EP3791118A1

EP3791118A1 - Cooling appliance

Info

Publication number: EP3791118A1
Application number: EP19720578.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ahmet Refik Ozdemir; Mert PATKAVAK; Tolga Nurettin AYNUR; Mert Can TASKIN; Muhsin Can AKKURT
Original assignee: Arcelik AS
Current assignee: Arcelik AS
Priority date: 2018-05-09
Filing date: 2019-04-29
Publication date: 2021-03-17
Anticipated expiration: 2039-04-29
Also published as: WO2019214982A1; EP3791118B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cooling appliance (1) comprising a body (2), at least one cooling compartment (3) provided in the body (2), a door (4) enabling access into the body (2), a first water chamber (5) adapted for storing water therein, provided on the surface of the door (4) facing the body (2) when the door (4) is closed, an ice chamber (6) placed in the first water chamber (5) so as to at least partially rest on its base, and a thermoelectric module (9) having an upper surface (7) and a lower surface (8), whose upper surface (7) contacts the base of the ice chamber (6).

Description

[Title established by the ISA under Rule 37.2] COOLING APPLIANCE

The present invention relates to a cooler appliance having a door with ice making properties.
Thermoelectric coolers are currently being used as cooler systems in various fields such as micro-electric systems, and telecommunication and aviation industries. Some of the advantages of using thermoelectric coolers as cooler systems lie in that they operate vibration free and silently, do not have any movable mechanical parts, are of modular structure, do not require a working fluid, and are capable of operating with DC current. When a low voltage is applied to a thermoelectric module by means of a DC power supply, heat is quickly transferred from one side of the module to the other side. Therefore, one side of the thermoelectric module heats up while the other side cools and a temperature difference forms between two sides. In the state of the art, there are applications for making ice by means of thermoelectric modules in different regions of cooler appliances. In current designs, a thermoelectric module used for producing ice, causes ice pieces to melt and stick inside ice chambers. This is disadvantageous in terms of convenience.
State of the art United States patent application no. US2014150456A1 aims to make ice on a cooler appliance door.
State of the art United States patent document no. US3146601A aims to make ice on a cooler appliance door.
The aim of the present invention is to realize a cooler appliance comprising a control unit enabling ice to be produced by using thermoelectric module and the ice pieces to be removed from an ice chamber.
The cooler appliance realized to achieve the aim of the invention and disclosed in the first claim and the dependent claims, comprises a body, a cooler compartment provided in the body and a door enabling access into the cooler compartment. A first water chamber is provided on the surface of the door facing the body in the closed state of the door. An ice chamber is provided on the base of the first water chamber. Said ice chamber fills with water when water is transmitted to the first water chamber. A thermoelectric module is provided, having an upper surface contacting the base of the ice chamber and a lower surface placed below the upper surface. A control unit activates the thermoelectric module upon the ice chamber being filled with water. The thermoelectric module operates such that its upper surface cools and its lower surface heats up, freezing the water in the ice chamber. Upon completion of freezing, the control unit changes the polarization direction of the thermoelectric module, enabling it to operate such that the upper surface heats. Consequently, a thin layer of ice melts on the surface of the ice contacting the ice chamber, breaking the contact of the ice to the ice chamber. Ice leaves the ice chamber due to buoyancy of water and rises up to water surface. By means of the control unit changing polarization of the thermoelectric module in the above-mentioned manner, complex structures comprising movable parts are no longer required, thereby improving product costs.
In an embodiment of the invention, the control unit operates the thermoelectric module such that its upper surface is cooled and lower surface heated for a duration predetermined by the producer. After completion of the duration predetermined by the producer, the upper surface of the thermoelectric module is heated, enabling the ice pieces to leave the ice chamber. Convenience of use is thus provided for the user without creating an additional cost.
In an embodiment of the invention, the control unit decides whether the upper surface is to be cooled or heated, according to temperature values received from a heat sensor provided in the ice chamber. If the temperature value decreases below a value predetermined by the producer, the control unit determines completion of ice formation and enables the ice pieces to leave the ice chamber by heating the upper surface. This enables obtaining ice also when the water in the first water chamber has varying temperatures, improving product quality perception of the users.
In an embodiment of the invention, the first water chamber is in liquid communication with a second water chamber by means of a conduit. Water can be transferred bidirectionally between the first water chamber and the second water chamber by means of a pump provided in the second liquid chamber. This enables water to be discharged or to be transmitted to the first water chamber if required during ice production. By this, excessive water accumulation in one of said chambers can be avoided, as well as averting operation without water in the ice chamber, preventing the ice chamber and/or the first water chamber from consequent damages.
In the cooler appliance of the invention, a sensor is provided, measuring the liquid level in the first water chamber. The control unit activates the liquid pump according to information received from said sensor, enabling water to be transmitted to the first water chamber or to be discharged. The ice chamber and/or the first water chamber is thus prevented from being damaged due to operation of the thermoelectric module without water therein.
In an embodiment of the invention, the ice chamber comprises a separator segmenting its inner volume into a plurality of volumes. This enables obtaining readily available ice and provides ease of use.
In the cooler appliance of the invention, a cover is provided, covering the ice chamber. The ice chamber is separated from the first water chamber by means of said cover. The cover isolates the ice chamber from the first water chamber throughout the duration in which the upper surface is cooled, and the cover is opened within a period predetermined by the producer which starts after the period in which the upper surface is heated. The cover is opened and closed by means of a motor and a signal transmitted to the motor by the control unit. The cover prevents the formed ice from overflowing out of the ice chamber and inhibits production of deformed ice, thereby improving product quality perception.
The cooler appliance of the invention comprises an ice tank in which ice pieces are stored. The base of the ice tank is perforated, enabling the water accumulated therein to be transferred to the second water chamber. Ice pieces are thus prevented from melting due to remaining in water.
In the cooler appliance of the invention, the first water chamber is connected to the ice tank by means of an overflow drain. The overflow drain has a structure inclined from the first water chamber to the ice tank. Ice pieces thus reach the ice tank by sliding thereon. The control unit activates the pump and transmits the water in the second water chamber to the first water chamber. The level of water in the first water chamber rises and reaches the overflow drain. Water and ice mixture flows through the overflow drain towards the ice tank. Perforations are provided on the base of the overflow drain in order to restrict water from accessing the ice tank. Water passing through the perforations is transmitted to the second water chamber disposed below. Ice pieces are transmitted to the ice tank and water to the second water chamber by means of the perforated overflow drain. Ice pieces are thus prevented from melting due to remaining in water.
The invention provides an ice making unit in cooler appliances, which is disposed on the cooler compartment door and has a minimal number of movable parts and is therefore low-cost and maintenance-friendly.
A cooler appliance realized to achieve the aims of the present invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a frontal view of the cooler appliance.
Figure 2 is a view of the cooler appliance with the door open.
Figure 3 is a side view of the A-A section.
Figure 4 is a side view of the A-A section.
The elements in the figures are numbered individually and the correspondence of these numbers are given hereinafter.
1 - Cooler appliance
2. Body
3. Cooler compartment
4. Door
5. First water chamber
6. Ice chamber
7. Upper surface
8. Lower surface
9. Thermoelectric module
10. Control unit
11. Heat sensor
12. Second water chamber
13. Conduit
14. Pump
15. Sensor
16. Separator
17. Cover
18. Ice tank
19. Overflow drain
The cooler appliance (1) of the invention comprises a body (2), at least one cooler compartment (3) provided in the body (2), a door (4) enabling access into the body (2), a first water chamber (5) adapted for storing water therein, disposed on the surface of the door (4) facing the body (2) when the door (4) is closed, an ice chamber (6) placed in the first water chamber (5) so as to at least partially rest on its base, and a thermoelectric module (9) having an upper surface (7) and a lower surface (8), whose upper surface (7) is in contact with the base of the ice chamber (6).
The cooler appliance (1) of the invention comprises a control unit (10) enabling ice formation in the ice chamber (6) by operating the thermoelectric module (9) so as to cool the upper surface (7) and heat the lower surface (8) when the first water chamber (5) is filled with water such that the ice chamber (6) remains almost completely in water, and enabling ice pieces to leave the ice chamber (6) after completion of ice formation by operating the thermoelectric module (9) so as to heat the upper surface (7) and cool the lower surface (8). Two separate compartments are provided in the cooler appliance (1), namely a cooler compartment (2) and a freezer compartment. Fresh food products are stored in the cooler compartment (2). Said cooler compartment (2) has a door (4) enabling a user to access therein and isolating the cooler compartment (2) from the outer environment. A first water chamber (5) is provided on the inner surface of the door (4). Said first water chamber (5) is adapted to store water therein and an ice chamber (6) is provided on its base. A thermoelectric module (9) is provided below the base of the ice chamber (6). The thermoelectric module (9) has two active surfaces, namely an upper surface (7) and a lower surface (8). The thermoelectric module (9) is controlled by means of a control unit (10). The thermoelectric module (9) is activated as a result of the water transmitted into the first water chamber (5) completely filling the ice chamber (6). As a result of its activation, the upper surface (7) cools and the lower surface (8) heats. Consequently, the temperature of the ice chamber (6) decreases and ice formation beings therein. Once ice formation is completed, the control unit (10) shifts the polarization of the thermoelectric module (9), thereby heating the upper surface (7) and cooling the lower surface (8). The heat energy transmitted to the ice chamber (6) melts the surfaces of the ice pieces contacting the ice chamber (6), said ice pieces leave the ice chamber (6) due to density difference and rise up to water surface. Convenience in ice making is provided for the user by means of using the control unit (10) in operating the thermoelectric module (9) and determining the polarization direction. (Figures 1, 2 and 3)
In an embodiment of the invention, the cooler appliance (1) comprises a control unit (10) enabling by operating the thermoelectric module (9) so as to cool the upper surface (7) and heat the lower surface (8) for a duration predetermined by the producer, and after completion of ice formation by operating the thermoelectric module (9) so as to heat the upper surface (7) and cool the lower surface (8) the ice pieces to leave the ice chamber (6). User intervention is not required for ice formation in the ice chamber (6) thanks to the control unit (10) using the time values predetermined by the producer while operating the thermoelectric module (9), thereby providing convenience of use.
In an embodiment of the invention, the cooler appliance (1) comprises a heat sensor (11) placed in the ice chamber (6), and a control unit (10) enabling the ice pieces to leave the ice chamber (6) by operating the thermoelectric module (9) so as to heat the upper surface (7) and cool the lower surface (8) if the temperature value received from the heat sensor (11) decreases below a temperature value predetermined by the producer. The heat sensor (11) is positioned proximate to the open portion of the ice chamber (6). In cases when the value received from the heat sensor decreases below 0 °C, the control unit (10) determines completion of ice formation in the ice chamber (6), and enables the ice pieces to be extracted from the ice chamber (6) by changing the polarization direction of the thermoelectric module (9). Using heat sensor (11) enables obtaining accurate information about ice formation, and avoids extraction of ice pieces from the ice chamber (6) before they reach a desired size.
In an embodiment of the invention, the cooler appliance (1) comprises a second water chamber (12), a conduit (13) connecting the first water chamber (5) and the second water chamber (12) to each other, and a pump (14) enabling water transmission between the first water chamber (5) and the second water chamber (12) by means of the conduit (13). Bidirectional water transmission is enabled between the first water chamber (5) and the second water chamber (12) by means of the conduit (13) and the pump (14). The ice chamber (6) should be completely under water to be able to extract the ice pieces from the ice chamber (6). Therewith, the energy consumption of the thermoelectric module (9) increases if there is more water than required in the first water chamber (5). Therefore, the water level in the first water chamber (5) is kept at the minimal level sufficient to enable ice formation, for a duration predetermined by the producer which follows the operation in which the upper surface is heated and the lower surface is cooled, in turn, the water stored in the second water chamber (12) is transmitted to the first water chamber (5) by means of the pump (14) activated by the control unit, enabling ice pieces to leave the ice chamber (6). Energy is thus saved.
In an embodiment of the invention, the cooler appliance (1) comprises a sensor (15) measuring the amount of liquid in the first water chamber (5), and a control unit (10) activating the pump (14) according to the value received from the sensor (15) so as to transmit water between the first water chamber (5) and the second water chamber (12). This enables accurate control of the water levels in both water chambers. If deems necessary, the control unit (10) notifies the user about a reduced water level by means of a signal provided on the door (4), thereby avoiding waterless operation of the thermoelectric module (10) and consequent damages to the ice chamber (6) and/or the first water chamber (5).
In an embodiment of the invention, the cooler appliance (1) comprises at least one separator (16) segmenting the internal volume of the ice chamber (6) into a plurality of smaller volumes. This enables providing convenient ice pieces to the users.
In an embodiment of the invention, the cooler appliance (1) comprises a cover (17) which, throughout the period in which the upper surface (7) is cooled, isolates the ice chamber (6) from the first water chamber (5) in an almost liquid tight manner by covering the ice chamber (6), and opens upon heating of the upper surface (7), allowing the ice pieces to leave the ice chamber (6). The ice chamber (6) is enabled to be isolated from the first water chamber (5) by means of the cover (17). As a result, formed ice pieces are enabled to have geometric shapes, creating product quality perception for the users.
In an embodiment of the invention, the cooler appliance (1) comprises an ice tank (18) in which ice pieces are stored, enabling transferring water to the second water chamber (12) by means of the perforations on its base. Storing ice pieces in the ice tank (18) prevents the ice pieces from melting due to remaining in the first water chamber, and the perforations on the base of the ice tank (18) drains the excess water therein, preventing the ice pieces from melting and enabling recycling water. (Figure 3)
In an embodiment of the invention, the cooler appliance (1) comprises an overflow drain (19) extending between the first water chamber (5) and the ice tank (18), enabling the ice pieces to be transmitted from the first water chamber (5) to the ice tank (18) and inhibiting water from reaching the ice tank (18) by transmitting the water to the second water chamber (12) by means of the perforations provided on its base, and a control unit (10) enabling rising the water level in the first water chamber (5) and thereby enabling the ice pieces to be transmitted to the ice tank (18) by means of the overflow drain (19), by enabling water in the second water chamber (12) to be transmitted to the first water chamber (5) for a duration predetermined by the producer by activating the pump (14) after completion of ice formation. The perforated overflow drain (19) enables conveying the ice pieces from the first water chamber (5) to the ice tank (18), while preventing the water conveyed with ice from reaching the ice tank (18) and thereby avoiding melting of ice therein. The inclined surface of the overflow drain (19) enables conveying the ice pieces to the ice tank (18) without using energy. Thus, conveyor means comprising movable parts are not required to transmit the ice pieces, thereby providing cost advantage while eliminating damages likely to be caused by movable parts. Consequently, users are provided with improved maintenance costs and convenient usage. (Figure 4)
In an embodiment of the invention, the cooler appliance (1) comprises a dispenser activated by the user and thereby enabling the user to receive ice from the door (4), and an ice transmission line connecting the dispenser and the ice tank (18). By this, the user is not obliged to open the door (4) to take ice, preventing the body (2) from heating and saving energy.
The cooler appliance (1) of the invention enables more economical and hygienic usage conditions by means of reducing the number of movable parts on the door (4) for making ice and simplifying a complex structure.

Claims

A cooler appliance (1) comprising a body (2), at least one cooler compartment (3) provided in the body (2), a door (4) enabling access into the body (2), a first water chamber (5) adapted to store water therein, disposed on the surface of the door (4) facing the body (2) when the door (4) is closed, an ice chamber (6) placed in the first water chamber (5) so as to at least partially rest on its base, a thermoelectric module (9) having an upper surface (7) and a lower surface (8), whose upper surface (7) contacts the base of the ice chamber(6), characterized by a control unit (10) enabling ice formation in the ice chamber (6) by operating the thermoelectric module (9) so as to cool the upper surface (7) and heat the lower surface (8) when the first water chamber (5) is filled with water such that the ice chamber (6) remains almost completely in water, and enabling ice pieces to leave the ice chamber (6) after completion of ice formation by operating the thermoelectric module (9) so as to heat the upper surface (7) and cool the lower surface (8).
A cooler appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterized by a control unit (10) enabling by operating the thermoelectric module (9) so as to cool the upper surface (7) and heat the lower surface (8) for a duration predetermined by the producer, and after completion of ice formation by operating the thermoelectric module (9) so as to heat the upper surface (7) and cool the lower surface (8), the ice pieces to leave the ice chamber (6).
A cooler appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterized by a heat sensor (11) placed in the ice chamber (6), and by a control unit (10) enabling the ice pieces to leave the ice chamber (6) by operating the thermoelectric module (9) so as to heat the upper surface (7) and cool the lower surface (8) if the temperature value received from the heat sensor (11) decreases below a temperature value predetermined by the producer.
A cooler appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a second water chamber (12), a conduit (13) connecting the first water chamber (5) and the second water chamber (12) to each other, and a pump (14) enabling water transmission between the first water chamber (5) and the second water chamber (12) by means of the conduit (13).
A cooler appliance (1) according to claim 4, characterized by a sensor (15) measuring the liquid amount in the first water chamber (5), and by a control unit (10) activating the pump (14) for transmitting water between the first water chamber (5) and the second water chamber (12) according to the value received from the sensor (15).
A cooler appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one separator (16) segmenting the inner volume of the ice chamber (6) into a plurality of smaller volumes.
A cooler appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a cover (17) which, throughout the period in which the upper surface (7) is cooled, isolates the ice chamber (6) from the first water chamber (5) in an almost liquid tight manner by covering the ice chamber (6), and opens upon heating of the upper surface (7), allowing the ice pieces to leave the ice chamber (6).
A cooler appliance (1) according to claims 4 and 7, characterized by an ice tank (18) in which ice pieces are stored, enabling transferring water to the second water chamber (12) by means of the perforations on its base.
A cooler appliance (1) according to claim 9, characterized by an overflow drain (19) extending between the first water chamber (5) and the ice tank (18), enabling the ice pieces to be transmitted from the first water chamber (5) to the ice tank (18) and inhibiting water from reaching the ice tank (18) by transmitting the water to the second water chamber (12) by means of the perforations provided on its base, and by the control unit (10) enabling rising the water level in the first water chamber (5) and thereby enabling the ice pieces to be transmitted to the ice tank (18) by means of the overflow drain (19), by enabling water in the second water chamber (12) to be transmitted to the first water chamber (5) for a duration predetermined by the producer by activating the pump (14) after completion of ice formation.