EP4006457A1 - Refrigerator capable of improving air circulation in machine chamber - Google Patents
Refrigerator capable of improving air circulation in machine chamber Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP4006457A1 EP4006457A1 EP20847326.4A EP20847326A EP4006457A1 EP 4006457 A1 EP4006457 A1 EP 4006457A1 EP 20847326 A EP20847326 A EP 20847326A EP 4006457 A1 EP4006457 A1 EP 4006457A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- cabinet
- machine compartment
- refrigerator assembly
- lateral
- air inlet
- 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.)
- Pending
Links
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000003507 refrigerant Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000005057 refrigeration Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 9
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037361 pathway Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000021055 solid food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000000153 supplemental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- 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
- F25D23/003—General constructional features for cooling refrigerating machinery
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- 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
- F25D19/00—Arrangement or mounting of refrigeration units with respect to devices or objects to be refrigerated, e.g. infrared detectors
- F25D19/04—Arrangement or mounting of refrigeration units with respect to devices or objects to be refrigerated, e.g. infrared detectors with more than one refrigeration unit
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- 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
-
- 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
- F25D2323/00—General constructional features not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2323/002—Details for cooling refrigerating machinery
- F25D2323/0021—Details for cooling refrigerating machinery using air guides
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- 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
- F25D2323/00—General constructional features not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2323/002—Details for cooling refrigerating machinery
- F25D2323/0026—Details for cooling refrigerating machinery characterised by the incoming air flow
- F25D2323/00264—Details for cooling refrigerating machinery characterised by the incoming air flow through the front bottom part
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- 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
- F25D2323/00—General constructional features not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2323/002—Details for cooling refrigerating machinery
- F25D2323/0027—Details for cooling refrigerating machinery characterised by the out-flowing air
- F25D2323/00274—Details for cooling refrigerating machinery characterised by the out-flowing air from the front bottom
Definitions
- the present subject matter relates generally to refrigerator assemblies or appliances, and more particularly to features thereof for improving air circulation through a machine compartment of a refrigerator assembly.
- Refrigerator assemblies or appliances generally include a cabinet that defines a chilled chamber, such as a fresh food chamber or a freezer chamber, for storing food or other perishable items.
- refrigerator appliances also generally include a door rotatably hinged to the cabinet to permit selective access to food items stored in the chilled chamber.
- refrigerator appliances include a machine compartment in which a compressor or condenser is mounted.
- refrigerator appliances such as those commonly referred to as built-in refrigerators
- built-in refrigerators are configured to be installed in a cabinet such that a refrigerator appliance appears to be an integral part of the kitchen or room.
- a machine compartment must often be vertically stacked, for instance, below the chilled chamber. Therefore, it can be difficult to circulate air through the machine compartment for heat exchange.
- An air inlet and an air outlet must often be located adjacent to each other, for instance, at a front face of the refrigerator. In turn, it is often especially difficult to prevent an intake airflow into the machine compartment from mixing with an output airflow from the machine compartment.
- a refrigerator assembly may include a cabinet, a louver panel, and a plurality of laterally-spaced vanes.
- the cabinet may extend along a lateral direction between a first lateral side and a second lateral side.
- the cabinet may define a chilled chamber and a machine compartment.
- the machine compartment may have an air inlet and an air outlet separate from the air inlet.
- the louver panel may be mounted to the cabinet in front of the machine compartment.
- the louver panel may define a plurality of lateral apertures spaced apart along a vertical direction.
- the plurality of lateral apertures may extend along the lateral direction in front of the air inlet and the air outlet from a first end to a second end.
- the plurality of laterally-spaced vanes may extend rearward from the louver panel at the air outlet.
- a refrigerator assembly may include a cabinet, a louver panel, and a plurality of laterally-spaced vanes.
- the cabinet may extend along a lateral direction between a first lateral side and a second lateral side.
- the cabinet may define a chilled chamber and a machine compartment.
- the machine compartment may have an air inlet and an air outlet separate from the air inlet.
- the louver panel may be mounted to the cabinet in front of the machine compartment.
- the louver panel may define a plurality of lateral apertures spaced apart along a vertical direction.
- the plurality of lateral apertures may extend along the lateral direction in front of the air inlet and the air outlet from a first end to a second end.
- the plurality of laterally-spaced vanes may extend rearward from the louver panel at the air outlet.
- the plurality of laterally-spaced vanes may be directed away from the panel inlet.
- inner or “inward” refers to the direction towards the interior of the refrigerator appliance.
- Terms such as “left,””right,””front,””forward,””back,””rearward,””top,” or “bottom” are used with reference to the perspective of a user accessing the refrigerator appliance. For example, a user stands in front of the refrigerator to open the doors and reaches into the chilled chamber(s) to access items therein.
- a sealed system is provided to cool air within chilled chamber 128 (e.g., at least in part by circulating a refrigerant as part of a refrigeration cycle).
- one or more components of the sealed system e.g., a compressor 238 or condenser 240
- the machine compartment 210 is selectively covered or blocked by the door 124 (e.g., in the closed position).
- the machine compartment 210 may be positioned rearward from the door 124.
- a louver panel 222 is mounted to the cabinet 110 in front of the machine compartment 210.
- the louver panel 222 may be positioned in front of an opening that defines, at least in part, the air inlet 212 and the air outlet 214 (e.g., below the chilled chamber 128 - FIG. 2 ).
- the louver panel 222 extends along the lateral direction L from the left side 116 to the right side 118.
- a plurality of lateral apertures 224 are defined. As shown, the plurality of lateral apertures 224 extend along the lateral direction L from a first end 226 to a second end 228.
- the lateral apertures 224 generally extend along the transverse direction T from the machine compartment 210 to the front 120 of the assembly 100. In optional embodiments, one or more of the lateral apertures 224 extends at an angle (e.g., non-parallel) to the transverse directionT. For instance, one or more lateral apertures 224 may be directed downward from the machine compartment 210 at a negative angle relative to the transverse direction T. Air directed from the machine compartment 210 through the lateral apertures 224 may thus flow forward from the machine compartment 210 and toward the ground (e.g., away from the chilled chamber 128).
- a compartment wall 230 is provided within machine compartment 210. As shown, the compartment wall 230 generally extends along the transverse direction T (e.g., rearward relative to the louver panel 222). The compartment wall 230 may be positioned between the air inlet 212 and the air outlet 214 (e.g., relative to the lateral direction L). The compartment wall 230 may help block or define a separate air intake channel (e.g., having a transverse intake portion 216 or a lateral intake portion 218) and air output channel 220. During use, the air output channel 220 is downstream from the air intake channel 216 or 218 within the machine compartment 210 .
- the compartment wall 230 extends from an upper end 232 to a lower end 234 of the machine compartment 210. Air entering the machine compartment 210 through the air inlet 212 may thus be prevented from immediately intermingling with air to be ejected from the air outlet 214 (e.g., at the front end 120 of the cabinet 110).
- the compartment wall 230 is mounted or fixed to a base pan or floor 236 of the cabinet 110 (e.g., defining a lowermost portion of the machine compartment 210).
- At least a portion of the intake channel may be defined along the lateral direction L between the right side 118 and the compartment wall 230, while being defined along the transverse direction T between the front end 120 and the lateral intake portion 218.
- the lateral intake portion 218 may be located between the transverse intake portion 216 and the output channel 220. During use, air may thus flow, for example, from the transverse intake portion 216 to the lateral intake portion 218 before passing to the output channel 220.
- an air handler 242 such as a fan or blower, is housed within the machine compartment 210 to motivate or urge an airflow therethrough (e.g., from the air inlet 212 to the air outlet 214).
- the air handler 242 may be directed at the compressor 238 or condenser 240 to draw air across portions of the sealed system and facilitate or encourage heat exchange between the sealed system and the ambient environment.
- the air handler 242 is positioned upstream from the compressor 238.
- the air handler 242 is positioned downstream from the condenser 240.
- the air handler 242 may be positioned between the compressor 238 and the condenser 240 along the transverse direction T.
- one or more vanes are directed away from the left side 116.
- one or more vanes 248 may be non-parallel to the transverse direction T.
- At least one vane 248 may define a flow angle ⁇ 2 (e.g., relative to the transverse direction T) directed away from, for instance, the first end 226.
- multiple vanes 248 may define flow angles ⁇ 2 directed away from the first end 226.
- separate vanes 248 define separate flow angles ⁇ 2 .
- the flow angles ⁇ 2 may generally and sequentially increase relative to the transverse direction T as the lateral distance between discrete vanes 248 increases relative to the first end 226.
- both a first set of vanes 246 (e.g., directed toward the left side 116) and a second set of vanes 248 (e.g., directed toward the right side 118) are provided.
- the first set of vanes 246 is further directed toward the second set of vanes 248, and vice versa.
- air directed from the first set of vanes 246 may be guided to merge with air from the second set of vanes 248 in front of the cabinet 110.
- the first set of vanes 246 may be positioned proximal to the right side 118 while the second set of vanes 248 is positioned proximal to the left side 116.
Abstract
Description
- The present subject matter relates generally to refrigerator assemblies or appliances, and more particularly to features thereof for improving air circulation through a machine compartment of a refrigerator assembly.
- Refrigerator assemblies or appliances generally include a cabinet that defines a chilled chamber, such as a fresh food chamber or a freezer chamber, for storing food or other perishable items. In addition, refrigerator appliances also generally include a door rotatably hinged to the cabinet to permit selective access to food items stored in the chilled chamber. Often, refrigerator appliances include a machine compartment in which a compressor or condenser is mounted.
- It is common for typical refrigerators stick out from a wall or cabinet in which they are installed. In order to address this concern, certain refrigerator appliances, such as those commonly referred to as built-in refrigerators, are configured to be installed in a cabinet such that a refrigerator appliance appears to be an integral part of the kitchen or room. Although aesthetically pleasing, this can cause further issues. A machine compartment must often be vertically stacked, for instance, below the chilled chamber. Therefore, it can be difficult to circulate air through the machine compartment for heat exchange. An air inlet and an air outlet must often be located adjacent to each other, for instance, at a front face of the refrigerator. In turn, it is often especially difficult to prevent an intake airflow into the machine compartment from mixing with an output airflow from the machine compartment.
- Some existing appliances have attempted to address these circulation concerns by providing a transverse wall or panel that extends outward (i.e., toward a user) from the machine compartment at a front face or lateral panel. Similarly, a wall that extends from a door toward the machine compartment (e.g., when the door is closed) may be provided. Unfortunately, having discontinuous elements or features extending in front of the machine compartment often creates an unseemly appearance. Such a configuration may also provide or create an intrusive surface that can catch fabric, dust, or even a user's foot passing in front of the appliance.
- As a result, further improvements for addressing air circulation of refrigerator assemblies or appliances would be desirable. In particular, it would be useful to provide a refrigerator assembly or appliance having one or more features for preventing the mixing of airflows to/from a machine compartment while still providing a continuous or uninterrupted front surface.
- Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.
- In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator assembly is provided. The refrigerator assembly may include a cabinet, a louver panel, and a plurality of laterally-spaced vanes. The cabinet may extend along a lateral direction between a first lateral side and a second lateral side. The cabinet may define a chilled chamber and a machine compartment. The machine compartment may have an air inlet and an air outlet separate from the air inlet. The louver panel may be mounted to the cabinet in front of the machine compartment. The louver panel may define a plurality of lateral apertures spaced apart along a vertical direction. The plurality of lateral apertures may extend along the lateral direction in front of the air inlet and the air outlet from a first end to a second end. The plurality of laterally-spaced vanes may extend rearward from the louver panel at the air outlet.
- In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator assembly is provided. The refrigerator assembly may include a cabinet, a louver panel, and a plurality of laterally-spaced vanes. The cabinet may extend along a lateral direction between a first lateral side and a second lateral side. The cabinet may define a chilled chamber and a machine compartment. The machine compartment may have an air inlet and an air outlet separate from the air inlet. The louver panel may be mounted to the cabinet in front of the machine compartment. The louver panel may define a plurality of lateral apertures spaced apart along a vertical direction. The plurality of lateral apertures may extend along the lateral direction in front of the air inlet and the air outlet from a first end to a second end. The plurality of laterally-spaced vanes may extend rearward from the louver panel at the air outlet. The plurality of laterally-spaced vanes may be directed away from the panel inlet.
- These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
- A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.
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FIG. 1 provides an elevation view of a refrigerator assembly according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 2 provides an elevation view of the exemplary refrigerator assembly ofFIG. 1 , wherein the door is shown in an open position. -
FIG. 3 provides a section view of a machine compartment of the exemplary refrigerator assembly ofFIG. 1 , taken along the line 3-3, as shown inFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 4 provides a rear perspective view of a machine compartment of a refrigerator assembly according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 5 provides a front perspective view of a machine compartment of a refrigerator assembly according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 6 provides a front perspective view of the exemplary machine compartment ofFIG. 4 , wherein a front louver panel has been removed for clarity. -
FIG. 7 provides an elevation view of a refrigerator assembly according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein one door is shown in an open position. - Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
- As used herein, the term "or" is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., "A or B" is intended to mean "A or B or both"). The terms "first,""second," and "third" may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to the relative flow direction with respect to fluid flow in a fluid pathway. For example, "upstream" refers to the flow direction from which the fluid flows, and "downstream" refers to the flow direction to which the fluid flows. Terms such as "inner" and "outer" refer to relative directions with respect to the interior and exterior of a refrigerator assembly. For example, "inner" or "inward" refers to the direction towards the interior of the refrigerator appliance. Terms such as "left,""right,""front,""forward,""back,""rearward,""top," or "bottom" are used with reference to the perspective of a user accessing the refrigerator appliance. For example, a user stands in front of the refrigerator to open the doors and reaches into the chilled chamber(s) to access items therein.
- Referring now to
FIGS. 1 through 3 , multiple perspective views are provided of anexemplary refrigerator assembly 100. Arefrigerator assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T (FIG. 3 ), each mutually perpendicular to one another. As may be seen, therefrigerator appliance 100 includes a housing orcabinet 110 that extends between a top 112 and a bottom 114 along the vertical direction V, between a left (e.g., first lateral)side 116 and a right (e.g., second lateral)side 118 along the lateral direction L, and between a front end or side 120 (FIG. 3 ) and a rear end or side 122 (FIG. 3 ) along the transverse direction T. - The
cabinet 110 generally defines one or more chilled chambers 128 (e.g., fresh food or freezer chambers) for receipt of food items for storage. Specifically, thechilled chamber 128 is positioned between theleft side 116 and theright side 118. In some embodiments, thechilled chamber 128 is positioned at or adjacent the top 112 of thecabinet 110. Nonetheless, it should be appreciated, that, except as otherwise indicate, thechilled chamber 128 may be positioned at any suitable location within therefrigerator assembly 100. Moreover, although a singlechilled chamber 128 is shown, it is understood that alternative embodiments may include any suitable number or shape of chilled chambers 128 (e.g., to be maintained at separate or discrete temperatures). - The
refrigerator assembly 100 may include one ormore refrigerator doors 124 rotatably mounted to thecabinet 110, for example, such that therefrigerator door 124 permits selective access to at least a portion of thechilled chamber 128. In some embodiments, the refrigerator door 124is rotatably mounted to thecabinet 110 at one side (e.g., the right side 118) of thecabinet 110. Ahandle 130 may be positioned on therefrigerator door 124 to facilitate movement of thedoor 124 between a closed position (FIG. 1 ) that restricts access to the chilled chamber 128 (e.g., by extending across the chilled chamber 128) and an open position (FIG. 3 ) that permits access to the chilled chamber 128 (e.g., by being spaced apart from the chilled chamber 128). - As shown in
FIG. 2 , various storage components may be mounted within thefood storage chamber 100 to generally facilitate storage of food items. In certain embodiments, the storage components includebins 132,drawers 134, andshelves 136 that are mounted within thechilled chamber 128. Thebins 132,drawers 134, andshelves 136 are configured for receipt of food items (e.g., beverages or solid food items) and may assist with organizing such food items. - Generally, a sealed system is provided to cool air within chilled chamber 128 (e.g., at least in part by circulating a refrigerant as part of a refrigeration cycle). For instance, one or more components of the sealed system (e.g., a
compressor 238 or condenser 240) may be housed or within amachine compartment 210 defined by cabinet 110 (e.g., below or directly beneath chilled chamber 128). In some such embodiments, themachine compartment 210 is selectively covered or blocked by the door 124 (e.g., in the closed position). In particular, the machine compartment210 may be positioned rearward from thedoor 124. Relative to the vertical direction V, one or more openings (e.g., lateral apertures 224) to themachine compartment 210 may be positioned above abottom edge 126 of thedoor 124. Thus, when closed, thedoor 124 may hide one or more (e.g., all)lateral apertures 126 from the view of a user standing in front of theassembly 100. - Turning especially to
FIGS. 3 through 6 , various views are provided of the machine compartment 210 (e.g., at the bottom 114 of cabinet110). In certain embodiments, themachine compartment 210 spans thecabinet 110 along the lateral direction L from theleft side 116 to theright side 118. In additional or alternative embodiments, themachine compartment 210 spans thecabinet 110 along the transverse direction T from thefront end 120 to therear end 122. - Generally, the
machine compartment 210 includes an air inlet 212 (e.g., at the front end 120) to permit air to enter themachine compartment 210 and an air outlet 214 (e.g., at the front end 120) to permit air to exit themachine compartment 210. In certain embodiments, theair inlet 212 and theair outlet 214 are laterally adjacent to each other. For instance, theair inlet 212 and theair outlet 214 may be defined or located at discrete lateral positions. In some embodiments, theair inlet 212 is located proximal to the right side 118 (i.e., distal to the left side 116) while theair outlet 214 is located proximal to the left side 116 (i.e., distal to the right side 118). Within themachine compartment 210, themachine compartment 210 includes one or more air channels (e.g.,intake channel machine compartment 210 from theair inlet 212 to theair outlet 214. - A
louver panel 222 is mounted to thecabinet 110 in front of themachine compartment 210. In particular, thelouver panel 222 may be positioned in front of an opening that defines, at least in part, theair inlet 212 and the air outlet 214 (e.g., below the chilled chamber 128-FIG. 2 ). In some embodiments, thelouver panel 222 extends along the lateral direction L from theleft side 116 to theright side 118. Across at least a portion of thelouver panel 222, a plurality oflateral apertures 224 are defined. As shown, the plurality oflateral apertures 224 extend along the lateral direction L from afirst end 226 to asecond end 228. In certain embodiments, thelateral apertures 224 are uninterrupted or free of any discontinuous, interrupting element between thefirst end 226 and thesecond end 228. Thus, the plurality oflateral apertures 224 may appear as continuous lines or openings (e.g., at the bottom of the refrigerator assembly 100-FIG. 2 ). Moreover, thelateral apertures 224 may appear as the only openings below thechilled chamber 128. Each of thelateral apertures 224 may be spaced (e.g., vertically) apart from each other. In some such embodiments, one or more of thelateral apertures 224 are parallel to each other. When mounted to thecabinet 110, the plurality oflateral apertures 224 extend across theair inlet 212 and theair outlet 214. Theair inlet 212 and theair outlet 214 may be restricted or otherwise further defined by thelouver panel 222. - The
lateral apertures 224 generally extend along the transverse direction T from themachine compartment 210 to thefront 120 of theassembly 100. In optional embodiments, one or more of thelateral apertures 224 extends at an angle (e.g., non-parallel) to the transverse directionT. For instance, one or morelateral apertures 224 may be directed downward from themachine compartment 210 at a negative angle relative to the transverse direction T. Air directed from themachine compartment 210 through thelateral apertures 224 may thus flow forward from themachine compartment 210 and toward the ground (e.g., away from the chilled chamber 128). - Returning briefly to
FIGS. 1 and2 , as noted above, thedoor 124 may be positioned in front of themachine compartment 210. When assembled, thedoor 124 may further be positioned in front of thelouver panel 222. In some embodiments, thelower edge 126 of thedoor 124 is positioned below a bottom edge or bottommostlateral aperture 224 of thelouver panel 222. Thus, in the closed position, thedoor 124 may cover or hide thelouver panel 222. By contrast, in the open position of thedoor 124, access may be permitted to the louver panel 222 (e.g., such that thelouver panel 222 andlateral apertures 224 are visible to a user in front of the refrigerator assembly 100). - Returning to
FIGS. 3 through 6 , in exemplary embodiments, acompartment wall 230 is provided withinmachine compartment 210. As shown, thecompartment wall 230 generally extends along the transverse direction T (e.g., rearward relative to the louver panel 222). Thecompartment wall 230 may be positioned between theair inlet 212 and the air outlet 214 (e.g., relative to the lateral direction L). Thecompartment wall 230 may help block or define a separate air intake channel (e.g., having atransverse intake portion 216 or a lateral intake portion 218) andair output channel 220. During use, theair output channel 220 is downstream from theair intake channel compartment wall 230 extends from anupper end 232 to alower end 234 of themachine compartment 210. Air entering themachine compartment 210 through theair inlet 212 may thus be prevented from immediately intermingling with air to be ejected from the air outlet 214 (e.g., at thefront end 120 of the cabinet 110). In further embodiments, thecompartment wall 230 is mounted or fixed to a base pan orfloor 236 of the cabinet 110 (e.g., defining a lowermost portion of the machine compartment 210). - In certain embodiments, the
compartment wall 230 extends from thefront end 120 to a portion of themachine compartment 210 forward from therear end 122 to define atransverse intake portion 216. Moreover, a transverse gap between thecompartment wall 230 andrear end 122 of thecabinet 110 may define a lateral intake portion 218 (e.g., as a continuation or part of intake channel). In some such embodiments, theoutput channel 220 is defined along the lateral direction L between theleft side 116 and thecompartment wall 230, while being defined along the transverse direction T between thefront end 120 and theair handler 242. At least a portion of the intake channel (e.g., transverse intake portion216) may be defined along the lateral direction L between theright side 118 and thecompartment wall 230, while being defined along the transverse direction T between thefront end 120 and thelateral intake portion 218. Relative to fluid flow, thelateral intake portion 218 may be located between thetransverse intake portion 216 and theoutput channel 220. During use, air may thus flow, for example, from thetransverse intake portion 216 to thelateral intake portion 218 before passing to theoutput channel 220. - As noted above, one or more portions of the sealed refrigeration system may be housed within the
machine compartment 210. In some embodiments, acompressor 238 configured to compress or motivate a refrigerant through the sealed system is mounted to thecabinet 110 within the machine compartment 210 (e.g., in the output channel 220). In additional or alternative embodiments, a condenser 240 (e.g., in fluid communication with the compressor 238) is housed within themachine compartment 210. For instance, thecondenser 240 may be positioned adjacent to therear end 122 of cabinet 110 (e.g., within intake channel attransverse intake portion 216 orlateral intake portion 218, as shown). In some such embodiments, thecondenser 240 is positioned rearward from thecompressor 238. - In some embodiments, an
air handler 242, such as a fan or blower, is housed within themachine compartment 210 to motivate or urge an airflow therethrough (e.g., from theair inlet 212 to the air outlet 214). For instance, theair handler 242 may be directed at thecompressor 238 orcondenser 240 to draw air across portions of the sealed system and facilitate or encourage heat exchange between the sealed system and the ambient environment. In certain embodiments, theair handler 242 is positioned upstream from thecompressor 238. In additional or alternative embodiments, theair handler 242 is positioned downstream from thecondenser 240. Optionally, theair handler 242 may be positioned between thecompressor 238 and thecondenser 240 along the transverse direction T. In further additional or alternative embodiments, theair handler 242 is positioned between theoutput channel 220 and theintake channel 216, 218 (e.g., between thecondenser 240 and the compressor 238). Theoutput channel 220 may thus be a positive pressure channel while theintake channel secondary apertures 244 are defined through therear end 122 of thecabinet 110 in fluid communication with theair handler 242 to provide supplemental or secondary air to mix with air from theintake channel 216, 218 (e.g., within thelateral intake portion 218 or output channel 220). - As shown, a plurality of laterally-spaced
vanes louver panel 222. In some embodiments, the vanes246, 248 are fixed or mounted to thelouver panel 222. For instance, one or more adhesives, welds, or mechanical fasteners may secure the vanes246, 248 directly to thelouver panel 222. Selective removal or mounting of thelouver panel 222 from thecabinet 110, may thus advantageously provide removal or mounting of thevanes - Generally, the
vanes louver panel 222 and are advantageously hidden from a user's view or contact. Each of thevanes adjacent vanes vanes vanes compressor 238 or air handler 242(e.g., along or relative to the transverse direction T). - In certain embodiments, one or more vanes (e.g., of a first vane set 246) are directed away from the
right side 118 or theair inlet 212. For instance, one ormore vanes vane second end 228. Optionally,multiple vanes 246 may define flow angles θ1 directed away from thesecond end 228. In some such embodiments,separate vanes 246 define separate flow angles θ1. For instance, the flow angles θ1 may generally and sequentially increase relative to the transverse direction T as the lateral distance between discrete vanes 246increases relative to thesecond end 228 orair inlet 212. Thus, the flow angle θ1 defined by afirst vane 246A proximal to thesecond end 228 may be less than the flow angle θ1 defined by asecond vane 246B distal from the second end 228 (i.e., distal in comparison to thefirst vane 246A). Advantageously, air from theair outlet 214 may be substantially prevented from mixing with air entering machine compartment 210 (e.g., through air inlet 212). - In additional or alternative embodiments, one or more vanes (e.g., of a second vane set 248) are directed away from the
left side 116. For instance, one ormore vanes 248 may be non-parallel to the transverse direction T. At least onevane 248 may define a flow angle θ2 (e.g., relative to the transverse direction T) directed away from, for instance, thefirst end 226. Optionally,multiple vanes 248 may define flow angles θ2 directed away from thefirst end 226. In some such embodiments,separate vanes 248 define separate flow angles θ2. For instance, the flow angles θ2 may generally and sequentially increase relative to the transverse direction T as the lateral distance betweendiscrete vanes 248 increases relative to thefirst end 226. Thus, the flow angle θ2 defined by afirst vane 248A proximal to thefirst end 226 may be less than the flow angle θ2 defined by asecond vane 248B distal from the first end 226 (i.e., distal in comparison to thefirst vane 248A). - In optional embodiments, both a first set of vanes 246 (e.g., directed toward the left side 116) and a second set of vanes 248 (e.g., directed toward the right side 118) are provided. In some such embodiments, the first set of
vanes 246 is further directed toward the second set of vanes248, and vice versa. Thus, air directed from the first set ofvanes 246 may be guided to merge with air from the second set ofvanes 248 in front of thecabinet 110. Moreover, the first set ofvanes 246 may be positioned proximal to theright side 118 while the second set ofvanes 248 is positioned proximal to theleft side 116. - Turning now briefly to
FIG. 7 , a further exemplary embodiment ofrefrigerator assembly 100 is provided. As shown, refrigerator assembly100 includes a discreteprimary cabinet 110 andsecondary cabinet 310. Generally, it is understood that theprimary cabinet 110 may include amachine compartment 210, including one or more of the above-described features.Secondary cabinet 310 may include one or more similar features. For instance, thesecondary cabinet 310 may extend along the lateral direction L between a left side (e.g., first lateral)side 316 and a right side (e.g., second lateral)side 318 to define achilled chamber 324 and a machine compartment 410 (e.g., below the chilled chamber 324). Themachine compartment 410 of thesecondary cabinet 310 may include aseparate air inlet 412 andair outlet 414. As described above within the context ofmachine compartment 210, theair inlet 412 may be positioned proximal to theright side 318 while theair outlet 414 may be positioned proximal to the left side 320. In optional embodiments, thedoor 324 of thesecondary cabinet 310 may be rotatably attached at an opposite side from thedoor 124 of the primary cabinet 110 (e.g., the left side 316). - As shown, the
right side 318 of thesecondary cabinet 310 may be positioned against theleft side 116 of theprimary cabinet 110. Theair inlet 412 of themachine compartment 410 of thesecondary cabinet 310 may be located proximal to theair outlet 214 of the machine compartment210 of theprimary cabinet 110. In some such embodiments, a plurality of vanes (e.g., second set 148-FIG. 3 ) withinmachine compartment 210 is directed toward theright side 118. Advantageously, air output from themachine compartment 210 may thus be directed away from the air inlet 412of themachine compartment 410. - This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.
Claims (11)
- A refrigerator assembly defining a mutually-orthogonal vertical direction, lateral direction, and transverse direction, wherein the refrigerator assembly comprising:a cabinet extending along the lateral direction between a first lateral side and a second lateral side, the cabinet defining a chilled chamber and a machine compartment, the machine compartment having an air inlet and an air outlet separate from the air inlet; a louver panel mounted to the cabinet in front of the machine compartment, the louver panel defining a plurality of lateral apertures spaced apart along the vertical direction, the plurality of lateral apertures extending along the lateral direction in front of the air inlet and the air outlet from a first end to a second end; and a plurality of laterally-spaced vanes extending rearward from the louver panel at the air outlet.
- The refrigerator assembly of claim 1, wherein the refrigerator assembly further comprisinga door rotatably mounted on the cabinet forward from the louver panel, the door being movable between on open position and a closed position, the open position permitting access to the chilled chamber and the louver panel, the closed position restricting access to the chilled chamber and covering the louver panel.
- The refrigerator assembly of claim 1, wherein the refrigerator assembly further comprising a compartment wall extending along the transverse direction within the machine compartment between the air inlet and the air outlet.
- The refrigerator assembly of claim 1, wherein the refrigerator assembly further comprisinga compressor housed within the machine compartment to motivate a refrigerant through a sealed system.
- The refrigerator assembly of claim 4, wherein the refrigerator assembly further comprisingan air handler housed within the machine compartment to motivate an airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet.
- The refrigerator assembly of claim 5, wherein the refrigerator assembly further comprisinga condenser in fluid communication with the compressor as part of the sealed system, the condenser being housed within the machine compartment behind the compressor and the air handler, wherein the air handler is positioned between condenser and the compressor along the transverse direction.
- The refrigerator assembly of claim 1, wherein the air inlet is located proximal to the second end, wherein the air outlet is located proximal to the first end, and wherein at least one vane of the plurality of laterally-spaced vanes defines a flow angle directed away from the second end.
- The refrigerator assembly of claim 1, wherein the air inlet is located proximal to the second end, wherein the air outlet is located proximal to the first end, and wherein at least one vane of the plurality of laterally-spaced vanes defines a flow angle directed away from the first end.
- The refrigerator assembly of claim 1, wherein the chilled chamber extends along the lateral direction above the louver panel, between the first lateral side and the second lateral side.
- The refrigerator assembly of claim 1, wherein the cabinet is a primary cabinet, the refrigeration assembly further comprises: a secondary cabinet extending along the lateral direction between a first lateral side and a second lateral side, the secondary cabinet defining a chilled chamber and a machine compartment, the machine compartment of the secondary cabinet having an air inlet and an air outlet separate from the air inlet of the secondary cabinet, wherein the second lateral side of the secondary cabinet is positioned against the first lateral side of the primary cabinet, and wherein the air inlet of the machine compartment of the secondary cabinet is located proximal to the air outlet of the machine compartment of the primary cabinet.
- The refrigerator assembly according to any one of claim 1 to 10, wherein the plurality of laterally-spaced vanes being directed away from the panel inlet.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/522,790 US20210025641A1 (en) | 2019-07-26 | 2019-07-26 | Refrigerator assembly having features for improved air circulation through a machine compartment thereof |
PCT/CN2020/104076 WO2021018029A1 (en) | 2019-07-26 | 2020-07-24 | Refrigerator capable of improving air circulation in machine chamber |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP4006457A1 true EP4006457A1 (en) | 2022-06-01 |
EP4006457A4 EP4006457A4 (en) | 2022-09-14 |
Family
ID=74190187
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP20847326.4A Pending EP4006457A4 (en) | 2019-07-26 | 2020-07-24 | Refrigerator capable of improving air circulation in machine chamber |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20210025641A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP4006457A4 (en) |
CN (1) | CN114174742B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2021018029A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE29620350U1 (en) * | 1996-11-22 | 1998-03-26 | Aeg Hausgeraete Gmbh | Refrigerator and / or freezer |
JP2000088438A (en) * | 1998-09-09 | 2000-03-31 | Sanyo Electric Co Ltd | Cooling storage cabinet |
US6776000B2 (en) * | 2002-07-02 | 2004-08-17 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Built-in refrigerator |
KR101176459B1 (en) * | 2007-03-12 | 2012-08-30 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Refrigerator |
KR20110019075A (en) * | 2009-08-19 | 2011-02-25 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | A refrigerator |
DE102009056424A1 (en) * | 2009-09-03 | 2011-03-10 | Liebherr-Hausgeräte Ochsenhausen GmbH | Subassembly element for a refrigerator and / or freezer, assembly and refrigerator and / or freezer |
CN106322883A (en) * | 2016-08-19 | 2017-01-11 | 海信容声(广东)冰箱有限公司 | Air-cooled refrigerator and control method thereof |
TR201713310A2 (en) * | 2017-09-11 | 2019-03-21 | Bsh Ev Aletleri San Ve Tic As | A REFRIGERANT WITH AIR DIRECTIONAL ELEMENT |
CN109539656B (en) * | 2018-11-12 | 2021-02-26 | 合肥美的电冰箱有限公司 | Refrigerator with a door |
-
2019
- 2019-07-26 US US16/522,790 patent/US20210025641A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2020
- 2020-07-24 WO PCT/CN2020/104076 patent/WO2021018029A1/en unknown
- 2020-07-24 CN CN202080052753.0A patent/CN114174742B/en active Active
- 2020-07-24 EP EP20847326.4A patent/EP4006457A4/en active Pending
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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EP4006457A4 (en) | 2022-09-14 |
CN114174742A (en) | 2022-03-11 |
CN114174742B (en) | 2024-03-19 |
US20210025641A1 (en) | 2021-01-28 |
WO2021018029A1 (en) | 2021-02-04 |
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