WO2016177821A1 - A refrigerator comprising a crisper - Google Patents

A refrigerator comprising a crisper Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016177821A1
WO2016177821A1 PCT/EP2016/060074 EP2016060074W WO2016177821A1 WO 2016177821 A1 WO2016177821 A1 WO 2016177821A1 EP 2016060074 W EP2016060074 W EP 2016060074W WO 2016177821 A1 WO2016177821 A1 WO 2016177821A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
separator plate
crisper
ceiling
refrigerator
antimicrobial
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2016/060074
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Serdar Kocaturk
Merve ZAKUT
Nihat Gunduz
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
Publication of WO2016177821A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016177821A1/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
    • F25D25/00—Charging, supporting, and discharging the articles to be cooled
    • F25D25/02—Charging, supporting, and discharging the articles to be cooled by shelves
    • F25D25/024—Slidable shelves
    • F25D25/025—Drawers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a refrigerator comprising a crisper.
  • Refrigerators comprise a fresh food compartment wherein foods and beverages are stored, a freezing compartment that enables foods to be stored by being frozen, and a crisper that is disposed in the fresh food compartment wherein foods such as vegetables and fruits are stored.
  • the air flow between the crisper and the fresh food compartment should be at a limited level so that loss of humidity due to sweating in the foods placed in the crisper is prevented and the condensation on the surface of the crisper is decreased.
  • humidity control is provided by passing air controllably through the holes on the crisper that has the perforated separator plate.
  • problems are encountered in the course of time such as mold-fungus and bacteria formation on the crisper due to dirt like vegetable, fruit residues clinging to the holes and the effect of the ambient humidity.
  • the aim of the present invention is the realization of a refrigerator wherein hygienic conditions are improved.
  • the refrigerator realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention, explicated in the first claim and the respective claims thereof, comprises a body, a crisper suitable to be placed on the body, a separator plate that is disposed over the crisper and that has more than one hole enabling some amount of the cold air delivered thereon to reach the crisper, and a ceiling that at least partially covers the separator plate so that a distance remains therebetween, and whereon the separator plate is preferably detachably disposed.
  • the refrigerator of the present invention comprises an intermediate plate that has antimicrobial characteristics and that is disposed between the separator plate and the ceiling so as to remain within the air flow area.
  • the formation of mold, fungus and bacteria on the crisper is prevented by means of the intermediate plate that has antimicrobial characteristics and that is disposed near the separator plate having the risk of becoming dirty due to condensation affecting thereon, the air flow and clogging of the holes thereon.
  • the distance between the separator plate and the ceiling is at maximum as much as the antimicrobial repellent effect distance of the intermediate plate.
  • the distance of the antimicrobial repellent effect occurring around the intermediate plate that shows variations depending on the type of bacteria and the antimicrobial (antibacterial and antifungal) additive used is predetermined by the producer by measuring according to the zone of inhibition method. Accordingly, the microorganisms in the air flow between the separator plate and the ceiling are prevented from reproducing.
  • the distance between the separator plate and the ceiling is predetermined experimentally by the producer such that humidity control is provided.
  • the humidity level of the vegetables placed in the crisper can be preserved.
  • the antimicrobial effectiveness of the intermediate plate is supported since condensation is decreased.
  • the intermediate plate comprises antimicrobial additive material by weight between 0.2% to 5%.
  • the antimicrobial additive rate of between 0.2% to 5% is determined experimentally where the antimicrobial additive material in the thermoplastic material is stable and forms the optimum antimicrobial area of effect.
  • the bacteria and mold population reproducing on the crisper is enabled to be effectively decreased.
  • the intermediate plate is approximately the same size as the separator plate.
  • the antimicrobial effectiveness of the intermediate plate is increased along the separator plate.
  • Figure 1 – is the schematic view of a refrigerator and a crisper therein.
  • Figure 2 — is the perspective view of the ceiling and the separator plate in an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 3 — is the perspective view of the ceiling and the separator plate mounted to one another in an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 4 – is the sideways schematic view of the separator plate, the intermediate plate and the ceiling in an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the refrigerator (1) comprises a body (2) wherein foodstuffs and beverages are placed, at least one crisper (3) that is disposed inside the body (2) and wherein fruits and vegetables are placed, at least one air blowing opening (A) that provides the blowing of the cold air onto the surface of the crisper (3), a separator plate (5) that is disposed over the crisper (3) and that has more than one hole (4) enabling the air blown from the air blowing opening (A) to reach the crisper (3) at least partially, and a ceiling (6) that is disposed over the separator plate (5) so that there is a distance therebetween and that enables the air flow between the separator plate (5) and the ceiling (6).
  • the air blown from the air blowing opening (A) enters between the ceiling (6) and the separator plate (5), goes out from the outlets on the ceiling (6) and is delivered into the crisper (3) disposed under the separator plate (5) through the holes (4) on the separator plate (5).
  • the refrigerator (1) of the present invention comprises an intermediate plate (7) that has thermoplastic polymer and antimicrobial additive material and that is disposed over the separator plate (5) so as to remain between the ceiling (6) and the separator plate (5). Formation of bacteria and mold is prevented and hygiene is provided by means of the intermediate plate (7) having antimicrobial characteristics being placed over the separator plate (5) that is spoiled intensively by the effect of humidity and air flow.
  • the distance between the separator plate (5) and the ceiling (6) is smaller than the antimicrobial repellent effect distance or equal to the antimicrobial repellent effect distance.
  • the antimicrobial repellent effect distance that shows variations depending on the type of bacteria and the antimicrobial additive used is predetermined by the producer by measuring according to the zone of inhibition method. In the zone of inhibition method, the samples placed on the agar solution that is the nutrient media together with the target microorganisms are incubated for 24 hours at around 20°C to 30°C . The diameter of the area where complete inhibition is observed is known as the “zone diameter” and is calculated by measuring from the reverse of the petri dish by using a ruler or caliper.
  • the distance remaining between the separator plate (5) and the ceiling (6) is equal or smaller than the antimicrobial repellent effect distance premeasured by the producer, it remains within the effect area of the intermediate plate (7) containing antimicrobial material and formation of pathogens on the separator plate (5) is prevented.
  • the distance remaining between the separator plate (5) and the ceiling (6) is smaller or equal to a humidity control distance predetermined experimentally by the producer, which enables the fruits and vegetables to stay fresh for an optimum duration.
  • the distance between the separator plate (5) and the ceiling (6) is adjusted such that the probable condensation on the crisper (3) is prevented and the humidity loss of the vegetables placed in the crisper (3) is hindered.
  • the antimicrobial effectiveness of the intermediate plate (7) is supported by preventing condensation.
  • the distance remaining between the separator plate (5) and the ceiling (6) is greater than the sum of the thickness of the intermediate plate (7) and the antimicrobial repellent effect distance of the intermediate plate (7).
  • the formation of microorganisms on the crisper (3) is entirely prevented since the distance remaining between the separator plate (5) and the ceiling (6) is determined by taking into account the antimicrobial repellent effect distance of the intermediate plate (7) that remains within the air flow area.
  • the intermediate plate (7) comprises antimicrobial additive material by weight between 0.2% to 5%.
  • the intermediate plate (7) is enabled to be effective against gram positive and gram negative bacteria and also a wide spectrum of molds by means of the optimum amount of antimicrobial additive material determined by taking into account the antimicrobial repellent effect distance of the intermediate plate (7).
  • the intermediate plate (7) extends almost entirely along the separator plate (5) and parallel to the separator plate (5).
  • the antimicrobial effect area of the intermediate plate (7), wherein the separator plate (5) surface remains, is increased and the hygienic conditions are improved.
  • the intermediate plate (7) having antimicrobial characteristics so as to remain in the air flow area between the separator plate (5) and the ceiling (6).
  • the intermediate plate (7) improves the hygienic conditions without contacting the foods in the crisper (3).

Abstract

The present invention relates to a refrigerator (1) comprising a body (2) wherein foodstuffs and beverages are placed, at least one crisper (3) that is disposed inside the body (2) and wherein fruits and vegetables are placed, at least one air blowing opening (A) that provides the blowing of the cold air onto the surface of the crisper (3), a separator plate (5) that has more than one hole (4) enabling the air blown from the air blowing opening (A) to reach the crisper (3) at least partially, and a ceiling (6) that is disposed over the separator plate (5) so that there is a distance therebetween and that enables the air flow between the separator plate (5) and the ceiling (6).

Description

A REFRIGERATOR COMPRISING A CRISPER
The present invention relates to a refrigerator comprising a crisper.
Refrigerators comprise a fresh food compartment wherein foods and beverages are stored, a freezing compartment that enables foods to be stored by being frozen, and a crisper that is disposed in the fresh food compartment wherein foods such as vegetables and fruits are stored. The air flow between the crisper and the fresh food compartment should be at a limited level so that loss of humidity due to sweating in the foods placed in the crisper is prevented and the condensation on the surface of the crisper is decreased. In the state of the art, humidity control is provided by passing air controllably through the holes on the crisper that has the perforated separator plate. However, problems are encountered in the course of time such as mold-fungus and bacteria formation on the crisper due to dirt like vegetable, fruit residues clinging to the holes and the effect of the ambient humidity.
In the state of the art United States of America Patent Application No. US2008134712A1, a drawer is disclosed, having a perforated covering and wherein humidity is controlled.
The aim of the present invention is the realization of a refrigerator wherein hygienic conditions are improved.
The refrigerator realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention, explicated in the first claim and the respective claims thereof, comprises a body, a crisper suitable to be placed on the body, a separator plate that is disposed over the crisper and that has more than one hole enabling some amount of the cold air delivered thereon to reach the crisper, and a ceiling that at least partially covers the separator plate so that a distance remains therebetween, and whereon the separator plate is preferably detachably disposed.
The refrigerator of the present invention comprises an intermediate plate that has antimicrobial characteristics and that is disposed between the separator plate and the ceiling so as to remain within the air flow area. The formation of mold, fungus and bacteria on the crisper is prevented by means of the intermediate plate that has antimicrobial characteristics and that is disposed near the separator plate having the risk of becoming dirty due to condensation affecting thereon, the air flow and clogging of the holes thereon.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the distance between the separator plate and the ceiling is at maximum as much as the antimicrobial repellent effect distance of the intermediate plate. The distance of the antimicrobial repellent effect occurring around the intermediate plate that shows variations depending on the type of bacteria and the antimicrobial (antibacterial and antifungal) additive used is predetermined by the producer by measuring according to the zone of inhibition method. Accordingly, the microorganisms in the air flow between the separator plate and the ceiling are prevented from reproducing.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the distance between the separator plate and the ceiling is predetermined experimentally by the producer such that humidity control is provided. Thus, while the condensation on the crisper is decreased, the humidity level of the vegetables placed in the crisper can be preserved. The antimicrobial effectiveness of the intermediate plate is supported since condensation is decreased.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate plate comprises antimicrobial additive material by weight between 0.2% to 5%. The antimicrobial additive rate of between 0.2% to 5% is determined experimentally where the antimicrobial additive material in the thermoplastic material is stable and forms the optimum antimicrobial area of effect. Thus, the bacteria and mold population reproducing on the crisper is enabled to be effectively decreased.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate plate is approximately the same size as the separator plate. Thus, the antimicrobial effectiveness of the intermediate plate is increased along the separator plate.
A refrigerator realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is illustrated in the attached claims, where:
Figure 1 – is the schematic view of a refrigerator and a crisper therein.
Figure 2 – is the perspective view of the ceiling and the separator plate in an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 – is the perspective view of the ceiling and the separator plate mounted to one another in an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 – is the sideways schematic view of the separator plate, the intermediate plate and the ceiling in an embodiment of the present invention.
The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:
  1. Refrigerator
  2. Body
  3. Crisper
  4. Hole
  5. Separator plate
  6. Ceiling
  7. Intermediate plate
The refrigerator (1) comprises a body (2) wherein foodstuffs and beverages are placed, at least one crisper (3) that is disposed inside the body (2) and wherein fruits and vegetables are placed, at least one air blowing opening (A) that provides the blowing of the cold air onto the surface of the crisper (3), a separator plate (5) that is disposed over the crisper (3) and that has more than one hole (4) enabling the air blown from the air blowing opening (A) to reach the crisper (3) at least partially, and a ceiling (6) that is disposed over the separator plate (5) so that there is a distance therebetween and that enables the air flow between the separator plate (5) and the ceiling (6). The air blown from the air blowing opening (A) enters between the ceiling (6) and the separator plate (5), goes out from the outlets on the ceiling (6) and is delivered into the crisper (3) disposed under the separator plate (5) through the holes (4) on the separator plate (5).
The refrigerator (1) of the present invention comprises an intermediate plate (7) that has thermoplastic polymer and antimicrobial additive material and that is disposed over the separator plate (5) so as to remain between the ceiling (6) and the separator plate (5). Formation of bacteria and mold is prevented and hygiene is provided by means of the intermediate plate (7) having antimicrobial characteristics being placed over the separator plate (5) that is spoiled intensively by the effect of humidity and air flow.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the distance between the separator plate (5) and the ceiling (6) is smaller than the antimicrobial repellent effect distance or equal to the antimicrobial repellent effect distance. The antimicrobial repellent effect distance that shows variations depending on the type of bacteria and the antimicrobial additive used is predetermined by the producer by measuring according to the zone of inhibition method. In the zone of inhibition method, the samples placed on the agar solution that is the nutrient media together with the target microorganisms are incubated for 24 hours at around 20°C to 30°C . The diameter of the area where complete inhibition is observed is known as the “zone diameter” and is calculated by measuring from the reverse of the petri dish by using a ruler or caliper. In this embodiment, since the distance remaining between the separator plate (5) and the ceiling (6) is equal or smaller than the antimicrobial repellent effect distance premeasured by the producer, it remains within the effect area of the intermediate plate (7) containing antimicrobial material and formation of pathogens on the separator plate (5) is prevented.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the distance remaining between the separator plate (5) and the ceiling (6) is smaller or equal to a humidity control distance predetermined experimentally by the producer, which enables the fruits and vegetables to stay fresh for an optimum duration. Thus, the distance between the separator plate (5) and the ceiling (6) is adjusted such that the probable condensation on the crisper (3) is prevented and the humidity loss of the vegetables placed in the crisper (3) is hindered. The antimicrobial effectiveness of the intermediate plate (7) is supported by preventing condensation.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the distance remaining between the separator plate (5) and the ceiling (6) is greater than the sum of the thickness of the intermediate plate (7) and the antimicrobial repellent effect distance of the intermediate plate (7). The formation of microorganisms on the crisper (3) is entirely prevented since the distance remaining between the separator plate (5) and the ceiling (6) is determined by taking into account the antimicrobial repellent effect distance of the intermediate plate (7) that remains within the air flow area.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate plate (7) comprises antimicrobial additive material by weight between 0.2% to 5%. The intermediate plate (7) is enabled to be effective against gram positive and gram negative bacteria and also a wide spectrum of molds by means of the optimum amount of antimicrobial additive material determined by taking into account the antimicrobial repellent effect distance of the intermediate plate (7).
In an embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate plate (7) extends almost entirely along the separator plate (5) and parallel to the separator plate (5). Thus, the antimicrobial effect area of the intermediate plate (7), wherein the separator plate (5) surface remains, is increased and the hygienic conditions are improved.
By means of the present invention, formation of mold and bacteria on the crisper (3) is prevented by means of placing the intermediate plate (7) having antimicrobial characteristics so as to remain in the air flow area between the separator plate (5) and the ceiling (6). The intermediate plate (7) improves the hygienic conditions without contacting the foods in the crisper (3).

Claims (6)

  1. A refrigerator (1) comprising a body (2) wherein foodstuffs and beverages are placed, at least one crisper (3) that is disposed inside the body (2) and wherein fruits and vegetables are placed, at least one air blowing opening (A) that provides the blowing of the cold air onto the surface of the crisper (3), a separator plate (5) that is disposed over the crisper (3) and that has more than one hole (4) enabling the air blown from the air blowing opening (A) to reach the crisper (3) at least partially, and a ceiling (6) that is disposed over the separator plate (5) so that there is a distance therebetween and that enables the air flow between the separator plate (5) and the ceiling (6), characterized by an intermediate plate (7) that has thermoplastic polymer and antimicrobial additive material and that is disposed over the separator plate (5) so as to remain between the ceiling (6) and the separator plate (5).
  2. A refrigerator (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by the separator plate (5), wherein the distance remaining between the ceiling (6) and the separator plate (5) is smaller than the antimicrobial repellent effect or equal to the antimicrobial repellent effect of the intermediate plate (7).
  3. A refrigerator (1) as in Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterized by the separator plate (5), wherein the distance remaining between the ceiling (6) and the separator plate (5) is smaller than the humidity control distance predetermined by the producer or equal to the humidity control distance.
  4. A refrigerator (1) as in any one of the above Claims, characterized by the intermediate plate (7), wherein the distance remaining between the ceiling (6) and the intermediate plate (7) is greater than the sum of its thickness and the antimicrobial repellent effect distance
  5. A refrigerator (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by an intermediate plate (7) comprising antimicrobial additive material by weight between 0.2% to 5%.
  6. A refrigerator (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the intermediate plate (7) extending almost entirely along the separator plate (5) and parallel to the separator plate (5).
PCT/EP2016/060074 2015-05-07 2016-05-04 A refrigerator comprising a crisper WO2016177821A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
TRA2015/05529 2015-05-07
TR201505529 2015-05-07

Publications (1)

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WO2016177821A1 true WO2016177821A1 (en) 2016-11-10

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PCT/EP2016/060074 WO2016177821A1 (en) 2015-05-07 2016-05-04 A refrigerator comprising a crisper

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Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0240955A2 (en) * 1986-04-07 1987-10-14 Matsushita Refrigeration Company Storage receptacle
JPS62297683A (en) * 1986-06-16 1987-12-24 松下冷機株式会社 Refrigerator
JPS63113886U (en) * 1987-01-16 1988-07-22
JPH0282081A (en) * 1988-09-19 1990-03-22 Matsushita Refrig Co Ltd Vegetable chamber for refrigerator
EP0478122A1 (en) * 1990-09-27 1992-04-01 Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Refrigerator with a frozen food compartment
JPH06185850A (en) * 1992-12-14 1994-07-08 Matsushita Refrig Co Ltd Refrigerator
JPH0712451A (en) * 1993-06-23 1995-01-17 Matsushita Refrig Co Ltd Refrigerator
JPH08136113A (en) * 1994-11-07 1996-05-31 Hitachi Ltd Refrigerator
JP2001248958A (en) * 2001-01-31 2001-09-14 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd Refrigerator
DE69524370T2 (en) * 1994-08-03 2002-08-22 Matsushita Refrigeration FRIDGE
US20080134712A1 (en) 2006-12-11 2008-06-12 Whirlpool Corporation Device for controlling the refrigeration and humidity inside a drawer movable within a refrigerator

Patent Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0240955A2 (en) * 1986-04-07 1987-10-14 Matsushita Refrigeration Company Storage receptacle
JPS62297683A (en) * 1986-06-16 1987-12-24 松下冷機株式会社 Refrigerator
JPS63113886U (en) * 1987-01-16 1988-07-22
JPH0282081A (en) * 1988-09-19 1990-03-22 Matsushita Refrig Co Ltd Vegetable chamber for refrigerator
EP0478122A1 (en) * 1990-09-27 1992-04-01 Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Refrigerator with a frozen food compartment
JPH06185850A (en) * 1992-12-14 1994-07-08 Matsushita Refrig Co Ltd Refrigerator
JPH0712451A (en) * 1993-06-23 1995-01-17 Matsushita Refrig Co Ltd Refrigerator
DE69524370T2 (en) * 1994-08-03 2002-08-22 Matsushita Refrigeration FRIDGE
JPH08136113A (en) * 1994-11-07 1996-05-31 Hitachi Ltd Refrigerator
JP2001248958A (en) * 2001-01-31 2001-09-14 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd Refrigerator
US20080134712A1 (en) 2006-12-11 2008-06-12 Whirlpool Corporation Device for controlling the refrigeration and humidity inside a drawer movable within a refrigerator

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