WO2006031136A1 - A combination refrigerator-dryer unit - Google Patents

A combination refrigerator-dryer unit Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2006031136A1
WO2006031136A1 PCT/PH2005/000020 PH2005000020W WO2006031136A1 WO 2006031136 A1 WO2006031136 A1 WO 2006031136A1 PH 2005000020 W PH2005000020 W PH 2005000020W WO 2006031136 A1 WO2006031136 A1 WO 2006031136A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
refrigerating
refrigerator
chamber
drying
condenser
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/PH2005/000020
Other languages
French (fr)
Original Assignee
Andes, Antonio, Sr., M.
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Andes, Antonio, Sr., M. filed Critical Andes, Antonio, Sr., M.
Publication of WO2006031136A1 publication Critical patent/WO2006031136A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F58/00—Domestic laundry dryers
    • D06F58/10—Drying cabinets or drying chambers having heating or ventilating means
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D23/00—General constructional features
    • F25D23/003—General constructional features for cooling refrigerating machinery
    • 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
    • F25D23/12—Arrangements of compartments additional to cooling compartments; Combinations of refrigerators with other equipment, e.g. stove
    • 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
    • F25D2400/00—General features of, or devices for refrigerators, cold rooms, ice-boxes, or for cooling or freezing apparatus not covered by any other subclass
    • F25D2400/26—Refrigerating devices for cooling wearing apparel, e.g. garments, hats, shoes or gloves

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to a refrigerating structure made in combination with a drying unit for drying garments utilizing the heat recovered from the refrigerating apparatus, and more specifically to a combination refrigerator-dryer unit.
  • refrigeration unit such as a household refrigerator, comprises a refrigerating compartment having a built in refrigerating system for cooling the foodstuffs contained in the said compartment.
  • This refrigeration unit having a cooling system that includes a compressor for compressing refrigerant at a high temperature and pressure, a condenser for condensing the compressed refrigerant thrpugh the exchange of heat with outer air, a refrigerating fan for rapidly cooling the compressor and the condenser via forced convection of air, and an evaporator for cooling the refrigerating compartment.
  • the compressor and condenser which usually are located at the back of the refrigerator, emit thermal energy or heat of about 50 degrees C. to about 60 degrees C.
  • the invention as herein described discloses a refrigerator having in combination clothes dryer wherein the heat being utilized therefor is the recovered thermal energy released by the compressor and condenser of the refrigerator.
  • the dryer is provided with a drying chamber wherein the hot thermal energy emanating from the compressor and condenser of the refrigeration system is being recovered and made to circulate therein. Upon contact with the wet clothes in the chamber, the temperature of the thermal energy is gradually reduced and converted into cooler water vapor before it is released to the indoor area.
  • the primary object of the present invention is to provide a single all-eiectric home appliance satisfying food refrigeration and clothes drying requirement.
  • Another object is to provide a combination refrigerator-dryer unit, which can effectively refrigerate foodstuffs and at the same time can dry clothes and the like without additional power requirement.
  • Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a combination refrigerator-dryer unit that can provide a cooler indoor area.
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide a combination refrigerator- dryer unit wherein its structure is very simple and not too costly to manufacture.
  • Figure 1 is a partly cut-out view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of Figure 1
  • Figure 3 is another cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of Figure 1 and
  • FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic presentation, of the refrigeration system of the present invention.
  • a combination refrigerator-dryer unit generally designated as 10 comprising a unitary body 11 having a refrigerator structure R and dryer structure H.
  • Said refrigerator structure and dryer structure each having a refrigerating chamber 12 and dryer chamber 13, both having an front opening provided with door members M.
  • the walling of the refrigerating chamber ' and dryer chamber are preferably insulated to maintain the respective cooling and drying temperatures therein.
  • Said unitary body further having a conventional refrigerating system 14 provided thereto and disposed in a manner wherein compressor C and condenser D are mounted in the dryer chamber and the evaporator E disposed in the refrigerating chamber.
  • Condenser D is provided within the dryer chamber in a manner wherein it is preferably mounted on the end wall 15 of the chamber and disposed above compressor C.
  • thermal energy circulating means such as air fan
  • An air discharge means such as closeable vent 17, provided on the dryer chamber wall, which serves as access for water vapors and odor that would build up within the dryer chamber.
  • Refrigerating chamber 12 further provided with the conventional freezer compartment and foodstuff shelves and dryer chamber 13 having clothes hanging means mounted thereto.
  • Refrigerator structure further having defrosting means 18 movably held below the refrigerating chamber being defined by a drawer member having a defrosting mechanism 19 attached thereto, and said dryer structure is further provided with a drawer member disposed at the bottom portion.
  • the refrigerator-dryer unit maybe, provided with - electronic sensors for automatic operation and electronic voice recorder, which serves as means for reminding the user of the foodstuffs to be bought for the day.
  • the unit is further provided with caster wheels to facilitate mobility.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Drying Of Solid Materials (AREA)
  • Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)

Abstract

A refrigerator-dryer unit comprising a unitary body having a refrigerating system provided thereof, characterized in that accessible refrigerating and drying chambers being provided in said unitary body, said refrigerating chamber accommodating the evaporator of the refrigerating system and the drying chamber accommodating the compressor and condenser of the refrigerating system, thereby the refrigerating chamber being capable of cooling foodstuffs and the drying chamber being capable of recovering the hot thermal energy emitting from the compressor and condenser, said hot thermal energy being made to circulate within the drying chamber for drying wet articles before releasing it to the outside surrounding in the form of water vapor.

Description

SPECIFICATION
A COMBINATION REFRIGERATOR - DRYER UNIT
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
The present invention relates generally to a refrigerating structure made in combination with a drying unit for drying garments utilizing the heat recovered from the refrigerating apparatus, and more specifically to a combination refrigerator-dryer unit.
It is already common knowledge that refrigeration unit, such as a household refrigerator, comprises a refrigerating compartment having a built in refrigerating system for cooling the foodstuffs contained in the said compartment. This refrigeration unit having a cooling system that includes a compressor for compressing refrigerant at a high temperature and pressure, a condenser for condensing the compressed refrigerant thrpugh the exchange of heat with outer air, a refrigerating fan for rapidly cooling the compressor and the condenser via forced convection of air, and an evaporator for cooling the refrigerating compartment. The compressor and condenser, which usually are located at the back of the refrigerator, emit thermal energy or heat of about 50 degrees C. to about 60 degrees C. due to hot refrigerant being introduced by the compressor condenser, such that the temperature at the back of the refrigerator is relatively high and gravely affects the temperature of the whole indoor area. Such occurrence results in a warm surrounding that is intolerable since it creates discomfort. Furthermore, such thermal energy only dissipates and wasted, which in fact should had been utilized either for heating water or for other useful purposes such as for drying clothes and other articles that needs to be dried especially during rainy season.
The invention as herein described discloses a refrigerator having in combination clothes dryer wherein the heat being utilized therefor is the recovered thermal energy released by the compressor and condenser of the refrigerator. The dryer is provided with a drying chamber wherein the hot thermal energy emanating from the compressor and condenser of the refrigeration system is being recovered and made to circulate therein. Upon contact with the wet clothes in the chamber, the temperature of the thermal energy is gradually reduced and converted into cooler water vapor before it is released to the indoor area. SUMMARY OiF THE INVENTION:
The primary object of the present invention is to provide a single all-eiectric home appliance satisfying food refrigeration and clothes drying requirement.
Another object is to provide a combination refrigerator-dryer unit, which can effectively refrigerate foodstuffs and at the same time can dry clothes and the like without additional power requirement.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a combination refrigerator-dryer unit that can provide a cooler indoor area.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a combination refrigerator- dryer unit wherein its structure is very simple and not too costly to manufacture.
This and other objects of the present invention will be apparent upon reading the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. .
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS: Figure 1 is a partly cut-out view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of Figure 1, Figure 3 is another cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of Figure 1 and
Figure 4 is a diagrammatic presentation, of the refrigeration system of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFFERED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
Referring to the drawings, there is shown a combination refrigerator-dryer unit generally designated as 10 comprising a unitary body 11 having a refrigerator structure R and dryer structure H. Said refrigerator structure and dryer structure each having a refrigerating chamber 12 and dryer chamber 13, both having an front opening provided with door members M. The walling of the refrigerating chamber' and dryer chamber are preferably insulated to maintain the respective cooling and drying temperatures therein. Said unitary body further having a conventional refrigerating system 14 provided thereto and disposed in a manner wherein compressor C and condenser D are mounted in the dryer chamber and the evaporator E disposed in the refrigerating chamber. Condenser D is provided within the dryer chamber in a manner wherein it is preferably mounted on the end wall 15 of the chamber and disposed above compressor C.
Mounted adjacent compressor C is a thermal energy circulating means, such as air fan
16, being capable of circulating in the dryer chamber the hot thermal energy emitted by the condenser and compressor. An air discharge means, such as closeable vent 17, provided on the dryer chamber wall, which serves as access for water vapors and odor that would build up within the dryer chamber.
Refrigerating chamber 12 further provided with the conventional freezer compartment and foodstuff shelves and dryer chamber 13 having clothes hanging means mounted thereto.
Refrigerator structure further having defrosting means 18 movably held below the refrigerating chamber being defined by a drawer member having a defrosting mechanism 19 attached thereto, and said dryer structure is further provided with a drawer member disposed at the bottom portion. The refrigerator-dryer unit maybe, provided with - electronic sensors for automatic operation and electronic voice recorder, which serves as means for reminding the user of the foodstuffs to be bought for the day. The unit is further provided with caster wheels to facilitate mobility.

Claims

I claim:
1. A refrigerator-dryer unit comprising a unitary body having a refrigerating system provided thereof, characterized in that accessible refrigerating and drying chambers being provided in said unitary body, said refrigerating
'5 chamber accommodating the evaporator of the refrigerating system and the drying chamber . accommodating the compressor and condenser of the. refrigerating system, thereby the refrigerating chamber being capable of cooling foodstuffs and the drying chamber being capable of recovering the hot thermal energy emitting from the compressor and condenser, said hot thermal energy 0 being made to circulate within the drying chamber for drying wet articles before releasing it to the outside surrounding in the form of water vapor.
2. A refrigerator-dryer according to claim 1 wherein said refrigerating and drying chambers are insulated and each being provided with door member.
3. A refrigerator-dryer according to claim 1 wherein said condenser of the 5 refrigerating system being mounted at the end wall of the drying chamber and the. compressor disposed below the condenser.
4. A refrigerator-dryer according to claim 1 wherein a thermal energy circulating means and vent means is provided in the drying chamber.
5. A refrigerator-dryer according to claim 1 Wherein a defrosting means is 0 provided in the unitary body and disposed below the refrigerating chamber.
6. A refrigerator-dryer according to claim 1 wherein said refrigerating and drying chambers being provided with sensors for automatic operation, and electronic voice recorder which serves as reminder means for the user. .
7. A refrigerator-dryer according to claim 1 wherein said refrigerating chamber 5 being provided with freezer compartment and foodstuff shelves and said drying chamber having garment hanging means provided therein.
PCT/PH2005/000020 2004-09-13 2005-09-09 A combination refrigerator-dryer unit WO2006031136A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PH1-2004-000397 2004-09-13
PH12004000397 2004-09-13

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2006031136A1 true WO2006031136A1 (en) 2006-03-23

Family

ID=36060300

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/PH2005/000020 WO2006031136A1 (en) 2004-09-13 2005-09-09 A combination refrigerator-dryer unit

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2006031136A1 (en)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2061925A2 (en) * 2006-08-22 2009-05-27 LG Electronics Inc. Pedestal drying machine
EP2102405A1 (en) * 2006-12-11 2009-09-23 TES Scandinavia AB Improved drying device
EP2185765A2 (en) * 2007-08-03 2010-05-19 LG Electronics Inc. Clothes treating apparatus
CN102494464A (en) * 2011-12-07 2012-06-13 合肥美的荣事达电冰箱有限公司 Refrigerator
WO2020051800A1 (en) * 2018-09-12 2020-03-19 广东美的白色家电技术创新中心有限公司 Dehumidification apparatus in refrigeration device, and refrigeration device and dehumidification method
CN111486633A (en) * 2020-03-16 2020-08-04 合肥美科制冷技术有限公司 Refrigerator utilizing heat pipe conductive evaporator

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS58179788A (en) * 1982-04-15 1983-10-21 足立　有 Freezing-refrigerator to which drying box is juxtaposed
JPS6038576A (en) * 1983-08-12 1985-02-28 株式会社日立製作所 Freezing refrigerator having vacuum drying function
KR950004375U (en) * 1993-07-26 1995-02-17 Clothes dryer and refrigerator
JPH07180951A (en) * 1993-12-24 1995-07-18 Toshiba Corp Refrigerator provided with drying function
KR19990042363A (en) * 1997-11-26 1999-06-15 구자홍 Multi-purpose refrigerator using the heat of condensation of the refrigeration cycle
KR20030026106A (en) * 2001-09-24 2003-03-31 엘지전자 주식회사 refrigerator having rapid freezer room and thawing room

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS58179788A (en) * 1982-04-15 1983-10-21 足立　有 Freezing-refrigerator to which drying box is juxtaposed
JPS6038576A (en) * 1983-08-12 1985-02-28 株式会社日立製作所 Freezing refrigerator having vacuum drying function
KR950004375U (en) * 1993-07-26 1995-02-17 Clothes dryer and refrigerator
JPH07180951A (en) * 1993-12-24 1995-07-18 Toshiba Corp Refrigerator provided with drying function
KR19990042363A (en) * 1997-11-26 1999-06-15 구자홍 Multi-purpose refrigerator using the heat of condensation of the refrigeration cycle
KR20030026106A (en) * 2001-09-24 2003-03-31 엘지전자 주식회사 refrigerator having rapid freezer room and thawing room

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2061925A2 (en) * 2006-08-22 2009-05-27 LG Electronics Inc. Pedestal drying machine
EP2061925A4 (en) * 2006-08-22 2009-11-11 Lg Electronics Inc Pedestal drying machine
EP2102405A1 (en) * 2006-12-11 2009-09-23 TES Scandinavia AB Improved drying device
EP2102405A4 (en) * 2006-12-11 2009-12-30 Tes Scandinavia Ab Improved drying device
EP2185765A2 (en) * 2007-08-03 2010-05-19 LG Electronics Inc. Clothes treating apparatus
EP2185765A4 (en) * 2007-08-03 2011-04-13 Lg Electronics Inc Clothes treating apparatus
US8915102B2 (en) 2007-08-03 2014-12-23 Lg Electronics Inc. Clothes treating apparatus
CN102494464A (en) * 2011-12-07 2012-06-13 合肥美的荣事达电冰箱有限公司 Refrigerator
WO2020051800A1 (en) * 2018-09-12 2020-03-19 广东美的白色家电技术创新中心有限公司 Dehumidification apparatus in refrigeration device, and refrigeration device and dehumidification method
CN111486633A (en) * 2020-03-16 2020-08-04 合肥美科制冷技术有限公司 Refrigerator utilizing heat pipe conductive evaporator

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