A REFRIGERATOR COMPRISING A HUMIDITY AND TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED SPECIAL COMPARTMENT

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerator comprising a humidity and temperature controlled special compartment.

[0002] Refrigerators generally comprise special compartments wherein foodstuffs like fruits and vegetables are placed and wherein the control of humidity and temperature is performed independently.

[0003] In the state of the art, the use of axially and radially movable valves that control the flow of the air directed to the compartment walls for changing the temperature of the compartment is known..

[0004] The cold air entering into the compartment due to movable valves and the cavities between the compartment walls adversely affects the humidity levels of the foods inside the compartment and cause drying of the foods in the compartment.

[0005] In the state of the art United States of America Patent Application No. US6073458, a refrigerator is disclosed, comprising a plate having outlet openings that are opened controllably by means of the panel that moves by sliding, whereon the plate is disposed.

[0006] The aim of the present invention is the realization of a refrigerator wherein the refrigeration effectiveness of the humidity and temperature controlled special compartments is increased.

[0007] 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 suitable for storing the foodstuffs and beverages to be cooled; a special compartment that is disposed inside the body and that is thermally insulated from the body; a wall that insulates the body from the outside environment; an evaporator that is disposed on the wall and that provides the refrigeration of the body; an evaporator lid disposed in front of the evaporator; more than one opening that is arranged on the evaporator lid and that enables the air cooled by means of the evaporator to flow towards the special compartment; a valve placed on the evaporator lid so as to be aligned with the openings; a frame wherein the valve is seated, supporting the valve and at least one slit that is arranged on the valve and that slides and displaces in front of the openings when the valve is moved.

[0008] The refrigerator of the present invention comprises an air directing rib that is disposed on the frame or the evaporator lid and that easily directs the air received from the evaporator to the channel surrounding the special compartment before filling into the special compartment. By means of the air directing rib, the cold air is directed towards the fresh food compartment, particularly towards under the special compartment without air losses. Consequently, the refrigerator is enabled to operate more efficiently.

[0009] In an embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator comprises a protrusion that is situated opposite the air directing rib extending from the special compartment towards the evaporator lid to form a neck together with the air directing rib. By means of the opposing protrusion and the air directing rib, the flow of the cold air is limited and is enabled to be directed towards the channel.

[0010] In an embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator comprises a damping element disposed on the air directing rib or the protrusion. The damping element, such as a gasket produced from a flexible material, decreases friction, thus preventing generation of noise.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present invention, the air directing rib is mounted by a pivoted connection on the evaporator lid or the frame and activated by an actuation means such as motor and opened when desired, allowing entrance of air into the special compartment.

[0012] The refrigerator realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is illustrated in the attached figures, where:

Figure 1 - is the perspective view of a refrigerator.

Figure 2 - is the perspective view of an evaporator lid, a valve and a frame.

Figure 3 - is the detailed view of a special compartment, a channel and a frame.

Figure 4 - is the schematic view of a special compartment, an air directing rib, a damping element and a protrusion.

Figure 5 - is the perspective view of an evaporator lid, a valve, a frame and an air directing rib.

Figure 6 - is the perspective view of a frame and an air directing rib.

Figure 7 - is the schematic view of a wall and an evaporator.

[0013] The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:

1. Refrigerator

2. Body

3. Special compartment

4. Wall

5. Evaporator

6. Evaporator lid

7. Opening

8. Valve

9. Frame

10. Slit

11. Air directing rib

12. Protrusion

13. Damping element

14. Channel

15. Fresh food compartment

[0014] The refrigerator (1) comprises a body (2) wherein the foodstuffs and beverages to be cooled are placed; a fresh food compartment (15) and a humidity and temperature controlled special compartment (3), both disposed inside the body (2); a channel (14) that performs heat exchange with the special compartment (3) by at least partially surrounding the special compartment (3); a wall (4) that insulates the interior of the body (2) from the outside environment; an evaporator (5) that is disposed on the wall (4) inside the body (2) and that provides the refrigeration of the interior volume of the body (2); an evaporator lid (6) that is disposed in front of the evaporator (5) between the evaporator (5) and the special compartment (3) and that enables the air cooled by the evaporator (5) to be directed into the channel (14), more than one opening (7) that is arranged on the evaporator lid (6) and that faces the special compartment (3); a valve (8) mounted on the evaporator lid (6) so as to cover the front of the openings (7); a frame (9) that is disposed over the valve (8) so that the valve (8) remains between the frame (9) and the evaporator lid (6), that is mounted on the evaporator lid (6) and that protects the valve (8), and at least one slit (10) that is arranged on the valve (8) and that opens/closes the openings (7) by sliding when the valve (8) is moved on the frame (9) and the evaporator lid (6). When the humidity and temperature controlled special compartment (3) suitable for placing foodstuffs like fruits and vegetables is desired to be cooled, the valve (8) is moved and the air cooled by means of the evaporator (5) is directed into the channel (14) through the openings (7) and through the slits (10) that partially or entirely open the front of the openings (7), allowing the passage of air in the desired amount. Furthermore, when required, the slits (10) are prevented from overlapping with the openings (7) by moving the valve (8) and the cold airflow is interrupted.

[0015] The refrigerator (1) of the present invention comprises an air directing rib (11) that is disposed on the frame (9) or the evaporator lid (6), that extends from the frame (9) or the evaporator lid (6) towards the side wall of the special compartment (3) and that at least partially covers the upper side of the channel (14). The air directing rib (11) enables almost all the air passing into the channel (14) through the openings (7) and the slits (10) to circulate around the special compartment (3) and prevents the air circulating in the channel (14) from entering the special compartment (3) and other regions above the special compartment (3), for example the fresh food compartment (15). Thus, the special compartment (3) is enabled to be cooled efficiently and the foods stored in the special compartment (3) are prevented from drying.

[0016] In an embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator (1) comprises a protrusion (12) that is disposed above the upper side of the side wall of the special compartment (3) and that extends towards the evaporator lid (6) at the level of the air directing rib (11). By means of the protrusion (12) being situated opposite the air directing rib (11), the cold air that passes through the valve (8) is prevented from entering the fresh food compartment (15) and the special compartment (3) and the cold air is directed towards the channel (14). The length of the protrusion (12) is long enough such that a minimum distance is left between the protrusion (12) and the air directing rib (11) thereby preventing air from filling into the special compartment (3) and the fresh food compartment (15) and short enough to prevent generation of noise by contacting the air directing rib (11).

[0017] In an embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator (1) comprises a damping element (13) disposed on the air directing rib (11) or the protrusion (12). The flexible damping element (13), for example a rubber band, prevents the air directing rib (11) and the protrusion (12) from contacting each other, thus preventing the protrusion (12) and the air directing rib (11) from wearing off and generating noise.

[0018] In an embodiment of the present invention, the air directing rib (11) is mounted by a pivoted connection on the evaporator lid (6) or the frame (9) and activated by an actuation means such as a motor and opened when desired, allowing the air to enter the special compartment (3).

[0019] By means of the present invention, particularly by means of the air directing rib (11), the cold air is directed towards the channel (14) and prevented from filling into the special compartment (3) and/or the fresh food compartment (15). Thus, cold air losses are decreased and the refrigerator (1) is enabled to operate more efficiently and the foods inside the special compartment (3) are prevented from losing their moisture uncontrollably.

Claims

1. A refrigerator (1) comprising a body (2) wherein the foodstuffs and beverages to be cooled are placed; a fresh food compartment (15) and a humidity and temperature controlled special compartment (3), both disposed inside the body (2); a channel (14) that performs heat exchange with the special compartment (3) by at least partially surrounding the special compartment (3); a wall (4) that insulates the interior of the body (2) from the outside environment; an evaporator (5) that is disposed on the wall (4) inside the body (2) and that provides the refrigeration of the interior volume of the body (2); an evaporator lid (6) that is disposed in front of the evaporator (5) between the evaporator (5) and the special compartment (3) and that enables the air cooled by the evaporator (5) to be directed into the channel (14), more than one opening (7) that is arranged on the evaporator lid (6) and that faces the special compartment (3); a valve (8) mounted on the evaporator lid (6) so as to cover the front of the openings (7); a frame (9) that is disposed over the valve (8) so that the valve (8) remains between the frame (9) and the evaporator lid (6), that is mounted on the evaporator lid (6) and that protects the valve (8), and at least one slit (10) that is arranged on the valve (8) and that opens/closes the openings (7) by sliding when the valve (8) is moved on the frame (9) and the evaporator lid (6), characterized by an air directing rib (11) that is disposed on the frame (9) or the evaporator lid (6), that extends from the frame (9) or the evaporator lid (6) towards the side wall of the special compartment (3) and that at least partially covers the upper side of the channel (14).

2. A refrigerator (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by a protrusion (12) that is disposed on the side wall of the special compartment (3) and that extends towards the evaporator lid (6) at the level of the air directing rib (11).

3. A refrigerator (1) as in Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterized by a damping element (13) disposed on the air directing rib (11) or the protrusion (12).

4. A refrigerator (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by an air directing rib (11) that is mounted by a pivoted connection on the evaporator lid (6) or the frame (9) and activated by an actuation means such as a motor and opened when desired, allowing the air to enter the special compartment (3).

Ansprüche

1. Kühlschrank (1) umfassend einen Körper (2), wobei die zu kühlenden Nahrungsmittel und Getränke angebracht sind; ein Fach (15) für frische Lebensmittel und ein Fach (3) mit geregelter Feuchtigkeit und Temperatur, die beide innerhalb des Körpers (2) vorgesehen sind; einen Kanal (14), der Wärmeaustausch mit dem speziellen Fach (3) durch zumindest teilweises Umgeben des speziellen Fachs (3) durchführt; eine Wand (4), die das Innere des Körpers (2) von der äußeren Umgebung isoliert; einen Verdampfer (5), der an der Wand (4) innerhalb des Körpers (2) vorgesehen ist und der die Kühlung des Innenraums des Körpers (2) vorsieht; einen Verdampferdeckel (6), der vor dem Verdampfer (5) zwischen dem Verdampfer (5) und dem speziellen Fach (3) vorgesehen ist und der es ermöglicht, die vom Verdampfer (5) abgekühlte Luft in den Kanal (14) zu leiten, mehr als eine Öffnung (7), die auf dem Verdampferdeckel (6) angeordnet ist und die dem speziellen Fach (3) zugewandt ist; ein Ventil (8), das auf dem Verdampferdeckel (6) montiert ist, um die Vorderseite der Öffnungen (7) abzudecken; einen Rahmen (9) der über dem Ventil (8) vorgesehen ist, sodass das Ventil (8) zwischen dem Rahmen (9) und dem Verdampferdeckel (6) verbleibt, der an dem Verdampferdeckel (6) angebracht ist und den Ventil (8) schützt, und mindestens einen Schlitz (10), der auf dem Ventil (8) angeordnet ist und der die Öffnungen (7) durch Verschieben öffnet/schließt, wenn das Ventil (8) auf dem Rahmen (9) und dem Verdampferdeckel (6) bewegt wird, gekennzeichnet durch eine Luftleitrippe (11), die an dem Rahmen (9) oder dem Verdampferdeckel (6) vorgesehen ist, die sich von dem Rahmen (9) oder dem Verdampferdeckel (6) in Richtung der Seitenwand des speziellen Faches (3) erstreckt und die zumindest teilweise die obere Seite des Kanals (14) bedeckt.

2. Kühlschrank (1) nach Anspruch 1, gekennzeichnet durch einen Vorsprung (12), der an der Seitenwand des speziellen Faches (3) vorgesehen ist und der sich in Richtung des Verdampferdeckels (6) in Höhe der Luftleitrippe (11) erstreckt.

3. Kühlschrank (1) nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, gekennzeichnet durch ein Dämpfungselement (13), das an der Luftleitrippe (11) oder an dem Vorsprung (12) vorgesehen ist.

4. Kühlschrank (1) nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, gekennzeichnet durch eine Luftleitrippe (11), die durch eine verschwenkbare Verbindung am Verdampferdeckel (6) oder am Rahmen (9) befestigt ist und durch ein Betätigungsmittel wie ein Motor aktiviert ist und auf Wunsch geöffnet ist, damit die Luft in das spezielle Fach (3) gelangen kann.

Revendications

1. Réfrigérateur (1) comprenant un corps (2) dans lequel sont placés les aliments et les boissons à refroidir; un compartiment d'aliments frais (15) et un compartiment spécial (3) à humidité contrôlée et à température contrôlée, tous deux disposés à l'intérieur du corps (2); un canal (14) qui effectue un échange de chaleur avec le compartiment spécial (3) en entourant au moins partiellement le compartiment spécial (3); une paroi (4) qui isole l'intérieur du corps (2) de l'environnement extérieur; un évaporateur (5) qui est disposé sur la paroi (4) à l'intérieur du corps (2) et qui assure la réfrigération du volume intérieur du corps (2); un couvercle d'évaporateur (6) qui disposé devant l'évaporateur (5) entre l'évaporateur (5) et le compartiment spécial (3) et qui permet de diriger l'air refroidi par l'évaporateur (5) être dirigé dans le canal (14), plus d'une ouverture (7) qui est disposée sur le couvercle de l'évaporateur (6) et qui fait face au compartiment spécial (3); une soupape (8) montée sur le couvercle d'évaporateur (6) de façon à recouvrir l'avant des ouvertures (7); un châssis (9) qui est disposé sur la soupape (8) de sorte que la soupape (8) reste entre le châssis (9) et le couvercle de l'évaporateur (6), qui est monté sur le couvercle de l'évaporateur (6) et protège le soupape (8), et au moins une fente (10) qui est agencée sur la soupape (8) et qui ouvre/ferme les ouvertures (7) en coulissant lorsque la soupape (8) est déplacée sur le châssis (9) et le couvercle évaporateur (6), caractérisé par une nervure de direction de l'air (11) disposée sur le châssis (9) ou le couvercle d'évaporateur (6), qui s'étend du châssis (9) ou du couvercle d'évaporateur (6) vers la paroi latérale du compartiment spécial (3) et recouvre au moins partiellement la face supérieure du canal (14).

2. Réfrigérateur (1) selon la revendication 1, caractérisé par une protubérance (12) disposée sur la paroi latérale du compartiment spécial (3) et s'étendant vers le couvercle d'évaporateur (6) au niveau de la nervure de direction de l'air (11).

3. Réfrigérateur (1) selon la revendication 1 ou la revendication 2, caractérisé par un élément d'amortissement (13) disposé sur la nervure de direction de l'air (11) ou la protubérance (12).

4. Réfrigérateur (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé par une nervure de direction de l'air (11) montée par une liaison pivotante sur le couvercle d'évaporateur (6) ou le châssis (9) et activée par un moyen d'actionnement tel comme un moteur et ouvert quand on le souhaite, permettant à l'air d'entrer dans le compartiment spécial (3).

Drawing