US20120036879A1 - Refrigerator air duct - Google Patents
Refrigerator air duct Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20120036879A1 US20120036879A1 US13/203,414 US201013203414A US2012036879A1 US 20120036879 A1 US20120036879 A1 US 20120036879A1 US 201013203414 A US201013203414 A US 201013203414A US 2012036879 A1 US2012036879 A1 US 2012036879A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- air
- fresh food
- food compartment
- compartment
- tower
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D17/00—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces
- F25D17/04—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection
- F25D17/042—Air treating means within refrigerated spaces
- F25D17/045—Air flow control arrangements
-
- 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
- F25D17/00—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces
- F25D17/04—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection
- F25D17/06—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation
- F25D17/08—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation using ducts
-
- 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
- F25D17/00—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces
- F25D17/04—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection
- F25D17/06—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation
-
- 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
- F25D17/00—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces
- F25D17/04—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection
- F25D17/06—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation
- F25D17/062—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation in household refrigerators
- F25D17/065—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation in household refrigerators with compartments at different temperatures
-
- 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
- F25D23/06—Walls
- F25D23/065—Details
- F25D23/066—Liners
-
- 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
- F25D2317/00—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2317/06—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation
- F25D2317/066—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation characterised by the air supply
- F25D2317/0666—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation characterised by the air supply from the freezer
-
- 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
- F25D2317/00—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2317/06—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation
- F25D2317/067—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation characterised by air ducts
-
- 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
- F25D2321/00—Details or arrangements for defrosting; Preventing frosting; Removing condensed or defrost water, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2321/14—Collecting condense or defrost water; Removing condense or defrost water
- F25D2321/144—Collecting condense or defrost water; Removing condense or defrost water characterised by the construction of drip water collection pans
- F25D2321/1441—Collecting condense or defrost water; Removing condense or defrost water characterised by the construction of drip water collection pans inside a refrigerator
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to refrigerators, and more particularly to an air tower mounted to a liner in the fresh food compartment of a refrigerator.
- Refrigerator liners and air towers are known and used in many different applications.
- the fresh food compartment of a refrigerator may include a liner with an air distribution means mounted to the liner.
- Conventional air ducts for transporting cold air from the freezer compartment to the fresh food compartment include an air duct formed in the foam insulation between the fresh food compartment and the freezer compartment.
- Pre-foam support members must be installed to support shelves and drawers within the fresh food compartment.
- an air duct that may be installed after foaming has occurred.
- the flow of cool air into the fresh food compartment can be obstructed. This may occur because cool air falls to the bottom of the fresh food compartment, making it difficult to circulate the cool air near the top. Therefore, there is a continuing need for an air duct that promotes cool air circulation within the fresh food compartment even when filled with perishable items.
- a refrigeration appliance comprising a freezer compartment maintaining air at a temperature of zero degrees Centigrade or less and a fresh food compartment maintaining air at a temperature greater than zero degrees Centigrade, an opening between the freezer compartment and fresh food compartment, the opening configured to allow air to flow from the fresh food compartment to the freezer compartment, an air tower adapted to be located within the fresh food compartment, the air tower configured to be in fluid communication with the fresh food compartment and freezer compartment, and a damper door adapted to be secured within the air tower and configured to pivot between a closed position and an open position, wherein the closed position of the damper door partially restricts flow through the air tower.
- air is adapted to flow from the freezer compartment through the air tower and into the fresh food compartment before flowing through the opening from the fresh food compartment to the freezer compartment
- a refrigeration appliance comprising a freezer compartment maintaining air at a temperature of zero degrees Centigrade or less and a fresh food compartment maintaining air at a temperature greater than zero degrees Centigrade, an opening between the freezer compartment and fresh food compartment, the opening configured to allow air to flow from the fresh food compartment to the freezer compartment, an air tower adapted to be located within the fresh food compartment, the air tower configured to be in fluid communication with the fresh food compartment and freezer compartment, wherein the air tower includes a connection means for removably attaching the air tower to a wall of the fresh food compartment, and
- a damper door adapted to be secured within the air tower and configured to pivot between a closed position and an open position, wherein the closed position of the damper partially restricts flow through the air tower.
- air is adapted to flow from the freezer compartment through the air tower and into the fresh food compartment before flowing through the opening from the fresh food compartment to the freezer compartment.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example refrigerator
- FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of an example air tower mounted in a fresh food compartment of a refrigerator
- FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the example air tower
- FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a lower portion of the example air tower taken along line A-A of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the example air tower
- FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an example damper
- FIG. 7 illustrates a rear view of an example mounting means of the air tower.
- Example embodiments that incorporate one or more aspects of the present invention are described and illustrated in the drawings. These illustrated examples are not intended to be a limitation on the present invention. For example, one or more aspects of the present invention can be utilized in other embodiments and even other types of devices. Moreover, certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present invention. Still further, in the drawings, the same reference numerals are employed for designating the same elements.
- the present invention relates generally to a refrigerator 2 including a freezer compartment 4 located in the lower portion of the refrigeration appliance.
- the freezer compartment 4 may be accessed through a bottom mounted pull-out freezer door 6 .
- the freezer compartment 4 is used to freeze and/or maintain food articles stored within in a frozen condition.
- the freezer compartment 4 may be maintained at an air temperature at or below zero degrees Centigrade.
- the upper portion of the refrigerator 2 includes a fresh food compartment 8 .
- the fresh food compartment 8 may be used to keep food articles fresh and maintain an air temperature near and above zero degrees Centigrade.
- the interior of the fresh food compartment of the refrigerator 2 includes an air tower 10 secured to the back of the fresh food compartment 8 to the rear wall of a liner 12 .
- the interior is shown with tubing comprising a water tank. This tubing may be concealed by a mounting structure, such as a shelf, drawer, etc. and may be used to provide water to a water dispenser, ice dispenser, etc.
- the bottom of the fresh food compartment comprises a floor 14 .
- the floor 14 may also include inlet openings 16 .
- the inlet openings 16 may serve as air ducts that direct air from the fresh food compartment to the freezer compartment below. Air that has circulated through the fresh food compartment may return to the freezer through the inlet openings 16 .
- the floor 14 may also include an exhaust opening 18 .
- the exhaust opening 18 serves as an air duct in the floor through which cold air from the freezer compartment is directed to the fresh food compartment.
- the floor 14 of the fresh food compartment may be recessed in the center. Liquid spills from the fresh food compartment may occur, originating from spillage of items, condensation buildup, etc. and may lead to liquid buildup.
- the floor 14 is recessed to accommodate for this liquid buildup.
- the floor 14 may be recessed only in the center with raised margins at the sides, the front, and the rear wall of the fresh food compartment floor.
- the recessed portion of the floor 14 may be lower than the inlet openings 16 and the exhaust opening 18 .
- the recess 14 serves to confine any liquid that is on the floor and may be designed to have varying volumetric capacities, such as holding one gallon of liquid.
- Having the center of the floor 14 recessed minimizes the likelihood that any of the liquid would spill over and enter either of the openings 16 , 18 . Similarly, the recessed center of the floor 14 reduces the chances of pooled liquid dripping from the front of the refrigerator compartment.
- the air tower 10 can be secured to the liner 12 by an attachment means, which may include fasteners, screws, etc. which will be discussed later with reference to FIG. 7 .
- the air tower 10 is open at the back and mounted to the rear wall of the liner 12 such that the rear wall closes off the back of the air tower 10 so as to form a duct through which air may pass. Consequently, air passing through the air tower 10 will be bounded at the back by the rear wall of the liner 12 and bounded at the front by the air tower 10 .
- the air tower 10 includes an upper portion 24 that may be divided into two separated air passageways 26 .
- Each air passageway 26 is in air flow communication with a lower portion 22 of the air tower 10 .
- An access door 23 may be formed in the lower portion 22 of the air tower 10 .
- the air tower 10 may also include an open space 28 that lies between the separated passageways 26 .
- a mounting structure, such as a bracket, ladder etc. (not shown) may be inserted and secured to the open space 28 .
- the liner 12 may include holes, as shown in FIG. 1 , to support a mounting structure, such as a shelf, drawer, etc. that is mounted centrally to the real wall of the liner 12 .
- the air tower 10 will not interfere with the installation of shelves within the fresh food compartment.
- the upper portion 24 of the air tower 10 may be provided with openings 20 . These openings 20 allow cool air from the freezer compartment to pass upwardly through the air tower 10 and to be discharged through from the air passageways 26 to the openings 20 and into the interior of the fresh food compartment 8 .
- the openings 20 may be formed on each air passageway 26 . While there are two openings shown on each air passageway 26 , it is to be understood that there may be any number of openings in various shapes and sizes.
- An aperture 29 may be formed at the top of the upper portion 24 .
- a plurality of air-directing fins 36 may be included at the top of the air tower 10 to direct air that passes over the openings 20 but does not leave the openings 20 .
- the air tower and rear wall of the liner 12 form a duct through which air can pass.
- the air-directing fins 36 are formed at the top of the air tower 10 near the aperture 29 . Air may pass through the air passageways 26 , and be directed towards the aperture 29 at the top of the fresh food compartment 8 .
- the fins 36 may be angled so as to direct and distribute air across the top of the fresh food compartment as it exits the aperture 29 .
- the air-directing fins 36 may be included to direct air laterally across the top of the fresh food compartment 8 and ensure that air is substantially spread across the fresh food compartment. It is to be understood, however, that the size and quantity of air-directing fins 36 is variable, however, and may include more or less fins than shown in the example.
- the air tower 10 may further include a support ledge 32 having a plurality of ribs 34 .
- the support ledge 32 may be formed at the intersection of the upper portion 24 and lower portion 22 of the air tower 10 .
- the ribs 34 of the support ledge 32 act to create a supporting surface for the rear portion of a mounting structure, such as a drawer, shelf, etc. (not shown).
- a mounting structure such as a drawer, shelf, etc. (not shown).
- the lower portion 22 of the air tower is shown more clearly in FIG. 4 .
- the lower portion 22 may include one or more dampers 30 that may control the flow of air through the lower portion 22 .
- the damper 30 may be positioned within the lower portion 22 of the air tower 10 and is designed to control the flow of air between the freezer compartment 4 and fresh food compartment 8 .
- the damper 30 may be attached in the air duct between such that it is bounded in the rear by the liner 12 and in the front by the air tower 10 .
- the damper may be accessed by removing the access door 23 in the lower portion 22 of the air tower 10 .
- a stepper motor (not shown) may also be accessed by removing the access door 23 .
- the damper 30 may include a damper door 40 , damper door frame 42 , and an opening 44 through which air may pass.
- the damper door 40 When the damper door 40 is open, moisture from the fresh food compartment may accumulate on the damper door frame 42 . If the damper door 40 is then closed all the way to a horizontal orientation, the damper door 40 may rest on the moisture-soaked damper door frame 42 and freeze shut. To reduce the risk of freezing, the damper door 40 may form an angle from the conventional fully horizontal closed position. The angle of the fully closed position may be, for instance, 9°.
- the open/closed position of the damper door 40 may be controlled by a stepper motor (not shown). Therefore, the fresh food and freezer compartments may be in fluid communication even when the damper door 40 is in its fully closed position.
- the damper door 40 may not contact the frame 12 when in a fully closed position.
- the stepper motor may be prompted by a user, electronic control, etc. to open and close, thus allowing more or less cold air from the freezer to pass through. For instance, if a sensor detects that the temperature in the fresh food compartment is too high, it may prompt a control to open the damper door 40 by the stepper motor.
- the liner 12 may include threaded holes to receive threaded fasteners, such as screws or the like.
- the liner 12 may also include apertures for the insertion of snap fasteners.
- the air tower 10 includes a flange 46 and snap fasteners 48 .
- the flange 46 has a hole in it to receive the screws that will attach the tower 10 to the liner 12 .
- the air tower 10 may have one or more snap fasteners 48 extending from a side of the air tower adjacent to the flange 46 .
- the snap fasteners 48 are inserted into open holes within the liner 12 such that the tower 10 does not have to be manually held in place.
- the flange 46 may be aligned such that the hole in the flange 46 is positioned next to the threaded hole in the liner 12 .
- a screw may then be inserted into the hole of the flange 46 and screwed into the threaded hole in the liner 12 , thus securing the air tower 10 in place.
- the air tower 10 functions by allowing cool air from the freezer compartment 4 to pass to the fresh food compartment 8 .
- Cool air from the freezer compartment 4 enters the air tower 10 in the freezer and passes through the damper 30 .
- An air moving device, evaporator fan, or the like may also be provided for providing an upward pressure to the cool air.
- the cool air After passing through the damper 30 , the cool air, under the impetus of the air moving device, passes upwardly through the two separated passageways 26 . Some of the upwardly-moving cool air may be discharged to the interior of the fresh food compartment 8 through the openings 20 . The remaining cool air that does not pass through the openings 20 is directed by fins 36 and discharged through the aperture 29 at the top of the air tower 10 .
- the discharged air leaves the aperture 29 and enters the upper portion of the interior of the fresh food compartment.
- the discharged air then descends into the interior of the fresh food compartment and cools food items located there. This arrangement ensures that items throughout the fresh food compartment, including those at the upper portion of the fresh food compartment are adequately cooled.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Cold Air Circulating Systems And Constructional Details In Refrigerators (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/155,986, filed Feb. 27, 2009, which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference.
- The present invention relates generally to refrigerators, and more particularly to an air tower mounted to a liner in the fresh food compartment of a refrigerator.
- Refrigerator liners and air towers are known and used in many different applications. The fresh food compartment of a refrigerator may include a liner with an air distribution means mounted to the liner. Conventional air ducts for transporting cold air from the freezer compartment to the fresh food compartment include an air duct formed in the foam insulation between the fresh food compartment and the freezer compartment. Pre-foam support members must be installed to support shelves and drawers within the fresh food compartment. Thus, there is a continuing need for an air duct that may be installed after foaming has occurred. Furthermore, when the fresh food compartment is filled with perishable items by a user, the flow of cool air into the fresh food compartment can be obstructed. This may occur because cool air falls to the bottom of the fresh food compartment, making it difficult to circulate the cool air near the top. Therefore, there is a continuing need for an air duct that promotes cool air circulation within the fresh food compartment even when filled with perishable items.
- The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some example aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. Moreover, this summary is not intended to identify critical elements of the invention nor delineate the scope of the invention. The sole purpose of the summary is to present some concepts of the invention in simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
- In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a refrigeration appliance is shown comprising a freezer compartment maintaining air at a temperature of zero degrees Centigrade or less and a fresh food compartment maintaining air at a temperature greater than zero degrees Centigrade, an opening between the freezer compartment and fresh food compartment, the opening configured to allow air to flow from the fresh food compartment to the freezer compartment, an air tower adapted to be located within the fresh food compartment, the air tower configured to be in fluid communication with the fresh food compartment and freezer compartment, and a damper door adapted to be secured within the air tower and configured to pivot between a closed position and an open position, wherein the closed position of the damper door partially restricts flow through the air tower. In addition, air is adapted to flow from the freezer compartment through the air tower and into the fresh food compartment before flowing through the opening from the fresh food compartment to the freezer compartment
- In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a refrigeration appliance is shown comprising a freezer compartment maintaining air at a temperature of zero degrees Centigrade or less and a fresh food compartment maintaining air at a temperature greater than zero degrees Centigrade, an opening between the freezer compartment and fresh food compartment, the opening configured to allow air to flow from the fresh food compartment to the freezer compartment, an air tower adapted to be located within the fresh food compartment, the air tower configured to be in fluid communication with the fresh food compartment and freezer compartment, wherein the air tower includes a connection means for removably attaching the air tower to a wall of the fresh food compartment, and
- a damper door adapted to be secured within the air tower and configured to pivot between a closed position and an open position, wherein the closed position of the damper partially restricts flow through the air tower. In addition, air is adapted to flow from the freezer compartment through the air tower and into the fresh food compartment before flowing through the opening from the fresh food compartment to the freezer compartment.
- The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention relates upon reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example refrigerator; -
FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of an example air tower mounted in a fresh food compartment of a refrigerator; -
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the example air tower; -
FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a lower portion of the example air tower taken along line A-A ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the example air tower; -
FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an example damper; and -
FIG. 7 illustrates a rear view of an example mounting means of the air tower. - Example embodiments that incorporate one or more aspects of the present invention are described and illustrated in the drawings. These illustrated examples are not intended to be a limitation on the present invention. For example, one or more aspects of the present invention can be utilized in other embodiments and even other types of devices. Moreover, certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present invention. Still further, in the drawings, the same reference numerals are employed for designating the same elements.
- Referring to the shown example of
FIG. 1 , the present invention relates generally to arefrigerator 2 including a freezer compartment 4 located in the lower portion of the refrigeration appliance. The freezer compartment 4 may be accessed through a bottom mounted pull-out freezer door 6. The freezer compartment 4 is used to freeze and/or maintain food articles stored within in a frozen condition. The freezer compartment 4 may be maintained at an air temperature at or below zero degrees Centigrade. The upper portion of therefrigerator 2 includes a fresh food compartment 8. The fresh food compartment 8 may be used to keep food articles fresh and maintain an air temperature near and above zero degrees Centigrade. - Turning to the shown example of
FIG. 2 , there is shown the interior of the fresh food compartment of therefrigerator 2. The interior includes anair tower 10 secured to the back of the fresh food compartment 8 to the rear wall of a liner 12. The interior is shown with tubing comprising a water tank. This tubing may be concealed by a mounting structure, such as a shelf, drawer, etc. and may be used to provide water to a water dispenser, ice dispenser, etc. The bottom of the fresh food compartment comprises afloor 14. Thefloor 14 may also includeinlet openings 16. Theinlet openings 16 may serve as air ducts that direct air from the fresh food compartment to the freezer compartment below. Air that has circulated through the fresh food compartment may return to the freezer through theinlet openings 16. Thefloor 14 may also include anexhaust opening 18. Theexhaust opening 18 serves as an air duct in the floor through which cold air from the freezer compartment is directed to the fresh food compartment. - The
floor 14 of the fresh food compartment may be recessed in the center. Liquid spills from the fresh food compartment may occur, originating from spillage of items, condensation buildup, etc. and may lead to liquid buildup. Thefloor 14 is recessed to accommodate for this liquid buildup. In one embodiment, thefloor 14 may be recessed only in the center with raised margins at the sides, the front, and the rear wall of the fresh food compartment floor. Furthermore, the recessed portion of thefloor 14 may be lower than theinlet openings 16 and the exhaust opening 18. Therecess 14 serves to confine any liquid that is on the floor and may be designed to have varying volumetric capacities, such as holding one gallon of liquid. Having the center of thefloor 14 recessed minimizes the likelihood that any of the liquid would spill over and enter either of theopenings floor 14 reduces the chances of pooled liquid dripping from the front of the refrigerator compartment. - Turning to the shown example of
FIG. 3 , there is shown theair tower 10. Theair tower 10 can be secured to the liner 12 by an attachment means, which may include fasteners, screws, etc. which will be discussed later with reference toFIG. 7 . Theair tower 10 is open at the back and mounted to the rear wall of the liner 12 such that the rear wall closes off the back of theair tower 10 so as to form a duct through which air may pass. Consequently, air passing through theair tower 10 will be bounded at the back by the rear wall of the liner 12 and bounded at the front by theair tower 10. Theair tower 10 includes anupper portion 24 that may be divided into two separatedair passageways 26. Eachair passageway 26 is in air flow communication with alower portion 22 of theair tower 10. Anaccess door 23 may be formed in thelower portion 22 of theair tower 10. Theair tower 10 may also include anopen space 28 that lies between the separatedpassageways 26. A mounting structure, such as a bracket, ladder etc. (not shown) may be inserted and secured to theopen space 28. The liner 12 may include holes, as shown inFIG. 1 , to support a mounting structure, such as a shelf, drawer, etc. that is mounted centrally to the real wall of the liner 12. Thus, theair tower 10 will not interfere with the installation of shelves within the fresh food compartment. - The
upper portion 24 of theair tower 10 may be provided withopenings 20. Theseopenings 20 allow cool air from the freezer compartment to pass upwardly through theair tower 10 and to be discharged through from the air passageways 26 to theopenings 20 and into the interior of the fresh food compartment 8. Theopenings 20 may be formed on eachair passageway 26. While there are two openings shown on eachair passageway 26, it is to be understood that there may be any number of openings in various shapes and sizes. Anaperture 29 may be formed at the top of theupper portion 24. - Referring to the shown example of
FIG. 5 , a plurality of air-directingfins 36 may be included at the top of theair tower 10 to direct air that passes over theopenings 20 but does not leave theopenings 20. As mentioned, the air tower and rear wall of the liner 12 form a duct through which air can pass. The air-directingfins 36 are formed at the top of theair tower 10 near theaperture 29. Air may pass through theair passageways 26, and be directed towards theaperture 29 at the top of the fresh food compartment 8. Thefins 36 may be angled so as to direct and distribute air across the top of the fresh food compartment as it exits theaperture 29. The air-directingfins 36 may be included to direct air laterally across the top of the fresh food compartment 8 and ensure that air is substantially spread across the fresh food compartment. It is to be understood, however, that the size and quantity of air-directingfins 36 is variable, however, and may include more or less fins than shown in the example. - Referring back to
FIG. 3 , theair tower 10 may further include asupport ledge 32 having a plurality ofribs 34. Thesupport ledge 32 may be formed at the intersection of theupper portion 24 andlower portion 22 of theair tower 10. Theribs 34 of thesupport ledge 32 act to create a supporting surface for the rear portion of a mounting structure, such as a drawer, shelf, etc. (not shown). By havingribs 34, air that circulates through the fresh food compartment may pass through the ribs behind the mounting structure. Thus, the mounting structure will not block the flow of air through the fresh food compartment. Thelower portion 22 of the air tower is shown more clearly inFIG. 4 . Thelower portion 22 may include one ormore dampers 30 that may control the flow of air through thelower portion 22. - Turning to the shown example of
FIG. 6 , there is shown thedamper 30. Thedamper 30 may be positioned within thelower portion 22 of theair tower 10 and is designed to control the flow of air between the freezer compartment 4 and fresh food compartment 8. Thedamper 30 may be attached in the air duct between such that it is bounded in the rear by the liner 12 and in the front by theair tower 10. The damper may be accessed by removing theaccess door 23 in thelower portion 22 of theair tower 10. Similarly, a stepper motor (not shown) may also be accessed by removing theaccess door 23. - The
damper 30 may include adamper door 40,damper door frame 42, and anopening 44 through which air may pass. When thedamper door 40 is open, moisture from the fresh food compartment may accumulate on thedamper door frame 42. If thedamper door 40 is then closed all the way to a horizontal orientation, thedamper door 40 may rest on the moisture-soakeddamper door frame 42 and freeze shut. To reduce the risk of freezing, thedamper door 40 may form an angle from the conventional fully horizontal closed position. The angle of the fully closed position may be, for instance, 9°. The open/closed position of thedamper door 40 may be controlled by a stepper motor (not shown). Therefore, the fresh food and freezer compartments may be in fluid communication even when thedamper door 40 is in its fully closed position. In this embodiment, thedamper door 40 may not contact the frame 12 when in a fully closed position. The stepper motor may be prompted by a user, electronic control, etc. to open and close, thus allowing more or less cold air from the freezer to pass through. For instance, if a sensor detects that the temperature in the fresh food compartment is too high, it may prompt a control to open thedamper door 40 by the stepper motor. - Turning to the shown example of
FIG. 7 , there is shown a view of the connection means to secure theair tower 10 to the rear wall of the fresh food compartment liner 12. The liner 12 may include threaded holes to receive threaded fasteners, such as screws or the like. The liner 12 may also include apertures for the insertion of snap fasteners. Theair tower 10 includes aflange 46 and snap fasteners 48. Theflange 46 has a hole in it to receive the screws that will attach thetower 10 to the liner 12. In addition, theair tower 10 may have one or more snap fasteners 48 extending from a side of the air tower adjacent to theflange 46. To secure theair tower 10 to the liner 12, the snap fasteners 48 are inserted into open holes within the liner 12 such that thetower 10 does not have to be manually held in place. Once the snap fasteners 48 are secured to the liner, theflange 46 may be aligned such that the hole in theflange 46 is positioned next to the threaded hole in the liner 12. A screw may then be inserted into the hole of theflange 46 and screwed into the threaded hole in the liner 12, thus securing theair tower 10 in place. - The
air tower 10 functions by allowing cool air from the freezer compartment 4 to pass to the fresh food compartment 8. Cool air from the freezer compartment 4 enters theair tower 10 in the freezer and passes through thedamper 30. An air moving device, evaporator fan, or the like (not shown) may also be provided for providing an upward pressure to the cool air. After passing through thedamper 30, the cool air, under the impetus of the air moving device, passes upwardly through the two separatedpassageways 26. Some of the upwardly-moving cool air may be discharged to the interior of the fresh food compartment 8 through theopenings 20. The remaining cool air that does not pass through theopenings 20 is directed byfins 36 and discharged through theaperture 29 at the top of theair tower 10. The discharged air leaves theaperture 29 and enters the upper portion of the interior of the fresh food compartment. The discharged air then descends into the interior of the fresh food compartment and cools food items located there. This arrangement ensures that items throughout the fresh food compartment, including those at the upper portion of the fresh food compartment are adequately cooled. As the discharged air descends further, it may return to the freezer compartment by passing through theinlet openings 16 at the bottom of the fresh food compartment. - The invention has been described with reference to the example embodiments described above. Modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this specification. Examples embodiments incorporating one or more aspects of the invention are intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (15)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/203,414 US20120036879A1 (en) | 2009-02-27 | 2010-02-26 | Refrigerator air duct |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15598609P | 2009-02-27 | 2009-02-27 | |
PCT/US2010/025621 WO2010099464A2 (en) | 2009-02-27 | 2010-02-26 | Refrigerator air duct |
US13/203,414 US20120036879A1 (en) | 2009-02-27 | 2010-02-26 | Refrigerator air duct |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2010/025621 A-371-Of-International WO2010099464A2 (en) | 2009-02-27 | 2010-02-26 | Refrigerator air duct |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/916,639 Continuation US11781797B2 (en) | 2009-02-27 | 2020-06-30 | Refrigerator air duct |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20120036879A1 true US20120036879A1 (en) | 2012-02-16 |
Family
ID=42666244
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/203,414 Abandoned US20120036879A1 (en) | 2009-02-27 | 2010-02-26 | Refrigerator air duct |
US16/916,639 Active 2030-05-07 US11781797B2 (en) | 2009-02-27 | 2020-06-30 | Refrigerator air duct |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/916,639 Active 2030-05-07 US11781797B2 (en) | 2009-02-27 | 2020-06-30 | Refrigerator air duct |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US20120036879A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2401563B1 (en) |
KR (1) | KR20120007500A (en) |
CN (1) | CN102365514B (en) |
AU (1) | AU2010217824B2 (en) |
BR (1) | BRPI1007806B1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2010099464A2 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20130106274A1 (en) * | 2011-10-26 | 2013-05-02 | Changwoan Yang | Refrigerator |
US20180120016A1 (en) * | 2016-10-27 | 2018-05-03 | Electrolux Home Products, Inc. | Air tower improvement for a refrigerator |
US20180172330A1 (en) * | 2016-12-19 | 2018-06-21 | Bsh Hausgeraete Gmbh | Household appliance device and method for operating a household appliance device |
US20180340726A1 (en) * | 2017-05-26 | 2018-11-29 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Refrigerator |
US11384974B2 (en) | 2020-12-14 | 2022-07-12 | Whirlpool Corporation | Refrigerator system |
Families Citing this family (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8950209B2 (en) | 2012-07-10 | 2015-02-10 | General Electric Company | Bottom mount refrigerator airflow system |
US8950210B2 (en) | 2012-07-10 | 2015-02-10 | General Electric Company | Top mount refrigerator airflow system |
CN105546916B (en) * | 2015-12-30 | 2018-04-20 | 青岛海尔股份有限公司 | Ducting system and the refrigerator with the ducting system |
DE102016224610A1 (en) * | 2016-12-09 | 2018-06-14 | BSH Hausgeräte GmbH | Domestic refrigerator with specific attachment of a cover plate to a receiving space for food and method for mounting such a cover plate |
US10718559B2 (en) * | 2017-12-19 | 2020-07-21 | Electrolux Home Products, Inc. | Air filter bracket |
US11796242B2 (en) | 2021-06-07 | 2023-10-24 | Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. | Air vent for a refrigeration appliance |
Citations (24)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2962872A (en) * | 1958-01-13 | 1960-12-06 | Revco Inc | Refrigerator construction and controls |
US3169383A (en) * | 1958-11-25 | 1965-02-16 | Whirlpool Co | Refrigerator with hollow cold shelf |
US3280583A (en) * | 1965-05-12 | 1966-10-25 | Gen Electric | Combination refrigerator |
US3548871A (en) * | 1968-06-06 | 1970-12-22 | Whirlpool Co | Air flow control |
US4557118A (en) * | 1984-12-06 | 1985-12-10 | Amana Refrigeration, Inc. | Crisper humidity control |
US4642998A (en) * | 1985-09-06 | 1987-02-17 | Samsung Electronic Co., Ltd. | Refrigerator cooling air flow control apparatus |
US5214936A (en) * | 1990-09-28 | 1993-06-01 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Cooling air supply device for a freezer compartment |
US5546759A (en) * | 1994-01-26 | 1996-08-20 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Refrigerator having a vegetable compartment and a separate kimchi chamber |
US5718123A (en) * | 1994-06-01 | 1998-02-17 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Refrigerator having an air circulation system |
US5778694A (en) * | 1994-04-04 | 1998-07-14 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Cooling air supply control apparatus of refrigerator |
US5893620A (en) * | 1993-07-26 | 1999-04-13 | Whirlpool Corporation | Multiple shelf support system in common refrigerator liner |
US6044654A (en) * | 1997-04-25 | 2000-04-04 | Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha | Refrigerator |
US6238032B1 (en) * | 1999-05-21 | 2001-05-29 | Victory Refrigeration Company | Refrigerated cabinet with molded liner |
US6347530B1 (en) * | 1999-05-10 | 2002-02-19 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Cooling air supplying structure for a refrigerator having cantilever shelves |
US6401482B1 (en) * | 2000-08-16 | 2002-06-11 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Door cooling apparatus for refrigerator with double-acting door |
US6604377B2 (en) * | 2000-07-21 | 2003-08-12 | Fujitsu General Limited | Electric refrigerator |
US6647740B2 (en) * | 2001-03-30 | 2003-11-18 | Sankyo Seiki Mfg. Co., Ltd. | Refrigerator damper apparatus and refrigerator |
US20050076670A1 (en) * | 2003-09-09 | 2005-04-14 | Seiichiro Noritake | Damper device |
US20060168989A1 (en) * | 2005-02-01 | 2006-08-03 | Jung-Bum Park | Damper device for efrigerator |
US20070012055A1 (en) * | 2005-03-17 | 2007-01-18 | Electrolux Home Products, Inc. | Electronic referigeration control system including a variable speed compressor |
US20070028643A1 (en) * | 2005-08-02 | 2007-02-08 | Revlett Johnny R | Air tower with heat trap compartment for top mount freezer refrigerator |
US20070266727A1 (en) * | 2006-05-19 | 2007-11-22 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Refrigerator |
US7299651B2 (en) * | 2003-12-12 | 2007-11-27 | Daewoo Electronics Corporation | Assembly structure of a cooling air supplying duct for use in a refrigerator having cantilever shelves |
US20080256964A1 (en) * | 2007-03-31 | 2008-10-23 | Soo Kwan Lee | Refrigerator and controlling method of the same |
Family Cites Families (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5369963A (en) * | 1993-09-15 | 1994-12-06 | Whirlpool Corporation | Top mount refrigerator with air tower and baffle in air circulation system |
DE19914261B4 (en) * | 1998-03-31 | 2005-02-17 | Lg Electronics Inc. | A method for preventing the formation of ice on a throttle device in a convection refrigerator with freezer compartment and refrigerator |
-
2010
- 2010-02-26 US US13/203,414 patent/US20120036879A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2010-02-26 KR KR1020117022721A patent/KR20120007500A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2010-02-26 CN CN201080014099.0A patent/CN102365514B/en active Active
- 2010-02-26 AU AU2010217824A patent/AU2010217824B2/en active Active
- 2010-02-26 WO PCT/US2010/025621 patent/WO2010099464A2/en active Application Filing
- 2010-02-26 BR BRPI1007806-1A patent/BRPI1007806B1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2010-02-26 EP EP10706122.8A patent/EP2401563B1/en active Active
-
2020
- 2020-06-30 US US16/916,639 patent/US11781797B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (24)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2962872A (en) * | 1958-01-13 | 1960-12-06 | Revco Inc | Refrigerator construction and controls |
US3169383A (en) * | 1958-11-25 | 1965-02-16 | Whirlpool Co | Refrigerator with hollow cold shelf |
US3280583A (en) * | 1965-05-12 | 1966-10-25 | Gen Electric | Combination refrigerator |
US3548871A (en) * | 1968-06-06 | 1970-12-22 | Whirlpool Co | Air flow control |
US4557118A (en) * | 1984-12-06 | 1985-12-10 | Amana Refrigeration, Inc. | Crisper humidity control |
US4642998A (en) * | 1985-09-06 | 1987-02-17 | Samsung Electronic Co., Ltd. | Refrigerator cooling air flow control apparatus |
US5214936A (en) * | 1990-09-28 | 1993-06-01 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Cooling air supply device for a freezer compartment |
US5893620A (en) * | 1993-07-26 | 1999-04-13 | Whirlpool Corporation | Multiple shelf support system in common refrigerator liner |
US5546759A (en) * | 1994-01-26 | 1996-08-20 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Refrigerator having a vegetable compartment and a separate kimchi chamber |
US5778694A (en) * | 1994-04-04 | 1998-07-14 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Cooling air supply control apparatus of refrigerator |
US5718123A (en) * | 1994-06-01 | 1998-02-17 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Refrigerator having an air circulation system |
US6044654A (en) * | 1997-04-25 | 2000-04-04 | Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha | Refrigerator |
US6347530B1 (en) * | 1999-05-10 | 2002-02-19 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Cooling air supplying structure for a refrigerator having cantilever shelves |
US6238032B1 (en) * | 1999-05-21 | 2001-05-29 | Victory Refrigeration Company | Refrigerated cabinet with molded liner |
US6604377B2 (en) * | 2000-07-21 | 2003-08-12 | Fujitsu General Limited | Electric refrigerator |
US6401482B1 (en) * | 2000-08-16 | 2002-06-11 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Door cooling apparatus for refrigerator with double-acting door |
US6647740B2 (en) * | 2001-03-30 | 2003-11-18 | Sankyo Seiki Mfg. Co., Ltd. | Refrigerator damper apparatus and refrigerator |
US20050076670A1 (en) * | 2003-09-09 | 2005-04-14 | Seiichiro Noritake | Damper device |
US7299651B2 (en) * | 2003-12-12 | 2007-11-27 | Daewoo Electronics Corporation | Assembly structure of a cooling air supplying duct for use in a refrigerator having cantilever shelves |
US20060168989A1 (en) * | 2005-02-01 | 2006-08-03 | Jung-Bum Park | Damper device for efrigerator |
US20070012055A1 (en) * | 2005-03-17 | 2007-01-18 | Electrolux Home Products, Inc. | Electronic referigeration control system including a variable speed compressor |
US20070028643A1 (en) * | 2005-08-02 | 2007-02-08 | Revlett Johnny R | Air tower with heat trap compartment for top mount freezer refrigerator |
US20070266727A1 (en) * | 2006-05-19 | 2007-11-22 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Refrigerator |
US20080256964A1 (en) * | 2007-03-31 | 2008-10-23 | Soo Kwan Lee | Refrigerator and controlling method of the same |
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20130106274A1 (en) * | 2011-10-26 | 2013-05-02 | Changwoan Yang | Refrigerator |
US8721014B2 (en) * | 2011-10-26 | 2014-05-13 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Refrigerator |
US20180120016A1 (en) * | 2016-10-27 | 2018-05-03 | Electrolux Home Products, Inc. | Air tower improvement for a refrigerator |
US10041717B2 (en) * | 2016-10-27 | 2018-08-07 | Electrolux Home Products, Inc. | Air tower improvement for a refrigerator |
US20180172330A1 (en) * | 2016-12-19 | 2018-06-21 | Bsh Hausgeraete Gmbh | Household appliance device and method for operating a household appliance device |
US10697689B2 (en) * | 2016-12-19 | 2020-06-30 | Bsh Hausgeraete Gmbh | Household appliance device and method for operating a household appliance device |
US20180340726A1 (en) * | 2017-05-26 | 2018-11-29 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Refrigerator |
US10775093B2 (en) * | 2017-05-26 | 2020-09-15 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Refrigerator |
US11384974B2 (en) | 2020-12-14 | 2022-07-12 | Whirlpool Corporation | Refrigerator system |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU2010217824B2 (en) | 2013-05-02 |
BRPI1007806A2 (en) | 2017-03-07 |
CN102365514A (en) | 2012-02-29 |
US11781797B2 (en) | 2023-10-10 |
CN102365514B (en) | 2015-04-01 |
EP2401563A2 (en) | 2012-01-04 |
US20200386467A1 (en) | 2020-12-10 |
AU2010217824A1 (en) | 2011-09-22 |
WO2010099464A2 (en) | 2010-09-02 |
EP2401563B1 (en) | 2016-10-05 |
KR20120007500A (en) | 2012-01-20 |
BRPI1007806B1 (en) | 2020-08-18 |
WO2010099464A3 (en) | 2011-01-27 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US11781797B2 (en) | Refrigerator air duct | |
US6629429B1 (en) | Refrigerator | |
US8429926B2 (en) | Ice storage bin and icemaker apparatus for refrigerator | |
US5946934A (en) | Cool air supplying system for refrigerators | |
US10041717B2 (en) | Air tower improvement for a refrigerator | |
CN105605857B (en) | Refrigerator | |
US5784896A (en) | Freezer or refrigerator construction suitable for food service use | |
CN109990529A (en) | Refrigerator | |
US6672094B1 (en) | Pressure relief system for a refrigerator | |
WO2019129242A1 (en) | Refrigerator | |
US10001316B2 (en) | Freezer air tower and damper | |
KR101404342B1 (en) | Refrigerator | |
US9383132B2 (en) | Refrigerator providing air flow to door | |
US20070028643A1 (en) | Air tower with heat trap compartment for top mount freezer refrigerator | |
US20110259896A1 (en) | Refrigeration unit having an air channel | |
CN110118464A (en) | The installation method of Domestic refrigerator and cover plate with support substrate | |
CN210220351U (en) | Single system refrigerator | |
US11268748B2 (en) | Indirect air cooling for an ice maker within a refrigerator door | |
KR20140046618A (en) | Refrigerator | |
CN212815536U (en) | Refrigerating cabinet | |
US20220154999A1 (en) | Refrigerator appliance auxiliary evaporation tray | |
CN210220350U (en) | Single system refrigerator | |
CN115978884A (en) | Air duct assembly and refrigeration equipment | |
CN114593557A (en) | Refrigerator and refrigeration control method thereof | |
JP2004271178A (en) | Refrigerator |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC., NORTH CAROLINA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:CANDEO, MARCELO;SIMPSON, CORY DALE;SIGNING DATES FROM 20111103 TO 20111104;REEL/FRAME:027184/0028 |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: RESPONSE AFTER FINAL ACTION FORWARDED TO EXAMINER |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: ADVISORY ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |