EP2659204A2 - A cooling device with a control unit for controlling cooling and defrosting - Google Patents

A cooling device with a control unit for controlling cooling and defrosting

Info

Publication number
EP2659204A2
EP2659204A2 EP11790796.4A EP11790796A EP2659204A2 EP 2659204 A2 EP2659204 A2 EP 2659204A2 EP 11790796 A EP11790796 A EP 11790796A EP 2659204 A2 EP2659204 A2 EP 2659204A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
compressor
cut
temperature
evaporator
producer
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Withdrawn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
EP11790796.4A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Erhan Kacmaz
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
Publication of EP2659204A2 publication Critical patent/EP2659204A2/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

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
    • F25D21/00—Defrosting; Preventing frosting; Removing condensed or defrost water
    • F25D21/002—Defroster control
    • F25D21/006—Defroster control with electronic control circuits
    • 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
    • F25D21/00—Defrosting; Preventing frosting; Removing condensed or defrost water
    • F25D21/06—Removing frost
    • F25D21/08—Removing frost by electric heating
    • 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
    • F25D21/00—Defrosting; Preventing frosting; Removing condensed or defrost water
    • F25D21/14—Collecting or removing condensed and defrost water; Drip trays
    • 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
    • F25D2600/00—Control issues
    • F25D2600/02—Timing
    • 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
    • F25D2700/10—Sensors measuring the temperature of the evaporator
    • 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 cooling device comprising a collection container wherein the frost formed as a result of defrost is collected.
  • frost is formed on the evaporator during utilization in the course of time. Frosting causes the refrigeration performance to decrease and frost to fall on the items at the lowermost part of the refrigeration cabin.
  • the frost on the evaporator is provided to fall by performing the defrost operation at certain intervals in order to eliminate this adverse effect.
  • the heater is operated during the defrost operation and the frost on the evaporator melts and flows into the drip container situated just beneath the evaporator.
  • a second heater is used for the aim of evaporating the water collected in the drip container.
  • the heaters that are continuously operated during the defrost operation not only increase energy consumption directly but also cause the compressor to operate much more by increasing the thermal load of the refrigeration cabin. In order to solve this problem, various methods are used for the aim of regulating the utilization of the heater.
  • the cooling device described in the state of the art Japanese Patent Application No. JP7141557 comprises a defrosting heater and a drain heater that provides the evaporation of water in the drip container.
  • the control of these heaters is performed by measuring the level of water in the drip container. If the water level is less than a certain value, it is decided that icing occurred.
  • a cooling device is described the temperature of the evaporator of which is measured.
  • activation and de-activation of the defrost heater is performed when the temperature of the evaporator reaches predetermined values.
  • a cooling device that comprises a control unit which decides for the defrosting operation according to the compressor run time and calculates the time of the defrosting operation.
  • the aim of the present invention is the realization of a cooling device wherein the defrost operation is performed effectively and the heater utilization time is decreased.
  • the cooling device realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention, explicated in the first claim and the respective claims thereof, comprises a collection container wherein the frost on the evaporator falls, a heater that provides heating of the collection container and the evaporator and a control unit which controls the operation thereof.
  • the heater is not operated continuously during the defrost cycle and a delay time, predetermined by the producer, is given when the compressor cut-in requirement is realized due to the temperature of the cabin. Since the frost on the evaporator would not be cleared entirely if the heater is not operated when the cooling device performs the compressor cut-in requirement generally due to the cabin interior temperature, the frost is provided to be removed entirely and accumulated in the collection container during this delay time.
  • control unit decides that the frost on the evaporator has melted entirely and operates the heater at the end of the delay time.
  • the purpose for operating the heater is to melt and liquefy the frost accumulated in the collection container.
  • the cooling device comprises an evaporator temperature sensor disposed on the evaporator and that measures the temperature of the evaporator.
  • the temperature measured by the evaporator temperature sensor is controlled during the defrost and when this temperature reaches the temperature predetermined by the producer indicating that the frost on the evaporator has melted, the heater is operated without waiting for the delay time to end.
  • the temperature that indicates the frost has melted is generally around 4 0 C.
  • the heater at whatever condition it is cut in, is operated for a heater operation time predetermined by the producer. This duration is determined to be sufficient for the frost collected in the collection container to melt. At the end of this duration, the heater is turned off and the compressor is operated. Thus, the defrost cycle is completed and the normal cycle starts.
  • the compressor cut-out number is used as the defrost starting condition.
  • the compressor cut-out number is increased by one in the memory of the control unit.
  • the compressor cut-out number reaches a number predetermined by the producer, the defrost cycle is started and the counter is reset.
  • the compressor cut-out number predetermined by the producer, starting the defrost cycle when reached is three. Accordingly, the control unit decides that the evaporator is frosted at every three cycles of the compressor and starts the defrost cycle.
  • the control unit starts the defrost cycle when the obligatory defrost condition is fulfilled even if the defrost condition according to the compressor cut-out number is not yet fulfilled.
  • the obligatory defrost condition is determined according to the compressor operation time.
  • the control unit cuts out the compressor and starts the defrost cycle when the time elapsed beginning from the compressor cut-in time reaches a compressor threshold time predetermined by the producer.
  • the compressor threshold time is determined as 270 minutes. The compressor is stopped and the defrost cycle starts when the run time thereof reaches 270 minutes even if the compressor is still performing the first or the second cycle. In the meantime, the compressor cut-out number is also reset.
  • the heater is disposed at the underside of the tail type evaporator.
  • the evaporator is disposed between the rear wall and the exterior body of the cooling device.
  • the evaporator causes frosting on the rear wall whereto it is adjacent.
  • the collection container, wherein this frost falls, is located at the level where the evaporator ends but on the inner surface of the rear wall.
  • the heater disposed on the evaporator effectively heats the collection container situated on the other face of the rear wall. If there is still frost left on the evaporator, it is provided to fall into the collection container since the evaporator is also heated at the same time.
  • a hole is arranged at the base of the collection container.
  • the frost in the collection container becomes liquefied and flows from the hole after the heater is operated.
  • the base of the collection container is produced to be inclined towards the hole.
  • all of the liquid on the base is provided to be discharged.
  • the liquid draining from the hole is collected in the evaporation container situated between the rear wall and the exterior body of the cooling device. Since the evaporation container is also right under the evaporator, some portion of the frost on the evaporator directly falls into the evaporation container.
  • the evaporation container is disposed on the periphery of the compressor so as to take advantage of the residual heat generated by the compressor.
  • the cooling device comprises more than one cabin, at least one evaporator disposed in each of these cabins, at least one collection container in each cabin, at least one heater around each collection container, at least one valve providing to determine to which evaporator the refrigerant compressed by the compressor will be directed and a control unit that controls the operation of the compressor and the heaters.
  • the cooling device is a refrigerator having a freezer cabin and a fresh food cabin.
  • the frost is provided to be collected in a collection container without using the heater and the heater is used for the aim of only melting the collected frost.
  • the heater is used for a shorter time period and the total energy consumption of the cooling device is decreased.
  • Figure 1 – is the schematic view of a cooling device.
  • Figure 2 — is the schematic view of another embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 3 – is the flow chart of a cooling device control method embodiment.
  • the cooling device (1) comprises at least one cabin (2) wherein the items to be cooled are placed, a compressor (3) that circulates the refrigerant fluid in the refrigeration cycle by compressing, at least one evaporator (4) providing the interior volume of the cabin (2) to be cooled by absorbing the thermal energy, a cabin temperature sensor (6) that measures the temperature in the interior of the cabin (2), at least one collection container (7) wherein the frost accumulated around the evaporator (4) falls, at least one heater (8) providing the frost falling into the collection container (7) to be melted by heating and a control unit (9)
  • the control unit (9) delays the cut-in of the compressor (3) by a delay time predetermined by the producer (t delay ) when the temperature detected by the cabin temperature sensor (6) (T R ) reaches the compressor (3) cut-in temperature (T Rcut-in ) during the defrost cycle.
  • the control unit (9) starts the defrost cycle upon deciding that frosting has occurred on the evaporator (4), as the compressor (3) is cut-out, but the heater (8) is not operated during this time.
  • the temperature inside the cabin (2) rises as the compressor (3) is cut-out and the frosting on the evaporator (4) starts to thaw in the course of time.
  • the control unit (9) delays the cut-in of the compressor (3) as long as a delay time predetermined by the producer (t delay ) since the removal of frosting on the evaporator (4) may not be completed. Accordingly, the removal of frosting on the evaporator (4) and accumulation on the collection container (7) are guaranteed.
  • the control unit (9) cuts in the heater (8) at the end of the delay time predetermined by the producer (t delay ).
  • the frost around the evaporator (4) is entirely removed at the end of the delay time (t delay ) predetermined by the producer and is collected inside the collection container (7).
  • the frost in the collection container (7) is provided to melt by means of the heater (8) being operated in the meantime.
  • the compressor (3) is not yet cut in while the heater (8) operates.
  • the cooling device (1) comprises an evaporator temperature sensor (5) that measures the temperature on the surface of the evaporator (4).
  • the control unit (9) compares the temperature detected by the evaporator temperature sensor (5) (T EVA ) with the threshold temperature predetermined by the producer (T threshold ), whereat the frost around the evaporator (4) is removed and cuts in the heater (8) without waiting for the delay time predetermined by the producer (t delay ) to end when the temperature detected by the evaporator temperature sensor (5) (T EVA ) reaches the threshold temperature predetermined by the producer (T threshold ), whereat the frost around the evaporator (4) is removed within the delay time predetermined by the producer (t delay ).
  • the data about the frost around the evaporator (4) being entirely melted is received by means of the evaporator temperature sensor (5) disposed on the evaporator (4) and the heater (8) is operated without waiting until the end of the delay time predetermined by the producer (t delay ).
  • the temperature of the cabin (2) interior is provided to decrease by a lesser amount.
  • the control unit (9) cuts out the heater (8) at the end of a heater (8) operation time predetermined by the producer (t heat ) and cuts in the compressor (3).
  • the heater (8) that is cut in in the last phase of the defrost cycle is operated as long as a heater (8) operation time predetermined by the producer (t heat ), melting the frost collected in the collection container (7) and the heater (8) is cut out at the end of this time.
  • the defrost cycle ends as the compressor (3) is cut in simultaneously.
  • the cut-out number of the compressor (3) (n cut-out ) is recorded in the memory of the control unit (9).
  • the control unit (9) increases the cut-out number of the compressor (3) (n cut-out ) recorded in memory by one each time the compressor (3) is cut out and when the compressor (3) cut-out number (n cut-out ) reaches a compressor (3) cut-out number predetermined by the producer (N cut-out ), starts the defrost cycle and resets the compressor (3) cut-out number (n cut-out ) recorded in the memory thereof.
  • the compressor (3) cut-out number predetermined by the producer (N cut-out ) is three.
  • the control unit (9) decides that frosting has occurred on the evaporator (4) after the compressor (3) is operated three times and stopped. As the defrost cycle starts the compressor (3) cut-out number (n cut-out ) recorded in the memory of the control unit (9) is reset.
  • the control unit (9) starts the defrost cycle if the operation time ( t comp ) that starts with the cut-in of the compressor (3) exceeds a compressor (3) threshold time predetermined by the producer (t threshold ).
  • the compressor (3) is operated continuously in order to keep the cabin (2) temperature within the desired interval if the door of the cooling device (1) is kept open for a long time or is forgotten in the open position by the user. This causes frosting to be formed on the evaporator (4) after some time.
  • the cooling device (1) enters the obligatory defrost cycle when the operation time (t comp ) that starts with the cut-in of the compressor (3) reaches a compressor (3) threshold time predetermined by the producer (t threshold ). In this embodiment, preferably 270 minutes is selected as the compressor (3) threshold time (t threshold ).
  • the heater (8) is positioned so as to heat both the evaporator (4) and the collection container (7).
  • the tail-type evaporator (4) is used and the heater (8) is disposed on the evaporator (4).
  • the evaporator (4) is disposed behind the rear wall of the cooling device (1) and the collection container (7) is disposed at the front side of the rear wall.
  • the heater (8) heats both the evaporator (4) and the collection container (7) since it is located at the lowermost portion of the evaporator (4) and aligned with the collection container (7). Consequently, not only the frost remaining on the evaporator (4) falls into the collection container (7) but also the frost fallen into the collection container (7) is melted and liquefied.
  • the cooling device (1) comprises a hole (10) disposed on the base of the collection container (7), providing the water formed after the ice therein melts to be discharged and an evaporation container (11) wherein the water discharged from the hole (10) is collected. After the frost collected in the collection container (7) is melted by means of the heater (8), it flows through the hole (10) located on the base of the collection container (7). The other end of the hole (10) reaches the evaporation container (11).
  • the evaporation container (11) is disposed on the periphery of the compressor (3) so as to take advantage of the residual heat generated by the compressor (3). Thus, it is not required to use an additional heater for evaporating the liquid in the evaporation container (11) and less energy is consumed.
  • the cooling device (1) comprises more than one cabin (2), at least one evaporator (4) disposed in each one of these cabins (2), at least one collection container (7) in each cabin (2), at least one heater (8) around each collection container (7), at least one valve (12) that provides to determine to which evaporator (4) the refrigerant pumped from the compressor (3) will be directed and a control unit (9) that controls the operation of the compressor (3) and the heaters (8) ( Figure 2).
  • the operation of the heater (8) and the compressor (3) is controlled in the following manner:
  • the frost in the collection container (7) is melted effectively and directed to the evaporation container (11). Consequently, the frost in the collection container (7) is prevented from overspilling into the cabin (2). Furthermore, unnecessary utilization of the heater (8) is prevented and energy savings is provided by decreasing the total utilization time.

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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)
  • Defrosting Systems (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cooling device (1) comprising at least one cabin (2) wherein the items to be cooled are placed, a compressor (3) that circulates the refrigerant fluid in the refrigeration cycle by compressing, at least one evaporator (4) providing the cabin (2) interior volume to be cooled by absorbing the thermal energy, a cabin temperature sensor (6) that measures the temperature of the cabin (2) interior, at least one collection container (7) wherein the frost accumulated around the evaporator (4) falls, at least one heater (8) providing the frost falling into the collection container (7) to be melted by heating and a control unit (9) that controls the operation of the compressor (3) and the heaters (8), and wherein less energy consumption is provided in the defrost cycle.

Description

    A COOLING DEVICE COMPRISING A COLLECTION CONTAINER
  • The present invention relates to a cooling device comprising a collection container wherein the frost formed as a result of defrost is collected.
  • In cooling devices, for example in refrigerators or freezers, frost is formed on the evaporator during utilization in the course of time. Frosting causes the refrigeration performance to decrease and frost to fall on the items at the lowermost part of the refrigeration cabin. The frost on the evaporator is provided to fall by performing the defrost operation at certain intervals in order to eliminate this adverse effect. Generally the heater is operated during the defrost operation and the frost on the evaporator melts and flows into the drip container situated just beneath the evaporator. In the state of the art, there are some embodiments wherein a second heater is used for the aim of evaporating the water collected in the drip container. The heaters that are continuously operated during the defrost operation not only increase energy consumption directly but also cause the compressor to operate much more by increasing the thermal load of the refrigeration cabin. In order to solve this problem, various methods are used for the aim of regulating the utilization of the heater.
  • The cooling device described in the state of the art Japanese Patent Application No. JP7141557, comprises a defrosting heater and a drain heater that provides the evaporation of water in the drip container. The control of these heaters is performed by measuring the level of water in the drip container. If the water level is less than a certain value, it is decided that icing occurred.
  • In the state of the art Korean patent application no KR20010055666, it is described that the defrosting heater is operated late by circulating the air in the refrigeration compartment by means of the fan.
  • In the state of the art United States of America Patent Application No. US20030140639, a cooling device is described the temperature of the evaporator of which is measured. In this embodiment, activation and de-activation of the defrost heater is performed when the temperature of the evaporator reaches predetermined values.
  • In the state of the art United States of America Patent Application No. US5493867, a cooling device is described that comprises a control unit which decides for the defrosting operation according to the compressor run time and calculates the time of the defrosting operation.
  • The aim of the present invention is the realization of a cooling device wherein the defrost operation is performed effectively and the heater utilization time is decreased.
  • The cooling device realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention, explicated in the first claim and the respective claims thereof, comprises a collection container wherein the frost on the evaporator falls, a heater that provides heating of the collection container and the evaporator and a control unit which controls the operation thereof.
  • In the cooling device of the present invention, the heater is not operated continuously during the defrost cycle and a delay time, predetermined by the producer, is given when the compressor cut-in requirement is realized due to the temperature of the cabin. Since the frost on the evaporator would not be cleared entirely if the heater is not operated when the cooling device performs the compressor cut-in requirement generally due to the cabin interior temperature, the frost is provided to be removed entirely and accumulated in the collection container during this delay time.
  • In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit decides that the frost on the evaporator has melted entirely and operates the heater at the end of the delay time. In this embodiment, the purpose for operating the heater is to melt and liquefy the frost accumulated in the collection container.
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, the cooling device comprises an evaporator temperature sensor disposed on the evaporator and that measures the temperature of the evaporator. The temperature measured by the evaporator temperature sensor is controlled during the defrost and when this temperature reaches the temperature predetermined by the producer indicating that the frost on the evaporator has melted, the heater is operated without waiting for the delay time to end. The temperature that indicates the frost has melted is generally around 40C.
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, the heater, at whatever condition it is cut in, is operated for a heater operation time predetermined by the producer. This duration is determined to be sufficient for the frost collected in the collection container to melt. At the end of this duration, the heater is turned off and the compressor is operated. Thus, the defrost cycle is completed and the normal cycle starts.
  • In an embodiment of the present invention, the compressor cut-out number is used as the defrost starting condition. Each time the compressor is cut out, the compressor cut-out number is increased by one in the memory of the control unit. When the compressor cut-out number reaches a number predetermined by the producer, the defrost cycle is started and the counter is reset. In the cooling device of the present invention, the compressor cut-out number predetermined by the producer, starting the defrost cycle when reached, is three. Accordingly, the control unit decides that the evaporator is frosted at every three cycles of the compressor and starts the defrost cycle.
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit starts the defrost cycle when the obligatory defrost condition is fulfilled even if the defrost condition according to the compressor cut-out number is not yet fulfilled. The obligatory defrost condition is determined according to the compressor operation time. The control unit cuts out the compressor and starts the defrost cycle when the time elapsed beginning from the compressor cut-in time reaches a compressor threshold time predetermined by the producer. In the cooling device of the present invention, the compressor threshold time is determined as 270 minutes. The compressor is stopped and the defrost cycle starts when the run time thereof reaches 270 minutes even if the compressor is still performing the first or the second cycle. In the meantime, the compressor cut-out number is also reset.
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, the heater is disposed at the underside of the tail type evaporator. In this embodiment, the evaporator is disposed between the rear wall and the exterior body of the cooling device. The evaporator causes frosting on the rear wall whereto it is adjacent. The collection container, wherein this frost falls, is located at the level where the evaporator ends but on the inner surface of the rear wall. The heater disposed on the evaporator effectively heats the collection container situated on the other face of the rear wall. If there is still frost left on the evaporator, it is provided to fall into the collection container since the evaporator is also heated at the same time.
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, a hole is arranged at the base of the collection container. The frost in the collection container becomes liquefied and flows from the hole after the heater is operated. The base of the collection container is produced to be inclined towards the hole. Thus, all of the liquid on the base is provided to be discharged. The liquid draining from the hole is collected in the evaporation container situated between the rear wall and the exterior body of the cooling device. Since the evaporation container is also right under the evaporator, some portion of the frost on the evaporator directly falls into the evaporation container.
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, the evaporation container is disposed on the periphery of the compressor so as to take advantage of the residual heat generated by the compressor.
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, the cooling device comprises more than one cabin, at least one evaporator disposed in each of these cabins, at least one collection container in each cabin, at least one heater around each collection container, at least one valve providing to determine to which evaporator the refrigerant compressed by the compressor will be directed and a control unit that controls the operation of the compressor and the heaters. In this embodiment, the cooling device is a refrigerator having a freezer cabin and a fresh food cabin.
  • By means of the present invention, the frost is provided to be collected in a collection container without using the heater and the heater is used for the aim of only melting the collected frost. Thus, the heater is used for a shorter time period and the total energy consumption of the cooling device is decreased.
  • The model embodiments relating to a cooling device realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention are illustrated in the attached figures, where:
  • Figure 1 – is the schematic view of a cooling device.
  • Figure 2 – is the schematic view of another embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 3 – is the flow chart of a cooling device control method embodiment.
  • The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:
    1. Cooling device
    2. Cabin
    3. Compressor
    4. Evaporator
    5. Evaporator temperature sensor
    6. Cabin temperature sensor
    7. Collection container
    8. Heater
    9. Control unit
    10. Hole
    11. Evaporation container
    12. Valve
  • The following symbols are used for explicating the cooling device (1) of the present invention:
    • TR: temperature detected by the cabin temperature sensor (6)
    • TRcut-in : compressor (3) cut-in temperature
    • TRcut-out : compressor (3) cut-out temperature
    • TEVA: temperature detected by the evaporator temperature sensor (5)
    • Tthreshold : threshold temperature whereat the frost around the evaporator (4) is removed
    • ncut-out : compressor (3) cut-out number
    • Ncut-out : compressor (3) cut-out number predetermined by the producer
    • tdelay : delay time predetermined by the producer
    • tcomp : time elapsed beginning from the compressor (3) cut-in
    • tthreshold : compressor (3) threshold time predetermined by the producer
    • theat : heater (8) operation time predetermined by the producer
  • The cooling device (1) comprises at least one cabin (2) wherein the items to be cooled are placed, a compressor (3) that circulates the refrigerant fluid in the refrigeration cycle by compressing, at least one evaporator (4) providing the interior volume of the cabin (2) to be cooled by absorbing the thermal energy, a cabin temperature sensor (6) that measures the temperature in the interior of the cabin (2), at least one collection container (7) wherein the frost accumulated around the evaporator (4) falls, at least one heater (8) providing the frost falling into the collection container (7) to be melted by heating and a control unit (9)
    • that compares the temperature detected by the cabin temperature sensor (6) (TR) with the compressor (3) cut-in temperature predetermined by the producer (TRcut-in) while the compressor (3) does not operate and cuts in the compressor (3) when the temperature detected by the cabin temperature sensor (6) (TR) reaches the compressor (3) cut-in temperature predetermined by the producer (TRcut-in),
    • that, while the compressor (3) operates, compares the temperature detected by the cabin temperature sensor (6) (TR) with the compressor (3) cut-out temperature predetermined by the producer (TRcut-out) and cuts out the compressor (3) when the temperature detected by the cabin temperature sensor (6) (TR) reaches the compressor (3) cut-out temperature predetermined by the producer (TRcut-out) and
    • and starts the defrost cycle after the compressor (3) is cut out if there is frosting around the evaporator (4) (Figure 1).
  • In the cooling device (1) of the present invention, the control unit (9) delays the cut-in of the compressor (3) by a delay time predetermined by the producer (tdelay) when the temperature detected by the cabin temperature sensor (6) (TR) reaches the compressor (3) cut-in temperature (TRcut-in) during the defrost cycle. The control unit (9) starts the defrost cycle upon deciding that frosting has occurred on the evaporator (4), as the compressor (3) is cut-out, but the heater (8) is not operated during this time. The temperature inside the cabin (2) rises as the compressor (3) is cut-out and the frosting on the evaporator (4) starts to thaw in the course of time. During the defrost cycle, even if the temperature detected by the cabin temperature sensor (6) (TR) reaches the compressor (3) cut-in temperature predetermined by the producer (TRcut-in), the control unit (9) delays the cut-in of the compressor (3) as long as a delay time predetermined by the producer (tdelay) since the removal of frosting on the evaporator (4) may not be completed. Accordingly, the removal of frosting on the evaporator (4) and accumulation on the collection container (7) are guaranteed.
  • In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit (9) cuts in the heater (8) at the end of the delay time predetermined by the producer (tdelay). The frost around the evaporator (4) is entirely removed at the end of the delay time (tdelay) predetermined by the producer and is collected inside the collection container (7). The frost in the collection container (7) is provided to melt by means of the heater (8) being operated in the meantime. Thus, the frost in the collection container (7) is prevented from overspilling. The compressor (3) is not yet cut in while the heater (8) operates.
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, the cooling device (1) comprises an evaporator temperature sensor (5) that measures the temperature on the surface of the evaporator (4). In this embodiment, the control unit (9) compares the temperature detected by the evaporator temperature sensor (5) (TEVA) with the threshold temperature predetermined by the producer (Tthreshold), whereat the frost around the evaporator (4) is removed and cuts in the heater (8) without waiting for the delay time predetermined by the producer (tdelay) to end when the temperature detected by the evaporator temperature sensor (5) (TEVA) reaches the threshold temperature predetermined by the producer (Tthreshold), whereat the frost around the evaporator (4) is removed within the delay time predetermined by the producer (tdelay). In this embodiment, the data about the frost around the evaporator (4) being entirely melted is received by means of the evaporator temperature sensor (5) disposed on the evaporator (4) and the heater (8) is operated without waiting until the end of the delay time predetermined by the producer (tdelay). Thus, the temperature of the cabin (2) interior is provided to decrease by a lesser amount.
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit (9) cuts out the heater (8) at the end of a heater (8) operation time predetermined by the producer (theat) and cuts in the compressor (3). The heater (8) that is cut in in the last phase of the defrost cycle is operated as long as a heater (8) operation time predetermined by the producer (theat), melting the frost collected in the collection container (7) and the heater (8) is cut out at the end of this time. The defrost cycle ends as the compressor (3) is cut in simultaneously.
  • In an embodiment of the present invention, the cut-out number of the compressor (3) (ncut-out) is recorded in the memory of the control unit (9). In this embodiment, the control unit (9) increases the cut-out number of the compressor (3) (ncut-out) recorded in memory by one each time the compressor (3) is cut out and when the compressor (3) cut-out number (ncut-out) reaches a compressor (3) cut-out number predetermined by the producer (Ncut-out), starts the defrost cycle and resets the compressor (3) cut-out number (ncut-out) recorded in the memory thereof. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the compressor (3) cut-out number predetermined by the producer (Ncut-out) is three. The control unit (9) decides that frosting has occurred on the evaporator (4) after the compressor (3) is operated three times and stopped. As the defrost cycle starts the compressor (3) cut-out number (ncut-out) recorded in the memory of the control unit (9) is reset.
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit (9) starts the defrost cycle if the operation time (tcomp) that starts with the cut-in of the compressor (3) exceeds a compressor (3) threshold time predetermined by the producer (tthreshold). The compressor (3) is operated continuously in order to keep the cabin (2) temperature within the desired interval if the door of the cooling device (1) is kept open for a long time or is forgotten in the open position by the user. This causes frosting to be formed on the evaporator (4) after some time. In this situation, the cooling device (1) enters the obligatory defrost cycle when the operation time (tcomp) that starts with the cut-in of the compressor (3) reaches a compressor (3) threshold time predetermined by the producer (tthreshold). In this embodiment, preferably 270 minutes is selected as the compressor (3) threshold time (tthreshold).
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, the heater (8) is positioned so as to heat both the evaporator (4) and the collection container (7). In this embodiment, the tail-type evaporator (4) is used and the heater (8) is disposed on the evaporator (4). The evaporator (4) is disposed behind the rear wall of the cooling device (1) and the collection container (7) is disposed at the front side of the rear wall. The heater (8) heats both the evaporator (4) and the collection container (7) since it is located at the lowermost portion of the evaporator (4) and aligned with the collection container (7). Consequently, not only the frost remaining on the evaporator (4) falls into the collection container (7) but also the frost fallen into the collection container (7) is melted and liquefied.
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, the cooling device (1) comprises a hole (10) disposed on the base of the collection container (7), providing the water formed after the ice therein melts to be discharged and an evaporation container (11) wherein the water discharged from the hole (10) is collected. After the frost collected in the collection container (7) is melted by means of the heater (8), it flows through the hole (10) located on the base of the collection container (7). The other end of the hole (10) reaches the evaporation container (11).
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, the evaporation container (11) is disposed on the periphery of the compressor (3) so as to take advantage of the residual heat generated by the compressor (3). Thus, it is not required to use an additional heater for evaporating the liquid in the evaporation container (11) and less energy is consumed.
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, the cooling device (1) comprises more than one cabin (2), at least one evaporator (4) disposed in each one of these cabins (2), at least one collection container (7) in each cabin (2), at least one heater (8) around each collection container (7), at least one valve (12) that provides to determine to which evaporator (4) the refrigerant pumped from the compressor (3) will be directed and a control unit (9) that controls the operation of the compressor (3) and the heaters (8) (Figure 2).
  • In an embodiment of the present invention, the operation of the heater (8) and the compressor (3) is controlled in the following manner:
    • Start (100),
    • Controlling whether the compressor (3) is operating or not (101),
    • If the compressor (3) is operating, returning to the starting step (100),
    • If the compressor (3) is not operating, the compressor (3) cut-out number (ncut-out) recorded in memory of the control unit (9) is increased by one (102),
    • The compressor (3) cut-out number (ncut-out) recorded in memory of the control unit (9) is controlled (103),
    • If the compressor (3) cut-out number (ncut-out) recorded in memory of the control unit (9) is smaller than three, waiting until the compressor (3) is cut in again and when the compressor (3) is cut in again and returning the starting step (100),
    • If the compressor (3) cut-out number (ncut-out) recorded in memory of the control unit (9) is equal to three, the defrost cycle is started and the compressor (3) cut-out number (ncut-out) recorded in memory of the control unit (9) is reset (104),
    • The temperature detected by the cabin temperature sensor (6) (TR) is compared with the compressor (3) cut-in temperature (TRcut-in) (105),
    • If the temperature detected by the cabin temperature sensor (6) (TR) is lower than the compressor (3) cut-in temperature (TRcut-in), return to the step (105) wherein the temperature detected by the cabin temperature sensor (6) (TR) is compared with the compressor (3) cut-in temperature (TRcut-in),
    • If the temperature detected by the cabin temperature sensor (6) (TR) is equal to the compressor (3) cut-in temperature (TRcut-in) or greater than the compressor (3) cut-in temperature (TRcut-in), then the time counter is operated (106),
    • The temperature detected by the evaporator temperature sensor (5) (TEVA) is compared with the threshold temperature whereat the frosting around the evaporator (4) is removed (107) (Tthreshold),
    • If the temperature detected by the evaporator temperature sensor (5) (TEVA) is equal to the threshold temperature whereat the frosting around the evaporator (4) is removed (Tthreshold) or greater than the threshold temperature whereat the frosting around the evaporator (4) is removed (Tthreshold), the heater (8) is operated (108),
    • If the temperature detected by the evaporator temperature sensor (5) (TEVA) is smaller than the threshold temperature whereat the frosting around the evaporator (4) is removed (Tthreshold), the time in the time counter and the delay time predetermined by the producer (tdelay) is compared (109),
    • If the time in the time counter is smaller than the delay time predetermined by the producer (tdelay) then return to step (107) wherein the temperature detected by the evaporator temperature sensor (5) (TEVA) is compared with the threshold temperature whereat the frosting around the evaporator (4) is removed (Tthreshold),
    • If the time in the time counter is equal to the delay time predetermined by the producer (tdelay) or greater than the delay time predetermined by the producer (tdelay), the heater (8) is operated (110)
    • The heater (8) is cut out after being operated for a heater (8) operation time predetermined by the producer (theat) and the compressor (3) is cut in (111)
    • Returning to the starting step (100) (Figure 3).
  • By means of the cooling device (1) of the present invention, the frost in the collection container (7) is melted effectively and directed to the evaporation container (11). Consequently, the frost in the collection container (7) is prevented from overspilling into the cabin (2). Furthermore, unnecessary utilization of the heater (8) is prevented and energy savings is provided by decreasing the total utilization time.
  • It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited by 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 (11)

  1. A cooling device (1) comprising at least one cabin (2) wherein the items to be cooled are placed, a compressor (3) that circulates the refrigerant fluid in the refrigeration cycle by compressing, at least one evaporator (4) providing the cabin (2) interior volume to be cooled by absorbing the thermal energy, a cabin temperature sensor (6) that measures the temperature of the cabin (2) interior, at least one collection container (7) wherein the frost accumulated around the evaporator (4) falls, at least one heater (8) providing the frost falling into the collection container (7) to be melted by heating and a control unit (9)
    - that compares the temperature detected by the cabin temperature sensor (6) (TR) when the compressor (3) is not operated with the compressor (3) cut-in temperature predetermined by the producer (TRcut-in) and cuts in the compressor (3) when the temperature detected by the cabin temperature sensor (6) (TR) reaches the compressor (3) cut-in temperature predetermined by the producer (TRcut-in),
    - that compares the temperature detected by the cabin temperature sensor (6) (TR) while the compressor (3) is operated with the compressor (3) cut-out temperature predetermined by the producer (TRcut-out) and cuts out the compressor (3) when the temperature detected by the cabin temperature sensor (6) (TR) reaches the compressor (3) cut-out temperature predetermined by the producer (TRcut-out) and
    - starts the defrost cycle after the compressor (3) is cut out if there is frosting around the evaporator (4),
    characterized by the control unit (9) that delays the cut-in of the compressor (3) by a delay time predetermined by the producer (tdelay) when the temperature detected by the cabin temperature sensor (6) (TR) reaches the compressor (3) cut-in temperature (TRcut-in) during the defrost cycle.
  2. A cooling device (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by the control unit (9) that cuts in the heater (8) at the end of the delay time predetermined by the producer (tdelay).
  3. A cooling device (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by an evaporator temperature sensor (5) that measures the temperature on the surface of the evaporator (4) and the control unit (9) that compares the temperature detected by the evaporator temperature sensor (5) (TEVA) with the threshold temperature predetermined by the producer, whereat the frost around the evaporator (4) is removed (Tthreshold) and within the delay time predetermined by the producer (tdelay), when the temperature detected by the evaporator temperature sensor (5) (TEVA) reaches the threshold temperature predetermined by the producer, whereat the frost around the evaporator (4) is removed (Tthreshold), cuts in the heater (8) without waiting for the delay time predetermined by the producer (tdelay) to end.
  4. A cooling device (1) as in Claim 2 or 3, characterized by the control unit (9) that cuts out the heater (8) at the end of a heater (8) operation time predetermined by the producer (theat) and cuts in the compressor (3).
  5. A cooling device (1) as in any one of the above Claims, characterized by the control unit (9) wherein the compressor (3) cut-out number (ncut-out) is recorded in its memory, increasing the compressor (3) cut-out number (ncut-out) recorded in memory by one every time the compressor (3) is cut out and when the compressor (3) cut-out number (ncut-out) reaches a compressor (3) cut-out number predetermined by the producer (Ncut-out), starts the defrost cycle and resets the compressor (3) cut-out number (ncut-out) recorded in the memory thereof.
  6. A cooling device (1) as in any one of the Claims 1 to 4, characterized by the control unit (9) that starts the defrost cycle if the operation time (tcomp) that starts with the cut-in of the compressor (3) exceeds a compressor (3) threshold time predetermined by the producer (tthreshold).
  7. A cooling device (1) as in any one of the above Claims, characterized by the heater (8) that is positioned so as to heat both the evaporator (4) and the collection container (7).
  8. A cooling device (1) as in any one of the above Claims, characterized by a hole (10) disposed on the base of the collection container (7), providing the water formed after the ice therein melts to be discharged and an evaporation container (11) wherein the water discharged from the hole (10) is collected.
  9. A cooling device (1) as in Claim 8, characterized by the evaporation container (11) that is disposed on the periphery of the compressor (3) so as to take advantage of the residual heat generated by the compressor (3).
  10. A cooling device (1) as in any one of the above Claims, characterized by more than one cabin (2), at least one evaporator (4) disposed in each one of these cabins (2), at least one collection container (7) in each cabin (2), at least one heater (8) around each collection container (7), at least one valve (12) that provides to determine to which evaporator (4) the refrigerant pumped from the compressor (3) will be directed and a control unit (9) that controls the operation of the compressor (3) and the heaters (8).
  11. For a cooling device (1) as in any one of the above claims, a method comprising the following steps:
    - Start (100),
    - Controlling whether the compressor (3) is operating or not (101),
    - If the compressor (3) is operating, returning to the starting step (100),
    - If the compressor (3) is not operating, increasing the compressor (3) cut-out number (ncut-out) recorded in memory of the control unit (9) by one (102),
    - Controlling the compressor (3) cut-out number (ncut-out) recorded in memory of the control unit (9) (103),
    - If the compressor (3) cut-out number (ncut-out) recorded in memory of the control unit (9) is smaller than three, waiting until the compressor (3) is cut in again and when the compressor (3) is cut in again and returning to the starting step (100),
    - If the compressor (3) cut-out number (ncut-out) recorded in memory of the control unit (9) is equal to three, starting the defrost cycle and resetting the compressor (3) cut-out number (ncut-out) recorded in memory of the control unit (9) (104),
    - Comparing the temperature detected by the cabin temperature sensor (6) (TR) with the compressor (3) cut-in temperature (TRcut-in) (105),
    - If the temperature detected by the cabin temperature sensor (6) (TR) is lower than the compressor (3) cut-in temperature (TRcut-in), returning to the step (105) wherein the temperature detected by the cabin temperature sensor (6) (TR) is compared with the compressor (3) cut-in temperature (TRcut-in),
    - If the temperature detected by the cabin temperature sensor (6) (TR) is equal to the compressor (3) cut-in temperature (TRcut-in) or greater than the compressor (3) cut-in temperature (TRcut-in), operating the time counter (106),
    - Comparing the temperature detected by the evaporator temperature sensor (5) (TEVA) with the threshold temperature whereat the frosting around the evaporator (4) is removed (Tthreshold) (107),
    - If the temperature detected by the evaporator temperature sensor (5) (TEVA) is equal to the threshold temperature whereat the frosting around the evaporator (4) is removed (Tthreshold) or greater than the threshold temperature whereat the frosting around the evaporator (4) is removed (Tthreshold), operating the heater (8) (108),
    - If the temperature detected by the evaporator temperature sensor (5) (TEVA) is smaller than the threshold temperature whereat the frosting around the evaporator (4) is removed (Tthreshold), comparing the time in the time counter and the delay time predetermined by the producer (tdelay) (109),
    - If the time in the time counter is smaller than the delay time predetermined by the producer (tdelay), returning to step (107) wherein the temperature detected by the evaporator temperature sensor (5) (TEVA) is compared with the threshold temperature whereat the frosting around the evaporator (4) is removed (Tthreshold),
    - If the time in the time counter is equal to the delay time predetermined by the producer (tdelay) or greater than the delay time predetermined by the producer (tdelay), operating the heater (8) (110)
    - Cutting out the heater (8) after being operated for a heater (8) operation time predetermined by the producer (theat) and cutting in the compressor (3) (111)
    - Returning to the starting step (100).
EP11790796.4A 2010-12-27 2011-12-06 A cooling device with a control unit for controlling cooling and defrosting Withdrawn EP2659204A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
TR201010965 2010-12-27
PCT/EP2011/071922 WO2012089454A2 (en) 2010-12-27 2011-12-06 A cooling device comprising a collection container

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2659204A2 true EP2659204A2 (en) 2013-11-06

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP11790796.4A Withdrawn EP2659204A2 (en) 2010-12-27 2011-12-06 A cooling device with a control unit for controlling cooling and defrosting

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EP (1) EP2659204A2 (en)
WO (1) WO2012089454A2 (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11561037B2 (en) 2018-11-04 2023-01-24 Elemental Machines, Inc. Method and apparatus for determining freezer status

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4327556A (en) * 1980-05-08 1982-05-04 General Electric Company Fail-safe electronically controlled defrost system
US5493867A (en) 1992-11-18 1996-02-27 Whirlpool Corporation Fuzzy logic adaptive defrost control
JPH07141557A (en) 1993-11-18 1995-06-02 Fuji Electric Co Ltd Drain heater controller of freezing automatic vending machine
KR100597680B1 (en) 1999-12-11 2006-07-10 삼성전자주식회사 Control method of defrosting a evaporator for a refrigerator
US6631620B2 (en) 2002-01-31 2003-10-14 General Electric Company Adaptive refrigerator defrost method and apparatus

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Title
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WO2012089454A2 (en) 2012-07-05

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