WO1990015962A1

WO1990015962A1 - Carbonator refrigeration system

Info

Publication number: WO1990015962A1
Application number: PCT/US1990/003047
Authority: WO
Inventors: Arthur G. Rudick
Original assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
Priority date: 1989-06-15
Filing date: 1990-06-05
Publication date: 1990-12-27
Also published as: AU620726B2; US4970871A; ATE117427T1; ES2067033T3; JPH03505368A; BR9006802A; JPH0670547B2; AU5922390A; EP0428712A4; DE69016175D1; DE69016175T2; EP0428712B1; CA2033196C; CA2033196A1; EP0428712A1; MX171070B

Abstract

A carbonator refrigeration system for use in a conventional refrigerator (10) for dispensing a chilled carbonated liquid such as water or a beverage from the front door (14) of the refrigerator. The system includes a compressor (44), and evaporator (38), a condenser (42), a carbonator (30) and a valve member (56) wherein the valve member is responsive to conditions detected within the refrigerator for selectively directing a source of cooling fluid to or away from a heat exchange device provided in connection with the carbonator. The carbonator refrigeration system enables cooling of the carbonator for home dispensing use in a time-share manner with the remaining mechanical refrigeration components.

Description

CARBONATOR REFRIGERATION SYSTEM

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to re rigeration apparatus for home refrigerator-freez units and more particularly to a refrigeration system f the carbonator apparatus of a post-mix beverage dispens mountable in a conventional home refrigerator.

In recent years. home refrigerators have be designed to dispense chilled products such and ice, wat and beverages through the front door of the refrigerat when the door is closed. Not only is this a convenien to the homeowner, but it also acts to save energy reducing the number of times that the refrigerator do

must be opened and closed. Have refrigerator dispensi systems accessible by opening the door are also useful the homeowner if adequate product cooling can maintained.

Both types of systems have a need for easily a efficiently cooling a carbonator used within t refrigerator dispensing system which will time-share t refrigerator's existing cooling system so that addition auxiliary refrigeration systems will not be required. T use of the existing refrigeration system for cooling t carbonator should, further, be effective regardless of t location of the carbonator within the refrigerator door the interior of the refrigerator.

To be effective and useful, any bevera dispensing system for use in a home refrigerator should simple so that it can be easily built into or retrofitt into the refrigerator.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is the primary object of t invention to provide an improvement in liquid dispensi systems for conventional home refrigerators.

It is another object of the present invention provide a carbonated liquid dispenser integral with conventional home refrigerator.

It is a further object of the present invention provide a system for dispensing a chilled carbonat liquid from a door on the front of the refrigerator.

It is a still further object of the prese invention to cool the carbonator used in the dispensi system by time-sharing the existing refrigeration system.

These and other objects of the present inventi are fulfilled by providing an apparatus in a ho refrigerator for dispensing a chilled carbonated liqu said refrigerator having a mechanical refrigeration sys including a compressor an evaporator and a condenser, improvement comprising:

(a) a source of cooling fluid flowing across evaporator;

(b) a carbonator device disposed in said cabine

(c) heat exchange means, provided in associat with said carbonator device, for cooling said carbona device;

(d) conduit means for connecting said source cooling fluid in fluid communication with said h exchange means;

(e) sensor means for detecting temperat related parameters of the carbonator device;

(f)valve means for selectively regulating the f of said cooling fluid to said heat exchange means; and

(g) control means for operating said valve me in response to the temperature related parameters detec by said sensor means.

The cooling fluid may be either chilled passing over the evaporator, or a high press refrigeration passing through the evaporator in route the carbonator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects of the present invention and attendant advantages thereof will become more read apparent by reference to the accompanying drawin wherein: Figure 1 is a front perspective view general illustrative of a conventional refrigerator having upper freezer compartment and a lower refrigerati compartment;

Figure 2 is a top plan view taken along lines 2 of Figure 1 with the refrigerator door in an open position and is illustrative of one embodiment of t present invention;

Figure 3 is a top plan view taken along lines 2 of Figure 1 with the refrigerator door in a clos position;

Figure 4 is a front cross-sectional view tak along lines 4-4 of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a front cross-sectional view of second preferred embodiment of the present invention wi a carbonator by-pass valve in a closed position;

Figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of t embodiment shown in Figure 5 with the carbonator by-pa valve in an opened position;

Figure 7 is a schematic view of a third embodime of a refrigeration system the present invention; and

Figure 8 is a block diagram showing only t essential control components for the carbonat refrigeration system in each of the embodiments of t present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings wherein li reference numerals refer to like parts throughou attention is directed first to Figure 1 where referen numeral 10 denotes a conventional home refrigerator of t type which is comprised of an upper freezer compartment and a lower refrigeration compartment 14, which includ respective handles 20 and 22 for opening the doors.

The present invention has the capability dispensing carbonated water or a post-mix carbonat beverage including a mixture of flavor concentrate 28 a carbonated water from one of the front < doors of a ho refrigerator. This may be done through the lower door which includes a generally rectangular access opening recess 24 wherein a liquid receptacle (not shown) can inserted therein and pressed against an actuation lever coupled to a liquid dispenser having a discharge port (n shown) .

Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown t details of the first embodiment of the present inventi wherein an entire dispensing system including t carbonator 30 located in the refrigerator door which is an opened position.

Figure 3 is a view similar to that of Figure but with the refrigerator door 18 in a closed position.

With respect to Figures 2 and 3, there is show in addition to the carbonator 30 in the refrigerator do 18, a CO, cylinder 48 and a control section positioned adjacent each other in the refrigerator do 18. The syrup package 28 is centrally located in t refrigerator door 18 above a dispensing outlet in opening or recess 24. Door seals 60 assist in sealing t interior of the refrigerator 14 from external atmosphe and, although shown in cross-section, run the enti vertical length of the door 18 between the door and t refrigerator. The carbonator 50 is surrounded by a band of he transfer fins 62 which are enclosed within a torroid plenum 64 (see Fig. 4).

An insulated duct 32 within the refrigerat compartment 14 includes a carbonator by-pass valve 34 a

Referring now to Figure 4 which is a fro cross-sectional view taken along lines 4-4 in Figure 3, can be seen that within the freezer compartment 12 the is positioned a freezer fan 36 and an evaporator adjacent the rear of freezer compartment 12.

The arrangement described enables a unique abili to cool the carbonator 30 with the use of the existi refrigeration elements, including the evaporator 38 (mo clearly shown in Fig. 5); and a compressor and condens disposed below the cabinet.

In order to cool the carbonator, cold air from t evaporator 38 flows past a closed carbonator by-pass val 34 through the insulated duct 32, through a booster carbonator fan 50, through the heat transfer fins surrounding the carbonator 30, and then through a sho exhaust duct 40 into the interior of the refrigerator 14.

Thus the carbonator by-pass valve 34 is in t closed position, the cold air from evaporator 38 directed to the carbonator 30. When the by-pass valve is in an open position, the cold air generated evaporator 38 is directed straight into the refrigerat compartment 14, as it would be in a convention refrigerator. An ice bank detector (see Fig. 8) locat in controls 46 determines the position of the by-pa valve 34 such that when the ice bank detector senses lack of an adequate ice bank surrounding the carbonator, control system 46 will switch closed the bypass in ord to direct evaporator-cooled air directly at the carbonat 30 as shown in Fig. 4. Whether or not the compressor is running is determined by the set point of the interi of the refrigerator as detected by a temperature sens associated with controls 46. The temperature sensor m be located in any suitable location within t refrigerator.

Water and electricity are routed to t refrigerator door 18 by flexible connectors in the hin area (not shown) . When the refrigerator door 18 is open (see Fig. 2), the carbonator 30 and its related assemb swings away from the insulated duct 32. When t refrigerator door 18 is closed (see Fig. 3), t carbonator 30 and its related assembly reconnects to t insulated duct 32.

Figure 5 is a front cross-sectional view of second preferred embodiment of the present inventio showing the carbonator by-pass valve 34 in a clos position. Figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional view Figure 6 showing the carbonator by-pass valve 34 in opened position.

Similar to the first embodiment shown, the seco embodiment uses the refrigerator's main refrigeratio system with no additional auxilliary refrigeration systems

The carbonator 30 is likewise surrounded by a ban of heat transfer fins 62 which are enclosed within torroidal plenum 64.

In a carbonator cooling operation, cold air fro the evaporator 38 is ducted past a closed carbonato by-pass valve 34, into the plenum inlet 63, over th carbonator's heat transfer fins 64 and then through th plenum outlet 65 into the refrigeration compartment 14 If the heat transfer fins 62 cause too much resistance t the air flow, an exhaust fan 51 for the carbonator 30 ca be added to the plenum outlet 65.

Thus, when the by-pass valve 34 is in the close position, the cold air from the evaporator 38 is directe to the carbonator 30 prior to passing into th refrigerator compartment 14. When the by-pass valve 34 i in the open position, the cold air is directed straigh into the refrigeration compartment 14, as it would be in conventional refrigerator. The ice bank detector (se Fig. 8) determines the position of the by-pass valve 3 such that when the ice bank detector senses a lack of a adequate ice bank surrounding the carbonator, a contro system 46 will switch closed the bypass valve 34 in orde to direct evaporator-cooled air directly at the carbonato 30 as shown in Figure 5. Whether or not compressor unde the refrigerator (not shown in Figs. 6 and 7) is runnin is determined by the set point of a temperature sensor i the interior of the refrigerator.

Similar to the first embodiment, carbonated wate from the carbonator 30 is directed to a dispensin mechanism in door 18 by way of a flexible tube route through the hinge area (not shown) .

Referring now to Figure 7, there is shown schematic view for a substitute refrigeration system fo use as a third embodiment of the present invention. Th system schematically shown provides an evaporator 38 whic cools the interior of both the freezer 12 and th refrigerator 14. When the ice bank detector senses th presence of an adequate ice bank of more than predetermined thickness on the carbonator 30, three-way valve 56 will always direct a high pressu refrigerant to the evaporator 38, by-passing t carbonator 30. When the ice bank detector senses a la of an adequate ice bank on the carbonator 30, a contr system 46 will oscillate the three-way valve 56 back a forth, sending high pressure refrigerant to t carbonator's cooling coils 62 for an appropria percentage of the compressor 44 run cycle, and send hi pressure refrigerant to the evaporator 38 for t remainder of the run cycle in the compressor 44.

It should be understood that the mechanic refrigeration system used with the first and seco embodiments of Figs. 4 and 5 of Fig. 7 includes evaporat 38, condenser 42 and compressor 44. However, valve 56 a coil 62 would not be included in those embodiments.

Referring now to Figure 8, there is shown a blo diagram of the essential control components for t carbonator refrigeration system in each of the embodimen of the present invention.

In particular, it can be seen that a temperatu sensor 70 is primarily responsible for detecting t temperature within the interior of the refrigerator. T interior temperature of the refrigerator is to maintained at a predetermined set point, such that wh the temperature falls below the predetermined set poin the compressor 44 is activated to initiate cooling evaporator 38 (see Fig. 7).

Power source 72 can be any suitable power mea available for running a standard refrigerator.

The ice bank detector 74 detects the lack of a adequate ice bank (below a predetermined thickness surrounding the carbonator 30 such that detection of a adequate ice bank will operate to open switch 34 and allo chilled air to pass directed into the refrigerato compartment 14. Conversely, if an inadequat ice bank is detected, the switch 34 will close allowin chilled air to cool the carbonator 30.

If high pressure refrigerant is being utilized t cool the carbonator, the three-way valve 56 operates a described in connection with Figure 7 whereby when the ic bank detector senses the presence of an adequate ice ban on carbonator 30, the three-way valve 56 will alway direct the high pressure refrigerant to the evaporator 38 by-passing the carbonator 30. When the ice bank detecto 74 senses a lack of an adequate ice bank on the carbonato 30, the three-way valve 56 will oscillate to direct hig pressure refrigerant to the carbonator cooling coils 6 for an appropriate percentage of the compressor 44 ru cycle, and send high pressure refrigerant to th evaporator 38 for the remainder of the compressor 44 ru cycle.

It should be understood that the foregoin detailed description has been made by way of illustratio and not limitation. Accordingly, all such modifications alterations and changes coming within the spirit and scop of the invention are herein meant to be included.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS

1. An apparatus for use in a refrigerator cabinet f dispensing a chilled carbonated liquid, said refrigerat having a mechanical refrigeration system including, evaporator, a compressor and a condenser, the improveme comprising:

(a) a source of cooling fluid flowing across t evaporator;

(b) a carbonator device disposed in said cabinet

(c) heat exchange means, provided in associati with said carbonator device, for cooling said carbonat device;

(d) conduit means for connecting said source cooling fluid in fluid communication with said he exchange means;

(e) sensor means for detecting temperatu related parameters of the carbonator device;

(f)valve means for selectively regulating the fl of said cooling fluid to said heat exchange means; and

(g) control means for operating said valve mea in response to the temperature related parameters detect by said sensor means.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said valv means selectively directs said cooling fluid in a firs direction toward said heat exchange means and in a secon direction to direct cooling fluid to the interior of sai refrigerator away from said carbonator device.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein sai cooling fluid is chilled air which passes across sai evaporator.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said hea exchange means comprises cooling fins surrounding sai carbonator device.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said cooling flui is a high pressure cooling refrigerant which passe through said evaporator.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said heat exchang means comprises a coil surrounding said carbonator devic in fluid communication with said conduit means.

7. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein sai cooling fins are enclosed within a plenum, said plenu having an inlet connected to said conduit means and a outlet for directing the flow of chilled air across sai carbonator.

8. An apparatus for use in a refrigerator cabinet fo dispensing a chilled carbonated liquid, said refrigerato cabinet having a freezer compartment and a refrigeratio compartment, an evaporator for generating chilled ai within the freezer compartment and at least one externa door mounted on the refrigerator cabinet, comprising: a carbonator mountable within said refrigeratio compartment; an air duct for feeding said chilled air from sai evaporator to said carbonator; sensor means for detecting temperature relate parameters of said carbonator; valve means for regulating the flow of chilled ai through the air duct; and control means for operating s'aid valve means i response to the temperature related parameters detected b said sensor means.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein sai air duct includes an inlet end in fluid communication wit said valve means and an outlet end in fluid communicatio with said carbonator.

10. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein sai carbonator includes heat transfer fins thereon enclose within a plenum, said plenum having an inlet connected t the outlet end of the air duct and an outlet for directin the flow of said chilled air across said carbonator int the refrigeration compartment.

11. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein sai valve means is selectively operable between an ope position and a closed position to start or stop the flo of chilled air through said air duct, respectively, on of, said positions enabling the flow of chilled air fro said evaporator directly into said refrigeratio compartment, the other of said positions enabling the flo of chilled air from said evaporator through said air duct to said carbonator.

12. The apparatus according to claim 8, further including an evaporator fan for assisting the flow of chilled air generated by said evaporator to eithe selected the carbonator or refrigeration compartment.

13. The apparatus according to claim 9, furthe including a booster fan positioned at the outlet end o said air duct for assisting the flow of chilled ai generated by said evaporator past said carbonator.

14. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein sai outlet of said plenum includes an exhaust duct fo directing the flow of chilled air into said refrigeratio compartment.

15. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein th carbonator is mounted on the door and said inlet of sai plenum mates with the outlet of said air duct when th door is closed and wherein the inlet of said plenum i spaced apart from the outlet of said air duct when th refrigerator door is opened.

16. The apparatus according to claim 8, furthe including a flavor concentrate package positioned in central front portion of the refrigerator door fo combining with cooled carbonated water to dispense carbonated beverage.

17. An apparatus for use in a refrigerator cabinet fo dispensing a chilled carbonated liquid, said refrigerato cabinet having a freezer compartment and a refrigeratio compartment, and evaporator for generating chilled ai disposed within the freezer compartment and at least on external door mounted on the refrigerator cabinet, comprising: a carbonator mounted within said refrigeratio compartment; sensor means for detecting temperature relate parameters of said carbonator; valve means for regulating the flow of chilled ai generated through regions surrounding said carbonator; and control means for operating said valve means i response to the temperature related parameters detected b said sensor means.

18. The apparatus, according the claim 17, wherein sai valve means is selectively operable between an ope position and a closed position to start or stop the flo of chilled air to the regions surrounding the carbonator, respectively, one of said positions enabling the flow of chilled air from said evaporator directly into sai refrigeration compartment, the other of said positions enabling the flow of chilled air from said evaporator directly to regions surrounding said carbonator.

19. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said carbonator includes heat transfer fins enclosed within a plenum said plenum having an inlet in fluid communication with said valve means for directing the flow of said chilled air across said carbonator and an outlet for exhausting chilled air to the refrigeration compartment.

20. The apparatus according to claim 17, further including an evaporator fan for assisting the flow of chilled air generated by said evaporator to either of said carbonator or said refrigeration compartment.

21. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein a exhaust fan for assisting in the dispersion of cooled ai within said refrigeration compartment is disposed in flui communication with the outlet of the plenum.

22. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor mean includes temperature sensor means within the refrigerato cabinet for detecting the temperature in said cabinet a one of said temperature related parameters, sai temperature sensor causing said control means to energiz said compressor when the temperature sensed is below predetermined value.

23. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said sensor mean includes means for detecting the thickness of an ice ban formed in said carbonator, said thickness being one o said temperature related parameters.

24. The apparatus of claim 1 said sensor means include means for detecting the thickness of an ice bank formed i said carbonator, said thickness being one of sai temperature related parameters.

25. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said sensor mean includes means for detecting the thickness of an ice ban formed in said carbonator, said thickness being one o said temperature related parameters.

26. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said sensor mean includes means for detecting the thickness of an ice ban formed in said carbonator, said thickness being one o said temperature related parameters.