EP3842713A1

EP3842713A1 - A refrigerator comprising a humidifier

Info

Publication number: EP3842713A1
Application number: EP20210256.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Cem AVCI; Aylin MET; Aydin OGUT; Nihal YILMAZ; Ersin Donmez
Original assignee: Arcelik AS
Current assignee: Arcelik AS
Priority date: 2019-12-04
Filing date: 2020-11-27
Publication date: 2021-06-30
Anticipated expiration: 2040-11-27
Also published as: EP3842713B1; PL3842713T3

Abstract

Refrigerator (1) comprising a fresh food compartment (2); a door (3) which separates the fresh food compartment (2) from the outer environment; at least one shelf (4) which is provided on the door (3) ; a crisper (5) which is disposed at the lower section of the fresh food compartment (2); a lid (6) which is placed onto the crisper (5) and which separates the inner volume of the crisper (5) from the inner volume of the fresh food compartment (2); a front wall (7); a sensor (8) which detects the humidity in the crisper (5); a humidifier (11) which delivers cold vapor into the crisper (5) depending on the data received from the sensor (8); a water receptacle (12) which is positioned in the humidifier (11); a piezoelectric member (9) which receives the water in the water receptacle (12); and a piezocontrol unit (10) which enables the water contacting the piezoelectric member (9) to be vibrated at the desired frequency.

Description

The present invention relates to a refrigerator wherein the crisper region is humidifier by efficiently using the inner volume of the refrigerator.
Refrigerators comprise many partitions provided in the cooling compartments. For example, the partition defined as the crisper provides that the shelf lives of vegetables are extended without the vegetables losing their properties under special temperature and humidity conditions. It is a very important requirement that the foodstuffs placed into the crisper in the refrigerators are stored for a long time without losing their properties. Due to the difference between the temperature of the foodstuffs placed into the crisper in the outer environment and the temperature thereof in the crisper, the foodstuffs start to lose humidity quickly.
Even if the humidity is controlled by means of the crisper lid placed onto the crisper, the newly placed foodstuffs at the temperature of the outer environment lose a large amount of evaporative humidity until they cool down due to the temperature difference. Moreover, depending on the frequency of use of the crisper, while the crisper is opened/closed each time, the foodstuffs therein are observed to lose humidity in the course of time. Since the humidity lost cannot be added to this area, this causes the foodstuffs in the crisper to lose liquid, to shrivel and lose freshness. In state of the art embodiments, there are applications used at the edge of or on the crisper; however, since this results in a large loss in the crisper volume, the user experience is adversely affected.
In the state of the art German Patent Application No. DE102013225716 , a humidifier is disclosed, comprising a detachable water tank.
In the state of the art Chinese Patent Application No. CN108224879 , a design is disclosed, wherein the humidifier applies cold vapor onto the crisper lid as the crisper lid is closed.
The aim of the present invention is the realization of a refrigerator comprising a humidifier which provides that the foodstuffs in the crisper are kept fresh for a longer time and which uses the inner volume of the refrigerator more efficiently.
The refrigerator realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention, explicated in the first claim and the respective claims thereof, comprises a fresh food compartment; a door which separates the fresh food compartment from the outer environment; at least one shelf which is provided on the door; a crisper which is disposed at the lower section of the fresh food compartment; a lid which is placed onto the crisper and which separates the inner volume of the crisper from the inner volume of the fresh food compartment; a front wall; a sensor which detects the humidity in the crisper; a humidifier which delivers cold vapor into the crisper depending on the data received from the sensor; a water receptacle which is positioned in the humidifier; a piezoelectric member which receives the water in the water receptacle; and a piezocontrol unit which enables the water contacting the piezoelectric member to be vibrated at the desired frequency. For the humidifier provided for retaining the required humidity level in the crisper, the water receptacle is positioned preferably on the part of the door facing the fresh food compartment. By means of a valve system which is positioned under the water receptacle and which discharges the water stored in the water receptacle, a controlled discharge can be performed. By means of a mist unit which is positioned on the door so as to align with an opening on the front wall and which atomizes the water in the water receptacle, the water in the water receptacle can be converted into cold vapor. A water pipe is used as a transfer member which transfers the water discharged by the valve system in the humidifier to the mist unit on the body of the door. By means of said mechanism provided on the door, a special area on the door region which is used less in the inner volume of the refrigerator is used so as to ensure a more efficient humidifying process. By providing an installation on the door shelves without occupying any space in the crisper volume, the volume of the crisper which is used more is saved. By means of a controlled opening on the crisper, the humidity loss occurring each time the door is opened is prevented. Since misting can be performed from the front wall depending on the data received from the humidity sensor, the foodstuffs in the crisper can maintain their freshness with minimum humidity loss.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator comprises at least one limiting member which limits a certain area on the shelf, and the humidifier having the water receptacle positioned in the area limited by the limiting member. The limiting member can be a line or rib structure provided on the shelf. The water receptacle is positioned in this limited area, and the water receptacle can be prevented from moving by means of the protruding limiting members. Moreover, a special area is indicated for the user to place the water receptacle, and any misunderstanding in the arrangement of the receptacle is prevented.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator comprises the humidifier having the water receptacle which is detachably placed into the area defined on the shelf by the limiting member. Thus, by means of the detachable water receptacle, any difficulties which may be experienced the user while refilling or cleaning the water receptacle are eliminated. The water receptacle can be attached/detached by means of a pin or can be attached/detached to/from the area defined on the shelf by squeeze or snap fit. Thus, the humidifier obtains a more rigid structure and is less affected by outer factors.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator comprises the humidifier having the valve system comprising a valve body which is connected to the water receptacle, a valve shaft which passes axially through the center of the valve system and at least one ring which is fitted into the valve shaft and the valve body at different diameters. By means of the rings at different diameters fitted into the valve shaft and the valve body, a superior control is ensured. By means of said structure which enables the valve system positioned preferably at the lower section of the water receptacle to receive water in a controlled manner and draw the required amount to be transferred, a more efficient system for generating water vapor is obtained.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator comprises the humidifier having a shelf lid which is disposed at the region under the shelf. The shelf lid is used to visually cover the lower components provided under the water receptacle and the valve system positioned on the shelf and to create a more secure structure that can be accessed by the user. The shelf lid can be produced from the same material as the shelf and provide a support integrated with the shelf.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator comprises the humidifier having a recess-shaped mist unit receptacle which is positioned under the water receptacle on the door and which enables the mist unit to be placed into the door, and a mist unit hole through which the pipe transferring water to the mist unit passes. By creating a recess on the door, a special mist unit receptacle is formed and a mist unit hole is bored for the pipe carrying the water to be transferred to the mist unit. Thus, an efficient inner volume is formed for the mist unit under the water receptacle without any leakproofing problems, ensuring flexibility of use.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator comprises the humidifier having the water receptacle with an inclined lower surface from which the water is transferred to the valve system. The lower surface of the water receptacle is designed as inclined in order to transfer the entire water into the valve system. Thus, minimum amount of water remains in the water receptacle and the water can be used in a more hygienic manner without any bacterial formation.
By means of the refrigerator of the present invention, the inner volume of the refrigerator is efficiently used without occupying any space in the crisper, and the foodstuffs in the crisper are enabled to maintain their freshness.
The model embodiments relating to the refrigerator realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention are illustrated in the attached figures, where:

Figure 1 - is the perspective view of the refrigerator of the present invention when the door is in the open position.
Figure 2 - is the perspective view of the shelf provided in the refrigerator of the present invention.
Figure 3 - is the schematic view of the valve system in the refrigerator of the present invention.
Figure 4 - is the sideways view of the humidifier and the crisper in the refrigerator of the present invention.
Figure 5 - is the exploded view of the mist unit in the refrigerator of the present invention.
Figure 6 - is the perspective view of the door in the refrigerator of the present invention.

The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:

1. Refrigerator
2. Fresh food compartment
3. Door
4. Shelf
5. Crisper
6. Lid
7. Front wall
8. Sensor
9. Piezoelectric member
10. Piezocontrol unit
11. Humidifier
12. Water reservoir
13. Valve system
14. Mist unit
15. Water pipe
16. Opening
17. Limiting member
18. Valve body
19. Valve shaft
20. Ring
21. Shelf lid
22. Mist unit receptacle
23. Mist unit hole

The refrigerator (1) comprises a fresh food compartment (2); a door (3) which separates the fresh food compartment (2) from the outer environment; at least one shelf (4) which is provided on the door (3) ; a crisper (5) which is disposed at the lower section of the fresh food compartment (2); a lid (6) which is placed onto the crisper (5) and which separates the inner volume of the crisper (5) from the inner volume of the fresh food compartment (2); a front wall (7); a sensor (8) which detects the humidity in the crisper (5); a humidifier (11) which delivers cold vapor into the crisper (5) depending on the data received from the sensor (8); a water receptacle (12) which is positioned in the humidifier (11); a piezoelectric member (9) which receives the water in the water receptacle (12); and a piezocontrol unit (10) which enables the water contacting the piezoelectric member (9) to be vibrated at the desired frequency. For the humidifier (11) provided for retaining the required humidity level in the crisper (5), the water receptacle (12) is positioned preferably on the part of the door (3) facing the fresh food compartment (2). The water receptacle (12) can be joined to the door (3) or can be placed in a suspended manner. By means of a valve system (13) which is positioned under the water receptacle (12) and which discharges the water stored in the water receptacle (12), a controlled discharge from the water receptacle (12) can be performed. By means of a mist unit (14) which is positioned on the door (3) so as to align with an opening (16) on the front wall (7) and which atomizes the water in the water receptacle (12), the water in the water receptacle (12) can be converted into cold vapor. An exact alignment is provided with a shutter-like opening (16) arranged at the center of the handle which is provided on the crisper (5) and which enables the crisper (5) to be opened by the user, and thus humidity losses during the opening/closing of the door (3) are minimized. A water pipe (15) is used as a transfer member which transfers the water discharged by the valve system (13) in the humidifier (11) to the mist unit (14) on the body of the door (3). By means of said mechanism provided on the door (3), a special area on the door (3) region which is used less in the inner volume of the refrigerator (1) is used so as to ensure a more efficient humidifying process. By providing an installation on the door (3) shelves (4) without occupying any space in the crisper (5) volume, the volume of the crisper (5) which is used more is saved. By means of a controlled opening (16) on the crisper (5), the humidity loss occurring each time the door (3) is opened is prevented. By misting from the front wall (7) depending on the data received from the humidity sensor (8), the freshness of the foodstuffs in the crisper (5) can be maintained with minimum humidity loss and without any condensation.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator (1) comprises at least one limiting member (17) which limits a certain area on the shelf (4), and the humidifier (11) having the water receptacle (12) positioned in the area limited by the limiting member (17). The limiting member (17) can be a line or rib structure provided on the shelf. The water receptacle (12) is positioned in this limited area, and the water receptacle (12) can be prevented from moving by means of the protruding limiting members (17). Moreover, a special area is indicated for the user to place the water receptacle (12), and any misunderstanding in the arrangement of the water receptacle (12) is prevented.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator (1) comprises the humidifier (11) having the water receptacle (12) which is detachably placed into the area defined on the shelf (4) by the limiting member (17). Thus, by means of the detachable water receptacle (12), any difficulties which may be experienced the user while refilling or cleaning the water receptacle (12) are eliminated. The water receptacle (12) can be attached/detached by means of a pin or can be attached/detached to/from the area defined on the shelf (4) by squeeze or snap fit. Thus, the humidifier (11) obtains a more rigid structure and is less affected by outer factors.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator (1) comprises the humidifier (11) having the valve system (13) comprising a valve body (18) which is connected to the water receptacle (12), a valve shaft (19) which passes axially through the center of the valve system (13) and at least one ring (20) which is fitted into the valve shaft (19) and the valve body (18) at different diameters. By means of spring structures in the valve body (18), the valve shaft (19) is enabled to move upwards as a result of the force in the reverse direction acting on the valve shaft (19). As the valve shaft (19) applies a force greater than the spring structure in the valve body (18), the water is allowed to flow downwards. By means of the rings (20) at different diameters fitted into the valve shaft (19) and the valve body (18), a superior control is ensured. By means of said mechanism which enables the valve system (13) positioned preferably at the lower section of the water receptacle (12) to receive water in a controlled manner and draw the required amount to be transferred, a more efficient system for generating water vapor is obtained.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator (1) comprises the humidifier (1) having a shelf lid (21) which is disposed at the region under the shelf (4). The shelf lid (21) is used to visually cover the lower components provided under the water receptacle (12) and the valve system (13) positioned on the shelf (4) and to create a more secure structure that can be accessed by the user. The shelf lid (21) can be produced from the same material as the shelf (4) and provide a support integrated with the shelf (4).
In another embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator (1) comprises the humidifier (11) having a recess-shaped mist unit receptacle (22) which is positioned under the water receptacle (12) on the door (3) and which enables the mist unit (14) to be placed into the door (3), and a mist unit hole (23) through which the pipe transferring water to the mist unit passes (14). By creating a recess on the door (3), a special mist unit receptacle (22) is formed and a mist unit hole (23) is bored for the pipe carrying the water to be transferred to the mist unit (14). Thus, an efficient inner volume is formed for the mist unit (14) under the water receptacle (12) without any leakproofing problems, ensuring flexibility of use.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator (1) comprises the humidifier (11) having the water receptacle (12) with an inclined lower surface from which the water is transferred to the valve system (13). The lower surface of the water receptacle (12) is designed as inclined in order to transfer the entire water into the valve system (13). Thus, minimum amount of water remains in the water receptacle (12) and the water can be used in a more hygienic manner.
By means of the present invention, a refrigerator (1) is realized, comprising a humidifier (1) which provides that the foodstuffs in the crisper (5) are kept fresh for a longer time and which uses the inner volume of the refrigerator (1) more efficiently.

Claims

A refrigerator (1) comprising a fresh food compartment (2); a door (3) which separates the fresh food compartment (2) from the outer environment; at least one shelf (4) which is provided on the door (3) ; a crisper (5) which is disposed at the lower section of the fresh food compartment (2); a lid (6) which is placed onto the crisper (5) and which separates the inner volume of the crisper (5) from the inner volume of the fresh food compartment (2); a front wall (7); a sensor (8) which detects the humidity in the crisper (5); a humidifier (11) which delivers cold vapor into the crisper (5) depending on the data received from the sensor (8); a water receptacle (12) which is positioned in the humidifier (11); a piezoelectric member (9) which receives the water in the water receptacle (12); and a piezocontrol unit (10) which enables the water contacting the piezoelectric member (9) to be vibrated at the desired frequency, characterized by the humidifier (11) comprising
- the water receptacle (12) which is provided on the door (3),

- a valve system (13) which is positioned under the water receptacle (12) and which discharges the water from the water receptacle (12),

- a mist unit (14) which is positioned on the door (3) so as to align with an opening (16) on the front wall (7) and which atomizes the water in the water receptacle (12), and

- a water pipe (15) which transfers the water discharged by the valve system (13) to the mist unit (14) on the body of the door (3).
A refrigerator (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by at least one limiting member (17) which limits a certain area on the shelf (4), and the humidifier (11) having the water receptacle (12) positioned in the area limited by the limiting member (17).
A refrigerator (1) as in Claim 2, characterized by the humidifier (11) having the water receptacle (12) which is detachably placed into the area defined on the shelf (4) by the limiting member (17).
A refrigerator (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the humidifier (11) having the valve system (13) comprising a valve body (18) which is connected to the water receptacle (12), a valve shaft (19) which passes axially through the center of the valve system (13) and at least one ring (20) which is fitted into the valve shaft (19) and the valve body (18) at different diameters.
A refrigerator (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the humidifier (1) having a shelf lid (21) which is disposed at the region under the shelf (4).
A refrigerator (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the humidifier (11) having a recess-shaped mist unit receptacle (22) which is positioned under the water receptacle (12) on the door (3) and which enables the mist unit (14) to be placed into the door (3), and a mist unit hole (23) through which the pipe transferring water to the mist unit passes (14).
A refrigerator (1) as in any one of the Claims 2 to 6, characterized by the humidifier (11) having the water receptacle (12) with an inclined lower surface from which the water is transferred to the valve system (13).