WO2013000950A2

WO2013000950A2 - A cooling device comprising a knob providing the adjustment of the compartment temperature

Info

Publication number: WO2013000950A2
Application number: PCT/EP2012/062455
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ridvan BERBEROGLU; Emre Arisoy
Original assignee: Arcelik Anonim Sirketi
Priority date: 2011-06-27
Filing date: 2012-06-27
Publication date: 2013-01-03
Also published as: EP2724098A2; WO2013000950A3; TR201106337A1; CN103620328A; CN103620328B

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cooling device (1) comprising at least one compartment (2) wherein foodstuffs desired to be cooled are placed, at least one door (3) providing access into the compartment (2), at least one knob (4) enabling the compartment (2) temperature (T) to be changed by the user and at least one alerter (5) that provides the user to be warned audibly and/or visually, and which warns the user at the end of a waiting time (t₁) as per the desire of the user.

Description

A COOLING DEVICE COMPRISING A KNOB PROVIDING THE ADJUSTMENT OF THE COMPARTMENT TEMPERATURE

The present invention relates to a cooling device comprising a knob that provides the temperature of the compartment to be adjusted.

In cooling devices, particularly in refrigerators comprising at least two compartments, the cooling and freezer compartments, the beverages desired to be cooled are placed into the cooling compartment. Generally, beverages are placed into the freezer compartment in the situation where the beverages stored in bottles or cans are required to be chilled quickly. If the beverages placed into the freezer compartment are not taken out in time, the beverages freeze and their volume increases and cause their containers to be damaged. This situation creates a big problem particularly for the beverages in glass bottles that are prone to be broken. In order to solve this problem, the bottle reminder function is used in cooling devices. By means of the screen and buttons present in cooling devices having electronic interface, the bottle reminder function is activated easily and the user is provided to be alerted audibly and visually after a while the bottle is put into the freezer compartment. In cooling devices not having electronic interface, an additional unit is disposed on the cooling device and this causes increase in costs.

In the state of the art United States of America Patent Document No. US6158227, an apparatus is described that measures and displays the temperature of bottles placed in the bottle holder and provides the user to be alerted when needed. The apparatus can be placed on the exterior of any cooling device and communicates with the sensor extending into the cabinet. On the apparatus, keys providing the parameters to be entered and a screen where the time and parameters are viewed are located.

In the state of the art Great Britain Patent Application No. GB2435528, a portable device is described which gives an indication when a beverage placed in the freezer reaches the desired temperature. In this embodiment, the time period needed to reach the desired temperature value is calculated by taking into consideration a number of parameters relating to the type and the volume of the beverage and the type of the container. The said portable device preferably comprises an LCD screen.

The aim of the present invention is the realization of a cooling device that provides the user to be warned with an alerter at the end of a waiting time started by the user without using any additional component.

The cooling device 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 knob providing the temperature of the compartment to be adjusted, at least one alerter providing the user to be warned and a control unit. In the cooling device of the present invention, except for conventional use of the knob, the control unit provides to start a waiting time when the knob is used in a predetermined sequence and to operate the alerter at the end of this time.

The knob provides the compartment temperature to be changed between a minimum and a maximum value. The knob has an initial position when compartment temperature is desired to be changed to the minimum value, a final position when compartment temperature is desired to be changed to the maximum value and an intermediate position when compartment temperature is desired to be changed to a value between the minimum value and maximum value.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the waiting time is started when the knob is first adjusted to the initial position and afterwards to the final position within the transition time.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the waiting time is started when the knob is first set to the final position and afterwards to the initial position within the transition time.

In these embodiments, from the moment the waiting time starts, the knob can be moved so as to indicate the value intended for the compartment temperature. With the start of the waiting time, the knob resumes the temperature adjustment function.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the alerter gives a warning when the knob is changed to the position that starts the transition time. The knob, when changed to the position that starts the waiting time within the transition time, the alerter gives out a different warning than the previous one and the user is provided to be informed that the waiting time has started. In this embodiment, if the alerter is an element that gives audible warning, it generates signals of different lengths for the two cases, if it’s an element giving visual warning, for example LED, then it generates signals of different colors.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the waiting time is a predetermined fixed time period. In this embodiment, the waiting time is same under any circumstance irrespective of the parameters like weight, temperature, shape etc of the foodstuff placed into the compartment.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a carrier is provided inside the compartment, formed for the purpose of placing beverages thereon. The weight of the beverages placed on the carrier in bottles or cans is detected by means of a sensor situated right under the carrier and submitted to the control unit. The control unit enters the weight value received from the sensor in a predetermined mathematical function and determines a waiting time that prevents beverages from freezing.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the warning time is a predetermined fixed time period. The alerter operates continuously or intermittently during the warning time.

In another embodiment of the present invention, when the door is opened after the alerter starts operating, the alerter is stopped even if the warning time is not over yet. In a derivative of this embodiment, when the knob is moved while the alerter operates, the alerter is stopped.

In another embodiment of the present invention, in the cooling device there are two compartments, namely the cooling compartment and the freezer compartment. In this embodiment, the knob is used for regulating the temperature of the cooling compartment. However, the carrier and the sensor are located in the freezer compartment since the reminder function is required more for foodstuffs placed in the freezer compartment and the beverages are provided to be chilled more quickly and prevented from freezing as well. In a derivative of this embodiment, the cooling device comprises two knobs. One of the knobs provides the adjustment of the cooling compartment temperature and the other the freezer compartment temperature. Both of the knobs can be used for the aim of starting the waiting time as well.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the knob is disposed inside the cooling compartment and used for adjusting the cooling compartment temperature. Thus, the knob does not occupy space on the exterior surface of the cooling device and this provides to simplify the exterior appearance.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the knob is disposed on a section of the door that can be reached without opening the door of the cooling device. In a derivative of this embodiment, the knob is disposed on the frame forming the body and is located on the door in another derivative.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the knob is of rotatable type. In this embodiment, an indicator is arranged on the knob and this indicator is aligned with the values of the scale located around the knob for adjusting the compartment temperature. The initial position corresponds to where the minimum value is located on the scale, the final position to where the maximum value is located on the scale and the intermediate position to the section between the initial position and the final position.

By means of the present invention, the foodstuffs placed into the compartment are prevented from being cooled more than desired or from being frozen. Since the reminder function is activated by the knob that provides the adjustment of the compartment temperature, utilization of any additional components is not required and this provides cost advantage.

The cooling device realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is illustrated in the attached figures, where:

Figure 1 – is the schematic view of the cooling device of the present invention.

Figure 2 – is the schematic view of the cooling device related to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 – is the front view of the knob when in the initial position.

Figure 4 – is the front view of the knob when in the final position.

Figure 5 – is the front view of the knob when in the intermediate position.

The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:

Cooling device
, 102., 202. Compartment
Door
Knob
Alerter
Control unit
Carrier
Sensor

The following symbols are used for explicating the cooling device (1) of the present invention:

t₁: Waiting time
t₂: The warning time predetermined by the producer
t_i The transition time predetermined by the producer
T: The compartment (2) temperature,
T_F : The cooling compartment (102) temperature
P_i : Initial position
P_f : Final position
P_o : Intermediate position

The cooling device (1) comprises at least one compartment (2) wherein foodstuffs desired to be cooled are placed, at least one door (3) providing access into the compartment (2), at least one knob (4) enabling the compartment (2) temperature (T) to be changed by the user and at least one alerter (5) that provides the user to be warned audibly and/or visually (Figure 1).

The cooling device (1) of the present invention furthermore comprises a control unit (6) that operates the alerter (5) at the end of a waiting time (t₁) that starts by using the knob (4) within a special combination predetermined by the producer (Figure 1, Figure 2).

The user moves the knob (4) serially in a predetermined sequence and starts the waiting time (t₁) after placing the foodstuff in the compartment (2) in order to prevent the foodstuff placed in the compartment (2) from being cooled to a lower temperature value than the desired value. At the end of the waiting time (t₁) the control unit (6) warns the user that the placed foodstuff has reached the desired temperature by activating the alerter (5). In this embodiment, the compartment (2) temperature (T) is preferably at an appropriate level for freezing the foodstuffs placed into the compartment (2). Thus, when foodstuffs containing liquid, having risk of freezing are placed into the compartment (2), the user is warned before the liquid freezes. Furthermore, cost advantage is gained since an additional device is not used for this process.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the knob (4) comprises an initial position (P_i) adjusted to when compartment (2) temperature (T) is desired to be changed to minimum value, a final position (P_f) adjusted to when compartment (2) temperature (T) is desired to be changed to maximum value and an intermediate position (P_o) adjusted to when compartment (2) temperature (T) is desired to be changed to various values between the minimum value and maximum value, and the control unit (6) starts the waiting time (t₁) when the knob (4) is moved between these positions (P_i, P_f ,P_o) in a sequence predetermined by the producer. In this embodiment, the knob (4) is in mechanical form. Thus, the position of the knob (4) can be determined without requiring an additional display device (Figure 3, Figure 4, Figure 5).

In another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit (6) starts the waiting time (t₁) when the knob (4) is changed first to the initial position (P_i), and then to the final position (P_f) within a transition time (t_i) predetermined by the producer. The transition time (ti) starts when the knob (4) is changed to the initial position (P_i) and by changing from the initial position (P_i) to the final position (P_f) within the transition time (ti) provides the control unit (6) to start the waiting time (t₁). If not changed to the final position (P_f) within the transition time (ti), the knob (4) continues to operate with the temperature regulating function. In this embodiment, the transition time (ti) is preferably 10 seconds.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit (6) starts the waiting time (t₁) when the knob (4) is changed first to the final position (P_f) and then to the initial position (P_i), within a transition time (t_i) predetermined by the producer. The transition time (ti) starts when the knob (4) is changed to the final position (P_f) and by changing from the final position (P_f) to the initial position (P_i), within the transition time (ti) provides the control unit (6) to start the waiting time (t₁). If not changed to the initial position (P_i) within the transition time (ti), the knob (4) continues to operate with the temperature regulating function. In this embodiment, the transition time (ti) is preferably 10 seconds.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit (6) allows the compartment (2) temperature (T) to be adjusted to the desired value by changing the knob (4) to the intermediate position (P_o) after the waiting time (t₁) is started. Thus, the knob (4) can be used both for the aim of starting the waiting time (t₁) and also for adjusting the compartment (2) temperature (T). Changing the position of the knob (4) during the waiting time (t₁) does not interfere with the countdown of the waiting time (t₁).

In another embodiment of the present invention, the alerter (5) gives a warning to the user indicating that the transition time (t_i) has started when the knob (4) is changed to the initial position (P_i) and gives a warning different from the previous one to the user indicating that the waiting time (t₁) has started when the knob (4) is changed to the final position (P_f) before the transition time (t_i) is over. Thus, the user becomes sure that the waiting time (t₁) has started even though the performed activities cannot be viewed on a screen and hence more reliable results are obtained.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit (6) operates the alerter (5) at the end of the waiting time (t₁) predetermined by the producer. In this embodiment, the waiting time (t₁) is selected such that a bottle of liquid at room temperature is cooled without freezing.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the cooling device (1) comprises a carrier (7) disposed inside the compartment (2) and whereon the bottle is placed, a sensor (8) providing the weight of the bottle placed on the carrier (7) to be detected and a control unit (6) that determines the waiting time (t₁) depending on the value received from the sensor (8). When the bottle is placed on the carrier (7), its weight is detected by the sensor (8). Assuming that the bottle is approximately at room temperature, the waiting time (t₁) required for a bottle with the detected weight to be cooled a little above freezing temperature is calculated by the control unit (6) and the alerter (5) is actuated at the end of this time period. Thus, the problems like the bottle being cooled less than desired or being frozen are eliminated.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit (6) stops the alerter (5) at the end of a warning time (t₂) predetermined by the producer and which starts with actuation of the alerter (5). The warning time (t₂) is long enough for the user to realize that the alerter (5) is operating. The alerter (5) functions preferably intermittently during this warning time (t₂).

In another embodiment of the present invention, when the door (3) is opened while the alerter (5) is operating, the control unit (6) stops the alerter (5) without waiting for the warning time (t₂) to end. While the alerter (5) is operating, the user opens the door (3) for taking out the foodstuff placed into the compartment (2). The control unit (6) detecting that the door (3) is opened, stops the alerter (5) since the alerter (5) is not required to operate. Consequently, the alerter (5) is prevented from disturbing the user by operating unnecessarily.

In another embodiment of the present invention, when the position of the knob (4) is changed while the alerter (5) is operating, the control unit (6) stops the alerter (5) without waiting for the warning time (t₂) to end. Thus, the alerter (5) can be stopped before the user opens the door (3). Consequently, the reminder function can be set up and stopped for any subject by only using the knob (4).

In another embodiment of the present invention, the cooling device (1) comprises a cooling compartment (102) wherein the foods are placed to be cooled and a freezer compartment (202) wherein the foods are placed to be frozen and which is kept at temperatures lower than the cooling compartment (102). In this embodiment, the warning function is used for preventing the foodstuffs placed in the freezer compartment (202) from freezing. In this embodiment, the alerter (5) is stopped when the door (3) of any one compartment (102, 202) is opened. In a version of this embodiment, the carrier (7) is disposed inside the freezer compartment (202) and the liquid content in the bottle is prevented from freezing while the rapid bottle cooling function is performed (Figure 2).

In another embodiment of the present invention, the knob (4) is disposed inside the cooling compartment (102) and provides the adjustment of the cooling compartment (102) temperature (T_F). Thus, an additional area for the knob (4) is not required to be arranged on the exterior surface of the cooling device (1) and the esthetic appearance of the cooling device (1) is improved.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the knob (4) is disposed on the exterior surface of the cooling device (1). Thus, the waiting time (t₁) is started for the purpose of operating the alerter (5) without opening the door (3). In a version of this embodiment, the knob (4) is disposed on the door (3).

In another embodiment of the present invention, the knob (4) is of rotary type. In this embodiment, a scale is located around the knob (4) whereon various temperature values are arranged and an indicator thereon showing which value on the scale is selected. The initial position (P_i), on the scale is where the lowest value is located, the final position (P_f) is where the highest value is located, and the intermediate position (P_o) is where the intermediate values are located. In a derivative of this embodiment, the initial position (P_i) and the final position (P_f) almost overlap.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the alerter (5) is selected from the group of buzzer, speaker, LED, display device. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the alerter (5) is a buzzer. In a version of this embodiment, the cooling device (1) comprises two alerters (5), one of which warns the user audibly and the other visually. The alerter (5) that warns the user visually is preferably a LED.

By means of the present invention, depending on the desire of the user, the waiting time (t₁) is started by the knob (4) used for adjusting the compartment (2) temperature (T) and the alerter (5) is operated at the end of this waiting time (t₁). Consequently, the user is prevented from forgetting a foodstuff placed in the compartment (2) and hence the foodstuff prevented from freezing or cooling more than desired. Cost advantage is provided since any additional device is not used for this operation.

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

A cooling device (1) comprising at least one compartment (2) wherein foodstuffs desired to be cooled are placed, at least one door (3) providing access into the compartment (2), at least one knob (4) enabling the compartment (2) temperature (T) to be changed by the user and at least one alerter (5) that provides the user to be warned audibly and/or visually, characterized by a control unit (6) that operates the alerter (5) at the end of a waiting time (t₁) that starts by using the knob (4) within a special combination predetermined by the producer.
A cooling device (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by the knob (4) having a first position adjusted to when compartment (2) temperature (T) is desired to be changed to minimum value (P_i), a final position (P_f) adjusted to when compartment (2) temperature (T) is desired to be changed to maximum value and an intermediate position (P_o) adjusted to when compartment (2) temperature (T) is desired to be adjusted to various values between the minimum value and maximum value and by the control unit (6) that starts the waiting time (t₁) when the knob (4) is moved between these positions (P_i, P_f ,P_o) in a sequence predetermined by the producer.
A cooling device (1) as in Claim 2, characterized by the control unit (6) that starts the waiting time (t₁) when the knob (4) is changed first to the initial position (P_i), and then to the final position (P_f) within a transition time (t_i) predetermined by the producer.
A cooling device (1) as in Claim 2, characterized by the control unit (6) that starts the waiting time (t₁) when the knob (4) is changed first to the final position (P_f) and then to the initial position (P_i), within a transition time (t_i) predetermined by the producer.
A cooling device (1) as in any one of the Claims 2 to 4, characterized by the control unit (6) that allows the compartment (2) temperature (T) to be adjusted to the desired value by changing the knob (4) to the intermediate position (P_o) after the waiting time (t₁) is started.
A cooling device (1) as in any one of the Claims 3 or 5, characterized by the alerter (5) which gives a warning to the user indicating that the transition time (t_i) has started when the knob (4) is changed to the initial position (P_i) and gives a warning different from the previous one to the user indicating that the waiting time (t₁) has started when the knob (4) is changed to the final position (P_f) before the transition time (t_i) is over.
A cooling device (1) as in any one of the above Claims, characterized by a control unit (6) that operates the alerter (5) at the end of the waiting time (t₁) predetermined by the producer.
A cooling device (1) as in any one of the Claims 1 to 6, characterized by a carrier (7) disposed inside the compartment (2) and whereon the bottle is placed, a sensor (8) used for detecting the weight of the bottle placed on the carrier (7) and a control unit (6) that determines the waiting time (t₁) depending on the value received from the sensor (8).
A cooling device (1) as in any one of the above Claims, characterized by the control unit (6) that stops the alerter (5) at the end of a warning time (t₂) predetermined by the producer and which starts with the actuation of the alerter (5).
A cooling device (1) as in any one of the above Claims, characterized by the control unit (6) that stops the alerter (5) when the door (3) is opened while the alerter (5) is operating without waiting for the warning time (t₂) to end.
A cooling device (1) as in any one of the above Claims, characterized by the control unit (6) that stops the alerter (5) when the position of the knob (4) is changed while the alerter (5) is operating without waiting for the warning time (t₂) to end.
A cooling device (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by a cooling compartment (102) wherein the foodstuffs are placed to be cooled and a freezing compartment (202) wherein the foodstuffs are placed to be frozen and which is kept at temperatures lower than the cooling compartment (102).
A cooling device (1) as in Claim 12, characterized by the knob (4) disposed inside the cooling compartment (102) and which provides the adjustment of the cooling compartment (102) temperature (T_F).
A cooling device (1) as in any one of the Claims 1 to 12, characterized by the knob (4) disposed on the exterior surface of the body.
A cooling device (1) as in any one of the above Claims, characterized by the rotary type knob (4).