WO2008150105A2

WO2008150105A2 - Supercooling apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2008150105A2
Application number: PCT/KR2008/003138
Authority: WO
Inventors: Su-Cheong Kim; Jong-Min Shin; Deok-Hyun Youn; Cheol-Hwan Kim; Won-Young Chung; Hoon-Bong Lee
Original assignee: Lg Electronics, Inc.
Priority date: 2007-06-04
Filing date: 2008-06-04
Publication date: 2008-12-11
Also published as: WO2008150105A3

Abstract

A supercooling apparatus includes a refrigeration area into which chilled air produced by a refrigeration cycle with a refrigerant flow is introduced; a non-freezing chamber positioned inside the refrigerator area, for storing food in a non-frozen supercooled state; and electrodes for applying an electric field to the non-freezing chamber. With this type of configuration, foods can be stored in a non-frozen state for an extended period of time.

Description

SUPERCOOLING APPARATUS

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a supercooling apparatus for maintaining water in a supercooled state and preventing the water from freezing. More particularly, the present invention relates to a supercooling apparatus with a non-freezing chamber to store food at a low temperature and to prevent the food from freezing. Background Art

[2] Supercooling is a phenomenon that a liquid is not transited to a solid even below its phase transition temperature but maintained in a high temperature phase, i.e. a liquid phase. For example, water drops are supercooled in natural conditions. Incidentally, water or a beverage does not freeze but may remain in a supercooled state even in a freezer compartment of the ordinary refrigerator. A freezing method disclosed under Japan Laid-Open Patent Official Gazette S59-151834 and a freezing method and a refrigerator disclosed under Japan Laid-Open Patent Official Gazette 2001-086967 incorporate supercooling principles into the refrigerator. Both provide a technique for keeping foods in a supercooled state below the phase transition temperature by applying an electric field or a magnetic field to the foods in the refrigerator. Moreover, an electrostatic field treatment method disclosed under International Publication Official Gazette WO/98/41115 suggests diverse types of electrode structures that are suitable for freezing and thawing foods.

[3] FIG. 1 shows one example of a refrigerator with a special refrigeration container as disclosed in Korean Patent Application Publication No. 2003-0038999. A refrigerator body 10 includes a freezer compartment 20, a refrigerator compartment 30, a special refrigeration container 41 located at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment 30, and freezer and refrigerator doors 21 and 31 hinged to the body 10 to access the freezer compartment 20 and the refrigerator compartment 30, respectively.

[4] The special refrigeration container 41 is a space for keeping perishable foods such as fish, meat, etc. This special room comes in handy especially when one does not want to spend so much additional time for thawing frozen fish, meat or poultry having been kept in the freezer compartment 20.

[5] Nevertheless, the special refrigeration container having a lower temperature than the refrigeration chamber in a conventional refrigerator is not yet suitable to keep seafood or meat for a long period of time because it is not chiller than the freezer compartment. Therefore, a user has to put fish or meat into the freezer compartment anyway if she wants to preserve it longer than several tens of hours, and this leaves the inconvenience of thawing unsolved. Disclosure of Invention

Technical Problem

[6] The present invention is conceived to solve the aforementioned problems in the prior art. An object of the present invention is to provide a supercooling apparatus with a non-freezing chamber where food can be stored for an extended period of time at the phase transition temperature of water or below without being frozen, yet water does not undergo a phase transition.

[7] Another object of the present invention is to provide a supercooling apparatus with a defrosting device to defrost an energy source that applies energy, thereby allowing a non-freezing chamber to stay in a supercooled state at the phase transition temperature or below.

[8] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a supercooling apparatus having a chilled air passage or a refrigerant passage to maintain a non-freezing chamber at a low temperature.

[9] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a supercooling apparatus with a see-through non-freezing chamber, so that a user may check a state of stored food without taking out the non-freezing chamber.

[10] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a supercooling apparatus with a non-freezing chamber formed of reflection faces, so that broader options for a user to observe a state of food in a storage chamber are available.

[11] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a supercooling apparatus with a non-freezing chamber free of location restrictions, such that the non-freezing chamber can be put in various locations of a freezer compartment and a refrigerator compartment.

[12]

Technical Solution

[13] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a supercooling apparatus, including: a refrigeration area into which chilled air produced by a refrigeration cycle with a refrigerant flow is introduced; a non-freezing chamber positioned inside the refrigerator compartment, for storing food in a non-frozen supercooled state; electrodes for applying an electric field to the non-freezing chamber; an outer casing for defining the non-freezing chamber; and an inner casing housed in the outer casing, in which stored items are loaded. Through this configuration, foods can be stored in a non-frozen state for a long period of time. The outer casing can be integrated with the inner casing that defines a refrigerator compartment, or manufactured separately and connected to each other later. Further, a current cannot be applied to the stored foods, and it is easy to mold the inner casing.

[14] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electrodes are installed at inner faces of the outer casing. Through this configuration, the efficiency of an electric field being applied to the non-freezing chamber by the electrodes is improved, while the risk of electric shocks can be minimized.

[15] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the outer casing includes an open or openable front face, so that the inner casing is taken out from the outer casing. This configuration makes it convenient for a user to take out or put the foods in simply by taking out the inner casing, while the external casing is being fixed.

[16] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the outer casing contains an insulation material. As such, the non-freezing chamber stays at the phase transition temperature for water or below, and the supercooled state is not released.

[17] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the supercooling apparatus (apparatus for supercooling) further includes: a defrosting device for defrosting the electrodes. Through this configuration, one can prevent the electrodes from being frosted and demonstrating a deteriorated efficiency for generating an electric field. Here, diverse types of heaters can be utilized as the defrosting device.

[18] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the outer casing has a drain hole for discharging defrosted water. As such, one can prevent the defrosted water from remaining in the outer casing and creating an unhygienic environment.

[19] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the supercooling apparatus further includes a sensor for detecting a state of the non-freezing chamber. As such, one can monitor whether the supercooling conditions are well maintained in the non- freezing chamber.

[20] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the inner casing has mesh type sides facing the electrodes. Therefore, with the inner casing made out of a non-metal insulation material, a less area thereof is exposed to the interference of an electric field applied by the electrodes. That is, the electric field intensity is not weakened, and the non-frozen state is not released.

[21] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the inner casing has a handle on the front face. As such, a user can easily take out the inner casing from the outer casing.

[22] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the outer and inner casings include guide members facing each other, so as to guide a movement of the inner casing. As such, the inner casing can move stably along the outer casing, and is much less likely to get an external shock. Thus, foods can stay in the non-frozen state.

[23] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the outer and inner casings include see-through faces facing each other. Through this configuration, one can check a state of food in the non-freezing chamber, without necessarily taking out the inner casing.

[24] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electrodes are installed at one face exclusive of at least one of see-through faces of the outer casing. This configuration helps one to be able to check a state of food in the non-freezing chamber through at least one face exclusive of the face blocked and hidden by the electrodes.

[25] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electrodes are installed at one face exclusive of at least one of see-through faces of the inner casing. Observing from the see-through face, one can check the rear or lateral sides of foods in the non- freezing chamber through the reflection face.

[26] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the front face of the outer casing is open, and the front face of the inner casing is made out of a see-through material. As such, one can check foods in the non-freezing chamber through the front face, without necessarily taking out the inner casing from the outer casing.

[27] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the top face of the outer casing is made out of a see-through material, and the top face of the inner casing is open. As such, one can check foods in the non-freezing chamber through the top face, without necessarily taking out the inner casing from the outer casing.

[28] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electrodes are installed at both lateral inner faces of the outer casing. This configuration prevents the see-through face from being blocked or hidden by the electrodes.

[29] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electrodes are installed at top and bottom inner faces of the outer casing. Again, this configuration prevents the see-through face from being blocked or hidden by the electrodes.

[30] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the refrigeration area includes a freezer compartment and a refrigerator compartment, and the refrigeration cycle includes an evaporator in which a refrigerant undergoes heat exchange to produce chilled air.

[31] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the non-freezing chamber is positioned in the refrigerator compartment, or in the freezer compartment. Depending on the layout of the refrigerator and freezer compartments, refrigerators are classified into a top-mount type, a side-by-side type, a bottom- freezer type, etc. The position of the non-freezing chamber varies according to the layout of the refrigerator and freezer compartments. In consideration of the existence and position of a defrosting device, a dispenser, or a display, the non-freezing chamber is put in a position to increase the space utility.

[32] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the evaporator is positioned in the refrigerator compartment and/or in the freezer compartment. If the evaporator is installed only on the side of the freezer compartment, the chilled air produced by heat exchange with a refrigerant in the evaporator flows into the freezer compartment and then into the refrigerator compartment. On the other hand, if the evaporator is installed on the side of the freezer compartment as well as on the side of the refrigerator compartment, the chilled air produced by heat exchange with a refrigerant in the evaporator on the side of the freezer compartment flows into the freezer compartment, while the chilled air produced by heat exchange with a refrigerant in the evaporator on the side of the refrigerator compartment flows into the refrigerator compartment.

[33] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the outer casing has a chilled air inflow hole and a chilled air outflow hole. As such, the chilled air produced by heat exchange with a refrigerant in the evaporator flows into the outer casing, thereby maintaining the non-freezing chamber at low temperatures.

[34] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the supercooling apparatus further includes a non-freezing chamber chilled air passage, via which chilled air from the refrigerator compartment or the freezer compartment inflows through the chilled air inflow hole and via which chilled air is discharged to the refrigerator compartment or the freezer compartment through the chilled air outflow hole. That is, the passage of chilled air for cooling the non-freezing chamber is constituted by a passage of chilled air flowing into the freezer compartment and being discharged to the freezer compartment, a passage of chilled air flowing into the refrigerator compartment and being discharged to the refrigerator compartment, a passage of chilled air flowing into the freezer compartment and being discharged to the refrigerator compartment, and a passage of chilled air flowing into the refrigerator compartment and being discharged to the freezer compartment.

[35] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, at least part of the non- freezing chamber chilled air passage is communicated with a duct that is formed in the refrigerator compartment or in the freezer compartment.

[36] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, part of the evaporator is extended to the inner casing to cool off the non-freezing chamber. Through this configuration, a refrigerant passing through the evaporator undergoes heat exchange directly with the atmosphere inside the non-freezing chamber. In this manner, the non- freezing compartment can be cooled off in a direct manner.

[37] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the evaporator is positioned on the side of the refrigerator compartment and/or on the side of the freezer compartment.

Advantageous Effects

[38] The supercooling apparatus provided with a non-freezing chamber of the present invention can store foods at a liquid phase transition temperature or below, while preventing the liquid from freezing. In this manner, the foods can be preserved in a non-frozen state for an extended period of time.

[39] In the supercooling apparatus provided with a non-freezing chamber of the present invention, the non-freezing chamber has no restriction on its install positions but can be placed at a proper position according to a relation with other components of the apparatus. In this manner, space utility of the apparatus is enhanced.

[40] In the supercooling apparatus provided with a non-freezing chamber of the present invention, a see-through casing defines the non-freezing chamber so that a user can check a state of food from outside without taking out the non-freezing chamber.

[41] In the supercooling apparatus provided with a non-freezing chamber of the present invention, an inner casing of the non-freezing chamber is composed of reflection faces so that a user can easily check the state of food located in a blind spot of the non- freezing chamber.

[42] In the supercooling apparatus provided with a non-freezing chamber of the present invention, a defrosting device is attached to the electrodes that apply an electric field to the non-freezing chamber. In this manner, the energy efficiency of the apparatus can be improved.

[43] In the supercooling apparatus provided with a non-freezing chamber of the present invention, there is a drain hole for discharging the defrosted water produced from defrosting the electrodes. In this manner, the defrosted water does not freeze again and a hygienic environment is created. Brief Description of the Drawings

[44] FIG. 1 shows an example of a conventional refrigerator with a special refrigeration container;

[45] FIG. 2 shows a non-freezing chamber according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[46] FIG. 3 shows a non-freezing chamber according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[47] FIG. 4 shows a non-freezing chamber according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[48] FIG. 5 shows an outer casing according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[49] FIG. 6 shows a first embodiment of a top-mount refrigerator to which a non-freezing chamber of the present invention is applied;

[50] FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment of a top-mount refrigerator to which a non- freezing chamber of the present invention is applied; [51] FIG. 8 shows a first embodiment of a side-by-side refrigerator to which a non- freezing chamber of the present invention is applied;

[52] FIG. 9 still shows the first embodiment of a side-by-side refrigerator to which a non- freezing chamber of the present invention is applied;

[53] FIG. 10 shows a second embodiment of a side-by-side refrigerator to which a non- freezing chamber of the present invention is applied;

[54] FIG. 11 shows a first embodiment of a bottom- freezer refrigerator to which a non- freezing chamber of the present invention is applied; and

[55] FIG. 12 shows a fourth embodiment of a bottom-freezer refrigerator to which a non- freezing chamber of the present invention is applied.

[56]

Mode for the Invention

[57] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[58] FIG. 2 illustrates a non-freezing chamber according to a first embodiment of the present invention. A supercooling apparatus with a non-freezing chamber 200 includes an inner casing 210 for defining the non-freezing chamber 200; an outer casing 220 for surrounding the inner casing 210; electrodes 230 installed inside the outer casing 220; a chilled air inflow hole 242 and a chilled air outflow hole 244 for having the chilled air flow in and out; a defrosting device 250 for defrosting the electrodes 230; a drain hole 260 formed at the outer casing 220, for discharging defrosted water; and a sensor 270 for detecting a state of the non-freezing chamber 200.

[59] The inner casing 210 has the shape of a drawer housed in the outer casing 220. The outer casing 220 has the shape of a box with an open or openable front face. Therefore, the inner casing 210 can be taken out in the forward direction through the open front face of the outer casing 220. The chilled air inflow hole 242 and the chilled air outflow hole 244 for letting chilled air in and out are formed at the outer casing 220. The chilled air is introduced into the non-freezing chamber 200 through the chilled air inflow hole 242 to have the non-freezing chamber 200 maintained at low temperatures. The chilled air inflow hole 242 and the chilled air outflow hole 244 may be formed at any places of the outer casing 220. Since a place for introducing chilled air to the non- freezing chamber 200 and a place for discharging chilled air from the non-freezing chamber 200 vary depending on a relation between the non-freezing chamber 200 and other components of the supercooling apparatus, positions of the chilled air inflow hole 242 and the chilled air outflow hole 244 vary accordingly. The electrodes 230 for applying an electric field to the non-freezing chamber 200 are installed inside the outer casing 220. As energy through the electric field interrupts hydrogen bonding of water, water does not freeze even at its phase transition temperature or below, i.e. the freezing point for water or below, but stays in a liquid phase. In general, it takes a pair of electrodes 230 to generate an electric field between them. As such, the electrode pair is installed at two opposite inner faces of the outer casing 220. Two opposite inner faces where the electrodes 230 are positioned may be the top and bottom faces, or lateral faces of the outer casing 220. With this configuration, the non-freezing chamber is maintained at the phase transition temperature for water or below due to the chilled air supplied thereto, and an electric field from the electrodes 230 is applied to the non- freezing chamber 200 to interrupt the phase transition of water. In result, a food product can be preserved at the phase transition temperature or below without being frozen.

[60] As the chilled air is introduced into the outer casing 220, the electrodes 230 and the inner faces of the outer casing 220 may be frosted. When this occurs, the intensity of an electric field applied by the electrodes 230 gets weaker and energy efficiency is reduced accordingly. If the inner faces of the outer casing 220 are frosted, it is difficult to take out the inner casing 210. Moreover, if the frost falls into the inner casing 210, that is, into the non-freezing chamber 200, it functions as a freezing nucleus and freezes the food. Therefore, it is important to defrost in a timely manner. To this end, the supercooling apparatus includes the defrosting device 250 to remove frost formed at the electrodes 230. One of typically used defrosting devices 250 is a heater. For defrosting, power supply to the electrode 230 is cut off, and the heater generates heat to get rid of the frost on the electrodes. When the heater generates heat, the frost melts, leaving the defrosted water. Preferably, the defrosted water needs to be discharged immediately. Otherwise, it may freeze and produce frost again, or create an unhygienic environment. Accordingly, the drain hole 260 is formed at the bottom of the outer casing 220. The drain hole 260 is connected to the drain passage(not shown), discharging the defrosted water outside.

[61] The sensor 270 is installed to detect a state of the non-freezing chamber 200. Since the inner casing 210 is a moving member, it is not easy to install a circuit therein. It is therefore better to install the sensor 270 on the top inner face of the outer casing 220. What happens if the sensor 270 is installed on the lateral or bottom inner face of the outer casing 220 is that the sensor 270 is blocked and hidden by the inner casing 210, so it cannot practically detect the state of the non-freezing chamber 200. In detail, the sensor 270 detects temperature inside the non-freezing chamber 200 and electric field intensity being applied to the non-freezing chamber 200. In order to make sure that the non-freezing chamber 200 maintains the supercooling condition, the sensor 270 continuously detects the temperature and the intensity of the electric field and transmits them to the controller (not shown). Based on the received information, the controller (not shown) then controls the inflow rate and temperature of chilled air and the voltage to be applied to the electrodes 230. The controller (not shown) judges whether or not to defrost the electrodes 230 and starts the operation of the defrosting device 250 if needed.

[62] The outer casing 220 is made out of an insulation material or may include an insulation layer. Particularly, the insulation function is useful for the outer casing 220 when the non-freezing chamber 200 is placed in a refrigeration room (to be discussed) among supercooling chambers, where the ambient temperature is higher than the temperature inside the non-freezing chamber 200.

[63] Meanwhile, the inner casing 210 may have a mesh type face on the opposite side to one face of the outer casing 220 where the electrodes 230 are formed. That is to say, when the electrodes 230 are arranged as shown in FIG. 2, both lateral faces of the inner casing 210 may be formed in a mesh type. In doing so, interference to the generation of an electric field or magnetic field by the electrodes 230 can be minimized. Moreover, the inner casing 210 may have a handle on its front side, similar to ones used for a drawer type storage room used as a vegetable compartment for example in the conventional refrigerator. The handle makes it easy for a user to pull out the inner casing 210 from the outer casing 220. Further, guide members for guiding the motion of the inner casing 210 can be formed at opposite sides of the inner casing 210 and outer casing 220, respectively. The guide members may simply be a groove and a projection as the counterpart, or a rail and a roller as well known in the art.

[64] FIG. 3 illustrates a non-freezing chamber according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the first embodiment of the present invention, a supercooling apparatus with a non-freezing chamber 200 according to the second embodiment includes an inner casing 210 for defining the non-freezing chamber 200; an outer casing 220 for surrounding the inner casing 210; electrodes 230 installed inside the outer casing 220, a defrosting device 250 for defrosting the electrodes 230; a drain hole 260 formed at the outer casing 220, for discharging defrost water; and a sensor 270 for detecting a state of the non-freezing chamber 200. To keep the non-freezing chamber 200 at low temperatures, the first embodiment included the chilled air inflow hole (242 in FIG. 2) and the chilled air outflow hole (244 in FIG. 2), while the second embodiment formed a refrigerant tube 246 by extending part of an evaporator (not shown), so as to let a refrigerant flow therein. As a low-temperature refrigerant flows inside, the refrigerant tube 246 has a particularly low temperature. Needless to say, if the refrigerant tube 246 is exposed to the non-freezing chamber 200, it is easily frosted. As discussed earlier, when the non-freezing chamber 200 is frosted, the non-frozen supercooled state of the entire non-freezing chamber 200 is much likely to be released. For this reason the refrigerant tube 246 is preferably positioned on the outer face of the outer casing 220. In order to reduce the extension length of the refrigerant tube 246 from the evaporator (not shown), the refrigerant tube 246 is preferably formed on the rear outer faces of the outer casing 220. However, the refrigerant tube 246 may also be installed at any one of the outer faces of the outer casing 220.

[65] FIG. 4 illustrates a non-freezing chamber according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the first and second embodiments of the present invention, a supercooling apparatus with a non-freezing chamber 200 of the third embodiment includes an inner casing 210 for defining the non- freezing chamber 200; an outer casing 220 for surrounding the inner casing 210; electrodes 230 installed inside the outer casing 220; a defrosting device 250 for defrosting the electrode 230; a drain hole 260 formed at the outer casing 220, for discharging defrost water; and a sensor 270 for detecting a state of the non-freezing chamber 200. To keep the non-freezing chamber 200 at low temperatures, it may include the chilled air inflow hole (242 in FIG. 2) and the chilled air outflow hole (244 in FIG. 2) as in the first embodiment, or form the refrigerant tube 246 as a refrigerant flow path by extending part of the evaporator (not shown) as in the second embodiment.

[66] For the non-freezing chamber 200 of the third embodiment, the front face of the inner casing 210 is made out of a see-through material. Since the front face of the outer casing 220 is already open, provided that the front face of the inner casing 210 is made out of a see-through material, one can observe the inside of the non-freezing chamber 200 from the front faces of the inner and outer casings 210 and 220 without necessarily taking out the inner casing 210. The electrodes 230 can be installed on the top, bottom , or lateral inner faces of the outer casing 220. As another option, the top face of the outer casing 220 may be made out of a see-through material. In this case, with the open top face of the inner casing 210, one can see stored items in the non-freezing chamber 200 over or above the inner and outer casings 210 and 220. However, if the electrodes 230 are positioned on the top and bottom inner faces of the outer casing 220, the non- freezing chamber 200 is blocked and hidden by the electrode 230, making it hard for one to check food conditions. Therefore, the electrodes 230 are preferably positioned on the lateral inner faces of the outer casing 220. In effect, the lateral and bottom faces of the inner casing 210 and the lateral and bottom faces of the outer casing 220 may be made out of a see-through material or a non-see-through (i.e. opaque) material. In consideration of easiness in manufacture to integrate the inner casing 210 and the outer casing 220, however, the entire faces of the inner casing 210 and the entire faces of the outer casing 220 would better to be made out of see-through materials.

[67] Meanwhile, the lateral and rear faces of the inner casing 210 can be reflection faces

212. This configuration helps one to see the rear or side state of a stored item from the front faces of the inner and outer casings 210 and 220, i.e., from the front face of the non-freezing chamber 200, without taking out the inner casing 210. The reflection face 212 may be used for either the lateral faces or the rear face of the inner casing 210. However, in order for one to check the state of a stored object in the non-freezing chamber 200 more clearly, both the lateral faces and the rear face of the inner casing 210 are preferably reflection faces 212. Any kind of reflective materials, such as a reflection film adhering to the inner casing 210, or a mirror and a metal coating showing the state of food by reflecting light, can be used as the reflection face 212.

[68] FIG. 5 illustrates an outer casing according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. A supercooling apparatus with a non-freezing chamber 200 of the fourth embodiment includes a door 220D for opening and closing an interior space of an outer casing 220 on the front side of the outer casing 220. The door 220D is hinge-coupled to one side of the outer casing 220. With the door 220D for covering the outer casing 220, it is much easier to keep the non-freezing chamber 200 at a low temperature. For instance, suppose that the non-freezing chamber 200 is placed at a refrigerator compartment (to be discussed). In this case, the atmosphere inside the refrigerator compartment may be introduced through a gap between the outer casing 220 and an inner casing (210 in FIG. 2), resulting in a temperature increase in the non-freezing chamber 200. Considering that the non-freezing chamber 200 always requires more chilled air or refrigerants, this could lower the energy efficiency. However, such qqaloss can be cut down by providing the door 220D to the outer casing 220.

[69] FIG. 6 illustrates a first embodiment of a top-mount refrigerator to which a non- freezing chamber of the present invention is applied. A refrigerator 100 includes a freezer compartment 110 and a refrigerator compartment 120 as cooling spaces. The refrigerator further includes a non-freezing chamber in the refrigerator compartment 120, so as to store food products in a non-frozen state for an extended period of time. In addition, the refrigerator 100 includes a refrigeration cycle to preserve the stored items at low temperatures. The refrigeration cycle includes a condenser (not shown), an evaporator 130, a compressor 140 and an expansion valve (not shown). The atmosphere inside the freezer compartment 110 exchanges heat with the refrigerant passing through the evaporator 130, and chilled air is produced thereby. The chilled air is either naturally convected or forcibly convected by a blower 150, and then flows into the freezer compartment 110 to make the freezer compartment 110 stay at a low temperature. Part of the chilled air having been introduced into the freezer compartment 110 flows into the refrigerator compartment 120 via a duct 160.

[70] Here, the duct 160 guides the chilled air into the non-freezing chamber 200. The chilled air introduced into the non-freezing chamber 200 is discharged to the refrigerator compartment 120 to cool off the whole refrigerator 100. In the non-freezing chamber 200, a chilled air inflow hole (242 in FIG. 2) and the duct 160 are inter- connected to each other to allow the chilled air to be able to flow therethrough. A chilled air outflow hole (246 in FIG. 2) is formed on the side of the refrigerator compartment 120, to be more specific, at a lower portion of the non- freezing chamber 200. Therefore, after cooling the non-freezing chamber 200, the chilled air can be discharged to the refrigerator compartment 120.

[71] FIG. 7 illustrates a second embodiment of a top-mount refrigerator to which a non- freezing chamber of the present invention is applied. Similar to the top-mount refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the second embodiment refrigerator has a non-freezing chamber 200 in a refrigerator compartment 120. However, instead of using a duct 160 to inflow chilled air, it uses a refrigerant tube 246 extended as part of an evaporator 130 by positioning the refrigerant tube at the back of the non-freezing chamber 200. The refrigerant tube 246 cools off the non- freezing chamber 200 by coming in a direct contact with a rear face of an outer casing (220 in FIG. 3) and exchanging heat with the atmosphere inside the non-freezing chamber 200.

[72] Referring to FIGs. 6 and 7, a third embodiment of a top-mount refrigerator to which a non-freezing chamber of the present invention is applied can be configured by placing a non-freezing chamber 200 in a freezer compartment 110, by which the non- freezing chamber 200 is cooled off in an indirect manner as done in the first embodiment. Further, a fourth embodiment of a top-mount refrigerator can be configured by placing a non-freezing compartment 200 in a refrigerator compartment 110, and forming a refrigerant tube 246 as an extension of an evaporator 130 as done in the second embodiment. In addition, a fifth and a sixth embodiment of a top-mount refrigerator to which a non-freezing chamber of the present invention is applied can be configured by including an evaporator to exchange heat with the refrigeration atmosphere of a freezer compartment 110 and an evaporator to exchange heat with the refrigeration atmosphere a refrigerator compartment 120, respectively, and by placing the non-freezing chamber 200 in the freezer compartment 110 for direct and indirect refrigeration operations. Likewise, a seventh and an eighth embodiment of a top-mount refrigerator to which a non-freezing chamber of the present invention is applied can be configured by including an evaporator to exchange heat with the refrigeration atmosphere of a freezer compartment 110 and an evaporator to exchange heat with the refrigeration atmosphere a refrigerator compartment 120, respectively, and by placing the non-freezing chamber 200 in the refrigerator compartment 120 for direct and indirect refrigeration operations.

[73] FIGs. 8 and 9 illustrate a first embodiment of a side-by-side refrigerator to which a non-freezing chamber of the present invention is applied. A freezer compartment 110 and a refrigerator compartment 120 are positioned in the longitudinal direction on the left and right sides, respectively. An evaporator 130 is positioned on the rear face of the freezer compartment 110, so as to exchange heat with the atmosphere and produce chilled air. The chilled air is introduced into the freezer compartment 110 and used to let the freezer compartment stay at a low temperature. The chilled air that had exchanged heat with the evaporator 130 is introduced into a non-freezing chamber 200 via a duct 160 and a chilled air inflow hole 242. After cooling the non-freezing chamber 200, the chilled air is discharged to the refrigerator compartment 120 through a chilled air outflow hole 244 and cools off the refrigerator compartment 120. Alternatively, the chilled air may be discharged to the freezer compartment 110, not the refrigerator compartment 120, after cooling the non-freezing chamber 200.

[74] FIG. 10 illustrates a second embodiment of a side-by-side refrigerator to which a non-freezing chamber of the present invention is applied. A refrigerant tube 246 is formed by extending part of an evaporator 130 toward a refrigerator compartment 120 to bring it in contact with a rear face of an outer casing 220. As such, the refrigerant tube 246 contacting the rear outer face of the outer casing 220 exchanges heat directly with the atmosphere of a non-freezing chamber 200. In this manner, the non-freezing chamber 200 can be maintained at a low temperature.

[75] A third embodiment of a side -by-side refrigerator to which a non-freezing chamber of the present invention is applied is configured in a manner that a non-freezing chamber 200 is placed in a refrigerator compartment 120, an evaporator 130 is provided to both a freezer compartment 110 and the refrigerator compartment 120, and chilled air from the refrigerator compartment 120 can flow into the non-freezing chamber 200. Similarly a fourth embodiment of a side -by-side refrigerator to which a non-freezing chamber of the present invention is applied is configured in a manner that a non-freezing chamber 200 is placed in a refrigerator compartment 120, an evaporator 130 is provided to both a freezer compartment 110 and the refrigerator compartment 120, and the atmosphere inside the non-freezing compartment 200 exchanges heat directly with the evaporator 130(that is positioned on the side of the refrigerator compartment 120) or with a refrigerant tube 246 extended from the evaporator 130 that is positioned on the side of the refrigerator compartment 120. A fifth embodiment of a side-by-side refrigerator to which a non-freezing chamber of the present invention is applied is configured in a manner that a non-freezing chamber 200 is placed in a freezer compartment 110, and chilled air from the freezer compartment 110 is introduced into the non-freezing chamber 200. Further, a sixth embodiment of a side- by-side refrigerator to which a non-freezing chamber of the present invention is applied is configured in a manner that a non-freezing chamber 200 is placed in a freezer compartment 110, and the atmosphere inside the non-freezing compartment 200 exchanges heat directly with the evaporator 130(that is positioned on the side of the freezer compartment 110) or with a refrigerant tube 246 extended from the evaporator 130 that is positioned on the side of the freezer compartment 110.

[76] FIG. 11 illustrates a first embodiment of a bottom-freezer refrigerator with a non- freezing chamber of the present invention. A refrigerator compartment 120 is laid at the top, and a freezer compartment 110 is laid at the bottom. An evaporator 130 is positioned at the lower portion of a refrigerator 100, namely, at the back side of the freezer chamber 110. A non-freezing chamber 200 is placed in the refrigerator compartment 120, and chilled air is introduced from the freezer compartment 110 to the non-freezing chamber 200 through a chilled air inflow hole 242 formed at the bottom of an outer casing 220. The chilled air having been introduced into the non-freezing chamber 200 cools off the non-freezing chamber 200, and is discharged to the refrigerator compartment 120 through a chilled air outflow hole 244 formed at the top of the outer casing 220. As a second embodiment of a bottom- freezer refrigerator with a non-freezing chamber of the present invention, a chilled air outflow hole 244 may be formed at the bottom of an outer casing 220 to return chilled air to a freezer compartment 110, not a refrigerator compartment 120. Meanwhile, a third embodiment of a bottom- freezer refrigerator with a non-freezing chamber of the present invention can be configured in a manner to further include a refrigerant tube (not shown) extended from an evaporator 130 to at least one of a bottom face, lateral faces or a rear face of an outer casing 220, and the atmosphere of a non-freezing chamber 200 exchanges heat directly with a refrigerant passing through the refrigerant tube to thus keep the non- freezing chamber 200 at a low temperature. Alternatively, another embodiment of a bottom- freezer refrigerator where a non-freezing chamber 200 is positioned in a freezing chamber 110 and cooled as in the first through third embodiments can be configured.

[77] FIG. 12 illustrates a fourth embodiment of a bottom-freezer refrigerator with a non- freezing chamber of the present invention. A door of a refrigerator compartment 120 is omitted to provide a more detailed view of an inside structure of a refrigerator 100. The refrigerator compartment 120 is placed at the top, and a freezer compartment 110 is placed at the bottom. Here, an evaporator 130 is positioned in both the freezer compartment 110 and the refrigerator compartment 120, such that the freezer compartment 110 and the refrigerator compartment 120 can be refrigerated independently. The evaporator 130 positioned on the side of the refrigerator compartment 120 exchanges heat with the atmosphere of a non-freezing chamber 200, thereby maintaining the non- freezing chamber 200 at a low temperature. The evaporator 130 can also exchange heat directly with the non-freezing chamber 200. Alternatively, a refrigerant tube 246 extended from part of the evaporator 130 to the outside of the non-freezing chamber 200, namely, to a periphery of an outer casing 220, may be involved with heat exchange with the atmosphere inside the non-freezing chamber 200.

[78] In addition, a fifth embodiment of a bottom-freezer refrigerator with a non-freezing chamber of the present invention can be configured in a manner that evaporators 130 are provided on the side of a freezer compartment 110 and the side of a refrigerator compartment 120, respectively, and the chilled air from the refrigerator compartment 120 is used to cool off a non-freezing chamber 200 in an indirect manner. In this embodiment, an outer casing 220 has a chilled air inflow hole (242 in FIG. 2) for introducing the chilled air from the refrigerator compartment 120, and a chilled air outflow hole (244 in FIG. 2) for discharging the chilled air to the refrigerator compartment 120.

[79] Moreover, a sixth embodiment of a bottom- freezer refrigerator with a non-freezing chamber of the present invention can be configured in a manner that a non-freezing chamber 200 is placed in a freezer compartment 110, evaporators 130 are provided on the side of a freezer compartment 110 and the side of a refrigerator compartment 120, respectively, and the atmosphere inside the non-freezing chamber 200 exchanges heat directly with the evaporator 130(positioned on the side of the freezer compartment 110) or a refrigerant tube (246 in FIG. 2) extended from the evaporator 130 positioned on the side of the freezer compartment 110. Further, a seventh embodiment of a bottom- freezer refrigerator with a non-freezing chamber of the present invention can be configured in a manner that a non-freezing chamber 200 is placed in a freezer compartment 110, evaporators 130 are provided on the side of a freezer compartment 110 and the side of a refrigerator compartment 120, respectively, and the chilled air having been introduced into the freezing chamber 110 is supplied through a chilled air inflow hole (242 in FIG. 2) to cool off the non-freezing chamber 200, and discharged again to the freezer compartment 110 through a chilled air outflow hole (244 in FIG. 2).

[80] Besides the above embodiments of the present invention explained so far, the position of the non-freezing chamber 200 can be changed according to the existence and position of a display for the refrigerator or freezer compartment, of an ice making device for producing ice, and of a dispenser for externally supplying water. The position of the chilled air inflow hole for introducing the chilled air can also be changed according to whether the chilled air is introduced from the freezer compartment or the refrigerator compartment. Likewise, the position of the chilled air outflow hole for discharging the chilled air can be changed according to where the chilled air should be discharged after cooling the non-freezing chamber.

[81] The present invention has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments and the attached drawings. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and the drawings, but defined by the appended claims.

Claims

[I] A supercooling apparatus, comprising: a refrigeration area into which chilled air produced by a refrigeration cycle with a refrigerant flow is introduced; a non-freezing chamber positioned inside the refrigerator area, for storing food in a non-frozen supercooled state; electrodes for applying an electric field to the non-freezing chamber; an outer casing for defining the non-freezing chamber; and an inner casing housed in the outer casing, in which stored items are loaded. [2] The supercooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electrodes are installed at inner faces of the outer casing. [3] The supercooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the outer casing includes an open or openable front face, so that the inner casing is taken out from the outer casing. [4] The supercooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the outer casing contains an insulation material. [5] The supercooling apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a defrosting device for defrosting the electrodes. [6] The supercooling apparatus of claim 5, wherein the outer casing has a drain hole for discharging defrosted water. [7] The supercooling apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a sensor for detecting a state of the non-freezing chamber. [8] The supercooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inner casing has mesh type sides facing the electrodes. [9] The supercooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inner casing has a handle on the front face. [10] The supercooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the outer and inner casings include guide members facing each other, so as to guide a movement of the inner casing.

[I I] The supercooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the outer and inner casings include see-through faces corresponding each other.

[12] The supercooling apparatus of claim 11, wherein the electrodes are installed at one face exclusive of at least one of see-through faces of the outer casing. [13] The supercooling apparatus of claim 11, wherein the electrodes are installed at one face exclusive of at least one of see-through faces of the inner casing. [14] The supercooling apparatus of claim 11, wherein the front face of the outer casing is open, and the front face of the inner casing is made out of a see-through material. [15] The supercooling apparatus of claim 11, wherein the top face of the outer casing is made out of a see-through material and the top face of the inner casing is open.

[16] The supercooling apparatus of claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the electrodes are installed at both lateral inner faces of the outer casing.

[17] The supercooling apparatus of claim 14, wherein the electrodes are installed at top and bottom inner faces of the outer casing.

[18] The supercooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the refrigeration area includes a freezer compartment and a refrigerator compartment, and the refrigeration cycle includes an evaporator in which a refrigerant undergoes heat exchange to produce chilled air.

[19] The supercooling apparatus of claim 18, wherein the non-freezing chamber is positioned in the refrigerator compartment, or in the freezer compartment.

[20] The supercooling apparatus of claim 18, wherein the evaporator is positioned in the refrigerator compartment and/or in the freezer compartment.

[21] The supercooling apparatus of claim 18, wherein the outer casing has a chilled air inflow hole and a chilled air outflow hole.

[22] The supercooling apparatus of claim 21, further comprising: a non-freezing chamber chilled air passage, via which chilled air from the refrigerator compartment or the freezer compartment inflows through the chilled air inflow hole and via which chilled air is discharged to the refrigerator compartment or the freezer compartment through the chilled air outflow hole.

[23] The supercooling apparatus of claim 22, wherein at least part of the non-freezing chamber chilled air passage is communicated with a duct that is formed in the refrigerator compartment or in the freezer compartment.

[24] The supercooling apparatus of claim 18, wherein part of the evaporator is extended to the inner casing to cool off the non-freezing chamber.

[25] The supercooling apparatus of claim 24, wherein the evaporator is positioned on the side of the refrigerator compartment and/or on the side of the freezer compartment.