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(11) | EP 3 431 907 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | APPARATUS FOR STORING CONSUMABLES |
| (57) Apparatus (1) for storing consumables includes a first compartment (2) nested within
a second compartment (3), and one or more driving elements (17) attached between the
first and second compartments (2, 3). The one or more driving elements (17) are constructed
and arranged to drive the second compartment (3) between a first position and a second
position relative to the first compartment (2). When in the second position, the first
and second compartments (2), (3) are spaced away from one another such that the volume
defined by the apparatus (1) when the second compartment (3) is in the second position
is larger than the volume defined by the apparatus (1) when the second compartment
(3) is in the first position.
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Technical Field
Background
[0002] Consumables, including in particular food and drink, may conveniently be stored in apparatus, such as furniture (e.g. cupboards, cabinets, etc.) and domestic appliances such as refrigeration apparatus (e.g. refrigerators, freezers, etc.). Such apparatus typically includes at least one closed compartment so as to limit the effect of heat and/or light on the food and drink, which may degrade the quality of the food and drink. Some domestic appliances such as refrigeration apparatus is used to reduce the temperature of food and drink to keep it fresher for longer. The closed compartment in domestic and industrial refrigerators and freezers is thermally isolated from the outside environment and the refrigerator/freezer includes a heat pump that transfers heat from the inside of the apparatus to the outside environment so that the temperature of the inside of the apparatus is reduced. This lower temperature lowers the rate of reproduction of bacteria, which lowers the rate of spoilage of food and drink.
Summary
[0003] According to an aspect disclosed herein, there is provided apparatus for storing consumables, the apparatus comprising: a first compartment and a second compartment, the first compartment being nestable within the second compartment; and one or more driving elements attached between the first and second compartments and being constructed and arranged to drive the second compartment between a first position and a second position relative to the first compartment, wherein, when in the second position, the first and second compartments are spaced away from one another such that the volume defined by the apparatus when the second compartment is in the second position is larger than the volume defined by the apparatus when the second compartment is in the first position.
[0004] This allows a user to adjust the volume defined by the apparatus dependent on the quantity of consumables, such as food and drink, that is required to be stored in the apparatus. Therefore, a user can move the second compartment towards the second position in order to increase the volume defined by the apparatus if they want to store a large volume of consumables, such as food and drink, in the apparatus. Similarly, a user can move user can move the second compartment towards the first position in order to decrease the volume defined by the apparatus if they want to store a small volume of consumables, such as in the apparatus. Therefore, the apparatus has improved functionality by allowing for a change in its volume. Importantly, if the apparatus is a domestic appliance that reduces the temperature of food and drink such as refrigeration apparatus (e.g. a freezer or a refrigerator), the user is able to adapt the volume defined by the apparatus to accommodate the volume of food and drink to be stored. This means that energy is not lost on cooling empty space, which improves the overall energy efficiency of the apparatus, reducing running costs.
[0006] In an example, the apparatus is refrigeration apparatus. In an example, the refrigerator is a refrigerator or a freezer.
[0010] In an example, a first end of each actuator is attached to the first compartment and a second end of each actuator is attached to the second compartment.
[0011] In an example, the one or more driving elements are attached between the first and second compartments such that the second compartment or at least one sub-compartment of the second compartment is driven horizontally relative to the first compartment into the second position
[0012] In an example, the one or more driving elements are attached between the first and second compartments such that the second compartment or at least one sub-compartment of the second compartment is driven vertically relative to the first compartment into the second position.
[0013] In an example, the apparatus comprises one or more wheels mounted to the apparatus for facilitating movement of the second compartment into the second position.
[0014] In an example, when the second compartment is in the first position, the second compartment fully envelops the first compartment.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0015] To assist understanding of the present disclosure and to show how embodiments may be put into effect, reference is made by way of example to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 shows schematically a perspective view of a first example of apparatus for storing food and drink, with a second compartment in a first position;
Figure 2 shows schematically a perspective view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1, with the second compartment in a second position;
Figure 3 shows schematically a cross-section of the apparatus shown in Figure 2, the cross-section taken across line "A-A" of Figure 2;
Figure 4 shows schematically a perspective view of a second example of apparatus for storing food and drink, with a second compartment in a first position; and
Figure 5 shows schematically a perspective view of the apparatus shown in Figure 4, with the second compartment in a second position.
Detailed Description
[0016] Consumables, such as food and drink, may conveniently be stored in apparatus, such as furniture (e.g. cupboards, cabinets etc.) and domestic appliances such as refrigeration apparatus (e.g. refrigerator, freezer etc.). Such apparatus typically includes at least one closed compartment so as to limit the effect of heat and/or light on the food and drink, which may degrade the quality of the food and drink. Some domestic appliances such as refrigeration apparatus is used to reduce the temperature of food and drink to keep it fresher for longer. The closed compartment in domestic and industrial refrigerators and freezers is thermally isolated from the outside environment and the refrigerator/freezer includes a heat pump that transfers heat from the inside of the apparatus to the outside environment so that the temperature of the inside of the apparatus is reduced. This lower temperature decreases the rate of reproduction of bacteria, which lowers the rate of spoilage of food and drink.
[0017] The thermally isolated compartment of a refrigerator/freezer has a fixed volume. Consequently, only a certain amount of food and drink can be stored therein before the compartment becomes full. This problem can be addressed by using a refrigerator or freezer with a very large compartment. However, using a very large compartment is only cost effective when a very large amount of food and drink is stored in the refrigerator/freezer because otherwise the refrigerator/freezer is wasting energy by cooling a large volume of empty space.
[0018] Referring now to Figures 1, 2 and 3, there is shown schematically an example of apparatus 1 for storing food and drink. In this example, the apparatus 1 is a domestic freezer. In other examples, the apparatus 1 may be, for example, another refrigeration apparatus, such as an industrial freezer, a domestic refrigerator or an industrial refrigerator.
[0019] The apparatus 1 has a first compartment 2 which is nestable within a second compartment 3. Each compartment 2, 3 is suitable for storing a certain quantity of consumables, such as food and drink. In this example, the first compartment 2 is a single compartment and the second compartment 3 is divided into a first sub-compartment 4 and a second sub-compartment 5. The first sub-compartment 4 is completely separated from the second sub-compartment 5. The first compartment 2 is completely separate from the first and second sub-compartments 4, 5. Other configurations are possible. For example, the first compartment 2, first sub-compartment 4 and second sub-compartment 5 (or the second compartment 3) may be fluidly connected to one another so that the interior of each compartment or sub-compartment can be accessed through the interior of another compartment or sub-compartment.
[0020] The first compartment 2 has a cuboid shape. In other examples, the first compartment 2 may be another shape so long as the shape is suitable for storing a quantity of food and drink. The first compartment 2 has a number of faces including a first face 6 and a second face 7. In normal use, the first face 6 is the top face of the first compartment 2 and the second face 7 is the front face of the first compartment 2. A door 8 is provided for allowing a user access into the internal volume of the first compartment 2. The door 8 is attached to the first compartment 2 by use of a hinge, and includes a handle. In this example, the door 8 is attached to the first face 6 of the first compartment 2. In other examples, the door 8 may be provided at any face of the first compartment 2 that allows for a user to access and reach into the internal volume of the first compartment 2, such as the second face 7. The walls and the door 8 of the first compartment 2 include thermal insulation to thermally isolate the first compartment 2 from the environment. This allows for the temperature inside the first compartment 2 to be maintained and limits the effect of the external temperature on its internal temperature. The first compartment 2 in this example is supported off of the ground by the second compartment 3.
[0021] In this example, the second compartment 3 is divided into a first sub-compartment 4 and a second sub-compartment 5. In other examples, the second compartment 3 may be a single compartment. Each sub-compartment 4, 5 has a cuboid shape. The sub-compartments 4, 5 have substantially the same size and shape. In other examples, the first sub-compartment 4 and the second sub-compartment 5 may another shape so long as the shape is suitable for storing a quantity of food and drink. The sub-compartments 4, 5 may also be different shapes.
[0022] The first sub-compartment 4 has a number of faces including a first face 9 and a second face 10. The second sub-compartment 5 has a number of faces including a first face 11 and a second face 12. In normal use, the first faces 9, 11 are the top faces of the first sub-compartment 4 and the second sub-compartment 5, respectively. In normal use, the second faces 10, 12 are the front faces of the first sub-compartment 4 and the second sub-compartment 5, respectively. A door 13 is provided for allowing a user access into the internal volume of the first sub-compartment 4. The door 13 is attached to the first sub-compartment 4 by use of a hinge, and includes a handle. In this example, the door 13 is attached to the first face 9 of the first sub-compartment 4. A door 14 is provided for allowing a user access into the internal volume of the second sub-compartment 5. The door 14 is attached to the second sub-compartment 5 by use of a hinge, and includes a handle. In this example, the door 14 is attached to the first face 11 of the second sub-compartment 5. In other examples, the doors 13, 14 may be provided at any face of the sub-compartments 5, 6 that allows for a user to access and reach into the internal volume of the particular sub-compartment 5,6, such as the second face 10, 12. The walls and the doors 13, 14 of the sub-compartments 4, 5 include thermal insulation for thermally isolating the sub-compartments 4, 5 from the environment. This allows for the temperature inside the sub-compartments 4, 5 to be maintained and limits the effect of the external temperature on their internal temperature.
[0023] The first sub-compartment 4 includes a first wheel 15 which elevates it off of the ground. Similarly, the second sub-compartment 5 includes a second wheel 16 which elevates it off of the ground. The wheels 15, 16 are mounted to the apparatus 1 so as to assist in allowing the second compartment 3 to move between a first, closed position (as shown in Figure 1) and a second, open position (as shown in Figure 2). These positions and the significance thereof will be described in further detail below. In this example, the wheels 15, 16 are mounted to their respective sub-compartment 4, 5 by using an axle that is approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the apparatus 1.
[0024] The apparatus 1 also includes one or more driving elements constructed and arranged to drive the second compartment 3 between the first (or closed) position (as shown in Figure 1) and the second (or open) position (as shown in Figure 2). Each driving element may be any suitable mechanism that can drive the second compartment 3 between the first position and the second position. As shown in Figure 3, each driving element in this example is a double-acting hydraulic or pneumatic actuator 17 that can extend and contract to provide unidirectional force. A first end 18 of each actuator 17 is attached to the first compartment 2 and a second end 19 of each actuator 17 is attached to the second compartment 3. In this example, the one or more driving elements are therefore connected between the first compartment 2 and the first sub-compartment 4, and the first compartment 2 and the second sub-compartment 5. Specifically, the first end 18 of each actuator 17 is attached to the first compartment 2 and the second end 19 of each actuator is attached to either the first sub-compartment 4 or the second sub-compartment 5. It should be noted that the driving elements/actuators 17 can also drive the second compartment 3 to, and maintain it at, any position between the first and second positions. In this example, a plurality of driving elements are provided. Specifically, the apparatus 1 includes eight driving elements, which are hydraulic or pneumatic actuators 17. A hydraulic or pneumatic drive system is also provided within the apparatus 1. The drive system includes components that are known to a person skilled in the art that allow it to function and supply hydraulic or pneumatic fluid to extend and contract the actuators 17, such as a generator or hydraulic or pneumatic pump, which is driven by a motor or an engine, valves, filters and piping, etc. In other examples, each driving element 17 may be an actuator powered by an electric motor.
[0025] When the second compartment 3 is in the first position (as shown in Figure 1), the first compartment 2 and the second compartment 3 are adjacent or near to one another. In particular, in this example, when the second compartment 3 is in the first position, the second compartment 3 is entirely contained or nested within the first compartment 2. At this first position, therefore, in this example the usable internal volume of the apparatus 1 is minimised and corresponds to the internal volume of the second compartment 3. When the second compartment 3 is in the second position (as shown in Figure 2), the first compartment 2 and the second compartment 3 are spaced away from one another such that the volume (e.g. the internal volume) defined by the apparatus 1 when the second compartment 3 is in the second position is larger than the volume defined by the apparatus 1 when the second compartment 3 is in the first position. At this second position, therefore, in this example the usable internal volume of the apparatus 1 is maximised and corresponds to the total internal volume of the first compartment 3 and the second compartment 3.
[0026] The apparatus 1 includes a switch 18. The switch 18 is positioned at a location where it can be easily accessed and operated by a user. In this example, the switch 18 is provided on the second face 10 of the first sub-compartment 13. The switch 18 controls the operation of the motor that powers the pump of the hydraulic or pneumatic drive system, which supplies and purges fluid to and from the actuators 17, thus causing the actuators 17 to extend or contract.
[0027] Given that the apparatus 1 in the example shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3 is a freezer, the apparatus 1 also includes the necessary equipment to allow the internal volume of the first compartment 2 and the second compartment 3 to be cooled, as would be understood by a person skilled in the art. The apparatus 1 may include a heat pump that transfers heat from the internal volume of the apparatus 1 to the surrounding environment. In particular, the apparatus 1 may include a compressor, a condenser, an expander and an evaporator, together with valves, piping, refrigerant, a power source etc.
[0028] An example of use of the apparatus 1 will now be described with particular reference to Figures 1 and 2.
[0029] In Figure 1 the second compartment 3 of the apparatus 1 is in the first position. The first position defines a certain volume of the apparatus 1. A user can therefore store a certain quantity of food and drink in the apparatus 1. The user can access the interior of the apparatus 1 so that they can put the food and drink into the apparatus 1 by lifting either of the doors 13, 14. Since the apparatus 1 in this example is a freezer, the temperature of any food and drink stored in the apparatus 1 will decreased until it becomes frozen.
[0030] If the user requires a larger volume of the apparatus 1 in which to store food and drink (i.e. if the user has a higher quantity of food and drink to be stored than is permitted by the volume defined by the apparatus 1 when the second compartment 3 is in the first position), the user presses the switch 18. Pressing the switch 18 activates the motor that powers the pump of the hydraulic or pneumatic drive system. The pump thus supplies fluid to the actuators 17, which drives each of them to extend from their contracted position to their extended position. This drives the second compartment 3 from the first position (as shown in Figure 1) towards and ultimately to the second position (as shown in Figures 2 and 3). The wheels 15, 16 mounted to the apparatus 1 facilitate this movement by reducing the friction between the apparatus 1 and the ground upon which it is positioned.
[0031] In Figures 2 and 3, the second compartment 3 is in the second position where each of the sub-compartments 4, 5 are spaced away from the first compartment 2. Consequently, the volume defined by the apparatus 1 is now increased because it is the equivalent of the volume of the first compartment 2 plus the volume of the first and second sub-compartments 4, 5. Therefore, when the second compartment 3 is in this second position, a user can store more food and drink in the interior of the apparatus 1 than they can when the second compartment 3 is in the first position.
[0032] Due to using actuators 17 to drive the second compartment 3 between the first and second positions, it is possible for a user to stop the second compartment 3 in an intermediary position between the first and second positions. This allows for use of an intermediary volume defined by the apparatus 1, between the volumes defined by the apparatus 1 when the second compartment 3 is in the first and second positions.
[0033] If, when the second compartment 3 is in the second position, the user decides that the enlarged volume defined by the apparatus 1 is unnecessary because they only need to store a low quantity or volume of food and drink in the apparatus 1, the user can decrease the volume of the apparatus 1 by moving the second compartment 3 back to the first position. To this end, the user presses the switch 18, which activates the motor powering pump. The pump then supplies fluid to the plurality of actuators 17, which drives each of them to contract towards their contracted position. This drives the second compartment 3 from second position (as shown in Figures 2 and 3) towards and ultimately to the first position (as shown in Figure 1). The smaller volume defined by the apparatus 1 when the second compartment is in the first position is more energy efficient when a low quantity/volume of food and drink is being stored in the apparatus 1 because a large volume of empty space is not required to be cooled.
[0034] In the example shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the second compartment 3 is divided down its middle into a first sub-compartment 3 and a second sub-compartment 4. To move the second compartment 3 in to the second position, the driving elements, which in this example are a plurality of actuators 17, drive the first sub-compartment 3 and second sub-compartment 4 laterally away from the first compartment 2 (and from one another in this example). Other arrangements are possible, in which the second compartment 3 is driven away from the first compartment 2 such that volume defined by the apparatus 1 when the second compartment 3 is in the second position is larger than the volume defined by the apparatus 1 when the second compartment 3 is in the first position.
[0035] Figures 4 and 5 show a second example of apparatus 201 for storing consumables. The apparatus 201 of the second example has a first compartment 202 which is nestable within a second compartment 203. Each compartment is suitable for storing a certain quantity of consumables, such as food and drink. The apparatus 201 shown in Figures 4 and 5 has a substantially similar structure and substantially similar features to the apparatus 1 shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3.
[0036] However, whilst the second compartment 3 in the example shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3 is divided into two sub-compartments, the second compartment 203 in the example shown in Figures 4 and 5 is a single compartment. This is a first difference between the apparatus 1 of Figures 1 to 3 and the apparatus 201 of Figures 4 and 5.
[0037] A second difference is that the second compartment 203 is positioned so that it sits over and envelops the first compartment 203 when it is in the first position (as shown in Figure 4).
[0038] A third difference is that the plurality of actuators (not shown in Figures 4 and 5) are mounted in a vertically oriented position so that they can drive the second compartment 203 vertically to the second position (as shown in Figure 5) by lifting it upwards and away from the first compartment 202. In contrast, the apparatus 1 shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the actuators are mounted in a horizontally oriented position for driving the first and second sub-compartments 3, 4 horizontally to their second positions.
[0039] As with the apparatus 1 of Figures 1 to 3, the volume defined by the apparatus 201 is adjustable by operating the switch 218. The switch 218 controls a motor which powers a pump. The pump supplies fluid to the plurality of actuators (not shown), which are consequently driven to move between their extended position and contracted positions. Driving the actuators from their contracted position to their extended position drives the second compartment 203 from the first position (as shown in Figure 4) towards and ultimately to the second position (as shown in Figure 5). Driving the actuators from their extended position to their contracted position drives the second compartment 203 from the second position (as shown in Figure 5) towards and ultimately to the first position (as shown in Figure 4).
[0040] An advantage of the above arrangements is that the interior volume defined by the apparatus 1, 201, in which consumables such as food and drink may be stored for freezing, can be adjusted depending on the quantity and volume of food and drink that is required to be stored/frozen. This improved functionality, which is provided by having compartments that are nestable or telescopic, allows a user to adapt the volume defined by the apparatus 1, 201 to suit their requirements. As a consequence, the apparatus 1, 201 provides the practical benefit of improved flexibility. In addition, when the apparatus 1, 201 is refrigeration apparatus, such as a freezer or a refrigerator, it is more energy efficient because the volume of space being cooled can be adjusted so that energy is not used on cooling large unused and empty spaces.
[0041] The examples described herein are to be understood as illustrative examples of embodiments of the invention. Further embodiments and examples are envisaged. Any feature described in relation to any one example or embodiment may be used alone or in combination with other features. In addition, any feature described in relation to any one example or embodiment may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the examples or embodiments, or any combination of any other of the examples or embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described herein may also be employed within the scope of the invention, which is defined in the claims.
1. Apparatus for storing consumables, the apparatus comprising:
a first compartment and a second compartment, the first compartment being nestable within the second compartment; and
one or more driving elements attached between the first and second compartments and being constructed and arranged to drive the second compartment between a first position and a second position relative to the first compartment,
wherein, when in the second position, the first and second compartments are spaced away from one another such that the volume defined by the apparatus when the second compartment is in the second position is larger than the volume defined by the apparatus when the second compartment is in the first position.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is a domestic appliance.
3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the apparatus is refrigeration
apparatus.
4. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the second compartment is divided
into at least two sub-compartments.
5. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the one or more driving elements
comprise actuators.
6. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the actuators are hydraulic or pneumatic actuators.
7. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a first end of each actuator is attached to
the first compartment and a second end of each actuator is attached to the second
compartment.
8. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the one or more driving elements
are attached between the first and second compartments such that the second compartment
or at least one sub-compartment of the second compartment is driven horizontally relative
to the first compartment into the second position.
9. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the one or more driving elements
are attached between the first and second compartments such that the second compartment
or at least one sub-compartment of the second compartment is driven vertically relative
to the first compartment into the second position.
10. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising one or more wheels mounted
to the apparatus for facilitating movement of the second compartment into the second
position.
11. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein when the second compartment is
in the first position, the second compartment fully envelops the first compartment.