EP2936024A2 - Kühlschrank mit einem sterilisierungs- und einem auftaufach - Google Patents

Kühlschrank mit einem sterilisierungs- und einem auftaufach

Info

Publication number
EP2936024A2
EP2936024A2 EP13824495.9A EP13824495A EP2936024A2 EP 2936024 A2 EP2936024 A2 EP 2936024A2 EP 13824495 A EP13824495 A EP 13824495A EP 2936024 A2 EP2936024 A2 EP 2936024A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
thawing
time
compartment
ultraviolet lamp
heater
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Withdrawn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
EP13824495.9A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Aylin MET
Feyzi Alper SOYSAL
Faruk Bayraktar
Aydin Celik
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 EP2936024A2 publication Critical patent/EP2936024A2/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current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
    • F25D29/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D23/00—General constructional features
    • F25D23/12—Arrangements of compartments additional to cooling compartments; Combinations of refrigerators with other equipment, e.g. stove
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2400/00—General features of, or devices for refrigerators, cold rooms, ice-boxes, or for cooling or freezing apparatus not covered by any other subclass
    • F25D2400/02—Refrigerators including a heater
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a refrigerator having the function of thawing frozen foods.
  • the foods stored in the freezing compartment are generally made ready to be consumed or used after being thawed by being taken out of the freezing compartment.
  • compartments are disposed in the fresh food compartment with temperature higher with respect to the freezing compartment, equipped with special heating mechanisms and wherein the thawing process is performed.
  • the foods are preferably stored also in these compartments until the time of use after being thawed.
  • the temperature increasing inside the thawing compartment during the process of thawing the frozen foods leads to the increase of the microbiological load on the foods.
  • the aim of the present invention is the realization of a refrigerator wherein food thawing and storage processes are performed safely.
  • the refrigerator realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention, explicated in the first claim and the respective claims thereof, comprises at least one fresh food compartment wherein foods to be cooled are placed, a thawing compartment disposed in the fresh food compartment, wherein the frozen foods are placed for being stored without being spoiled during and after the thawing process, and a heater providing the heating of the thawing compartment.
  • the resistant-type or infrared heater provides the food to be thawed by heating up by conduction, convection and/or radiation.
  • the foods are thawed in the thawing compartment and if desired are stored in the thawing compartment.
  • the refrigerator furthermore comprises at least one ultraviolet lamp disposed on the thawing compartment, providing sterilization during a predetermined sterilization time and a control unit providing the activation of the ultraviolet lamp when the heater is deactivated.
  • the ultraviolet lamp does not operate when the heater is operated.
  • the ultraviolet lamp is operated only for the purpose of sterilization and the heater performs the thawing process alone.
  • the ultraviolet lamp and the heater never operate simultaneously.
  • the ultraviolet lamp emits ultraviolet rays with wavelengths between 240 nm and 280 nm.
  • the ultraviolet light consists of rays with wavelengths ranging from 210 nm to 328 nm.
  • the wavelength range between 240 nm and 280 nm is the ultraviolet ray range with the highest effect on microorganisms.
  • the control unit compares the thawing time with the time elapsed since the initiation of the thawing process and when the time elapsed reaches the thawing time, deactivates the heater during the predetermined sterilization time and activates the ultraviolet lamp.
  • the heater is deactivated and the ultraviolet lamp is operated.
  • the control unit compares the time elapsed since the initiation of the thawing process with the surface thawing time lower value and the surface thawing upper value forming the time interval predetermined by the producer and whereat the thawing of the food surface starts, activates the ultraviolet lamp and deactivates the heater during the predetermined sterilization time when the time elapsed since the initiation of the thawing process reaches the surface thawing time lower value and deactivates the ultraviolet lamp and activates the heater when the time elapsed since the initiation of the thawing process reaches the surface thawing time upper value.
  • the heater and the ultraviolet lamp are activated in a coordinated manner with each other.
  • the refrigerator comprises at least one valve disposed on the thawing compartment and that allows the flow of cold air into the thawing compartment.
  • the temperature in the thawing compartment is increased by means of the heater for thawing the frozen foods.
  • the temperature of the thawing compartment is required to be decreased for storing the foods without being spoiled. Cooling of the thawing compartment is realized by opening the valve and thus by the hot hair being replaced with the cold air in the fresh good compartment.
  • the control unit compares the time elapsed since the initiation of the thawing process with the predetermined thawing time corresponding to the weight of the food to be thawed and that is required for the food to be almost completely thawed, opens the valve after the thawing time ends and the thawing process is completed, and closes the valve when the temperature of the thawing compartment reaches a predetermined thawed food storage temperature.
  • the valve is operated in a controlled and safe manner and the temperature of the thawing compartment is provided to be kept at the values predetermined by the producer.
  • the control unit activates the ultraviolet lamp during the predetermined sterilization time when the valve is changed from the open position to the closed position.
  • the sterilization times predetermined by the user vary depending on the type and weight of the foodstuffs and on the food thawing period.
  • the refrigerator comprises a collection container disposed on the thawing compartment, wherein the liquid moving away from the food as the frozen food is thawed is collected.
  • the ice cubes on the food liquefy during the thawing process and pour into the collection container by draining downwards from over the food.
  • the refrigerator comprises a button that is disposed on the thawing compartment and that serves to start the thawing process.
  • the thawing compartment is provided to be used under the control of the user.
  • the refrigerator comprises a display which shows the user whether the thawing process is still being performed or completed.
  • the information that the thawing process is still being performed and/or completed is displayed to the user by the display.
  • the microorganisms which form during and after the thawing process and cause the foods to spoil are eliminated by means of the ultraviolet lamp activated during the predetermined sterilization time between the frozen food thawing periods.
  • the foodstuffs are provided to be thawed and stored in a hygienic manner without a change in the color and taste of the foods.
  • Figure 1 – is the perspective view of a refrigerator.
  • Figure 2 – is the perspective view of the thawing compartment.
  • the refrigerator (1) comprises at least one fresh food compartment (2) wherein foods to be cooled are placed, a thawing compartment (3) disposed in the fresh food compartment (2), wherein the frozen foods are placed for being stored without being spoiled during and after the thawing process and a heater (4) providing the heating of the thawing compartment (3).
  • the heater (4) can be a resistant-type or infrared/halogen lamp.
  • the thawing process is performed in the thawing compartment (3) by conveying air onto the food by conduction, convection and/or radiation.
  • the foods are thawed in the thawing compartment (3) and stored in the thawing compartment (3).
  • the refrigerator (1) comprises at least one ultraviolet lamp (5) disposed on the thawing compartment (3), providing sterilization during a predetermined sterilization time (t s ) and a control unit (6) providing the ultraviolet lamp (5) to be activated when the heater (4) is deactivated.
  • a control unit (6) providing the ultraviolet lamp (5) to be activated when the heater (4) is deactivated.
  • the ultraviolet lamp (5) never operates simultaneously with the heater (4).
  • the ultraviolet lamp (5) is used only for sterilization.
  • the ultraviolet lamp (5) is deactivated during the time wherein the heater (4) remains active for thawing the frozen food.
  • the ultraviolet lamp (5) emits ultraviolet rays with wavelengths between 240 nm and 280 nm. Since the wavelength range between 240 nm and 280 nm is the ray range with the highest effect on microorganisms, the microbiological load of the foods are effectively reduced.
  • the control unit (6) compares the time (t) elapsed since the initiation of the thawing process with the predetermined thawing time (t 1 ) corresponding to the weight of the food to be thawed and when the time (t) elapsed reaches the thawing time (t 1 ), deactivates the heater (4) during the predetermined sterilization time (t s ) and activates the ultraviolet lamp (5).
  • the sterilization time (t s ) the ultraviolet light density to be applied is optimized and the ultraviolet lamp (5) is activated in a controlled manner.
  • the heater (4) is deactivated and the ultraviolet lamp (5) is operated.
  • the microorganisms growing on the food with the effect of the increased temperature are eliminated with the effect of ultraviolet rays and the food is provided to be consumed or stored safely.
  • the control unit (6) compares the time (t) elapsed since the initiation of the thawing process with the surface thawing time lower value (t 2 ) and the surface thawing time upper value (t 3 ) forming the time interval predetermined by the producer and whereat the thawing of the food surface starts, activates the ultraviolet lamp (5) and deactivates the heater (4) during the predetermined sterilization time (t s ) when the time (t) elapsed since the initiation of the thawing process reaches the surface thawing time lower value (t 2 ) and deactivates the ultraviolet lamp (5) and activates the heater (4) when the time (t) elapsed since the initiation of the thawing process reaches the surface thawing time upper value (t 3 ).
  • the ultraviolet lamp (5) is activated as soon as the surface thawing starts and thus the growth of bacteria and microorganisms caused by the thawing process is prevented.
  • the heater (4) is activated again and the food is provided to be completely thawed.
  • the refrigerator (1) comprises at least one valve (7) disposed on the thawing compartment (3) and that allows the flow of cold air into the thawing compartment (3).
  • the heat transfer between the thawing compartment (3) and the fresh food compartment (2) or the freezing compartment is provided by means of the valve (7).
  • the control unit (6) compares the time (t) elapsed since the initiation of the thawing process with the thawing time (t 1 ) predetermined by the user, corresponding to the weight of the food to be thawed and that is required for the food to be almost completely thawed, opens the valve (7) after the time elapsed (t) reaches the thawing time (t 1 ) and the thawing process is completed and closes the valve (7) when the temperature of the thawing compartment (3) reaches a predetermined thawed food storing temperature (T), for example - 2 ° C which is the appropriate minimum storing temperature for meat.
  • T predetermined thawed food storing temperature
  • the valve (7) operates only within certain control steps and the temperature of the thawing compartment (3) is kept within the values predetermined by the producer.
  • the control unit (6) operates the ultraviolet lamp (5) during the predetermined sterilization time (t s ) when the valve (7) is changed from the open position to the closed position.
  • the control unit (6) opens the valve (7) and thus provides the continuation of the cooling of the thawing compartment (3) in a controlled manner.
  • the ultraviolet lamp (5) that provides sterilization in the thawing compartment (3) is operated in a controlled manner.
  • the ultraviolet radiation density is directly proportional with the radiation time and the radiation intensity in the fixed time period. While sterilization effectiveness decreases at low radiation intensity, oxidation and color change can occur in foods at high radiation intensity.
  • the predetermined sterilization times (t s ) the ultraviolet light density is optimized and the ultraviolet lamp (5) is activated in a controlled manner.
EP13824495.9A 2012-12-21 2013-12-20 Kühlschrank mit einem sterilisierungs- und einem auftaufach Withdrawn EP2936024A2 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
TR201215100 2012-12-21
PCT/EP2013/077646 WO2014096340A2 (en) 2012-12-21 2013-12-20 A refrigerator

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2936024A2 true EP2936024A2 (de) 2015-10-28

Family

ID=50023516

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP13824495.9A Withdrawn EP2936024A2 (de) 2012-12-21 2013-12-20 Kühlschrank mit einem sterilisierungs- und einem auftaufach

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US20150354884A1 (de)
EP (1) EP2936024A2 (de)
WO (1) WO2014096340A2 (de)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2016050434A1 (en) 2014-10-02 2016-04-07 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi A cooling device comprising a thawing compartment and the control method thereof
CN104521864A (zh) * 2015-01-07 2015-04-22 青岛海尔股份有限公司 无水保活装置及具有该无水保活装置的制冷家电

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2014096340A2 (en) 2014-06-26
US20150354884A1 (en) 2015-12-10
WO2014096340A3 (en) 2014-08-28

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