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Pressure Equalizing Device for Refrigerator

a technology for equalizing devices and refrigerators, which is applied in domestic cooling devices, lighting and heating devices, and domestic applications, etc., can solve problems such as difficult reopening of doors, and achieve the effects of effective pressure equalization, simple structure and elimination of negative pressure inside the refrigerator

Inactive Publication Date: 2010-04-01
KIM BRIAN S
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]An objective of the invention is to provide an effective pressure equalizing device for a refrigerator that can eliminate negative pressure inside the refrigerator instantly.
[0006]Another objective of the invention is to provide a pressure equalizing device for a refrigerator that has simple structure and easy to clean.
[0016]The advantages of the present invention are: (1) Pressure equalizing is done almost instantly (within 2 or 3 seconds); (2) loss of cooled air is minimized since the valve device is closed by gravity immediately after pressure equalization; (3) storing food inside the refrigerator is facilitated since the door can be easily reopened as required; (4) dust entry is prevented as the pressure equalizing device is installed on the side wall of the refrigerator and the vent holes are positioned downward; and (5) the pressure equalizing device does not use screws and is easy to assemble and disassemble thereby facilitating cleaning.

Problems solved by technology

When a user tries to open a refrigerator door right after she closes the door, since the air inside the refrigerator contracts due to heat removal even to the degree of compressing the gasket of the door, it is very hard to reopen the door due to the pressure difference.

Method used

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  • Pressure Equalizing Device for Refrigerator
  • Pressure Equalizing Device for Refrigerator
  • Pressure Equalizing Device for Refrigerator

Examples

Experimental program
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Embodiment Construction

[0023]FIG. 3 shows a refrigerator 10 comprising an enclosure 12 that is cooled below a predetermined temperature, a refrigeration circuit 14 that keeps the temperature of the enclosure below the predetermined temperature, one or more door 16 that provides access into the enclosure 12 and a pressure equalizing device 18 that equalizes the pressure inside the enclosure 12 with the pressure outside the enclosure 12.

[0024]FIGS. 1 and 2 show that the pressure equalizing device 18 comprises a communication path 20 that fluid-communicates the inside of the enclosure 12 with the outside of the enclosure 12, and a valve device 22 that opens or closes the communication path 20. The valve 22 device opens the communication path 20 when the air pressure outside the enclosure 12 is greater than the air pressure inside the enclosure 12 by a predetermined value (refer to FIG. 2), and closes the communication path 20 when the air pressure outside the enclosure 12 is not greater than the air pressure...

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PUM

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Abstract

A refrigerator comprises an enclosure that is cooled below a predetermined temperature, a refrigeration circuit that keeps the temperature of the enclosure below the predetermined temperature, a door that provides access into the enclosure and a pressure equalizing device that equalizes the pressure inside the enclosure with the pressure outside the enclosure. The pressure equalizing device comprises a communication path that fluid-communicates the inside of the enclosure with the outside of the enclosure, and a valve device that opens or closes the communication path. The valve device opens the communication path when the air pressure outside the enclosure is greater than the air pressure inside the enclosure by a predetermined value. The valve device comprises a pivoting plate that is pivoted around a horizontal axis, and an opening that is open to air outside the enclosure. The pivoting plate covers the opening.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to a pressure equalizing device for a refrigerator. More particularly, the present invention relates to a pressure equalizing device that restores pressure equilibrium between the refrigerator and the ambient air quickly with a simple and easy to clean mechanism.[0002]When a user tries to open a refrigerator door right after she closes the door, since the air inside the refrigerator contracts due to heat removal even to the degree of compressing the gasket of the door, it is very hard to reopen the door due to the pressure difference. There are prior art devices that equalize the pressure inside and outside the refrigerator thereby eliminating the negative pressure inside the refrigerator. Prior art pressure equalizing devices took 20-30 seconds before a user can reopen the door without excessive force.[0003]An effective and easy-to-maintain pressure equalizing device for a refrigerator has long been in need.SUMMARY OF T...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): F25D17/06F25D23/02
CPCF25D17/047
Inventor KIM, BRIAN S.
Owner KIM BRIAN S
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