WO2017182988A1

WO2017182988A1 - Integrated refrigeration apparatus and refrigerator

Info

Publication number: WO2017182988A1
Application number: PCT/IB2017/052293
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dahua LI; Xingbiao YANG; Huaqiang Wu; Zhengchao Zhu; Bin Zou
Original assignee: Dometic Sweden Ab
Priority date: 2016-04-22
Filing date: 2017-04-21
Publication date: 2017-10-26
Also published as: EP3446055B1; EP3446055A1; AU2017252763B2; AU2017252763A1

Abstract

An integrated refrigeration apparatus and a modular refrigerator containing the integrated refrigeration apparatus are provided. The integrated refrigeration apparatus includes a base (1), a housing (2), a refrigeration assembly and an evaporation plate (4). The housing is fixed to the base, and the refrigeration assembly is disposed in the housing. The evaporation plate is disposed outside the housing and connected with a pipe of the refrigeration assembly. The modular refrigerator includes a cabinet body (11), an upper cover (12) and an integrated refrigeration apparatus including an integrated refrigeration apparatus body (13). Both of the upper cover (12) and the integrated refrigeration apparatus body (13) are fixed at an upper part of the cabinet body (11). The integrated refrigeration apparatus body is located at a side of the upper cover.

Description

INTEGRATED REFRIGERATION APPARATUS AND REFRIGERATOR TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001 ] The present disclosure relates to refrigeration technologies, in particular to an integrated refrigeration apparatus and a modular refrigerator.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

[0003] Vehicle carried refrigerators are a new generation refrigeration instrument which have gain popularity in recent years due to their use with recreational vehicles such as caravans and off road vehicles. These vehicle carried refrigerators typically include integrated refrigeration apparatuses having built-in evaporators. In such refrigeration apparatuses, cold air is blown into a remote freezer using duct to achieve refrigeration.

[0004] However, a problem which such arrangements is that an unstable freezing effect achieved by blowing cold air through a duct to a remote freezer.

[0005] A further problem with vehicle carried refrigerators is that it is difficult to access the refrigeration components for repairs because they are generally disposed at the bottom of a cabinet body.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

SUMMARY

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an integrated refrigeration apparatus is provided. The integrated refrigeration apparatus includes: a base, a housing fixed to the base, a refrigeration assembly disposed within the housing, and an evaporation plate. The evaporation plate is disposed outside the housing, the evaporation plate being connected to the refrigeration assembly with at least one pipe. [0008] The evaporation plate is separated from the refrigeration assembly, and is disposed in a region to be frozen. Therefore, the contact area is large and the freezing effect is stable.

[0009] In one embodiment, the evaporation plate is connected with the at least one pipe of the refrigeration assembly through at least one quick connector.

[0010] In one embodiment, the refrigeration assembly comprises a compressor and a condenser, the compressor and condenser being fixed on the base, and wherein the condenser is located at an edge of the base.

[001 1 ] In one embodiment, the base is provided with a fan at an end portion close to the condenser, and the housing includes a first heat dissipation aperture, at a location corresponding to the fan, and a second heat dissipation aperture located opposite to the first heat dissipation aperture.

[0012] In one embodiment, the integrated refrigeration apparatus includes a side plate vertically disposed at an end portion of the base, wherein the base and the side plate are each provided with a mounting hole extending vertically downward.

[0013] In one embodiment, the housing and the base are fixedly connected to each other by a clamping connection and/or a bolt connection.

[0014] In one embodiment, a projection is provided at an edge of the base, the projection is adapted for mating with an inner surface of the housing to achieve correct relative positioning.

[0015] In one embodiment, the refrigeration assembly further comprises a printed circuit board fixed on the housing.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a modular refrigerator is provided. The modular refrigerator comprises a cabinet body, an upper cover and the integrated refrigeration apparatus of the first aspect. The integrated refrigeration apparatus including an integrated refrigeration apparatus body. Both the upper cover and the integrated refrigeration apparatus body are fixed at an upper part of the cabinet body, and the integrated refrigeration apparatus body is located at a side of the upper cover.

[0017] The refrigerator includes a modular construction. Therefore, the assembly and maintenance of the refrigerator is convenient, which only requires replacement of a broken-down module. Moreover, refrigeration components are integrated in the integrated refrigeration apparatus body. As a result, no metal fittings are needed to fix the refrigeration components in the cabinet body, thereby reducing weight.

[0018] In one embodiment, the upper cover includes and a first end and a second end, the first end is hinged connected to the cabinet body and a second end is hinged connected to one of the integrated refrigeration apparatus body or the cabinet body.

[0019] In one embodiment, the modular refrigerator includes a side wall arranged on an upper part of the cabinet, the side wall having a first clamping slot extending downward from an edge of the side wall, wherein a first end of the upper cover has a first projection which is clamped into the first clamping slot, and a second end of the upper cover is hinged connected to one of the cabinet body or the integrated refrigeration apparatus body.

[0020] In one embodiment, a side wall of the integrated refrigeration apparatus body is provided with a first clamping slot extending downward from an edge of the side wall, wherein the first end of the upper cover has a first projection which is clamped into the first clamping slot, and the second end of the upper cover is hinged connected to the cabinet body.

[0021 ] In one embodiment, the modular refrigerator further comprises an evaporation plate connected with the integrated refrigeration apparatus body, wherein an inner cavity of the cabinet body is provided with a freezer, and the evaporation plate is fixed on a side wall of the freezer.

[0022] In one embodiment, the modular refrigerator further comprises a power source disposed in the integrated refrigeration apparatus body.

[0023] In one embodiment, a second clamping slot is provided at a bottom of the integrated refrigeration apparatus body, and a second projection to be mated with the second clamping slot is provided at a corresponding position of the cabinet body.

[0024] In one embodiment, a second projection is provided at a bottom of the integrated refrigeration apparatus body, and a second clamping slot to be mated with the second projection is provided at a corresponding position of the cabinet body.

[0025] In one embodiment, each side of the cabinet body is provided with a handle. [0026] In one embodiment, the modular refrigerator is a vehicle-carried refrigerator.

[0027] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

[0028] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment", "some embodiments" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment", "in some embodiments" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0029] One or more embodiments are exemplarily illustrated by corresponding pictures in the drawings, and these exemplary illustrations do not constitute limitations to the embodiments. Elements with identical reference numerals in the drawings are represented as similar elements, and the figures in the drawings are not to scale unless otherwise stated.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an integrated refrigeration apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0031 ] FIG. 2 is a schematic view a housing and a refrigeration assembly of the integrated refrigeration apparatus of Figure 1 ;

[0032] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a base and the refrigeration assembly of the integrated refrigeration apparatus of Figure 1 ;

[0033] FIG. 4 is another perspective view showing the base and the refrigeration assembly of the integrated refrigeration apparatus of Figure 1 ; [0034] FIG. 5 is an exploded schematic view showing a modular refrigerator according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the modular refrigerator of Figure 5;

[0036] FIG. 7 is a perspective view an upper cover of the modular refrigerator of Figure 5;

[0037] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a cabinet body of the modular refrigerator of Figure 5;

[0038] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an evaporation plate of the modular refrigerator of Figure 5; and

[0039] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of an integrated refrigeration apparatus body of the modular refrigerator according to Figure 5.

LIST OF NUMERAL REFERENCES

[0040] 1 base; 2 housing; 3 projection; 4 evaporation plate; 5 compressor; 6 condenser; 7 fan; 8 side plate; 9 PCB board; 10 integrated refrigeration apparatus; 1 1 cabinet body; 12 upper cover; 13 integrated refrigeration apparatus body (second embodiment); 14 evaporation plate; 17 handle; 20 refrigeration assembly; 24 control pad; 34 first clamping slot; 36 first projection; 38 second clamping slot; 40 second projection, 1 13 integrated refrigeration apparatus body (first embodiment).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041 ] The disclosure will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be noted that the specific embodiments disclosed herein are intended for explaining, rather than limiting, the disclosure. It should also be noted that the accompanying drawings show only some parts relating to the disclosure, but not in an exhaustive way, for the ease of description. The following embodiments and features in the following embodiments may be combined with each other without conflict.

[0042] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, an integrated refrigeration apparatus 10 is provided in accordance with a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The integrated refrigeration apparatus includes a base 1 , a housing 2, a refrigeration assembly 20 and an evaporation plate 4. The housing 2 is fixed on the base 1 and together constitute an accommodation space.

[0043] The refrigeration assembly 20 is disposed in the accommodation space. The evaporation plate 4 is disposed outside the accommodation space and is connected by pipes 31 to the refrigeration assembly. According to one aspect of the invention, the evaporation plate 4 is separated from the refrigeration assembly and disposed in a region to be frozen. Therefore, the contact area for freezing is large resulting in a stable freezing effect.

[0044] As shown in Figure 1 , the integrated refrigeration apparatus 10 includes two parts: an integrated refrigeration apparatus body 1 13 and the evaporation plate 4. The integrated refrigeration apparatus body 1 13 includes the base 1 , the housing 2, and the refrigeration assembly 20, which houses the main refrigeration components.

[0045] In the present embodiment, in order to facilitate the installation of the evaporation plate 4 and the refrigeration assembly, the evaporation plate 4 and the refrigeration assembly are connected by one or more quick connectors (not shown) positioned at one or more ends of pipes 31 . A thermal insulation layer is optionally provided outside of the connecting pipe between the evaporation plate 4 and the refrigeration assembly for better thermal insulation.

[0046] As shown in Figure 3, in the present embodiment, the refrigeration assembly 20 includes a compressor 5 and a condenser 6 both fixed on the base 1 . The condenser 6 is located at the edge of the base 1 to facilitate heat dissipation. Advantageously, having the condenser 6 mounted at the edge of the base means that the other components at the centre of the base will be minimally influenced. A fan 7 positioned at the end portion of the base 1 , close to the condenser 6, is optionally provided for accelerating the heat dissipation of the condenser 6.

[0047] As best shown in Figures 2 and 3, a first heat dissipation aperture 18 is arranged at a location corresponding to the fan 7 in the housing 2. A second heat dissipation aperture 19 is arranged at a face opposite to the first heat dissipation aperture 18 in the housing 2. Air flows into the accommodation space via the second heat dissipation aperture 19 and flows out via the first heat dissipation aperture 18, so that convection is formed to perform heat dissipation as well as ventilation for the whole refrigeration assembly.

[0048] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, a side plate 8 is vertically disposed at an end portion of the base 1 so as to facilitate the fixing of the integrated refrigeration apparatus and other components. Each of the base 1 and the side plate 8 is provided with a mounting hole extending vertically downward. Optionally, the side plate 8 is further provided with a clamping slot or a projection facing downward, the clamping slot or projection is configured to engage other components. In the present embodiment, the housing 2 and the base 1 are firmly fixed to each other by means of clamping connection and/or a bolt connection. To allow for accurate positioning between the housing 2 and the base 1 , a projection 3 is provided at the edge of the base 1 . Upon assembling, the projection 3 is inserted into the housing 2 and an inner surface of the housing 2 cooperates with the projection 3 to achieve correct positioning.

[0049] In the present embodiment, the refrigeration assembly further includes a printed circuit board (PCB) 9 fixed in the housing 2, so that the arrangement is compact and is convenient for user's operation. Connected with the PCB 9 is a control pad 24 (shown on Figure 2). The control pad is provided on the housing 2 for user control of the refrigerator functions.

[0050] Referring to Figures 5 to 10, there is provided a modular refrigerator 30 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The modular refrigerator 30 includes a cabinet body 1 1 , an upper cover 12 and an integrated refrigeration apparatus body 13 including a refrigeration assembly. Both of the upper cover 12 and the integrated refrigeration apparatus body 13 are fixed at an upper part of the cabinet body 1 1 . Further, the integrated refrigeration apparatus body 13 is located at a side of the upper cover 12. The integrated refrigeration apparatus body 13 may include the integrated refrigeration apparatus 10 of the earlier embodiment.

[0051 ] As shown, the three main components of the illustrated embodiment define a modular construction. Therefore, the assembly and maintenance of the refrigerator is convenient as it only requires replacement or repair of a broken down module. Moreover, the refrigeration assembly is in the integrated refrigeration apparatus body. As a result, it is not necessary to access the refrigeration assembly components in the cabinet body through metal fixings, thereby reducing weight. The integrated refrigeration apparatus body is simply removed and the components are then repaired or replaced. Moreover, each module may be manufactured individually and then assembled together, thereby reducing cost.

[0052] Further, the refrigeration assembly within the integrated refrigeration body itself defines its own modular construction. Therefore, various types of refrigerator functions may be achieved by merely adjusting parameters of some modules/components within the integrated refrigeration apparatus. [0053] Referring to Figure 6, in order to facilitate opening and closing the upper cover 12, a first end of the upper cover 12 is hingedly connected to the cabinet body 1 1 and a second end of the upper cover 12 is hingedly connected to the integrated refrigeration apparatus body 13. Alternatively, both of the first end and the second end of the upper cover 12 are hinged to the cabinet body 1 1 .

[0054] In a further embodiment shown in Figures 7 and 8, a side wall 32 is arranged at the upper part of the cabinet 1 1 . A first clamping slot 34 extending downward from the edge of the side wall is provided. A first projection 36 on the first end of the upper cover 12 is clamped into the first clamping slot 34, and the second end of the upper cover 12 is hinged to the cabinet body 1 1 or the integrated refrigeration apparatus body 13.

[0055] In a further embodiment, a first clamping slot extending downward from the edge of a side wall of the integrated refrigeration apparatus 13 is provided in the side wall of the integrated refrigeration apparatus body 13. The first projection at the first end of the upper cover 12 is clamped into the first clamping slot, and the second end of the upper cover 12 is hinged to the cabinet body 1 1 .

[0056] In the above two embodiments, the first projection at the first end of the upper cover 12 is mated with the first clamping slot, and the first projection may be clamped into or withdrawn from the clamping slot, thereby facilitating the assembly and disassembly of the upper cover 12.

[0057] In the present embodiment, the modular refrigerator further includes an evaporation plate 14 connected with the integrated refrigeration apparatus body 13. The cabinet body 1 1 is provided with a freezer in an inner cavity thereof. For facilitating an arrangement of the evaporation plate 14 and better freezing effect, the evaporation plate 14 is fixed to the side walls of the freezer, so that each region of the freezer is frozen evenly. Optionally, for realizing a quick assembly of the evaporation plate 14 and the integrated refrigeration apparatus body 13, the evaporation plate 14 is connected with the integrated refrigeration apparatus body 13 via a quick connector.

[0058] Both of a PCB control panel and a power source of the modular refrigerator are disposed in the integrated refrigeration apparatus body 13 in a similar way to the first embodiment. Circuits of the modular refrigerator are disposed in the integrated refrigeration apparatus body 13. The cabinet body 1 1 serves as a bearing component. Therefore, no metal fittings are needed to fix the refrigeration components in the cabinet body thereby reducing the usage of metal fittings and reducing weight.

[0059] In the further embodiment shown in Figure 10, a second clamping slot 38 is provided at the bottom of the integrated refrigeration apparatus body 13, and a second projection 40, as shown on Figure 8, to be mated with the second clamping slot 38 is provided at a corresponding position of the cabinet body 1 1 .

[0060] In a further embodiment, a second projection is provided at the bottom of the integrated refrigeration apparatus body 13, and a second clamping slot to be mated with the second projection is provided at a corresponding position of the cabinet body 1 1 .

[0061 ] In the above two embodiments, the integrated refrigeration apparatus body 13 and the cabinet body 1 1 can assembled conveniently by mating positioning of the second projection 40 and the second clamping slot 38. Optionally, for better positioning, the second projection 40 and/or the second clamping slot 38 are provided continuously or intermittently along the edge of the bottom of the integrated refrigeration apparatus body 13.

[0062] In the present embodiment, for facilitating moving the refrigerator, each side of the cabinet body 1 1 is provided with a handle 17.

[0063] The foregoing is merely embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention, and various changes and modifications may be made by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, and the like within the spirit and principles of the disclosure are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Industrial applicability

[0064] The integrated refrigeration apparatus provided by the present disclosure has a stable freezing effect. The refrigerator provided by the present disclosure adopts modular manner, which is easy to assemble and maintain.

[0065] While there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1 . An integrated refrigeration apparatus, comprising:

a base;

a housing fixed to the base;

a refrigeration assembly disposed within the housing; and

an evaporation plate disposed outside the housing, the evaporation plate being connected to the refrigeration assembly with at least one pipe.

2. The integrated refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the evaporation plate is connected with the at least one pipe of the refrigeration assembly through at least one quick connector.

3. The integrated refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the refrigeration assembly comprises a compressor and a condenser, the compressor and condenser being fixed on the base, and wherein the condenser is located at an edge of the base.

4. The integrated refrigeration apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the base is provided with a fan at an end portion close to the condenser, and the housing includes a first heat dissipation aperture, at a location corresponding to the fan, and a second heat dissipation aperture located opposite to the first heat dissipation aperture.

5. The integrated refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1 , including a side plate vertically disposed at an end portion of the base, wherein the base and the side plate are each provided with a mounting hole extending vertically downward.

6. The integrated refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the housing and the base are fixedly connected to each other by a clamping connection and/or a bolt connection.

7. The integrated refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein a projection is provided at an edge of the base, the projection is adapted for mating with an inner surface of the housing to achieve correct relative positioning.

8. The integrated refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the refrigeration assembly further comprises a printed circuit board fixed on the housing.

9. A modular refrigerator, comprising:

a cabinet body;

an upper cover; and

the integrated refrigeration apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, the integrated refrigeration apparatus including an integrated refrigeration apparatus body, wherein both of the upper cover and the integrated refrigeration apparatus body are fixed at an upper part of the cabinet body, and the integrated refrigeration apparatus body is located at a side of the upper cover.

10. The modular refrigerator according to claim 9, wherein the upper cover includes and a first end and a second send, the first end is hinged connected to the cabinet body and a second end is hinged connected to one of the integrated refrigeration apparatus body or the cabinet body.

1 1 . The modular refrigerator according to claim 9, including a side wall arranged on an upper part of the cabinet, the side wall having a first clamping slot extending downward from an edge of the side wall, wherein a first end of the upper cover has a first projection which is clamped into the first clamping slot, and a second end of the upper cover is hinged connected to one of the cabinet body or the integrated refrigeration apparatus body.

12. The modular refrigerator according to claim 10, wherein a side wall of the integrated refrigeration apparatus body is provided with a first clamping slot extending downward from an edge of the side wall, wherein the first end of the upper cover has a first projection which is clamped into the first clamping slot, and the second end of the upper cover is hinged connected to the cabinet body.

13. The modular refrigerator according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein an inner cavity of the cabinet body is provided with a freezer and the evaporation plate is fixed on a side wall of the freezer.

14. The modular refrigerator according to any one of claims 9 to 13, further comprising a power source disposed in the integrated refrigeration apparatus body.

15. The modular refrigerator according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein a second clamping slot is provided at a bottom of the integrated refrigeration apparatus body, and a second projection to be mated with the second clamping slot is provided at a corresponding position of the cabinet body.

16. The modular refrigerator according to any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein a second projection is provided at a bottom of the integrated refrigeration apparatus body, and a second clamping slot to be mated with the second projection is provided at a corresponding position of the cabinet body.

17. The modular refrigerator according to any one of claims 9 to 16, wherein each side of the cabinet body is provided with a handle.

18. The modular refrigerator according to any one of claims 9 to 17, wherein the modular refrigerator is a vehicle-carried refrigerator.