US20140230483A1 - Refrigeration device - Google Patents
Refrigeration device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140230483A1 US20140230483A1 US14/351,332 US201214351332A US2014230483A1 US 20140230483 A1 US20140230483 A1 US 20140230483A1 US 201214351332 A US201214351332 A US 201214351332A US 2014230483 A1 US2014230483 A1 US 2014230483A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- door panel
- door
- opening
- designed
- interior space
- 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
- 238000005057 refrigeration Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 72
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 57
- 239000003507 refrigerant Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 24
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 238000010257 thawing Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000005192 partition Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000007710 freezing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 235000013611 frozen food Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008014 freezing Effects 0.000 description 1
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
- F25D23/00—General constructional features
- F25D23/02—Doors; Covers
- F25D23/028—Details
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
- E05Y2900/00—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof
- E05Y2900/30—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for domestic appliances
- E05Y2900/31—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for domestic appliances for refrigerators
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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
- F25D2700/00—Means for sensing or measuring; Sensors therefor
- F25D2700/02—Sensors detecting door opening
Definitions
- the invention relates to a refrigeration device, in particular a domestic refrigerator, which has an inner container with a coolable interior space and a door panel provided for opening and closing the interior space.
- Refrigeration devices of this kind comprise a refrigerant circuit, optionally at least one fan, an interior space light, etc. and a control device for controlling the refrigerant circuit, fan, interior space light, etc.
- the control device of such refrigeration devices can be designed to control the refrigerant circuit, fan and/or interior space light as a function of the opening state of the door panel.
- the control device can be designed to turn on the interior space light when the door panel is open and to turn if off when the door panel is closed.
- the control device can also be designed to turn off the fan when the door panel is open and to leave it turned off as long as the door panel is open.
- conventional refrigeration devices comprise magnetic or mechanical door switches connected to the control device, and these recognize opening and closing of the door panel.
- the object of the invention is to disclose an improved refrigeration device.
- a refrigeration device having an inner container with a coolable interior space, a refrigerant circuit provided for cooling the interior space, a door panel provided for opening and closing the interior space, a control device designed to control at least one component of the refrigeration device as a function of the opening state of the door panel, and an electrical door opening assistance mechanism, which operates independently of the control device, and which is designed to at least support an opening of the door panel, and therefore comprises information on the current opening state of the door panel, and which is connected to the control device and is designed to transmit information on the current opening state of the door panel to the control device.
- the inventive refrigeration device is constructed in particular as a domestic refrigerator, such as a domestic refrigeration appliance or as a combined fridge-freezer.
- the refrigeration device comprises the inner container, which is designed in particular as a heat-insulating inner container, as is generally known to a person skilled in the art.
- the inner container comprises the coolable interior space which can be closed by means of the door panel.
- the door panel is, by way of example, pivotally hinged relative to the inner container, and in particular on the inner container and can preferably be pivoted with respect to a vertically extending pivot axis to open and close the interior space.
- the interior space is cooled by means of the refrigerant circuit.
- the coolable interior space is for example a refrigeration compartment which is provided to be cooled to temperature around about 10° C.
- the interior space can also be a freezer compartment whose desired temperatures lie below freezing point, preferably around ⁇ 18° C.
- the inventive refrigeration device comprises the control device which is designed to control at least one component of the refrigeration device as a function of the opening state of the door panel.
- the control device comprises for example an electronic device and is designed according to one variant of the inventive refrigeration device to control the refrigerant circuit, in particular a compressor of the refrigerant circuit, in such a way that the actual temperature of the interior space is at least approximately the same as a desired temperature of the interior space.
- the control device can be designed to carry out temperature regulation of the interior space, known in principle to a person skilled in the art, by way of suitable control of the refrigerant circuit.
- the component which the control device controls according to the invention as a function of the opening state, can be by way of example an interior space light for at least partially illuminating the interior space.
- the control device preferably turns the interior space light on as soon as the door panel is opened and turns it off again as soon as the door panel is closed again.
- the component can, however, also be at least one fan for conveying air cooled by the refrigerant circuit into the interior space. No-frost refrigeration devices for example include a fan of this kind.
- the control device can be designed to automatically turn the fan off as soon as the door panel is opened. When the door panel is closed the control device controls the fan by way of example according to the established temperature regulation.
- the component can, however, also be a defrosting device for defrosting an evaporator of the refrigerant circuit.
- the inventive refrigeration device also comprises the electrical or electronic door opening assistance mechanism which works independently of the control device.
- the electronic door opening assistance mechanism is independent therefore.
- Electrical door opening assistance mechanisms are provided to support opening of the door panel in an at least partially automated manner and are known in principle to a person skilled in the art by way of example from DE 10 2006 061 083 A1. Since, as a rule, an encircling seal, in particular a magnetic seal, is secured to the door panel, and in the closed state of the door panel this seal rests for example on the inner container or a body of the refrigeration device, when the door panel is closed a vacuum may form in the interior space which makes it difficult to open the door manually.
- electrical door opening assistance mechanisms are, as a rule, designed such that they automatically open the door panel at least so wide that air outside of the refrigeration device can pass into the interior space.
- electrical door opening assistance mechanisms comprise by way of example an actuator which has for example a ram which, during opening of the door, automatically pushes the door away from the inner container.
- the door opening assistance mechanism is provided to at least automatically support opening of the door panel, it is possible that the door opening assistance mechanism is designed according to the invention to have information on the current opening state of the door panel, i.e. the door opening assistance mechanism has information on whether the door panel is currently open or closed.
- the door opening assistance mechanism is also connected to the control device and transmits to it the information on the current opening state of the door panel. Information about the current opening state of the door panel is therefore available to the control device so it is possible for this control device to control the at least one component as a function of the opening state of the door panel.
- the inventive refrigeration device therefore does not require a door opening switch as is the case with conventional refrigeration devices.
- the door opening assistance mechanism can in particular transmit information on the current opening state of the door panel to the control device in the case of any change in the opening state, i.e. whenever the door panel is opened or closed.
- the control device can also be designed to retrieve the information on the opening state of the door panel from the door opening assistance mechanism.
- the door opening assistance mechanism of the inventive refrigeration device can preferably have an electronic control unit and an actuator connected to the control unit and which, controlled by the control unit, is designed to at least partially support opening of the door panel.
- the actuator is constructed for example as an electromechanical actuator which, to open the door panel, extends, automatically controlled by the control unit and consequently pushes the door panel away from the inner container. As the door panel is closed it pushes the actuator back into its original position.
- the door opening assistance mechanism has a sensor connected to the control unit and which is designed to detect a movement of the door panel.
- the control unit is then preferably designed to control the actuator on the basis of signals generated by the sensor, so it at least assists in the at least partial opening of the door panel.
- Suitable sensors are known to a person skilled in the art by way of example from DE 10 2006 061 083 A1 and are, by way of example, pressure or Hall sensors. It is therefore possible for a user of the inventive refrigeration device to initially easily move the closed door panel, and the sensor detects this, so the door opening assistance mechanism, by means of its actuator and controlled by the control unit, then automatically pushes the door panel open.
- the inventive refrigeration device has an input means connected to the control unit, on the basis of whose actuation the control unit controls the actuator so the latter at least assists in the at least partial opening of the door panel.
- the input means is for example a button.
- the door opening assistance mechanism can preferably have an independent power supply which is designed to generate, from a mains voltage for the refrigeration device, an electrical supply voltage for the control unit and/or a supply voltage for the actuator.
- the door opening assistance mechanism can therefore be constructed so as to be completely stand-alone and completely independent of the control device.
- the door opening assistance mechanism can have an output by which the door opening assistance mechanism, and in particular its control unit, is connected to the control device.
- the output is constructed for example as a potential-free output which can be scanned by the control device.
- the inventive refrigeration device therefore comprises an independently operating door opening assistance mechanism which preferably does not require an input signal and has just one connection for the mains voltage.
- the door opening assistance mechanism is normally always informed about the opening state of the door panel in order to be able to rule out inadvertent activation.
- the door opening assistance mechanism is already constructed in such a way that it has information on the current opening state of the door panel. This is preferably achieved in that recognition of the current opening state of the door panel is already integrated in the sensors of an opening intention recognition system.
- the door opening assistance mechanism comprises for example the sensor for detecting a movement of the door panel. Since according to the invention the door opening assistance mechanism is connected to the control device of the refrigeration device, a separate door switch, present in conventional refrigeration devices, can be omitted.
- FIG. 1 shows a domestic refrigerator
- FIG. 2 shows components of the domestic refrigerator.
- FIG. 1 shows a domestic refrigerator 1 as an example of a refrigeration device.
- the domestic refrigerator 1 is constructed as a no-frost refrigeration device and has an inner container 2 with a coolable interior space which in the case of the present exemplary embodiment is divided into a freezer compartment 3 and a refrigeration compartment 4 arranged above the freezer compartment 3 .
- the freezer compartment 3 is used by way of example for deep-freezing frozen food at, for example, about minus 18 degrees Celsius.
- the refrigeration compartment 4 and the freezer compartment 3 are separated from each other by a heat-insulating partition 9 .
- the partition 9 is part of the inner container 2 .
- the domestic refrigerator 1 comprises at least one refrigerant circuit 21 , shown in FIG. 2 , for cooling the freezer compartment 3 and the refrigeration compartment 4 .
- a shared refrigerant circuit may be provided for the refrigeration compartment 4 and the freezer compartment 3 , and this comprises for example an evaporator provided to cool the refrigeration compartment 4 and an evaporator provided to cool the freezer compartment 3 .
- the domestic refrigerator 1 can, however, also have separate refrigerant circuits for the freezer compartment 3 and the refrigeration compartment 4 .
- the domestic refrigerator 1 has two door panels 5 , 6 , for closing the freezer compartment 3 and the refrigeration compartment 4 .
- the door panels 5 , 6 are open the freezer compartment 3 and the refrigeration compartment 4 are accessible.
- a plurality of door trays 12 for storing chilled goods are arranged on the side of the door panel 6 , provided for closing the refrigeration compartment 4 , oriented in the direction of the refrigeration compartment 4 .
- the door panels 5 , 6 are arranged, for example on the inner container 2 , so as to be pivotal relative to the inner container 2 by means of hinges as is known in principle to a person skilled in the art. When the door panels 5 , 6 are open the refrigeration compartment 4 and the freezer compartment 3 are accessible.
- a plurality of drawers 10 for storing frozen food is arranged in the freezer compartment 3 and a plurality of trays 11 for storing chilled goods is arranged in the refrigeration compartment 4 by way of example.
- the domestic refrigerator 1 also has a control device 22 , shown in FIG. 2 , which is designed to control the refrigerant circuit(s), optionally the refrigerant circuit 21 during operation of the domestic refrigerator 1 , in such a way that the freezer compartment 3 and the refrigeration compartment 4 have at least approximately predetermined or adjustable desired temperatures, as is known in principle to a person skilled in the art.
- the control device 22 is designed, for example, to implement an appropriate temperature regulation of the freezer compartment 3 and the refrigeration compartment 4 .
- the domestic refrigerator 1 comprises, for example, temperature sensors (not shown) connected to the control device 22 which are designed to determine the actual temperatures of the freezer compartment 3 and the refrigeration compartment 4 . Due to the actual temperatures determined by means of the temperature sensors and the signals associated with the actual temperatures, it is possible for the control device 22 to control the refrigerant circuit 21 in the manner known in principle to a person skilled in the art.
- the domestic refrigerator 1 comprises at least one fan 23 connected to the control device 22 and/or at least one interior space light 24 connected to the control device 22 .
- the fan 23 is provided in particular to convey air cooled by the refrigerant circuit 22 into the refrigeration compartment 4 .
- door panel 6 which is associated with the refrigeration compartment 4
- the interior space light 24 is provided in particular to at least partially illuminate the refrigeration compartment 4 .
- control device 22 is designed, when door panel 6 , which is associated with the refrigeration compartment 4 , is open, so as to automatically turn off the fan 23 and turn on the interior space light 24 .
- the control device 22 automatically turns the inner light 24 off and operates the fan in accordance with the predetermined desired temperature and in accordance with the determined actual temperature of the refrigeration compartment 4 .
- the control device 22 is therefore designed to operate at least one component of the domestic refrigerator 1 as a function of the opening state of door panel 6 associated with the refrigeration compartment 4 .
- the control device 22 can also be designed to operate at least one component of the domestic refrigerator 1 as a function of the opening state of door panel 7 associated with the freezer compartment 3 .
- a component of this kind may for example be an interior space light (not shown) of the freezer compartment 3 , a fan associated with the freezer compartment 3 or a defrosting system associated with the refrigeration circuit 21 .
- the domestic refrigerator 1 has an electrical door opening assistance mechanism 25 .
- This is designed to at least partially support opening the door panel 6 associated with the refrigeration compartment 4 .
- the door opening assistance mechanism 25 is foam-sealed into the partition 9 and works independently of the control device 22 or works completely independently.
- the door opening assistance mechanism 25 has an actuator 26 , a control unit 27 connected to the actuator 26 and a power supply 28 .
- the actuator 26 , control unit 27 and power supply 28 are arranged by way of example inside a shared housing 29 .
- the power supply 28 is provided to generate an electrical supply voltage for the control unit 27 and optionally a supply voltage for the actuator 26 from a mains voltage for the domestic refrigerator 1 .
- the control unit 27 comprises for example an electronic device having a microcontroller or microprocessor and is designed to control the actuator 26 .
- the door opening assistance mechanism 25 is designed to at least partially support opening the door panel 6 associated with the refrigeration compartment 4 .
- it is arranged relative to the door panel 6 in such a way that the actuator 26 , controlled by the control unit 27 , extends, if required, from a retracted position into an extended position and therefore opens the door panel 6 at least to the extent that the magnetic seal 8 of the door panel 6 no longer rests on the inner container 2 .
- the door opening assistance mechanism 25 is preferably arranged in the inner container 2 in such a way that the actuator 26 presses approximately centrally against the door panel 6 during opening.
- the door opening assistance mechanism 25 comprises a sensor 30 for detecting a movement of the door panel 6 .
- This sensor 30 is coupled to the control unit 27 of the door opening assistance mechanism 25 and is designed to detect a movement of the closed door panel 6 , whereupon the control unit 27 controls the actuator 26 so this at least partially opens the door panel 6 .
- Suitable sensors 30 are known to a person skilled in the art by way of example from DE 10 2006 061 083 A1 and are pressure or Hall sensors by way of example. It is therefore possible for a user of the domestic refrigerator 1 to move the closed door panel 6 in such a way that the magnetic seal 8 still rests on the inner container 2 . This movement is detected by the sensor 30 , whereupon the actuator 26 automatically pushes open the door panel 6 .
- an input means connected to the control unit 27 of the door opening assistance mechanism 25 may also be provided instead of the sensor 30 .
- the control unit 27 of the door opening assistance mechanism 25 automatically extends the actuator 26 to at least partially open the door panel 6 .
- the input means can be, for example, a button 14 connected to the control unit 27 of the door opening assistance mechanism 25 and which is arranged by way of example on the outward-facing side of the door panel 6 .
- the door opening assistance mechanism 25 is coupled or connected to the control device 22 of the domestic refrigerator 1 .
- the door opening assistance mechanism 25 comprises, for example, an output 31 , connected to the control unit 27 , by way of which the door opening assistance mechanism 25 is connected to the control device 22 .
- the door opening assistance mechanism 25 is designed to transmit to the control device 22 information on the open door panel 6 as soon as the actuator 26 is extended.
- the door opening assistance mechanism 25 is also designed to transmit to the control device 22 information on the closed door panel 6 as soon as the actuator 26 is pressed into its retracted position.
- the control device 22 can also be designed to retrieve this information from the output.
- the control device 22 consequently receives information on the current opening state of the door panel 6 , so it is possible for the control device 22 to operate at least one component of the domestic refrigerator 1 as a function of the opening state of the door panel 6 associated with the refrigeration compartment 4 , as has been described above.
- the domestic refrigerator 1 can have an electrical door opening assistance mechanism 32 which is designed to at least partially support opening the door panel 7 associated with the freezer compartment 3 .
- the door opening assistance mechanism 32 can be foam-sealed, for example, into the bottom 13 of the inner container 2 and works independently of the control device 22 .
- the door opening assistance mechanism 32 associated with the freezer compartment 3 can in particular be constructed in accordance with the door opening assistance mechanism 25 associated with the refrigeration compartment 4 and therefore transmit to the control device 22 information on the current opening state of the door panel 5 associated with the freezer compartment 3 . It is consequently possible for the control device 22 to operate at least one component of the domestic refrigerator 1 as a function of the opening state of the door panel 5 associated with the freezer compartment 3 , as has been described above.
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- 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)
- Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)
- Cold Air Circulating Systems And Constructional Details In Refrigerators (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The invention relates to a refrigeration device, in particular a domestic refrigerator, which has an inner container with a coolable interior space and a door panel provided for opening and closing the interior space.
- Refrigeration devices of this kind comprise a refrigerant circuit, optionally at least one fan, an interior space light, etc. and a control device for controlling the refrigerant circuit, fan, interior space light, etc. The control device of such refrigeration devices can be designed to control the refrigerant circuit, fan and/or interior space light as a function of the opening state of the door panel. In particular the control device can be designed to turn on the interior space light when the door panel is open and to turn if off when the door panel is closed. The control device can also be designed to turn off the fan when the door panel is open and to leave it turned off as long as the door panel is open. To recognize an open door panel, conventional refrigeration devices comprise magnetic or mechanical door switches connected to the control device, and these recognize opening and closing of the door panel.
- The object of the invention is to disclose an improved refrigeration device.
- The object of the invention is achieved by a refrigeration device having an inner container with a coolable interior space, a refrigerant circuit provided for cooling the interior space, a door panel provided for opening and closing the interior space, a control device designed to control at least one component of the refrigeration device as a function of the opening state of the door panel, and an electrical door opening assistance mechanism, which operates independently of the control device, and which is designed to at least support an opening of the door panel, and therefore comprises information on the current opening state of the door panel, and which is connected to the control device and is designed to transmit information on the current opening state of the door panel to the control device.
- The inventive refrigeration device is constructed in particular as a domestic refrigerator, such as a domestic refrigeration appliance or as a combined fridge-freezer. The refrigeration device comprises the inner container, which is designed in particular as a heat-insulating inner container, as is generally known to a person skilled in the art. The inner container comprises the coolable interior space which can be closed by means of the door panel. The door panel is, by way of example, pivotally hinged relative to the inner container, and in particular on the inner container and can preferably be pivoted with respect to a vertically extending pivot axis to open and close the interior space.
- The interior space is cooled by means of the refrigerant circuit. The coolable interior space is for example a refrigeration compartment which is provided to be cooled to temperature around about 10° C. The interior space can also be a freezer compartment whose desired temperatures lie below freezing point, preferably around −18° C.
- The inventive refrigeration device comprises the control device which is designed to control at least one component of the refrigeration device as a function of the opening state of the door panel. The control device comprises for example an electronic device and is designed according to one variant of the inventive refrigeration device to control the refrigerant circuit, in particular a compressor of the refrigerant circuit, in such a way that the actual temperature of the interior space is at least approximately the same as a desired temperature of the interior space. For this purpose the control device can be designed to carry out temperature regulation of the interior space, known in principle to a person skilled in the art, by way of suitable control of the refrigerant circuit.
- The component, which the control device controls according to the invention as a function of the opening state, can be by way of example an interior space light for at least partially illuminating the interior space. In this case the control device preferably turns the interior space light on as soon as the door panel is opened and turns it off again as soon as the door panel is closed again. The component can, however, also be at least one fan for conveying air cooled by the refrigerant circuit into the interior space. No-frost refrigeration devices for example include a fan of this kind. In this case the control device can be designed to automatically turn the fan off as soon as the door panel is opened. When the door panel is closed the control device controls the fan by way of example according to the established temperature regulation. The component can, however, also be a defrosting device for defrosting an evaporator of the refrigerant circuit.
- The inventive refrigeration device also comprises the electrical or electronic door opening assistance mechanism which works independently of the control device. The electronic door opening assistance mechanism is independent therefore. Electrical door opening assistance mechanisms are provided to support opening of the door panel in an at least partially automated manner and are known in principle to a person skilled in the art by way of example from DE 10 2006 061 083 A1. Since, as a rule, an encircling seal, in particular a magnetic seal, is secured to the door panel, and in the closed state of the door panel this seal rests for example on the inner container or a body of the refrigeration device, when the door panel is closed a vacuum may form in the interior space which makes it difficult to open the door manually. To at least support opening of the door panel, electrical door opening assistance mechanisms are, as a rule, designed such that they automatically open the door panel at least so wide that air outside of the refrigeration device can pass into the interior space. For this purpose electrical door opening assistance mechanisms comprise by way of example an actuator which has for example a ram which, during opening of the door, automatically pushes the door away from the inner container.
- Since the door opening assistance mechanism is provided to at least automatically support opening of the door panel, it is possible that the door opening assistance mechanism is designed according to the invention to have information on the current opening state of the door panel, i.e. the door opening assistance mechanism has information on whether the door panel is currently open or closed. According to the invention the door opening assistance mechanism is also connected to the control device and transmits to it the information on the current opening state of the door panel. Information about the current opening state of the door panel is therefore available to the control device so it is possible for this control device to control the at least one component as a function of the opening state of the door panel. The inventive refrigeration device therefore does not require a door opening switch as is the case with conventional refrigeration devices. The door opening assistance mechanism can in particular transmit information on the current opening state of the door panel to the control device in the case of any change in the opening state, i.e. whenever the door panel is opened or closed. The control device can also be designed to retrieve the information on the opening state of the door panel from the door opening assistance mechanism.
- The door opening assistance mechanism of the inventive refrigeration device can preferably have an electronic control unit and an actuator connected to the control unit and which, controlled by the control unit, is designed to at least partially support opening of the door panel. The actuator is constructed for example as an electromechanical actuator which, to open the door panel, extends, automatically controlled by the control unit and consequently pushes the door panel away from the inner container. As the door panel is closed it pushes the actuator back into its original position.
- According to one embodiment of the inventive refrigeration device the door opening assistance mechanism has a sensor connected to the control unit and which is designed to detect a movement of the door panel. The control unit is then preferably designed to control the actuator on the basis of signals generated by the sensor, so it at least assists in the at least partial opening of the door panel. Suitable sensors are known to a person skilled in the art by way of example from DE 10 2006 061 083 A1 and are, by way of example, pressure or Hall sensors. It is therefore possible for a user of the inventive refrigeration device to initially easily move the closed door panel, and the sensor detects this, so the door opening assistance mechanism, by means of its actuator and controlled by the control unit, then automatically pushes the door panel open.
- According to a further variant of the inventive refrigeration device it has an input means connected to the control unit, on the basis of whose actuation the control unit controls the actuator so the latter at least assists in the at least partial opening of the door panel. The input means is for example a button.
- The door opening assistance mechanism can preferably have an independent power supply which is designed to generate, from a mains voltage for the refrigeration device, an electrical supply voltage for the control unit and/or a supply voltage for the actuator. In particular in connection with the sensor, which is designed to detect a movement of the door panel, the door opening assistance mechanism can therefore be constructed so as to be completely stand-alone and completely independent of the control device.
- To connect the door opening assistance mechanism to the control device the door opening assistance mechanism can have an output by which the door opening assistance mechanism, and in particular its control unit, is connected to the control device. The output is constructed for example as a potential-free output which can be scanned by the control device.
- The inventive refrigeration device therefore comprises an independently operating door opening assistance mechanism which preferably does not require an input signal and has just one connection for the mains voltage. This facilitates opening of the door panel and the door opening assistance mechanism can be constructed for example as what is known as a pull-to-open or push-to-open door opening assistance mechanism. The door opening assistance mechanism is normally always informed about the opening state of the door panel in order to be able to rule out inadvertent activation.
- The door opening assistance mechanism is already constructed in such a way that it has information on the current opening state of the door panel. This is preferably achieved in that recognition of the current opening state of the door panel is already integrated in the sensors of an opening intention recognition system. For this purpose the door opening assistance mechanism comprises for example the sensor for detecting a movement of the door panel. Since according to the invention the door opening assistance mechanism is connected to the control device of the refrigeration device, a separate door switch, present in conventional refrigeration devices, can be omitted.
- An exemplary embodiment of the invention is illustrated by way of example in the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 shows a domestic refrigerator and -
FIG. 2 shows components of the domestic refrigerator. -
FIG. 1 shows adomestic refrigerator 1 as an example of a refrigeration device. Thedomestic refrigerator 1 is constructed as a no-frost refrigeration device and has aninner container 2 with a coolable interior space which in the case of the present exemplary embodiment is divided into afreezer compartment 3 and arefrigeration compartment 4 arranged above thefreezer compartment 3. Thefreezer compartment 3 is used by way of example for deep-freezing frozen food at, for example, about minus 18 degrees Celsius. Therefrigeration compartment 4 and thefreezer compartment 3 are separated from each other by a heat-insulatingpartition 9. In the case of the present exemplary embodiment thepartition 9 is part of theinner container 2. - The
domestic refrigerator 1 comprises at least onerefrigerant circuit 21, shown inFIG. 2 , for cooling thefreezer compartment 3 and therefrigeration compartment 4. A shared refrigerant circuit may be provided for therefrigeration compartment 4 and thefreezer compartment 3, and this comprises for example an evaporator provided to cool therefrigeration compartment 4 and an evaporator provided to cool thefreezer compartment 3. Thedomestic refrigerator 1 can, however, also have separate refrigerant circuits for thefreezer compartment 3 and therefrigeration compartment 4. - In the case of the present exemplary embodiment the
domestic refrigerator 1 has twodoor panels freezer compartment 3 and therefrigeration compartment 4. When thedoor panels freezer compartment 3 and therefrigeration compartment 4 are accessible. In the case of the present exemplary embodiment a plurality ofdoor trays 12 for storing chilled goods are arranged on the side of thedoor panel 6, provided for closing therefrigeration compartment 4, oriented in the direction of therefrigeration compartment 4. Thedoor panels inner container 2, so as to be pivotal relative to theinner container 2 by means of hinges as is known in principle to a person skilled in the art. When thedoor panels refrigeration compartment 4 and thefreezer compartment 3 are accessible. Onemagnetic seal door panels door panels inner container 2 so it is substantially air tight. - A plurality of
drawers 10 for storing frozen food is arranged in thefreezer compartment 3 and a plurality oftrays 11 for storing chilled goods is arranged in therefrigeration compartment 4 by way of example. - The
domestic refrigerator 1 also has acontrol device 22, shown inFIG. 2 , which is designed to control the refrigerant circuit(s), optionally therefrigerant circuit 21 during operation of thedomestic refrigerator 1, in such a way that thefreezer compartment 3 and therefrigeration compartment 4 have at least approximately predetermined or adjustable desired temperatures, as is known in principle to a person skilled in the art. Thecontrol device 22 is designed, for example, to implement an appropriate temperature regulation of thefreezer compartment 3 and therefrigeration compartment 4. For this purpose thedomestic refrigerator 1 comprises, for example, temperature sensors (not shown) connected to thecontrol device 22 which are designed to determine the actual temperatures of thefreezer compartment 3 and therefrigeration compartment 4. Due to the actual temperatures determined by means of the temperature sensors and the signals associated with the actual temperatures, it is possible for thecontrol device 22 to control therefrigerant circuit 21 in the manner known in principle to a person skilled in the art. - In the case of the present exemplary embodiment the
domestic refrigerator 1 comprises at least onefan 23 connected to thecontrol device 22 and/or at least oneinterior space light 24 connected to thecontrol device 22. Thefan 23 is provided in particular to convey air cooled by therefrigerant circuit 22 into therefrigeration compartment 4. Whendoor panel 6, which is associated with therefrigeration compartment 4, is open theinterior space light 24 is provided in particular to at least partially illuminate therefrigeration compartment 4. - In the case of the present exemplary embodiment the
control device 22 is designed, whendoor panel 6, which is associated with therefrigeration compartment 4, is open, so as to automatically turn off thefan 23 and turn on theinterior space light 24. Whendoor panel 6 is closed, thecontrol device 22 automatically turns theinner light 24 off and operates the fan in accordance with the predetermined desired temperature and in accordance with the determined actual temperature of therefrigeration compartment 4. In general thecontrol device 22 is therefore designed to operate at least one component of thedomestic refrigerator 1 as a function of the opening state ofdoor panel 6 associated with therefrigeration compartment 4. Alternatively or additionally, thecontrol device 22 can also be designed to operate at least one component of thedomestic refrigerator 1 as a function of the opening state ofdoor panel 7 associated with thefreezer compartment 3. A component of this kind may for example be an interior space light (not shown) of thefreezer compartment 3, a fan associated with thefreezer compartment 3 or a defrosting system associated with therefrigeration circuit 21. - In the case of the present exemplary embodiment the
domestic refrigerator 1 has an electrical door openingassistance mechanism 25. This is designed to at least partially support opening thedoor panel 6 associated with therefrigeration compartment 4. In the case of the present exemplary embodiment the dooropening assistance mechanism 25 is foam-sealed into thepartition 9 and works independently of thecontrol device 22 or works completely independently. - In the case of the present exemplary embodiment the door
opening assistance mechanism 25 has anactuator 26, acontrol unit 27 connected to theactuator 26 and apower supply 28. Theactuator 26,control unit 27 andpower supply 28 are arranged by way of example inside a sharedhousing 29. Thepower supply 28 is provided to generate an electrical supply voltage for thecontrol unit 27 and optionally a supply voltage for the actuator 26 from a mains voltage for thedomestic refrigerator 1. Thecontrol unit 27 comprises for example an electronic device having a microcontroller or microprocessor and is designed to control theactuator 26. - The door
opening assistance mechanism 25 is designed to at least partially support opening thedoor panel 6 associated with therefrigeration compartment 4. For this purpose, in the case of the present exemplary embodiment and as is known in principle to a person skilled in the art, it is arranged relative to thedoor panel 6 in such a way that theactuator 26, controlled by thecontrol unit 27, extends, if required, from a retracted position into an extended position and therefore opens thedoor panel 6 at least to the extent that themagnetic seal 8 of thedoor panel 6 no longer rests on theinner container 2. The dooropening assistance mechanism 25 is preferably arranged in theinner container 2 in such a way that theactuator 26 presses approximately centrally against thedoor panel 6 during opening. - In the case of the present exemplary embodiment the door
opening assistance mechanism 25 comprises asensor 30 for detecting a movement of thedoor panel 6. Thissensor 30 is coupled to thecontrol unit 27 of the dooropening assistance mechanism 25 and is designed to detect a movement of theclosed door panel 6, whereupon thecontrol unit 27 controls theactuator 26 so this at least partially opens thedoor panel 6.Suitable sensors 30 are known to a person skilled in the art by way of example fromDE 10 2006 061 083 A1 and are pressure or Hall sensors by way of example. It is therefore possible for a user of thedomestic refrigerator 1 to move theclosed door panel 6 in such a way that themagnetic seal 8 still rests on theinner container 2. This movement is detected by thesensor 30, whereupon theactuator 26 automatically pushes open thedoor panel 6. - Alternatively or additionally, an input means connected to the
control unit 27 of the dooropening assistance mechanism 25 may also be provided instead of thesensor 30. When the input means is actuated thecontrol unit 27 of the dooropening assistance mechanism 25 automatically extends theactuator 26 to at least partially open thedoor panel 6. The input means can be, for example, abutton 14 connected to thecontrol unit 27 of the dooropening assistance mechanism 25 and which is arranged by way of example on the outward-facing side of thedoor panel 6. - When the
open door panel 6 is closed the face of thedoor panel 6 oriented in the direction of therefrigeration compartment 4 presses theactuator 26 back into its non-extended, i.e. retracted, position. This information is transmitted to thecontrol unit 27 of the dooropening assistance mechanism 25. - In the case of the present exemplary embodiment the door
opening assistance mechanism 25 is coupled or connected to thecontrol device 22 of thedomestic refrigerator 1. For this purpose the dooropening assistance mechanism 25 comprises, for example, anoutput 31, connected to thecontrol unit 27, by way of which the dooropening assistance mechanism 25 is connected to thecontrol device 22. - In the case of the present exemplary embodiment the door
opening assistance mechanism 25 is designed to transmit to thecontrol device 22 information on theopen door panel 6 as soon as theactuator 26 is extended. The dooropening assistance mechanism 25 is also designed to transmit to thecontrol device 22 information on theclosed door panel 6 as soon as theactuator 26 is pressed into its retracted position. Thecontrol device 22 can also be designed to retrieve this information from the output. - The
control device 22 consequently receives information on the current opening state of thedoor panel 6, so it is possible for thecontrol device 22 to operate at least one component of thedomestic refrigerator 1 as a function of the opening state of thedoor panel 6 associated with therefrigeration compartment 4, as has been described above. - Alternatively or additionally, the
domestic refrigerator 1 can have an electrical door openingassistance mechanism 32 which is designed to at least partially support opening thedoor panel 7 associated with thefreezer compartment 3. The dooropening assistance mechanism 32 can be foam-sealed, for example, into the bottom 13 of theinner container 2 and works independently of thecontrol device 22. The dooropening assistance mechanism 32 associated with thefreezer compartment 3 can in particular be constructed in accordance with the dooropening assistance mechanism 25 associated with therefrigeration compartment 4 and therefore transmit to thecontrol device 22 information on the current opening state of thedoor panel 5 associated with thefreezer compartment 3. It is consequently possible for thecontrol device 22 to operate at least one component of thedomestic refrigerator 1 as a function of the opening state of thedoor panel 5 associated with thefreezer compartment 3, as has been described above. - 1 Domestic refrigerator
- 2 Inner container
- 3 Freezer compartment
- 4 Refrigeration compartment
- 5,6 Door panel
- 7,8 Magnetic seal
- 9 Partition
- 10 Drawers
- 11 Trays
- 12 Door trays
- 13 Bottom
- 14 Button
- 21 Refrigerant circuit
- 22 Control device
- 23 Fan
- 24 Interior space light
- 25 Door opening assistance mechanism
- 26 Actuator
- 27 Control device
- 28 Power supply
- 29 Housing
- 30 Sensor
- 31 Output
- 32 Door opening assistance mechanism
Claims (7)
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE102011084825.8 | 2011-10-19 | ||
DE102011084825A DE102011084825A1 (en) | 2011-10-19 | 2011-10-19 | The refrigerator |
PCT/EP2012/070285 WO2013057051A1 (en) | 2011-10-19 | 2012-10-12 | Refrigeration device |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20140230483A1 true US20140230483A1 (en) | 2014-08-21 |
Family
ID=47115832
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/351,332 Abandoned US20140230483A1 (en) | 2011-10-19 | 2012-10-12 | Refrigeration device |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20140230483A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2769157B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN103890512B (en) |
DE (1) | DE102011084825A1 (en) |
PL (1) | PL2769157T3 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2013057051A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20160202669A1 (en) * | 2015-01-09 | 2016-07-14 | Jamie McTaggart BONE | Apparatus for refrigerator |
US20160313055A1 (en) * | 2015-04-22 | 2016-10-27 | Bsh Hausgeraete Gmbh | Domestic refrigeration appliance and method for operating a domestic refrigeration appliance |
GB2544182A (en) * | 2015-10-02 | 2017-05-10 | Wal Mart Stores Inc | Augmented refrigerated display unit |
US20180259204A1 (en) * | 2017-03-07 | 2018-09-13 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Refrigeration module and bathroom management apparatus |
US10684063B2 (en) | 2015-12-28 | 2020-06-16 | Whirlpool Corporation | Easy open drawer/door with rotating handle |
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US6722142B1 (en) * | 2003-02-07 | 2004-04-20 | Sub-Zero Freezer Company, Inc. | Refrigerated enclosure |
US6811236B1 (en) * | 1998-08-19 | 2004-11-02 | Fisher & Paykel Limited | Door opening and closing system |
US20060090401A1 (en) * | 2003-01-10 | 2006-05-04 | Jamison Door Company | Air heated, flexible door panel |
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KR100794603B1 (en) * | 2006-12-08 | 2008-01-14 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Refrigerator and control method thereof |
DE102007036746A1 (en) * | 2007-08-03 | 2009-02-05 | Dorma Gmbh + Co. Kg | Door operating device for actuating the door of a refrigerator / freezer |
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KR101639435B1 (en) * | 2009-10-13 | 2016-07-13 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Refrigerator |
-
2011
- 2011-10-19 DE DE102011084825A patent/DE102011084825A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2012
- 2012-10-12 CN CN201280051611.8A patent/CN103890512B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2012-10-12 US US14/351,332 patent/US20140230483A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2012-10-12 PL PL12780442T patent/PL2769157T3/en unknown
- 2012-10-12 WO PCT/EP2012/070285 patent/WO2013057051A1/en active Application Filing
- 2012-10-12 EP EP12780442.5A patent/EP2769157B1/en not_active Not-in-force
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US6811236B1 (en) * | 1998-08-19 | 2004-11-02 | Fisher & Paykel Limited | Door opening and closing system |
US20060090401A1 (en) * | 2003-01-10 | 2006-05-04 | Jamison Door Company | Air heated, flexible door panel |
US6722142B1 (en) * | 2003-02-07 | 2004-04-20 | Sub-Zero Freezer Company, Inc. | Refrigerated enclosure |
US20080134698A1 (en) * | 2006-12-08 | 2008-06-12 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Refrigerator and control method thereof |
DE102006061083A1 (en) * | 2006-12-22 | 2008-06-26 | BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH | Refrigeration device with door opening help |
US20110241513A1 (en) * | 2008-12-26 | 2011-10-06 | Mitsubishi Electric Corporation | Vacuum heat insulating material, heat insulating box using vacuum heat insulating material, refrigerator, refrigerating/air-conditioning apparatus, water heater, equipments, and manufacturing method of vacuum heat insulating material |
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US20160202669A1 (en) * | 2015-01-09 | 2016-07-14 | Jamie McTaggart BONE | Apparatus for refrigerator |
US20160313055A1 (en) * | 2015-04-22 | 2016-10-27 | Bsh Hausgeraete Gmbh | Domestic refrigeration appliance and method for operating a domestic refrigeration appliance |
US9989302B2 (en) * | 2015-04-22 | 2018-06-05 | BSH Hausegeraete GmbH | Domestic refrigeration appliance and method for operating a domestic refrigeration appliance |
GB2544182A (en) * | 2015-10-02 | 2017-05-10 | Wal Mart Stores Inc | Augmented refrigerated display unit |
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US10684063B2 (en) | 2015-12-28 | 2020-06-16 | Whirlpool Corporation | Easy open drawer/door with rotating handle |
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US20180259204A1 (en) * | 2017-03-07 | 2018-09-13 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Refrigeration module and bathroom management apparatus |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
PL2769157T3 (en) | 2016-06-30 |
DE102011084825A1 (en) | 2013-04-25 |
CN103890512B (en) | 2016-02-24 |
CN103890512A (en) | 2014-06-25 |
WO2013057051A1 (en) | 2013-04-25 |
EP2769157B1 (en) | 2015-12-30 |
EP2769157A1 (en) | 2014-08-27 |
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