A cooling device preventing freezing of foodstuffs placed in the fresh food compartment
EP2433073B1 (en) A cooling device comprising two compartments
EP2433066B1 (en) A cooling device heated to prevent frosting
CN111351310A (en) Refrigeration equipment, defrosting control method and device thereof, and storage medium
JP5384271B2 (en) Cooling system
JP5544251B2 (en) refrigerator
WO2011154388A2 (en) A cooling device with two compartments
EP2370769B1 (en) A cooling device
EP3899383A1 (en) A cooling device comprising a variable speed compressor
WO2024061451A1 (en) Dual mode refrigerator
US20230266047A1 (en) Method for operating a domestic refrigerator, and domestic refrigerator
CN109163489A (en) Refrigerating method and device and Horizontal type wind-cooling refrigerating cabinet with the device
EP2636976B1 (en) Hybrid refrigerator and control method thereof
EP3732413B1 (en) A cooler comprising a heat controlled special compartment
WO2012089454A2 (en) A cooling device comprising a collection container
WO2012089604A2 (en) A cooling device with two compartments
EP2914912B1 (en) A cooling device comprising a bimetal switch
EP2520881A1 (en) A refrigeration system and method for refrigerating two compartments with evaporators in series
JP4906400B2 (en) refrigerator
JP2009085552A (en) Refrigerator

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20111118

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK SM TR

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 602321

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20130415

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602010005645

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20130516

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2406255

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

Effective date: 20130606

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: RO

Ref legal event code: EPE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130620

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130620

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130320

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130320

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 602321

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20130320

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130621

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130320

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130320

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130320

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: PL

Ref legal event code: T3

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: VDEP

Effective date: 20130320

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130320

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130320

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130722

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130320

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130320

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130720

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130320

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130320

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130320

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130320

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130320

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130320

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20140102

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602010005645

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20140102

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20130616

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130320

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20140630

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20140630

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130320

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20100616

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20130616

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130320

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 7

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 8

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20180625

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Payment date: 20180515

Year of fee payment: 9

Ref country code: RO

Payment date: 20180615

Year of fee payment: 9

Ref country code: PL

Payment date: 20180614

Year of fee payment: 9

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20180620

Year of fee payment: 9

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20130320

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20180627

Year of fee payment: 9

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20180724

Year of fee payment: 9

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20180620

Year of fee payment: 9

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 602010005645

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190616

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20190616

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190616

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190616

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20200101

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190630

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20201028

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190617

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190616

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190616