Classifications

• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
  • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • F25D23/00—General constructional features
  • F25D23/12—Arrangements of compartments additional to cooling compartments; Combinations of refrigerators with other equipment, e.g. stove
  • F25D23/126—Water cooler
• • 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
  • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
  • F25C5/00—Working or handling ice
  • F25C5/20—Distributing ice
  • F25C5/22—Distributing ice particularly adapted for household refrigerators
• • 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
  • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
  • F25B2600/00—Control issues
  • F25B2600/23—Time delays
• • 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
  • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
  • F25C2400/00—Auxiliary features or devices for producing, working or handling ice
  • F25C2400/10—Refrigerator units
• • 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
  • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
  • F25C2600/00—Control issues
  • F25C2600/04—Control means

Definitions

• Cooling device and method for operating the same
• the invention relates to a cooling device and a method for its operation.
• Refrigerators equipped with dispensers are known. Such a refrigerator generally has an ice chute which is mounted through a door of the refrigerator between the front and rear of the door.
• Ice chute is provided with a closing element for selectively opening / closing the ice chute.
• the closure member in a normal state, the closure member is in a closed position to close the ice chute and thereby prevent outside air from entering the refrigerator through the ice chute.
• the closing element is driven by a drive element to move into a
• the ice slide is closed.
• the cam also acts on the actuating rod so that the actuating rod moves to its rest position and ceases to exert a pressing action on the actuating switch.
• the operation switch is released, and the supply of the motor with operating current is interrupted.
• the actuation switch fails, for example, if the actuation switch can not return to its released state, the motor may remain connected to the power source, which then results in damage to the cooling device.
• An object of the invention is to provide a refrigerator which has an improved
• the invention provides a refrigeration apparatus comprising: an ice dispensing channel; a closing element for opening / closing the channel; a drive device for driving the closing element, wherein the
• Closing element between an open position in which the channel is fully open, and a closing position in which the channel is fully closed, is movable; a switching device connected in series with the drive device, the switching device comprising a movable terminal and a first terminal, wherein the switching device and the closing element are adapted to be coupled together in such a manner that when the closing element is in is the closed position or between the closed position and the open position, the movable terminal with the first
• Terminal is connected, and when the closing element is in the
• Opening position is the movable terminal of the first
• Terminal is disconnected; and a control unit configured to, in response to a first signal requesting the opening of the channel, connect the first terminal for a first predetermined period of time
• the dual control functions provided by the switching device and the control unit can ensure that the
• Power supply of the drive device is interrupted when the closing element reaches a designated position. This significantly reduces the possibility that the closing element will continue to be driven by the drive device after the closure element has already reached a predetermined position.
• the first predetermined period of time is longer than or equal to a period of time that the
• Closing element required to move from the closed position to the open position.
• the cooling device comprises an input unit which is connected to the control unit for generating the first signal.
• Input unit at least one Eisabgabeschalter, and when the Eisabgabeschalter is turned on, the first signal is generated to request a delivery of ice.
• the invention in its other aspect discloses a refrigeration apparatus comprising: a duct; a closing element for opening / closing the channel; a
• Drive device for driving the closing element, wherein the closing element between an open position in which the channel is fully open, and a closing position in which the channel is fully closed, is movable; a switching device connected in series with the drive device, the switching device comprising a movable terminal and a second terminal, wherein the switching device and the closing element are adapted to be coupled together in such a way that when the closing element is in is the opening position, the movable terminal is connected to the second terminal, and when the closing element in the
• Closing position or between the closed position and opening position is located, the movable terminal is separated from the second terminal; and a control unit configured to, in response to a second signal requesting the closing of the channel, connect the second terminal for a second one
• the closing element moves after the second signal has been generated and then a
• the second predetermined period of time is longer than or equal to the delay time.
• the cooling device comprises a first cam, which is driven by the drive device, and the state of the switching device is controlled by the first cam.
• the cooling device comprises a second cam, which is driven by the drive device, and a cam follower, which is actuated by the second cam, and drives the
• the second cam has an outer surface which is in the shape of a part of a cylinder and has a maximum radius, and when the closing element is in the open position, the cam follower bears against the outer surface.
• the cam follower moves relative to the outer surface while the closure member remains in the open position.
• the invention in yet another aspect discloses a method for
• the refrigerator comprises: a channel, a
• a closure member movable between an open position and a closed position for opening / closing the channel, a drive device for driving the closure element and a switching device connected to the drive device, the switching device comprising a movable terminal and a first terminal, wherein the A method characterized in that it comprises: a) connecting the movable terminal to the first
• Terminal b) generating a first signal requesting the opening of the channel; c) connecting the first terminal to an operating power supply of the drive device in response to the first signal to drive the closure member to move from the closed position to the open position; d) Disconnect the movable terminal from the first terminal when the Closing element reaches the opening position; and e) disconnecting the first terminal from the operating power supply of the drive device after the first terminal has been connected to the first predetermined time period
• Closing element required to move from the closed position to the open position.
• Closing element reaches the open position or is in the open position, the movable terminal with a second terminal of the
• the method further comprises generating a second signal requesting the closing of the channel; and connecting the second terminal to the operating power supply of the drive device in response to the second signal.
• the channel is arranged to carry ice
• the second signal is a signal requesting to stop the dispensing of ice
• Operating power supply of the drive device has supplied the second terminal for a second predetermined period of time, the power supply of the second terminal of the operating power supply terminated.
• the closure element is held in the open position for a delay time.
• the second predetermined period of time is longer than or equal to the delay time.
• the first signal is a signal which requests the delivery of ice to the outside of the refrigerator.
• Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a refrigerator 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
• Figure 2 is a schematic sectional view of a portion of the refrigerator 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing a circuit arrangement of the refrigerator 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention
• Figure 4 is a perspective view of a closing module 19 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein a closing element 5 is in a closed position;
• Figure 5 is another perspective view of a closing module according to the preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein the closing element 5 just reaches an opening position.
• a refrigerator 1 comprises a heat-insulated box body 28 defining a storage space 20 therein and a door 2 for selectively closing / opening the storage space 20.
• An ice container 21 is provided in the storage room 20. Ice produced by an ice making machine (not shown) is stored in the ice container 21. An outlet opening 22 is formed in the vicinity of the front end of the ice container 21 in a bottom wall of the ice container. Ice can be pushed forward by the pushing force of an ice discharge device 23 and leaves the ice container 21 through the discharge opening.
• the refrigerator 1 comprises a dispenser 3 for dispensing (donating) ice and water.
• the dispenser 3 comprises a support wall 25 for supporting an outer one Container.
• the support wall 25 is formed by a bottom wall of a dispenser chamber 24 formed in the door 2 and opened forward to receive an outer container.
• the input unit 12 for receiving input commands from a user is provided on the door 2.
• the input unit 12 may include at least one
• Ice dispensing switch 31 for triggering the dispensing of ice and at least one
• Water dispensing switch 32 to trigger the release of water.
• a user can trigger a release of ice by using the
• the Eisabgabeschalter 31 actuated.
• the Eisabgabeschalter 31 may have the shape of a button, a knob, an actuating rod o ä. Have.
• the input unit 12 includes two ice dispensing switches 31 for triggering the dispensing of ice cubes and pieces of ice, respectively.
• the input unit 12 may further include switches (not shown) for selecting modes, parameter settings and the like of the refrigerator 1.
• the input unit 12 is electrically connected to a control unit 1 1.
• Control unit 11 receives input information from input unit 12, processes the information, and then sends a command to corresponding functional ones
• Components such as the ice maker, components of a refrigeration system, and the like.
• the refrigerator 1 is provided with a display device 33 above the ice dispenser switch
• trained dispenser 3 comprises an ice dispensing channel 4 through the front and
• the ice dispensing channel 4 is formed obliquely. When the door 2 is closed, the upper end of the ice dispensing channel 4 is aligned with the
• Donor chamber 24 and communicates with the donor chamber.
• a closing module 19 is in the ice discharge channel 4 for controlling the
• the closing module 19 has a housing 29 for mounting the same and other components.
• the closing module 19 is fastened by the housing 29 in the door 2.
• the closing module 19 comprises a closing element 5 for selectively closing / opening the ice dispensing channel 4
• the closing element 5 is between an opening position and a
• Ice dispensing channel 4 is fully open and thus ice easily
• the closing module 19 is provided with a torsion spring 27, by means of which the closing element 5 is reliably and firmly held in the closed position.
• Torsion spring 27 is preferably provided around a rotating shaft of the closing element 5 around.
• the closing module 19 comprises an electric motor 6 for driving the
• Closing element 5 for movement from the closed position to the open position.
• the motor 6 drives the closing element 5 by means of a cam body 26, which is in operative connection with the motor.
• the closing module 19 comprises a switch 7, which is close to the
• Cam body 26 is arranged and cooperates with the cam body 26.
• the motor 6 has one end connected in series with the switch 7, while the other end is connected to the control unit 11.
• the switch 7 is a changeover switch
• the switch 7 comprises a movable terminal 8, a first terminal 9 and a second terminal 10.
• the movable terminal 8 When the movable terminal 8 is connected to the first terminal 9, the first circuit of the switch 7 is closed, and when the movable terminal 8 with the second Terminal 10 is connected, the second circuit of the switch 7 is closed.
• the switch 7 includes a switch housing 38 that encloses the movable terminal 8 and the first and second terminals 9 and 10, and an operation button 18 that protrudes from the switch housing 38.
• a biasing member such as a spring associated with the operating knob 18 may also be provided within the switch housing 38.
• the actuator button 18 may change position under the action of an external force. If there is no external force, the movable one is
• Terminal 8 connected to the first terminal 9.
• the operation knob 18 is pushed back so that the movable terminal 8 is switched over and connected to the second terminal 10.
• the switch 7 is preferably a micro-switch in which a movable member travels a certain distance under the action of a very small force, resulting in a rapid reaction of the movable terminal 8 to cause the movement
• the cam body 26 includes a first cam 13 which cooperates with the switch 7.
• the switch 7 and the first cam 13 are designed in such a manner that when the closing element 5 from the closed position to
• Opening position moves or leaves the open position, the state of the switch 7 changes.
• the peripheral wall of the first cam 13 includes a lowered segment 35 having a relatively smaller diameter and a protruding segment 34 connected to the depressed segment 35 and having a relatively larger diameter.
• the lowered segment 35 and the protruding segment 34 each have a certain corresponding circumferential length.
• the first cam 13 comprises a pair of each other
• Actuator 18 is released, and the movable terminal 8 is switched so that it is connected to the first terminal 9.
• the cam body 26 further includes a second cam 14 adjacent to the first cam 13.
• the first cam 13 and the second cam 14 rotate about a common rotating shaft, driven by the motor 6.
• first cam 13 and the second cam 14 are made as a single element in one piece.
• first cam 13 and the second cam 14 may also be provided as separate elements.
• the motor 6 drives the closing element 5 through the second cam 14.
• Closing module 19 includes a cam follower 15 having one end connected to the closure member 5 while the other end is engaged with the second cam 14.
• the cam follower 15 is connected to one end of the rotating shaft of
• the second cam 14 is generally in the shape of an inverted "S".
• the second cam 14 includes a pair of opposed ones
• Head portions 16 which are located at a maximum distance from the rotating shaft of the second cam 14, and a connecting portion 36 which is located between the head portions 16 and connects.
• the connecting portion 36 is formed with a hole (not shown) through which a fixed shaft / rotating shaft can be inserted.
• the connecting portion 36 defines recesses 37 between the head portions 16 and the rotating shaft of the second cam 14.
• the head portions 16 each have an outer surface 17 which has the shape of a part of a cylinder and is parallel to the rotating shaft of the second cam 14.
• Each outer surface 17 has a circumferential length along the circumference of the second cam 14. Each point on the outer surface 17 has the same radial distance from the rotating shaft of the second cam 14. Each outer surface 17 is preferably formed in a continuous and smooth manner.
• the shutter member 5 is in the closing position, and the movable terminal 8 is connected to the first one
• Terminal 9 connected.
• the tip end of the cam follower 15 rests or faces the connecting portion 36 of the second cam 14, as in FIG.
• Eisabgabeschalter 31 its state and generates a first signal, which is then transmitted to the control unit 1 1.
• the control unit 1 after having received the first signal, connects the first terminal 9 to the operating power supply of the motor 6. Meanwhile, the control unit 1 1 starts a first one
• Cam follower 15 moves into one of the recesses 37 of the second cam 14 so as to be rotationally driven by the second cam 14, with the result that the closing member 5 is driven to rotate from the closing position toward the opening position.
• Terminal 8 changes its position. The connection between the movable terminal 8 and the first terminal 9 is interrupted, and the movable terminal 8 is switched so that it is connected to the second
• Terminal 10 is connected. Meanwhile, the tip end of the cam follower 15 abuts on one end of the outer surface 17 of one of the head portions 16 so as to occupy a highest position, and thus the shutter member 5 rotates to a position of the maximum opening.
• the control unit 1 1 interrupts the connection between the first terminal 9 and the first terminal
• the first predetermined period of time Ta is set to be longer than or equal to the time it takes for the closure member 5 to move from the closed position to the open position to ensure that the engine 6 does not stop working the opening operation of the closing element 5 is completed.
• the first predetermined time Ta is set to be a little longer than the time required for the shutter 5 to move from the closed position to the open position.
• the motor 6 can be reliably turned off since the operating power of the motor 6 is independently double controlled during the opening stage of the shutter 5 by the switch 7 and the control unit 11.
• the refrigerator 1 generates a second signal to terminate the
• the second signal may be generated based on the operation of the ice dispenser switch 31 by a user, such as by the user stopping, to operate the Eisabgabeschalter 31, or pressed the Eisabgabeschalter 31 again.
• the second signal may be generated on the basis of a signal of a timing unit of the control unit 11, or on the basis of a signal from a sensor operatively connected to the control unit 11.
• control unit 1 1 supplies the second one
• Terminal 10 with electric current. Meanwhile, the control unit 1 1 counts the power supply period T2 of the second terminal 10. Now that the closing element 5 is in the open position and the movable terminal 8 is connected to the second terminal 10, the motor 6 is again
• the tip end of the cam follower 15 moves relative to the outer surface 17 of one of the head portions 16. Since the outer surface 17 has a shape of a portion of a cylinder and all the points on the outer surface are the same distance from the rotating shaft of the second Cam 14, the position of the cam follower 15 with respect to the ice dispensing channel 4 is unchanged, although the cam follower 15 moves relative to the second cam 14. In other words, the closing member 5 remains in the opening position, although the second cam 14 has begun to rotate.
• the closure member 5 is left in the open position during a period of time after the second signal has been generated, that is, closing of the closure member 5 is delayed by means of the cooperation between the second cam 14 and the cam follower 15.
• closing of the closure member 5 is delayed by means of the cooperation between the second cam 14 and the cam follower 15.
• Control unit 1 the connection between the second terminal 10 and the power supply.
• the second predetermined period of time Tb is set to be longer than or equal to the time it takes for the cam follower 15 to move in one
• the second predetermined time period Tb is preferably longer than the time required for the cam follower 15 to move in a circumferential direction from one end of the outer surface 17 to the other end thereof.
• the switch 7 is a changeover switch
• the switch 7 will obviously be an on-off switch.
• ice dispensing channel 4 and its closing module 19 are described above as preferred applicable embodiments of the invention.
• the invention is of course applicable to other fields as well.
• the invention is of course applicable to other fields as well.
• the invention is of course applicable to other fields as well.
• the invention is of course applicable to other fields as well.
• the invention is of course applicable to other fields as well.
• Invention are carried out in an air barrier for controlling the air flow in the refrigerator.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Thermal Sciences (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
• Production, Working, Storing, Or Distribution Of Ice (AREA)
• Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)

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• 2009
  • 2009-12-22 CN CN200910265966.7A patent/CN102102927B/zh active Active
• 2010
  • 2010-12-10 WO PCT/EP2010/069416 patent/WO2011080048A2/de active Application Filing

Patent Citations (1)

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