WO2012062660A1 - A refrigerator - Google Patents

A refrigerator Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012062660A1
WO2012062660A1 PCT/EP2011/069450 EP2011069450W WO2012062660A1 WO 2012062660 A1 WO2012062660 A1 WO 2012062660A1 EP 2011069450 W EP2011069450 W EP 2011069450W WO 2012062660 A1 WO2012062660 A1 WO 2012062660A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
door
actuator
switch
disposed
refrigerator
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2011/069450
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Tamer Tombuloglu
Musa Caliskan
Oktay Aygun
Original Assignee
Arcelik Anonim Sirketi
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 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi filed Critical Arcelik Anonim Sirketi
Priority to EP11781505.0A priority Critical patent/EP2638346B1/en
Priority to PL11781505T priority patent/PL2638346T3/en
Publication of WO2012062660A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012062660A1/en

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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
    • F25D29/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
    • F25D29/005—Mounting of control devices
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2700/00—Means for sensing or measuring; Sensors therefor
    • F25D2700/02—Sensors detecting door opening

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a refrigerator comprising a switch that controls if the door is open or closed.
  • Whether or not the doors used in refrigerators are closed, is detected by means of position sensing switches disposed on the inner liners of the body and actuated by the pressure exerted thereon by the door.
  • the switch actuated by the movement of the door transmits a signal to the control unit.
  • the control unit controls the processes which are required to be performed, according to the signal received from the switch. For example, the inside of the body that is desired to be illuminated when the door is open and the lamp disposed in the body is activated by the control unit, when the door is opened.
  • the door is generally produced by the method of joining two pieces, an inner liner disposed on the inner side of the door and produced from plastic material, and an outer wall disposed on the outer side of the door and produced from sheet metal material.
  • the heat insulating material is injected between the inner liner and the outer wall in order to provide heat insulation.
  • the position sensing switch is actuated by means of the actuator extending from the inner liner outwards, aligning with above the switch when the door is closed.
  • the actuator presses on the switch while the door is closed.
  • the inner liner is produced by means of the thermoforming mould, and the wall thickness of the actuator produced integrated with the inner liner is thinner than the wall thickness of the inner liner.
  • the aim of the present invention is the realization of a refrigerator having a door the excepted life of which is increased.
  • the refrigerator realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention, explicated in the first claim and the respective claims thereof, comprises at least one door having an inner liner, a switch disposed on the body, providing the open or closed states of the door to be detected, an actuator disposed on the inner liner, providing the switch to be actuated by contacting the switch when the door is closed.
  • strengtheners are disposed on the actuator increasing the strength of the actuator. Since the strengthener increases the strength of the actuator, the actuator is prevented from wearing out in time due to frictions between the switch and the actuator during the opening/closing of the door. Thus, the expected life of the actuator and hence of the door are increased.
  • the actuator is arranged on one of two flanges disposed on two opposite sides of the inner liner and on which the door shelves are mounted.
  • the strengthener is in form of a transverse cavity.
  • the strengthener is in form of a longitudinal cavity.
  • the strengthener is in form of a circular cavity.
  • the actuator actuating the switch during opening/closing of the door is prevented from being deformed, thus the expected life of the door is increased.
  • Figure 1 – is the perspective view of a refrigerator.
  • Figure 2 – is the perspective view of a door in an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 3 – is the cross-sectional view of detail A in Figure 2.
  • Figure 4 – is the perspective view of a door in another embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 5 — is the cross-sectional view of detail B in Figure 4.
  • Figure 6 — is the perspective view of a door in another embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 7 — is the cross-sectional view of detail C in Figure 6.
  • the refrigerator (1) of the present invention comprises a body (2), at least one opening (3) disposed on the body (2), at least one door (6) having an inner liner (5) produced from plastic material, covering the opening (3) when closed, a switch (7) disposed on the body (2) in the vicinity of the opening (3), and an actuator (8) disposed on the inner liner (5), actuating the switch (7) by pressing on the switch (7) when the door (6) is closed ( Figure 1).
  • the inner liner (5) is produced by means of a thermoforming mould and heat insulating material such as polyurethane etc. is poured over the inner wall of the inner liner (5).
  • the inner liner (5) is provided to be joined with the outer wall by covering the outer wall on the inner liner (5), onto the inner surface of which polyurethane is poured and hence the door (6) production is realized.
  • the door (6) is provided to be opened/closed by being hinged from one edge to the body (2).
  • the actuator (8) is produced integrated with the inner liner (5) and extends from the inner liner (5) outwards.
  • the actuator (8) is positioned on the inner liner (5) so as to align with above the switch (7), when the door (6) is closed.
  • the actuator (8) extends from the lateral edge of the inner liner (5) outwards.
  • the actuator (8) provides the switch (7) to be actuated by contacting the switch (7) and pushing the switch (7).
  • the switch (7) is actuated, the information that the door (6) is closed, is delivered by transmitting a signal to the control unit.
  • the refrigerator (1) of the present invention furthermore comprises at least one strengthener (9) disposed on the actuator (8) increasing the strength of the actuator (8) ( Figure 2 – Figure 7).
  • the strengthener (9) prevents deformations from forming on the actuator (8) due to frictions between the switch (7) and the actuator (8) during the opening/closing of the door (6) by increasing the strength of the actuator (8).
  • the actuator (8) is prevented from being damaged due to the long time usage of the door (6) by means of the strengthener (9).
  • the strengthener (9) thus, the expected life of the door (6) is increased and the cost advantage is provided by reducing maintenance costs.
  • the refrigerator (1) comprises two flanges (4) disposed on two opposite sides of the inner liner (5), on which the door shelves are mounted, and the actuator (8) disposed on the outer surface of the flange (4). Since the flanges (4) are the first portion extending into the body (2), while the door (6) is closed, the actuation of the switch (7) by means of actuator (8) is facilitated.
  • the strengthener (9) is in form of a transverse channel ( Figure 2 and Figure 3).
  • the strengthener (9) is formed on the actuator (8) by means of the form created preferably on the mould surface during the production of the actuator (8).
  • the strength of the actuator (8) is increased by means of the said strengtheners (9) formed in a simple and easy way.
  • the strengthener (9) is in form of a longitudinal channel ( Figure 4 and Figure 5).
  • the strengtheners (9) arranged preferably side by side on the surface of the actuator (8), that contacts the switch (7) extend from the lower end of the said surface to the upper end thereof.
  • the strengthener (9) is in form of a circular recess ( Figure 6 and Figure 7).
  • the strength of the actuator (8) is increased by means of the strengthener (9), and the actuator (8) is provided to have a more esthetic appearance as well.
  • the strengthener (9) is in form of a protrusion.
  • the strength of the actuator (8) is increased by means of the strengthener (9) disposed on the actuator (8) that actuates the switch (7) detecting if the door (6) is open or closed.
  • the expected life of the door (6) is increased by preventing deformations from forming on the actuator (8) due to the long time usage.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Refrigerator Housings (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a refrigerator (1) comprising a body (2), at least one opening (3) disposed on the body (2), at least one door (6) having an inner liner (5) produced from plastic material, covering the opening (3) when closed, a switch (7) disposed on the body (2) in the vicinity of the opening (3), and an actuator (8) disposed on the inner liner (5) that provides the switch (7) to be actuated by pressing on the switch (7) when the door (6) is closed.

Description

A REFRIGERATOR
The present invention relates to a refrigerator comprising a switch that controls if the door is open or closed.
Whether or not the doors used in refrigerators are closed, is detected by means of position sensing switches disposed on the inner liners of the body and actuated by the pressure exerted thereon by the door. The switch actuated by the movement of the door transmits a signal to the control unit. The control unit controls the processes which are required to be performed, according to the signal received from the switch. For example, the inside of the body that is desired to be illuminated when the door is open and the lamp disposed in the body is activated by the control unit, when the door is opened.
The door is generally produced by the method of joining two pieces, an inner liner disposed on the inner side of the door and produced from plastic material, and an outer wall disposed on the outer side of the door and produced from sheet metal material. The heat insulating material is injected between the inner liner and the outer wall in order to provide heat insulation. The position sensing switch is actuated by means of the actuator extending from the inner liner outwards, aligning with above the switch when the door is closed. The actuator presses on the switch while the door is closed. The inner liner is produced by means of the thermoforming mould, and the wall thickness of the actuator produced integrated with the inner liner is thinner than the wall thickness of the inner liner. Deformations occur on the actuator due in course, since the actuator rubs the switch, during opening/closing of the door. Increase in deformation can lead to results such as tearing of the actuator surface. If the actuator surface is torn, problems occur such as the switch not being actuated and the position of the door cannot be detected. This situation requires the whole door to be changed and hence the maintenance costs increase.
In the state of the art Application No. US20050045457, a door switch actuating structure for a refrigerator is described.
The aim of the present invention is the realization of a refrigerator having a door the excepted life of which is increased.
The refrigerator realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention, explicated in the first claim and the respective claims thereof, comprises at least one door having an inner liner, a switch disposed on the body, providing the open or closed states of the door to be detected, an actuator disposed on the inner liner, providing the switch to be actuated by contacting the switch when the door is closed. In the refrigerator of the present invention, furthermore, strengtheners are disposed on the actuator increasing the strength of the actuator. Since the strengthener increases the strength of the actuator, the actuator is prevented from wearing out in time due to frictions between the switch and the actuator during the opening/closing of the door. Thus, the expected life of the actuator and hence of the door are increased.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the actuator is arranged on one of two flanges disposed on two opposite sides of the inner liner and on which the door shelves are mounted.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the strengthener is in form of a transverse cavity. By means of this embodiment, the production of strengtheners is facilitated and the strength of the actuator is increased by the production technique which is applied in a simple way
In another embodiment of the present invention, the strengthener is in form of a longitudinal cavity.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the strengthener is in form of a circular cavity.
By means of the present invention, the actuator actuating the switch during opening/closing of the door, is prevented from being deformed, thus the expected life of the door is increased.
A refrigerator realized to fulfill the object of the present invention is illustrated in the attached claims, where:
Figure 1 – is the perspective view of a refrigerator.
Figure 2 – is the perspective view of a door in an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 – is the cross-sectional view of detail A in Figure 2.
Figure 4 – is the perspective view of a door in another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 – is the cross-sectional view of detail B in Figure 4.
Figure 6 – is the perspective view of a door in another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 – is the cross-sectional view of detail C in Figure 6.
The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:
  1. Refrigerator
  2. Body
  3. Opening
  4. Flange
  5. Inner liner
  6. Door
  7. Switch
  8. Actuator
  9. Strengthener
The refrigerator (1) of the present invention comprises a body (2), at least one opening (3) disposed on the body (2), at least one door (6) having an inner liner (5) produced from plastic material, covering the opening (3) when closed, a switch (7) disposed on the body (2) in the vicinity of the opening (3), and an actuator (8) disposed on the inner liner (5), actuating the switch (7) by pressing on the switch (7) when the door (6) is closed (Figure 1).
During the production of the door (6), the inner liner (5) is produced by means of a thermoforming mould and heat insulating material such as polyurethane etc. is poured over the inner wall of the inner liner (5). The inner liner (5) is provided to be joined with the outer wall by covering the outer wall on the inner liner (5), onto the inner surface of which polyurethane is poured and hence the door (6) production is realized. The door (6) is provided to be opened/closed by being hinged from one edge to the body (2).
The actuator (8) is produced integrated with the inner liner (5) and extends from the inner liner (5) outwards. The actuator (8) is positioned on the inner liner (5) so as to align with above the switch (7), when the door (6) is closed. For example, if the switch (7) is arranged on the inner side of the lateral wall of the body (2) to which the door (6) is attached, the actuator (8) extends from the lateral edge of the inner liner (5) outwards. When the door (6) is closed, the actuator (8) provides the switch (7) to be actuated by contacting the switch (7) and pushing the switch (7). When the switch (7) is actuated, the information that the door (6) is closed, is delivered by transmitting a signal to the control unit.
The refrigerator (1) of the present invention, furthermore comprises at least one strengthener (9) disposed on the actuator (8) increasing the strength of the actuator (8) (Figure 2 – Figure 7). The strengthener (9) prevents deformations from forming on the actuator (8) due to frictions between the switch (7) and the actuator (8) during the opening/closing of the door (6) by increasing the strength of the actuator (8). The actuator (8) is prevented from being damaged due to the long time usage of the door (6) by means of the strengthener (9). Thus, the expected life of the door (6) is increased and the cost advantage is provided by reducing maintenance costs.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator (1) comprises two flanges (4) disposed on two opposite sides of the inner liner (5), on which the door shelves are mounted, and the actuator (8) disposed on the outer surface of the flange (4). Since the flanges (4) are the first portion extending into the body (2), while the door (6) is closed, the actuation of the switch (7) by means of actuator (8) is facilitated.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the strengthener (9) is in form of a transverse channel (Figure 2 and Figure 3). The strengthener (9) is formed on the actuator (8) by means of the form created preferably on the mould surface during the production of the actuator (8). The strength of the actuator (8) is increased by means of the said strengtheners (9) formed in a simple and easy way.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the strengthener (9) is in form of a longitudinal channel (Figure 4 and Figure 5). The strengtheners (9) arranged preferably side by side on the surface of the actuator (8), that contacts the switch (7) extend from the lower end of the said surface to the upper end thereof.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the strengthener (9) is in form of a circular recess (Figure 6 and Figure 7). Thus, the strength of the actuator (8) is increased by means of the strengthener (9), and the actuator (8) is provided to have a more esthetic appearance as well.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the strengthener (9) is in form of a protrusion.
By means of the present invention, the strength of the actuator (8) is increased by means of the strengthener (9) disposed on the actuator (8) that actuates the switch (7) detecting if the door (6) is open or closed. Thus, the expected life of the door (6) is increased by preventing deformations from forming on the actuator (8) due to the long time usage.
It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed above and a person skilled in the art can easily introduce different embodiments. These should be considered within the scope of the protection postulated by the claims of the present invention.

Claims (6)

  1. A refrigerator (1) comprising
    - a body (2),
    - at least one opening (3) disposed on the body (2),
    - at least one door (6) having an inner liner (5) produced from plastic material, covering the opening (3) when closed,
    - a switch (7) disposed on the body (2) in the vicinity of the opening (3),
    - an actuator (8) disposed on the inner liner (5) that actuates the switch (7) by pressing on the switch (7) when the door (6) is closed,
    characterized by at least one strengthener (9) disposed on the actuator (8) increasing the strength of the actuator (8)
  2. A refrigerator (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by two flanges (4) disposed on two opposite sides of the inner liner (5), on which the door shelves are mounted, and the actuator (8) disposed on the outer surface of the flange (4).
  3. A refrigerator (1) as in Claim 1 or 2, characterized by the strengthener (9) in form of a transverse channel.
  4. A refrigerator (1) as in Claim 1 or 2, characterized by the strengthener (9) in form of a longitudinal channel.
  5. A refrigerator (1) as in Claim 1 or 2, characterized by the strengthener (9) in form of a circular recess.
  6. A refrigerator (1) as in Claim 1 or 2, characterized by the strengthener (9) in form of a protrusion.
PCT/EP2011/069450 2010-11-12 2011-11-04 A refrigerator WO2012062660A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP11781505.0A EP2638346B1 (en) 2010-11-12 2011-11-04 A refrigerator
PL11781505T PL2638346T3 (en) 2010-11-12 2011-11-04 A refrigerator

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
TR201009482 2010-11-12
TRA2010/09482 2010-11-12

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2012062660A1 true WO2012062660A1 (en) 2012-05-18

Family

ID=44925531

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2011/069450 WO2012062660A1 (en) 2010-11-12 2011-11-04 A refrigerator

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2638346B1 (en)
PL (1) PL2638346T3 (en)
WO (1) WO2012062660A1 (en)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS5996597A (en) 1982-11-24 1984-06-04 Hitachi Ltd Semicondutor storage device
JPS5996597U (en) * 1982-12-20 1984-06-30 三洋電機株式会社 refrigerator
US6150622A (en) 1998-08-06 2000-11-21 Whirlpool Corporation Electrical contact element for refrigerators and similar
JP2001201252A (en) 2000-01-24 2001-07-27 Toshiba Corp Refrigerator
EP1816421A2 (en) 2006-02-06 2007-08-08 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Illumination assembly for a domestic appliance

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS5996597A (en) 1982-11-24 1984-06-04 Hitachi Ltd Semicondutor storage device
JPS5996597U (en) * 1982-12-20 1984-06-30 三洋電機株式会社 refrigerator
US6150622A (en) 1998-08-06 2000-11-21 Whirlpool Corporation Electrical contact element for refrigerators and similar
JP2001201252A (en) 2000-01-24 2001-07-27 Toshiba Corp Refrigerator
EP1816421A2 (en) 2006-02-06 2007-08-08 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Illumination assembly for a domestic appliance

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2638346A1 (en) 2013-09-18
EP2638346B1 (en) 2018-07-11
PL2638346T3 (en) 2019-01-31

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