WO2013000969A2 - A cooling device preventing freezing of foodstuffs placed in the fresh food compartment - Google Patents
A cooling device preventing freezing of foodstuffs placed in the fresh food compartment Download PDFInfo
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- WO2013000969A2 WO2013000969A2 PCT/EP2012/062504 EP2012062504W WO2013000969A2 WO 2013000969 A2 WO2013000969 A2 WO 2013000969A2 EP 2012062504 W EP2012062504 W EP 2012062504W WO 2013000969 A2 WO2013000969 A2 WO 2013000969A2
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- temperature
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- food compartment
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- 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
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a cooling device that prevents freezing of foodstuffs placed in the fresh food compartment.
- cooling devices particularly in refrigerators, foodstuffs like vegetables, fruits and beverages are generally placed into the fresh food compartment and these foodstuffs are not desired to be frozen.
- the ambient temperature is low, for example when lower than 0 o C
- the temperature of the fresh food compartment decreases towards minus values even if the compressor, providing the cooling of the fresh food compartment, does not operate and causes the foodstuffs therein to be frozen.
- heaters are used that are generally disposed at the rear side of the fresh food compartment. But in very low ambient temperatures (for example at -15 o C') even though the regions around the heater are raised to desired temperature values, a homogeneous heat distribution within the fresh food compartment cannot be provided and minus temperature values are encountered in some places. When the power of the heater is increased, the place around the heater is overheated and rises to high temperature values. Therefore, cooling devices are being developed that use two heaters at the same time inside the fresh food compartment.
- a cooling device that comprises two heaters, one on the refrigerating chamber evaporator, the other disposed on the water discharge outlet of the refrigerating chamber.
- the power of the heater disposed on the refrigerating chamber evaporator is higher than the heater disposed on the water discharge outlet.
- JP2010230223 a cooling device with adjacent doors is described. There are two heaters in the cooling device, one at the defrost exit, the other on the side wall, both operating together. When the outside air temperature is very low, the microprocessor detects the temperature difference between the freezing chamber and the refrigerating chamber and adjusts the power of the heaters.
- the aim of the present invention is the realization of a cooling device wherein the fresh food compartment is cooled effectively even at very low ambient temperatures and the foodstuffs placed therein are prevented from freezing.
- At least one fresh food compartment a compressor, at least one evaporator, an evaporator temperature sensor, a fresh food compartment temperature sensor, a control unit and a first heater and a second heater, both positioned to heat the interior of the fresh food compartment are disposed.
- the first heater is disposed on the evaporator and the second heater at the bottom of the fresh food compartment.
- the control unit controls the temperature detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor in order to activate the compressor.
- the compressor is activated or deactivated depending on the temperature value detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor.
- the control unit cuts in the first heater.
- the temperature detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor falling below zero and the freezing of the foodstuffs in the fresh food compartment are prevented.
- the control unit cuts out the first heater when the temperature detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor reaches the cut-out temperature of the heaters. Since the cut-out temperature of the heaters is lower than the compressor cut-in temperature, the first heater can be operated again before the compressor is activated depending on the ambient temperature.
- the second heater is activated when the temperature detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor reaches the second heater cut-in temperature predetermined by the producer.
- a more effective heating is provided in the fresh food compartment and freezing is prevented.
- the temperature detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor is fixed between the second heater cut-in temperature predetermined by the producer and the cut-out temperature of the heaters while the first heater is operating.
- the second heater is activated at the end of the threshold time predetermined by the producer in order to prevent the first heater from operating for a long time. As the second heater operates, the temperature detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor rises, reaching the cut-out temperature of the heaters and both of the heaters are deactivated.
- both of the heaters are deactivated.
- the first heater is disposed at the lower side of the evaporator.
- the first heater is almost aligned with the center of the fresh food compartment.
- the heat radiated from the heater is dissipated homogeneously inside the fresh food compartment.
- the collection container is disposed at the front side of the first heater. The frost around the evaporator is collected in the collection container and melts when the first heater is operated.
- the second heater is positioned at a place near the lower side of the fresh food compartment.
- a homogeneous heat distribution is maintained while the two heaters operate together since the first heater is disposed at the center of the fresh food compartment and the second heater at the lower part of the fresh food compartment. Consequently, while some portion of the fresh food compartment has temperature values above zero, another portion is prevented from falling below zero.
- a fan is disposed in the cooling device which blows air into the fresh food compartment.
- the fan is preferably disposed on the evaporator at a place near the first heater.
- the fan propels the cold air while the compressor operates, propels the hot air while the first heater operates and in both cases provides the heat in the fresh food compartment to be distributed homogeneously.
- a freezing compartment is present wherein the food stuffs desired to be frozen are placed.
- a freezing compartment evaporator that provides cooling is disposed at the rear side of the freezing compartment.
- a first heater is situated on both of the evaporators and a second heater is placed so as to heat only the interior of the fresh food compartment.
- the foodstuffs placed in the fresh food compartment are provided not to freeze even at very low ambient temperatures and an effective cooling is maintained. Furthermore, energy saving is provided by optimizing the operation times of the heaters and the compressor.
- 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.
- the cooling device (1) comprises at least one fresh food compartment (2) wherein foodstuffs to be cooled are placed, a compressor (3) that compresses and circulates the refrigerant fluid in the refrigeration cycle, at least one evaporator (4) that provides the cooling of the interior volume of the fresh food compartment (2) by absorbing the thermal energy, a fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) that measures the temperature in the fresh food compartment (2), an evaporator temperature sensor (6) that measures the temperature on the evaporator (4), a first heater (7) disposed on the evaporator (4), a second heater (8) disposed at the rear side of the fresh food compartment (2) so as to heat the fresh food compartment (2) and a control unit (9) ( Figure 1).
- the evaporator (4) threshold temperature (T EVAcr ) predetermined by the producer is preferably +4 o C approximately whereat the frost around the evaporator (4) is almost entirely eliminated.
- the compressor (3) cut-in temperature (T Rcut-in ) is +5.5 o C and the compressor (3) cut-out temperature (T Rcut-out ) is +4.5 o C.
- the control unit (9) compares the temperature (T R ) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) with the first heater (7) cut-in temperature (T 1cut-in ) predetermined by the producer and cuts in the first heater (7) when the temperature (T R ) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) reaches the first heater (7) cut-in temperature (T 1cut-in ) predetermined by the producer.
- the temperature (T R ) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) is prevented from reaching minus values and the foodstuffs placed in the fresh food compartment (2) is prevented from freezing.
- the first heater (7) cut-in temperature (T 1cut-in ) is lower than the compressor (3) cut-out temperature (T Rcut-out ).
- the first heater (7) cut-in temperature (T 1cut-in ) is preferably +4 o C.
- the control unit (9) compares the temperature (T R ) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) with the cut-out temperature (T 1,2cut-out ) of the heaters (7, 8) predetermined by the producer and cuts out the first heater (7) when the temperature (T R ) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) reaches the cut-out temperature (T 1,2cut-out ) of the heaters (7, 8) predetermined by the producer.
- the first heater (7) is prevented from operating when not required and energy saving is provided.
- the cut-out temperature (T 1,2cut-out ) of the heaters (7, 8) is lower than the compressor (3) cut-in temperature (T Rcut-in ). Consequently, the compressor (3) is prevented from operating when not required.
- the control unit (9) compares the temperature (T R ) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) with the second heater (8) cut-in temperature (T 2cut-in ) predetermined by the producer and cuts in the second heater (8) when the temperature (T R ) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) reaches the second heater (8) cut-in temperature (T 2cut-in ) predetermined by the producer.
- the second heater (8) is activated and provides the temperature (T R ) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) to remain at the level of preventing the foodstuffs placed in the fresh food compartment (2) from freezing.
- the second heater (8) cut-in temperature (T 2cut-in ) is preferably +2 o C.
- the control unit (9) cuts in the second heater (8) even if the temperature (T R ) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) does not reach the second heater (8) cut-in temperature (T 2cut-in ).
- the second heater (8) When the temperature (T R ) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) is balanced between the second heater (8) cut-in temperature (T 2cut-in ) and the cut-out temperature (T 1,2cut-out ) of the heaters (7, 8), the second heater (8) is activated at the end of the threshold time (t) predetermined by the producer and the heaters (7, 8) are deactivated by bringing the temperature (T R ) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) to the cut-out temperature (T 1,2cut-out ) of the heaters (7, 8) and thus energy saving is provided.
- the control unit (9) compares the temperature (T R ) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) with the cut-out temperature (T 1,2cut-out ) of the heaters (7,8) predetermined by the producer and cuts out the heaters (7, 8) when the temperature (T R ) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) reaches the cut-out temperature (T 1,2cut-out ) of the heaters (7, 8) predetermined by the producer.
- the heaters (7, 8) are deactivated before the compressor (3) is activated.
- the compressor (3) is prevented from operating unnecessarily and energy saving is maintained.
- the first heater (7) is disposed at the lower side of the evaporator (4) so as to align almost with the center of the rear wall of the fresh food compartment (2).
- the evaporator (4) extends from the upper side of the fresh food compartment (2) towards the center behind the rear wall of the fresh food compartment (2). Accordingly, both the frost on the evaporator (4) is eliminated and also the interior of the fresh food compartment (2) is heated.
- the cooling device (1) comprises at least one collection container (10) wherein the frost accumulating around the evaporator (4) fall and the first heater (7) located behind the collection container (10).
- the frost around the evaporator (4) falls off and is collected in the collection container (10) during the defrosting process.
- the frost in the collection container (10) melts and provides completion of the defrosting process.
- the second heater (8) is placed so as to align with the lower part of the rear wall of the fresh food compartment (2).
- the first heater (7) and the second heater (8) have preferably the same power.
- the first heater (7) is aligned with the central part of the fresh food compartment (2), when the heaters (7, 8) operate together, the interior of the fresh food compartment (2) is heated homogeneously and the effectiveness of the cooling device (1) is increased.
- the cooling device (1) comprises at least one fan (11) that provides the air in the fresh food compartment (2) to be propelled.
- the fan (11) can operate simultaneously with the heaters (7,8) and the compressor (3).
- the cooling device (1) comprises a freezing compartment (12) wherein the foodstuffs are placed for freezing, kept at lower temperatures then the fresh food compartment (2) and a freezing compartment evaporator (13) that provides the cooling of the interior volume of the freezing compartment (12) by absorbing the thermal energy.
- the refrigerant pumped from the compressor (3) circulates through both evaporators (4, 13) ( Figure 2).
- the foodstuffs in the fresh food compartment (2) can be stored without freezing even in very low ambient temperatures. Furthermore, both cooling effectiveness is increased and also energy saving is provided by utilizing the first heater (7), the second heater (8) and the compressor (3) in a controlled manner.
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a cooling device (1) comprising at least one fresh food compartment (2) wherein foodstuffs to be cooled are placed, a compressor (3) that compresses and circulates the refrigerant fluid in the refrigeration cycle, at least one evaporator (4) that provides the cooling of the interior volume of the fresh food compartment (2) by absorbing the thermal energy, a fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) that measures the temperature in the fresh food compartment (2), an evaporator temperature sensor (6) that measures the temperature on the evaporator (4), a first heater (7) disposed on the evaporator (4), a second heater (8) disposed at the rear side of the fresh food compartment (2) so as to heat the fresh food compartment (2) and a control unit (9) that regulates the operation thereof, and wherein the foodstuffs placed in the fresh food compartment (2) are prevented from freezing.
Description
The present invention relates to a cooling device that prevents freezing of foodstuffs placed in the fresh food compartment.
In cooling devices, particularly in refrigerators, foodstuffs like vegetables, fruits and beverages are generally placed into the fresh food compartment and these foodstuffs are not desired to be frozen. In cases when the ambient temperature is low, for example when lower than 0oC, the temperature of the fresh food compartment decreases towards minus values even if the compressor, providing the cooling of the fresh food compartment, does not operate and causes the foodstuffs therein to be frozen. In order to solve this problem, heaters are used that are generally disposed at the rear side of the fresh food compartment. But in very low ambient temperatures (for example at -15oC') even though the regions around the heater are raised to desired temperature values, a homogeneous heat distribution within the fresh food compartment cannot be provided and minus temperature values are encountered in some places. When the power of the heater is increased, the place around the heater is overheated and rises to high temperature values. Therefore, cooling devices are being developed that use two heaters at the same time inside the fresh food compartment.
In the state of the art Chinese Patent Application No. CN101922837, a cooling device is described that comprises two heaters, one on the refrigerating chamber evaporator, the other disposed on the water discharge outlet of the refrigerating chamber. The power of the heater disposed on the refrigerating chamber evaporator is higher than the heater disposed on the water discharge outlet. When the temperature of the refrigerating chamber falls below a predetermined value, both of the heaters are activated and when the temperature of the refrigerating chamber rises above a predetermined value then both heaters are deactivated. By means of the heaters, the compressor that operates in order to cool the freezing chamber is prevented from lowering the temperature of the refrigerating chamber below a predetermined threshold temperature.
In the state of the art Japanese Patent Document No. JP2010230223 a cooling device with adjacent doors is described. There are two heaters in the cooling device, one at the defrost exit, the other on the side wall, both operating together. When the outside air temperature is very low, the microprocessor detects the temperature difference between the freezing chamber and the refrigerating chamber and adjusts the power of the heaters.
The aim of the present invention is the realization of a cooling device wherein the fresh food compartment is cooled effectively even at very low ambient temperatures and the foodstuffs placed therein are prevented from freezing.
In the cooling device realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention, explicated in the first claim and the respective claims thereof, at least one fresh food compartment, a compressor, at least one evaporator, an evaporator temperature sensor, a fresh food compartment temperature sensor, a control unit and a first heater and a second heater, both positioned to heat the interior of the fresh food compartment are disposed. The first heater is disposed on the evaporator and the second heater at the bottom of the fresh food compartment.
When the evaporator temperature sensor reaches a threshold evaporator value predetermined by the producer, the control unit controls the temperature detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor in order to activate the compressor. The compressor is activated or deactivated depending on the temperature value detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor.
When the ambient temperature is very low, the temperature detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor continues to decrease even though the compressor is deactivated and upon reaching the first heater cut-in temperature, the control unit cuts in the first heater. Thus, the temperature detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor falling below zero and the freezing of the foodstuffs in the fresh food compartment are prevented.
In the case the temperature detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor rises upon operation of the first heater, the control unit cuts out the first heater when the temperature detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor reaches the cut-out temperature of the heaters. Since the cut-out temperature of the heaters is lower than the compressor cut-in temperature, the first heater can be operated again before the compressor is activated depending on the ambient temperature.
In the case the temperature detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor decreases even when the first heater operates, the second heater is activated when the temperature detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor reaches the second heater cut-in temperature predetermined by the producer. Thus, a more effective heating is provided in the fresh food compartment and freezing is prevented.
Depending on the ambient temperature, the temperature detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor is fixed between the second heater cut-in temperature predetermined by the producer and the cut-out temperature of the heaters while the first heater is operating. In this embodiment, the second heater is activated at the end of the threshold time predetermined by the producer in order to prevent the first heater from operating for a long time. As the second heater operates, the temperature detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor rises, reaching the cut-out temperature of the heaters and both of the heaters are deactivated.
When the temperature detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor reaches the cut-out temperature of the heaters while the first heater and/or the second heater operates, both of the heaters are deactivated.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the first heater is disposed at the lower side of the evaporator. In this embodiment, the first heater is almost aligned with the center of the fresh food compartment. Thus, the heat radiated from the heater is dissipated homogeneously inside the fresh food compartment. In a version of this embodiment, the collection container is disposed at the front side of the first heater. The frost around the evaporator is collected in the collection container and melts when the first heater is operated.
In these embodiments, the second heater is positioned at a place near the lower side of the fresh food compartment. A homogeneous heat distribution is maintained while the two heaters operate together since the first heater is disposed at the center of the fresh food compartment and the second heater at the lower part of the fresh food compartment. Consequently, while some portion of the fresh food compartment has temperature values above zero, another portion is prevented from falling below zero.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a fan is disposed in the cooling device which blows air into the fresh food compartment. The fan is preferably disposed on the evaporator at a place near the first heater. Thus, the fan propels the cold air while the compressor operates, propels the hot air while the first heater operates and in both cases provides the heat in the fresh food compartment to be distributed homogeneously.
In another embodiment of the present invention, besides the fresh food compartment, a freezing compartment is present wherein the food stuffs desired to be frozen are placed. A freezing compartment evaporator that provides cooling is disposed at the rear side of the freezing compartment. In this embodiment, preferably a first heater is situated on both of the evaporators and a second heater is placed so as to heat only the interior of the fresh food compartment.
By means of the present invention, the foodstuffs placed in the fresh food compartment are provided not to freeze even at very low ambient temperatures and an effective cooling is maintained. Furthermore, energy saving is provided by optimizing the operation times of the heaters and the compressor.
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.
The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:
- Cooling device
- Fresh food compartment
- Compressor
- Evaporator
- Fresh food compartment temperature sensor
- Evaporator temperature sensor
- First heater
- Second heater
- Control unit
- Collection container
- Fan
- Freezing compartment
- Freezing compartment evaporator
The following symbols are used for explicating the cooling device (1) of the present invention:
- TR: is the temperature detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5)
- TRcut-in : is the compressor (3) cut-in temperature
- TRcut-out : is the compressor (3) cut-out temperature
- TEVA: is the temperature detected by the evaporator temperature sensor (6)
- TEVAcr : is the evaporator (4) threshold temperature predetermined by the producer
- T1cut-in : is the first heater (7) cut-in temperature
- T2cut-in : is the second heater (8) cut-in temperature
- T1,2cut-out is the cut-out temperature of the heaters (7, 8)
- t : is the threshold time predetermined by the producer
The cooling device (1) comprises at least one fresh food compartment (2) wherein foodstuffs to be cooled are placed, a compressor (3) that compresses and circulates the refrigerant fluid in the refrigeration cycle, at least one evaporator (4) that provides the cooling of the interior volume of the fresh food compartment (2) by absorbing the thermal energy, a fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) that measures the temperature in the fresh food compartment (2), an evaporator temperature sensor (6) that measures the temperature on the evaporator (4), a first heater (7) disposed on the evaporator (4), a second heater (8) disposed at the rear side of the fresh food compartment (2) so as to heat the fresh food compartment (2) and a control unit (9) (Figure 1).
The control unit (9),
- compares the temperature (TEVA) detected by the evaporator temperature sensor (6) with the evaporator (4) threshold temperature (TEVAcr) predetermined by the producer while the compressor (3) is not activated and checks the temperature (TR) detected by the fresh food compartment sensor (5) when the temperature (TEVA) detected by the evaporator temperature sensor (6) reaches the evaporator (4) threshold temperature (TEVAcr) predetermined by the producer,
- compares the temperature (TR) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) with the compressor (3) cut-in temperature (TRcut-in) predetermined by the producer and cuts in the compressor (3) when the temperature (TR) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) is equal to or greater than the compressor (3) cut-in temperature (TRcut-in) predetermined by the producer,
- if the temperature (TR) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) is smaller than the compressor (3) cut-in temperature (TRcut-in) predetermined by the producer, waits for the temperature (TR) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) to reach the compressor (3) cut-in temperature (TRcut-in) predetermined by the producer and cuts in the compressor (3) when the temperature (TR) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) reaches the compressor (3) cut-in temperature (TRcut-in) predetermined by the producer and
- while the compressor (3) is activated, compares the temperature (TR) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) with the compressor (3) cut-out temperature (TRcut-out) predetermined by the producer and cuts out the compressor (3) when the temperature (TR) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) reaches the compressor (3) cut-out temperature (TRcut-out) predetermined by the producer.
The evaporator (4) threshold temperature (TEVAcr) predetermined by the producer is preferably +4oC approximately whereat the frost around the evaporator (4) is almost entirely eliminated. The compressor (3) cut-in temperature (TRcut-in) is +5.5oC and the compressor (3) cut-out temperature (TRcut-out) is +4.5oC.
In the cooling device (1) of the present invention, after the compressor (3) is deactivated, the control unit (9) compares the temperature (TR) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) with the first heater (7) cut-in temperature (T1cut-in) predetermined by the producer and cuts in the first heater (7) when the temperature (TR) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) reaches the first heater (7) cut-in temperature (T1cut-in) predetermined by the producer. Thus, when the ambient temperature is low, the temperature (TR) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) is prevented from reaching minus values and the foodstuffs placed in the fresh food compartment (2) is prevented from freezing. In this embodiment, the first heater (7) cut-in temperature (T1cut-in) is lower than the compressor (3) cut-out temperature (TRcut-out). The first heater (7) cut-in temperature (T1cut-in) is preferably +4oC.
In an embodiment of the present invention, while the first heater (7) is activated, the control unit (9) compares the temperature (TR) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) with the cut-out temperature (T1,2cut-out) of the heaters (7, 8) predetermined by the producer and cuts out the first heater (7) when the temperature (TR) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) reaches the cut-out temperature (T1,2cut-out) of the heaters (7, 8) predetermined by the producer. Thus, the first heater (7) is prevented from operating when not required and energy saving is provided. In the preferred version of this embodiment, the cut-out temperature (T1,2cut-out) of the heaters (7, 8) is lower than the compressor (3) cut-in temperature (TRcut-in). Consequently, the compressor (3) is prevented from operating when not required.
In another embodiment of the present invention, while the first heater (7) is activated, the control unit (9) compares the temperature (TR) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) with the second heater (8) cut-in temperature (T2cut-in) predetermined by the producer and cuts in the second heater (8) when the temperature (TR) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) reaches the second heater (8) cut-in temperature (T2cut-in) predetermined by the producer. Thus, in very low ambient temperature conditions, for example around -15oC whereat the first heater (7) cannot prevent the foodstuffs in the fresh food compartment (2) from freezing, the second heater (8) is activated and provides the temperature (TR) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) to remain at the level of preventing the foodstuffs placed in the fresh food compartment (2) from freezing. The second heater (8) cut-in temperature (T2cut-in) is preferably +2oC.
In another embodiment of the present invention, when the first heater (7) operates alone as long as the threshold time (t) predetermined by the producer, the control unit (9) cuts in the second heater (8) even if the temperature (TR) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) does not reach the second heater (8) cut-in temperature (T2cut-in). When the temperature (TR) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) is balanced between the second heater (8) cut-in temperature (T2cut-in) and the cut-out temperature (T1,2cut-out) of the heaters (7, 8), the second heater (8) is activated at the end of the threshold time (t) predetermined by the producer and the heaters (7, 8) are deactivated by bringing the temperature (TR) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) to the cut-out temperature (T1,2cut-out) of the heaters (7, 8) and thus energy saving is provided.
In another embodiment of the present invention, while the first heater (7) and the second heater (8) are activated, the control unit (9) compares the temperature (TR) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) with the cut-out temperature (T1,2cut-out) of the heaters (7,8) predetermined by the producer and cuts out the heaters (7, 8) when the temperature (TR) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) reaches the cut-out temperature (T1,2cut-out) of the heaters (7, 8) predetermined by the producer. In this embodiment, the heaters (7, 8) are deactivated before the compressor (3) is activated. Thus, the compressor (3) is prevented from operating unnecessarily and energy saving is maintained.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the first heater (7) is disposed at the lower side of the evaporator (4) so as to align almost with the center of the rear wall of the fresh food compartment (2). In this embodiment, the evaporator (4) extends from the upper side of the fresh food compartment (2) towards the center behind the rear wall of the fresh food compartment (2). Accordingly, both the frost on the evaporator (4) is eliminated and also the interior of the fresh food compartment (2) is heated.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the cooling device (1) comprises at least one collection container (10) wherein the frost accumulating around the evaporator (4) fall and the first heater (7) located behind the collection container (10). In this embodiment, the frost around the evaporator (4) falls off and is collected in the collection container (10) during the defrosting process. When the first heater (7) is operated, the frost in the collection container (10) melts and provides completion of the defrosting process.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the second heater (8) is placed so as to align with the lower part of the rear wall of the fresh food compartment (2). The first heater (7) and the second heater (8) have preferably the same power. In this embodiment, since the first heater (7) is aligned with the central part of the fresh food compartment (2), when the heaters (7, 8) operate together, the interior of the fresh food compartment (2) is heated homogeneously and the effectiveness of the cooling device (1) is increased.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the cooling device (1) comprises at least one fan (11) that provides the air in the fresh food compartment (2) to be propelled. Thus, a homogeneous heat distribution is achieved inside the fresh food compartment (2). The fan (11) can operate simultaneously with the heaters (7,8) and the compressor (3).
In another embodiment of the present invention, the cooling device (1) comprises a freezing compartment (12) wherein the foodstuffs are placed for freezing, kept at lower temperatures then the fresh food compartment (2) and a freezing compartment evaporator (13) that provides the cooling of the interior volume of the freezing compartment (12) by absorbing the thermal energy. In this embodiment, the refrigerant pumped from the compressor (3) circulates through both evaporators (4, 13) (Figure 2).
By means of the present invention, the foodstuffs in the fresh food compartment (2) can be stored without freezing even in very low ambient temperatures. Furthermore, both cooling effectiveness is increased and also energy saving is provided by utilizing the first heater (7), the second heater (8) and the compressor (3) in a controlled manner.
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 (10)
- A cooling device (1) comprising at least one fresh food compartment (2) wherein foodstuffs to be cooled are placed, a compressor (3) that compresses and circulates the refrigerant fluid in the refrigeration cycle, at least one evaporator (4) that provides the cooling of the interior volume of the fresh food compartment (2) by absorbing the thermal energy, a fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) that measures the temperature in the fresh food compartment (2), an evaporator temperature sensor (6) that measures the temperature on the evaporator (4), a first heater (7) disposed on the evaporator (4), a second heater (8) disposed at the rear side of the fresh food compartment (2) so as to heat the fresh food compartment (2) and a control unit (9) that- compares the temperature (TEVA) detected by the evaporator temperature sensor (6) with the evaporator (4) threshold temperature (TEVAcr) predetermined by the producer while the compressor (3) is not activated and checks the temperature (TR) detected by the fresh food compartment sensor (5) when the temperature (TEVA) detected by the evaporator temperature sensor (6) reaches the evaporator (4) threshold temperature (TEVAcr) predetermined by the producer,- compares the temperature (TR) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) with the compressor (3) cut-in temperature (TRcut-in) predetermined by the producer and cuts in the compressor (3) when the temperature (TR) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) is equal to or greater than the compressor (3) cut-in temperature (TRcut-in) predetermined by the producer,- if the temperature (TR) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) is smaller than the compressor (3) cut-in temperature (TRcut-in) predetermined by the producer, waits for the temperature (TR) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) to reach the compressor (3) cut-in temperature (TRcut-in) predetermined by the producer and cuts in the compressor (3) when the temperature (TR) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) reaches the compressor (3) cut-in temperature (TRcut-in) predetermined by the producer and- while the compressor (3) is activated compares the temperature (TR) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) with the compressor (3) cut-out temperature (TRcut-out) predetermined by the producer and cuts out the compressor (3) when the temperature (TR) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) reaches the compressor (3) cut-out temperature (TRcut-out) predetermined by the producer.characterized by the control unit (9) that compares the temperature (TR) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) with the first heater (7) cut-in temperature (T1cut-in) predetermined by the producer after the compressor (3) is deactivated and cuts in the first heater (7) when the temperature (TR) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) reaches the first heater (7) cut-in temperature (T1cut-in) predetermined by the producer.
- A cooling device (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by the control unit (9) that compares the temperature (TR) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) with the cut-out temperature (T1,2cut-out) of the heaters (7, 8) predetermined by the producer while the first heater (7) is activated and cuts out the first heater (7) when the temperature (TR) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) reaches the cut-out temperature (T1,2cut-out) of the heaters (7, 8) predetermined by the producer.
- A cooling device (1) as in Claim 1 or 2, characterized by the control unit (9) that compares the temperature (TR) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) with the second heater (8) cut-in temperature (T2cut-in) predetermined by the producer while the first heater (7) is activated and cuts in the second heater (8) when the temperature (TR) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) reaches the second heater (8) cut-in temperature (T2cut-in) predetermined by the producer.
- A cooling device (1) as in any one of the above Claims, characterized by the control unit (9) that cuts in the second heater (8) when the first heater (7) operates alone as long as the threshold time (t) predetermined by the producer, even if the temperature (TR) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) does not reach the second heater (8) cut-in temperature (T2cut-in).
- A cooling device (1) as in any one of the above Claims, characterized by the control unit (9) that compares the temperature (TR) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) with the cut-out temperature (T1,2cut-out) of the heaters (7, 8) predetermined by the producer while the first heater (7) and the second heater (8) are activated and cuts out the heaters (7, 8) when the temperature (TR) detected by the fresh food compartment temperature sensor (5) reaches the cut-out temperature (T1,2cut-out) of the heaters (7, 8) predetermined by the producer.
- A cooling device (1) as in any one of the above Claims, characterized by the first heater (7) that is disposed at the lower side of the evaporator (4) so as to align almost with the center of the rear wall of the fresh food compartment (2).
- A cooling device (1) as in any one of the above Claims, characterized by at least one collection container (10) wherein the frost accumulating around the evaporator (4) falls and the first heater (7) that is located behind the collection container (10).
- A cooling device (1) as in any one of the above Claims, characterized by the second heater (8) disposed so as to align with the lower part of the rear wall of the fresh food compartment (2).
- A cooling device (1) as in any one of the above Claims, characterized by at least one fan (11) that provides the air in the fresh food compartment (2) to be propelled.
- A cooling device (1) as in any one of the above Claims, characterized by a freezing compartment (12) wherein the foodstuffs are placed for freezing, kept at lower temperatures than the fresh food compartment (2) and a freezing compartment evaporator (13) that provides the cooling of the interior volume of the freezing compartment (12) by absorbing the thermal energy.
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CN201280031958.6A CN103635769B (en) | 2011-06-27 | 2012-06-27 | Prevent from being positioned over the cooling device that the food in fresh food compartment freezes |
RU2014102417/13A RU2556716C1 (en) | 2011-06-27 | 2012-06-27 | Cooling device preventing freezing of food products positioned inside fresh products chamber |
EP12729659.8A EP2724097B1 (en) | 2011-06-27 | 2012-06-27 | A cooling device preventing freezing of foodstuffs placed in the fresh food compartment |
PL12729659T PL2724097T3 (en) | 2011-06-27 | 2012-06-27 | A cooling device preventing freezing of foodstuffs placed in the fresh food compartment |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
TR2011/06333A TR201106333A2 (en) | 2011-06-27 | 2011-06-27 | A cooler which prevents the freezing of food placed in the cooling compartment. |
TRA2011/06333 | 2011-06-27 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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WO2013000969A2 true WO2013000969A2 (en) | 2013-01-03 |
WO2013000969A3 WO2013000969A3 (en) | 2013-03-14 |
Family
ID=46354385
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/EP2012/062504 WO2013000969A2 (en) | 2011-06-27 | 2012-06-27 | A cooling device preventing freezing of foodstuffs placed in the fresh food compartment |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
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EP (1) | EP2724097B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN103635769B (en) |
PL (1) | PL2724097T3 (en) |
RU (1) | RU2556716C1 (en) |
TR (1) | TR201106333A2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2013000969A2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN104990346B (en) * | 2015-06-30 | 2017-05-10 | 重庆唐森机械制造有限公司 | Inner wall of refrigerating chamber of refrigerator |
CN105605847A (en) * | 2016-03-04 | 2016-05-25 | 广东格兰仕集团有限公司 | Direct-cooling refrigerator and temperature control method and defrosting method thereof |
CN106969594A (en) * | 2017-05-03 | 2017-07-21 | 合肥美的电冰箱有限公司 | Fresh-keeping control method, refrigeration system and refrigerator |
CN107421233B (en) * | 2017-06-09 | 2019-10-29 | 合肥华凌股份有限公司 | Control method, control device and the refrigerator for preventing food from freezing |
CN110940146A (en) * | 2019-10-10 | 2020-03-31 | 合肥晶弘电器有限公司 | Storage method with food non-freezing function and refrigerator |
CN110906654A (en) * | 2019-10-10 | 2020-03-24 | 合肥晶弘电器有限公司 | Control method for supercooling non-freezing storage and refrigerator |
CN110906658A (en) * | 2019-10-10 | 2020-03-24 | 合肥晶弘电器有限公司 | Food non-freezing storage control method and refrigerator |
Citations (2)
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JP2010230223A (en) | 2009-03-26 | 2010-10-14 | Haier Sanyo Electric Co Ltd | Refrigerator-freezer |
CN101922837A (en) | 2009-06-10 | 2010-12-22 | 海信(北京)电器有限公司 | Refrigerator with high freezing capability |
Family Cites Families (7)
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CA2160338C (en) * | 1994-10-13 | 2003-09-23 | Kenneth W. Oden | Electronic refrigeration control system |
US5842355A (en) * | 1995-03-22 | 1998-12-01 | Rowe International, Inc. | Defrost control system for a refrigerator |
JPH1144474A (en) * | 1997-06-17 | 1999-02-16 | Samsung Electron Co Ltd | Refrigerator and control method of same |
DE19828061C1 (en) * | 1998-06-24 | 1999-12-23 | Danfoss As | Method for controlling the temperature of a refrigerator and temperature control device for a refrigerator |
JP2001215077A (en) * | 2000-02-02 | 2001-08-10 | Hitachi Ltd | Defrost controller, method for controlling and refrigerator |
CN1239873C (en) * | 2002-06-06 | 2006-02-01 | 乐金电子(天津)电器有限公司 | Multi-stage refrigerator temperature controlling process |
RU2228494C1 (en) * | 2002-10-31 | 2004-05-10 | Общество с ограниченной ответственностью "Медтехника-М" | Thermostat for biological substance storage |
-
2011
- 2011-06-27 TR TR2011/06333A patent/TR201106333A2/en unknown
-
2012
- 2012-06-27 CN CN201280031958.6A patent/CN103635769B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2012-06-27 PL PL12729659T patent/PL2724097T3/en unknown
- 2012-06-27 RU RU2014102417/13A patent/RU2556716C1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2012-06-27 EP EP12729659.8A patent/EP2724097B1/en active Active
- 2012-06-27 WO PCT/EP2012/062504 patent/WO2013000969A2/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2010230223A (en) | 2009-03-26 | 2010-10-14 | Haier Sanyo Electric Co Ltd | Refrigerator-freezer |
CN101922837A (en) | 2009-06-10 | 2010-12-22 | 海信(北京)电器有限公司 | Refrigerator with high freezing capability |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
TR201106333A2 (en) | 2013-01-21 |
WO2013000969A3 (en) | 2013-03-14 |
CN103635769B (en) | 2015-11-25 |
CN103635769A (en) | 2014-03-12 |
RU2556716C1 (en) | 2015-07-20 |
PL2724097T3 (en) | 2016-02-29 |
EP2724097A2 (en) | 2014-04-30 |
EP2724097B1 (en) | 2015-08-26 |
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