Variable climate chambers

Abstract

A refrigeration appliance includes a compartment for storing food. A partition divides the compartment into a first compartment and a second compartment. The first compartment and the second compartment are horizontally adjacent and have a user-selectable target freezing temperature. An evaporator is disposed in the first compartment. An evaporator fan is disposed in the first compartment for delivering cooling air from the evaporator to the first compartment and the second compartment. A temperature control module is located in the second compartment. The temperature control module includes a body having a front surface and a rear surface. An air passage is formed in the body and extends between a side inlet opening of the body and at least one outlet opening on the front surface of the body. A heater assembly is disposed between the front and rear surfaces of the body for heating the air in the air passage.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] none. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates generally to variable climate zones for refrigeration appliances and, more particularly, to refrigeration appliances including a heater for heating a variable climate zone and maintaining it at a predetermined temperature. Background Art

[0004] Traditional refrigeration appliances, such as household refrigerators, usually have a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment or a freezing section. The refrigerator compartment is where food such as fruits, vegetables, and beverages are stored, while the freezer compartment is where food that needs to be kept frozen is stored. The refrigerator is equipped with a refrigeration system to keep the temperature of the refrigerator compartment above 0°C, such as between 0.25°C and 4.5°C, and the temperature of the freezer compartment below 0°C, such as between 0°C and -20°C.

[0005] In such refrigerators, the arrangement of the refrigerator and freezer compartments relative to each other varies. For example, in some cases, the freezer compartment is located above the refrigerator compartment, while in other cases, the freezer compartment is located below the refrigerator compartment. In addition, many modern refrigerators have freezer and refrigerator compartments arranged side by side. Regardless of the arrangement, separate access doors are usually provided for the freezer and refrigerator compartments to allow access to either compartment without exposing the other compartment to ambient air.

[0006] Some refrigerators include a variable climate zone (VCZ) chamber, wherein the user can select the temperature of the VCZ chamber according to the food to be stored in the VCZ chamber. In the case where the temperature of the VCZ chamber must be increased, the temperature in the VCZ chamber usually takes a long time to rise to the desired temperature.

[0007] The present invention provides a heater for a variable climate compartment of a refrigerator. Summary of the invention

[0008] In a first aspect, a refrigeration appliance is provided, the refrigeration appliance comprising a chamber for storing food in a cold environment. A partition divides the chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is arranged horizontally adjacent to the second chamber. The first chamber has a user-selectable target freezing temperature. The second chamber has a user-selectable target variable climate zone temperature between a predetermined temperature below 0°C and a predetermined temperature above 0°C. An evaporator is arranged in the first chamber. An evaporator fan is arranged in the first chamber for conveying cooling air from the evaporator to the first chamber and the second chamber. A temperature control module is located in the second chamber. The temperature control module includes a body having a front surface and a rear surface. The rear surface faces the rear wall of the second chamber, and the front surface faces the open end of the second chamber. An air channel is formed in the body, extending between a side inlet opening of the body and at least one inlet opening on the front surface of the body. A heater assembly is arranged between the front surface and the rear surface of the body, close to the air channel, wherein when the heater assembly is powered on, the air in the air channel is heated by the heater assembly.

[0009] In a second aspect, a diaphragm is provided, the diaphragm being a vertical center beam.

[0010] In a second aspect, a heater assembly is provided that includes an electrical coil.

[0011] In a third aspect, a heater assembly overmolded into a body is provided.

[0012] In a fourth aspect, there is provided a body comprising a front portion and a rear portion, with at least a portion of an air passage defined between the rear portion and the front portion.

[0013] In a fifth aspect, there is provided at least a portion of an air passage defined by a recess formed in at least one of a front portion and a rear portion of a main body.

[0014] In a sixth aspect, a heater assembly embedded in at least one of a front portion and a rear portion of a body is provided.

[0015] In a seventh aspect, there is provided an air passage comprising a second inlet opening extending through a front surface of the body.

[0016] In an eighth aspect, a circulation fan is provided in the air passage for conveying air therealong.

[0017] In a ninth aspect, an air passage defining a closed loop circulation path with a second chamber is provided.

[0018] In a tenth aspect, there is provided a refrigerating chamber disposed above a room. The refrigerating chamber stores food in a cold environment having a target temperature of 0°C or more.

[0019] In an eleventh aspect, a refrigeration appliance is provided, comprising a chamber for storing food in a cold environment. A partition divides the chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is arranged horizontally adjacent to the second chamber. The first chamber has a user-selectable target freezing temperature. The second chamber has a user-selectable target variable climate zone temperature between a predetermined temperature below 0°C and a predetermined temperature above 0°C. The partition defines a through passage between the first chamber and the second chamber. An evaporator is arranged in the first chamber. An evaporator fan is arranged in the first chamber for conveying cooling air from the evaporator to the first chamber and the second chamber. A temperature control module is located in the second chamber. The temperature control module includes a body having a front surface and a rear surface, the rear surface facing the rear wall of the second chamber, and the front surface facing the open end of the second chamber. An air passage is formed in the body and extends between a side inlet opening of the body and at least one outlet opening on the front surface of the body. The side inlet opening of the air passage is aligned with the through passage in the partition between the first chamber and the second chamber. The second inlet opening extends through the front surface of the body to the air passage. A windshield assembly is located near the air passage. The windshield assembly includes a frame assembly that defines a windshield air passage through the windshield assembly, the windshield air passage being in fluid communication with an air passage formed in the partition. A door is rotatably attached to the frame assembly. The door is movable between a first position and a second position. When the door is in the first position, the door fluidly isolates a through passage in the partition from the first chamber while allowing a second inlet opening in the body to be in fluid communication with the air passage in the body. When the door is in the second position, the door fluidly isolates the second inlet opening in the body from the air passage in the body while allowing the through passage in the partition to be in fluid communication with the first chamber.

[0020] In a twelfth aspect, there is provided an air passage forming a closed-loop circulation path with a first chamber when the door is in a first position.

[0021] In a thirteenth aspect, an air passage is provided for directing cooled air from the evaporator into the second compartment when the door is in the second position.

[0022] In a fourteenth aspect, an air passage is provided, the air passage being a single conduit extending between a first chamber and a second chamber.

[0023] In a fifteenth aspect, a baffle is provided that is not part of a uniformly expanded foam material applied to a space between an inner container and a metal shell of a refrigeration appliance.

[0024] In the sixteenth aspect, a liner is provided, which defines a chamber for storing food in a cold environment. The rear wall profile of the liner is formed to define a first horizontal recess therein. The partition includes a protrusion extending from the rear edge of the partition. When the partition is located in the chamber, the protrusion is arranged in the first horizontal recess in the liner. An opening extends through the protrusion between the opposite side surfaces of the partition. The opening is aligned with the first horizontal recess in the liner. The side inlet opening of the vertical partition is in fluid communication with the first horizontal recess in the liner and the opening extending through the partition. An evaporator fan is arranged in the first chamber for conveying cooling air from the evaporator through the opening extending through the partition, through the side inlet opening in the body, through the air passage in the body, and through at least one outlet opening in the body, and discharging the cooling air into the second chamber.

[0025] In a seventeenth aspect, a liner is provided that is contoured to define a second horizontal recess that fluidly connects a first chamber and a second chamber, wherein air drawn by an evaporator fan in the first chamber is drawn from the second chamber through the second horizontal recess.

[0026] In an eighteenth aspect, a refrigeration appliance is provided, the refrigeration appliance comprising a chamber for storing food in a cold environment. A vertical partition divides the chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is arranged horizontally adjacent to the second chamber. The first chamber has a user-selectable target freezing temperature. The second chamber has a user-selectable target variable climate zone temperature between a predetermined temperature below 0°C and a predetermined temperature above 0°C. The vertical partition defines a through passage between the first chamber and the second chamber. A temperature control module is located in the second chamber. The temperature control module includes a body having a front surface and a rear surface. The rear surface faces the rear wall of the second chamber, and the front surface faces the open end of the second chamber. An air passage is formed in the body, extending between a side inlet opening of the body and at least one outlet opening on the front surface of the body. The side air inlet of the air passage is aligned with the through passage in the vertical partition between the first chamber and the second chamber. The second inlet opening extends through the front surface of the body to the air passage. A damper assembly is located adjacent to the air passage. The damper assembly includes a door movable between a first position and a second position. When the door is in the first position, the door fluidly isolates the through passage in the vertical partition from the first chamber while allowing the second inlet opening in the body to be in fluid communication with the air passage in the body.

[0027] In a nineteenth aspect, a door is provided which, when in a second position, fluidly isolates a second inlet opening in the body from an air passage in the body while allowing a through passage in the vertical partition to be in fluid communication with the first chamber.

[0028] In a twentieth aspect, there is provided a heater assembly disposed between the front surface and the rear surface of the main body, near an air passage, wherein when the heater assembly is powered on, air in the air passage is heated by the heater assembly.

[0029] In the twenty-first aspect, a refrigerator 10 is provided, which includes an inner tank 72 defining an upper refrigerating chamber 74 and a lower chamber 76, and a vertical center beam divides the lower chamber 76 into a freezing chamber 120 and a temperature-changing chamber 200. An evaporator cover 130 is disposed in the freezing chamber 120 to define an evaporator chamber 174. An evaporator 158 is disposed in the evaporator chamber 174, between the inner tank 72 and the evaporator cover 130. An evaporator fan 156 is in fluid communication with the evaporator chamber 174. A through passage 102 is disposed in the vertical center beam 100, and a windshield 292 can selectively open and close the through passage 102. The evaporator cover 130 includes a plurality of outlets 138a, 138b, 138c for conveying cooling air from the evaporator chamber 174 to the freezing chamber 120. A lower surface 136b of the evaporator cover 130 guides air from the freezing chamber 120 to the evaporator chamber 174. The upper duct 152 is fluidly connected to the outlet of the evaporator fan 156 for delivering cooling air from the evaporator 158 to the through-passage 102 of the vertical center beam 100. The bottom of the evaporator chamber 174 includes an opening 168 that fluidly connects the variable temperature chamber 200 to the evaporator chamber 174. The evaporator cover 130 and the liner 72 define a return flow path for drawing air from the variable temperature chamber 200 to the evaporator 158 when the damper 292 opens the through-passage 102.

[0030] In a twenty-second aspect, an evaporator cover 130 is provided, which includes a front baffle 134 facing the open end of the freezer compartment 120. A radial fan 156 is fixed to the rear side of the front baffle 134. A fan cover 172 is fixed to the rear side of the front baffle 134 and defines an inlet 172a for the radial fan 156. A rear element 144 is provided (sandwiched) between the fan cover 172 and the rear side of the front baffle 134 to form an air passage to guide cooling air from the evaporator 158 to a plurality of outlets 138a, 138b, 138c and the upper duct 152.

[0031] In a twenty-third aspect, a front baffle 134 made of plastic is provided.

[0032] In a twenty-fourth aspect, a rear element 144 made of polystyrene foam (EPS) is provided.

[0033] In the twenty-fifth aspect, a refrigerator 10 is provided, which includes an inner liner 72 defining an upper refrigerating chamber 74 and a lower chamber 76. A vertical center beam 100 divides the lower chamber 76 into a freezing chamber 120 and a variable temperature chamber 200. A through passage 102 is provided at the vertical center beam 100, and a windshield 292 selectively opens and closes the through passage 102. An evaporator 158 is provided in the freezing chamber 120, and an evaporator fan 156 is provided in the freezing chamber 120 for conveying cooling air from the evaporator 158 to the through passage 102 of the vertical center beam 100 to cool the variable temperature chamber 200. The variable temperature chamber 200 includes a vertical partition 222 having a front side facing an open end of the variable temperature chamber 200 and a rear side facing the inner liner 72. A first air channel chamber 232 is formed in the rear side of the vertical partition 222. The fan 274 is disposed in the first air passage chamber 232 and is fluidly connected to the through passage 102 of the vertical center beam 100. The second air passage chamber 94 is formed in the rear side of the vertical partition 222 and is fluidly connected to the evaporator fan 156 of the freezing chamber 120. The second air passage chamber 94 is located below the first air passage chamber 232 and is fluidly separated from the first air passage chamber 232 in the variable temperature chamber 200. The vertical partition 222 includes a plurality of outlets 222a, 222b, 222c on the front side, which are fluidly connected to the first air passage chamber 232 for conveying cooling air from the evaporator 158 of the freezing chamber 120 to the variable temperature chamber 200. The lower (guide) surface 226 extends to the bottom of the variable temperature chamber 200 and is fluidly connected to the second air passage chamber 94 for drawing air from the variable temperature chamber 200 to the evaporator 158 of the freezing chamber 120.

[0034] In a twenty-sixth aspect, a refrigerator 10 is provided, the refrigerator comprising a chamber 200 defining side walls 76a, 76b, 76c, 104a, a rear wall 76d, and a front opening associated with a door 202. The chamber 200 comprises an airflow assembly 220, the airflow assembly comprising a front cover 222 having an inlet 224 and outlets 222a, 222b, 222c in fluid communication with the chamber 200. A radial fan 274 is fixed behind the front cover 222. A fan cover 284 is fixed to the front cover 222 and defines an inlet 288 for the radial fan 274. A first thermal insulation element 244 is disposed between the fan cover 284 and the front cover 222. The airflow assembly 220 further comprises a second thermal insulation element 262 disposed between the first thermal insulation element 244 and the rear wall 76d of the chamber 200. The first thermal insulation element 244 and the second thermal insulation element 262 form an airflow path D for delivering cooling air to the chamber 200.

[0035] In a twenty-seventh aspect, a front cover 222 made of plastic is provided.

[0036] In a twenty-eighth aspect, a first insulation element 244 and a second insulation element 262 are provided, at least one of which is made of polystyrene foam (EPS).

[0037] In the twenty-ninth aspect, a first insulation member 244 sandwiched between the fan cover 284 and the front cover 222 is provided.

[0038] It is contemplated that embodiments of the present invention may include one or more combinations of any of the foregoing aspects. The following are exemplary combinations of the foregoing aspects, but are not intended to limit the present invention to any particular combination of these aspects: a combination of the first, second, and third aspects; a combination of the first, third, and fourth aspects; a combination of the eleventh, twelfth, and thirteenth aspects; a combination of the eleventh, thirteenth, and fourteenth aspects; a combination of the eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth aspects; a combination of the twenty-first and twenty-second aspects; a combination of the twenty-first and twenty-third aspects; a combination of the twenty-first and twenty-fourth aspects; a combination of the twenty-fifth and twenty-second aspects; a combination of the twenty-sixth and twenty-seventh aspects; a combination of the twenty-sixth and twenty-eighth aspects; and a combination of the twenty-sixth and twenty-ninth aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a French door bottom-loading domestic refrigerator showing the doors of the refrigerator compartment, freezer compartment and variable climate zone compartment in closed positions;

[0040] Figure 2 The refrigerator door is shown in the open position. Figure 1 A front perspective view of a refrigerator;

[0041] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A front perspective view of the interior of the refrigerator for the refrigerator compartment, the freezer compartment and the variable climate compartment of the refrigerator;

[0042] Figure 4A It shows Figure 3 A front perspective view of the lower chamber of the inner tank;

[0043] Figure 4B It was taken along route 4B-4B Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an inner tank;

[0044] Figure 5A The different angles of the line 5A-5A are taken Figure 3 Another cross-sectional view of the liner, wherein the baffle is disposed in the lower chamber of the liner;

[0045] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A a perspective view of one side of the partition;

[0046] Figure 5C yes Figure 5Aa perspective view of the opposite side of the partition;

[0047] Figure 6 The refrigeration module for the freezer compartment and the Figure 2 A front perspective view of a temperature control module of a variable climate zone chamber of a lower chamber with storage boxes and shelves removed;

[0048] Fig. 7A yes Figure 6 A front perspective view of a freezer compartment refrigeration module;

[0049] Figure 7B yes Fig. 7A A front perspective view of a freezer refrigeration module with a cover of the module removed;

[0050] Figure 7C yes Fig. 7A A rear perspective view of a freezer compartment refrigeration module;

[0051] Figure 8 It was taken along line 8-8 Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of an assembly of , showing the freezer compartment with the freezer compartment refrigeration module and the partition removed;

[0052] Fig. 9A yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a lower portion of a refrigerator showing a door of a variable climate compartment with a door of a refrigerator compartment removed to reveal a user interface according to one embodiment;

[0053] Fig. 9B yes Figure 1 a reverse perspective view of a lower portion of a refrigerator showing a door of a variable climate compartment with a freezer door removed to reveal a user interface according to another embodiment;

[0054] Fig. 10A yes Figure 6 A front perspective view of a temperature control module;

[0055] Fig. 10B yes Fig. 10A A rear perspective view of a temperature control module;

[0056] Fig.11 is a rear perspective view of a cover of the temperature control module of FIG. 10 ;

[0057] Fig. 12A yes Fig. 10A A front perspective view of a front main body portion of a temperature control module;

[0058] Fig. 12B yes Fig. 10A a rear perspective view of a front body portion of a temperature control module;

[0059] Fig.13Ais used for Fig. 10A A front perspective view of a heater, fan and damper assembly of a temperature control module;

[0060] Fig. 13B is used for Fig. 10A a rear perspective view of a heater, fan and damper assembly of a temperature control module;

[0061] Fig.14 yes Fig. 10A a rear perspective view of a temperature control module with a rear body portion removed;

[0062] Fig.15 is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 1 , showing certain airflow paths;

[0063] Fig.16 is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 1 , showing other airflow paths; and

[0064] Fig.17 is along Figure 6 The cross-sectional view taken along line 15-15 also shows some other airflow paths. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] Now referring to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 A refrigeration appliance in the form of a domestic refrigerator is shown, which is generally indicated at 10. Although the following detailed description relates to a domestic refrigerator 10, the present invention may be implemented with refrigeration appliances other than domestic refrigerators 10. In addition, an embodiment is described in detail below, which is shown in the drawings as a refrigerator 10 in a bottom-mounted configuration, which includes a refrigerator compartment 52 disposed vertically above a variable temperature or variable climate zone (VCZ) compartment 200 and a freezer compartment 120.

[0066] Figure 1Two doors 54 are shown pivotally connected to the cabinet 51 of the refrigerator 10 to restrict and allow access to the refrigerator compartment 52. The doors 54 are French doors that together span the entire lateral distance of the entrance to the refrigerator compartment 52 to close the refrigerator compartment 52. A central flip center beam (not shown) is pivotally connected to at least one of the doors 54 to establish a surface; a seal provided to the other of the doors 54 can seal the entrance to the refrigerator compartment 52 against the surface at a position between the opposite side surfaces (not shown) of the door 54. The center beam is pivotally connected to the door 54 to pivot between a first orientation that is substantially parallel to the planar surface of the door 54 when the door 54 is closed and a different orientation when the door 54 is open. The exposed surface of the center beam is substantially parallel to the door 54 when the center beam is in the first orientation, and forms an angle that is not parallel to the door 54 when the center beam is in the second orientation. The seal and the exposed surface of the center beam cooperate at a position that is offset from the center line between the sides of the refrigerator compartment 52. It is contemplated that the seal and exposed surface of the center beam may mate approximately midway between the sides of the refrigerated compartment 52 .

[0067] A dispenser 56 ( Figure 1 ) can be disposed on the outside of one of the doors 54 that restrict access to the refrigerated compartment 52. The dispenser 56 includes a lever, switch, proximity sensor, or other device with which a user can interact to dispense frozen ice from an ice maker 58 ( Figure 2 ) is dispensed from an ice bin (not shown) of the ice maker 58. Ice cubes from the ice maker 58 may exit the ice maker 58 through an orifice 59 and be delivered to the dispenser 56 via an ice chute 61 extending at least partially through the door 54 between the dispenser 56 and the ice maker 58.

[0068] Refrigerator liner 72

[0069] The refrigerator 10 includes an inner container 72. Figure 3 , the liner 72 is formed to define an upper chamber 74 and a lower chamber 76. Although shown as a single liner defining two chambers 74, 76, it is contemplated that each chamber has a separate liner. The liner 72 is included in the refrigerator 10 ( Figure 2 ). It is contemplated that the space 78 between the upper chamber 74 and the lower chamber 76 may be filled with a uniformly expanding foam material (not shown). The foam material is configured to help thermally isolate the upper chamber 74 and the lower chamber 76, and further solidifies into a rigid form that helps structurally support the various chambers of the refrigerator.

[0070] The upper chamber 74 defines a refrigeration chamber 52, which is used to minimize the deterioration of food stored therein. The refrigeration chamber 52 achieves this by maintaining the temperature in the refrigeration chamber 52 at a cooling temperature usually above 0°C, so that the food in the refrigeration chamber 52 will not freeze. It is envisioned that the cooling temperature is a target temperature for fresh food that can be selected by the user, preferably between 0°C and 10°C, more preferably between 0°C and 5°C, and even more preferably between 0.25°C and 4.5°C. A fresh food evaporator (not shown) is specifically used to maintain the temperature in the refrigeration chamber 52 independently of the freezer 120. In one embodiment, the temperature in the refrigeration chamber 52 can be maintained at a cooling temperature between 0°C and 4.5°C in a tight tolerance range, including any sub-range and any single temperature that decreases with the range. For example, other embodiments can optionally maintain the cooling temperature in the refrigeration chamber 52 within a reasonably tight tolerance range between 0.25°C and 4°C.

[0071] The upper chamber 74 and the lower chamber 76 of the inner liner 72 are configured so that the air circulating in the upper chamber 74 is kept separate from the air circulating in the lower chamber 76. The lower chamber 76 defines the freezer chamber 120 and the VCZ chamber 200. At this point, the air circulating in the refrigerating chamber 52 is kept separate from the air circulating in the VCZ chamber 200 and the freezer chamber 120.

[0072] refer to Figure 4A , the lower chamber 76 includes side walls 76a, a top wall 76b, a bottom wall 76c, and a rear wall 76d. A plurality of horizontal receivers 82 are molded into the two side walls 76a. The receivers 82 may be configured to receive drawer supports (not shown), which in turn receive shelves 12 (not shown) for supporting the freezer compartment 120 or the VCZ compartment 200. Figure 2 ) of a fixed or movable sliding assembly (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving member 82 is U-shaped with an open end facing the opening of the lower chamber 76. A plurality of horizontal ledges 84 may also be formed in the side wall 76a below the receiving member 82. Each ledge 84 may be configured to support a storage box 14 ( Figure 2 Each storage bin 14 may include a wheel assembly (not shown) for allowing the storage bin 14 to selectively slide into and out of the corresponding freezer compartment 120 or VCZ compartment 200. The ledge 84 is sized and positioned as described in detail below.

[0073] refer to Figure 4B, a cross-sectional view of the lower chamber 76 is shown. A plurality of recesses 86 are formed in the side wall 76a. The recesses 86 are spaced apart along the side wall 76a and are sized and positioned as described in detail below. Similar recesses (not shown) are formed in the opposite side wall 76a. The rear wall 76d is contoured to define a recess 92 extending in a generally horizontal direction. As described in detail below, the recess 92 extends between the freezer compartment 120 and the VCZ compartment 200 to allow fluid communication therebetween.

[0074] The corner portion of the liner 72 where the rear wall 76d meets the bottom wall 76c is contoured to define a sump or channel 94 extending between the side walls 76a of the lower chamber 76. As described in detail below, the sump or channel 94 extends between the freezer compartment 120 and the VCZ compartment 200 to allow fluid communication therebetween.

[0075] The bottom wall 76c includes a generally inclined portion 96. A mounting hole 98 extends through the inclined portion 96 of the bottom wall 76c and is positioned and dimensioned as described in detail below. Figure 4A ), an elongated recess 99 is formed in the bottom wall 76c and the rear wall 76d for accommodating a vertical center beam or a partition 100 that divides the lower chamber 76 into a freezer chamber 120 and a VCZ chamber 200.

[0076] Partition 100

[0077] refer to Figure 5A The partition 100 is disposed in the lower chamber 76 to separate the lower chamber 76 into a freezing chamber 120 and a VCZ chamber 200. Figure 5B and Figure 5C , the partition 100 includes a through channel or opening 102 extending between a first side surface 104a and a second side surface 104b of the partition. The opening 102 allows a fluid to flow through the partition 100 to establish fluid communication between the freezer compartment 120 and the VCZ compartment 200. The opening 102 is shown as an elongated rectangular opening. It is contemplated that the opening 102 may have other shapes, such as circular, oval, square, etc. A seat 106 may be formed in the opening 102. As shown, the seat 106 extends around the periphery of the opening 102. It is contemplated that the seat 106 may be a continuous ledge extending around the opening 102, a plurality of segmented ledges, or a discrete ledge at one or more corners or sides of the opening 102. The size and position of the seat 106 are set as described in detail below.

[0078] The partition 100 includes a rear portion 104c, a top portion 104d, and a bottom portion 104e. The profile of the rear portion 104c is formed to match the profile of the rear wall 76d of the lower chamber 76. As shown, the rear portion 104c of the partition 100 includes a protrusion 108. The opening 102 is aligned with the protrusion 108. It is envisioned that the opening 102 can extend at least partially through the protrusion 108. The size and position of the protrusion 108 are set as described in detail below. A notch 112 is formed at the corner between the rear portion 104c and the bottom 104e of the partition 100, and the profile of the notch is formed to match the inclined portion 96 of the liner 72.

[0079] like Figure 5B and Figure 5C As shown, a plurality of horizontal drawer supports 114 may be formed in the first side surface 104a and the second side surface 104b. Each drawer support 114 may be configured to receive a shelf 12 ( Figure 2 ) of a fixed or movable sliding assembly (not shown). In other words, the partition 100 includes a drawer support 114 formed integrally with the side surfaces 104a, 104b, and the side wall 76a of the lower chamber 76 includes a receiving member 82 sized to receive a separate drawer support (not shown). A plurality of horizontal ledges 116 may also be formed in the first side surface 104a and the second side surface 104b. Each ledge 116 may be configured to support a storage box 14 ( Figure 2 ) or (optionally) glass shelves. Each storage box 14 can include a roller assembly for allowing the storage box 14 to selectively move into and out of the corresponding freezer compartment 120 or VCZ compartment 200. The size and position of the ledge 116 are designed as described in detail below.

[0080] It is contemplated that the partition 100 can be a "non-foamed" element. The term "non-foamed" as used herein refers to the injection molded flow-expanding foam used elsewhere in the refrigerator cabinet to indicate that the partition 100 may not be permanently attached to the liner 72. Traditional partitions or center beam walls in refrigerators are foam insulation that cannot be removed, that is, the partitions or center beam walls are permanent structural walls of the refrigerator. It is contemplated that the partition 100 can be a "non-foamed" element that is separate from the rest of the injection molded flow-expanding foam and, if desired, can be removed from the refrigerator so that the freezer compartment 120 occupies the entire lower compartment 76. However, it should be understood that the interior of the partition 100 can still include various types of insulating materials, including insulating foam materials, to help maintain the freezer compartment 120 and the VCZ compartment 200 at the desired temperature.

[0081] refer to Figure 5A , the partition 100 is sized to be received in the lower chamber 76, thereby separating the freezing chamber 120 and the VCZ chamber 200. Figure 5A , the partition 100 is shown fully inserted into the lower chamber 76. The partition 100 is positioned in the lower chamber 76 such that the protrusion 108 (with the opening 102) of the partition 100 is received in the recess 92 of the rear wall 76d of the lower chamber 76. Optionally, a seal (not shown) may be provided between the rear portion 104c and the rear wall 76d to define a seal between the partition 100 and the rear wall 76d of the lower chamber 76. The top 104d and bottom 104e ( Figure 5B and Figure 5C ) is received in the elongated recess 99 ( Figure 4B ). Optionally, it is also contemplated that seals (not shown) may be disposed between the top 104d and bottom 104e of the partition 100 and the top wall 76b and bottom wall 76c of the lower chamber 76, respectively, for forming a seal between the partition 100 and the top wall 76b and bottom wall 76c of the lower chamber 76. Once the partition 100 is fully inserted into the lower chamber 76, fluid communication may be established between the freezer chamber 120 and the VCZ chamber 200 through the opening 102 and the sump or passage 94.

[0082] In addition, the drawer supports 114 and ledges 116 on the partition 100 are positioned and sized to align with the corresponding receivers 82 and ledges 84 on the side walls 76a of the corresponding freezer compartment 120 or VCZ compartment 200. The receivers 82, drawer supports 114, and ledges 84, 116 are positioned and sized to support the shelves 12 and storage boxes 14 thereon, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 shown.

[0083] Freezer 120

[0084] refer to Figure 1 The freezer compartment 120 is horizontally disposed next to the VCZ compartment 200 and vertically disposed below the refrigerating compartment 52. The door assembly 122 ( Figure 1 ) includes one or more freezer baskets (not shown), and the door assembly can be pivoted open to allow a user to access food stored in the freezer compartment 120.

[0085] The freezing chamber 120 is used to freeze and / or keep the food stored in the freezing chamber 120 in a frozen state. To this end, the freezing chamber 120 includes an evaporator cover or a freezing chamber refrigeration module 130 ( Figures 6 to 8) (as described in detail below), the evaporator cover or freezer refrigeration module removes heat energy from the freezer compartment 120 to maintain the temperature therein at a user-selectable target freezing temperature, for example, 0°C or lower, preferably between 0°C and -50°C, more preferably between 0°C and -30°C, and even more preferably between 0°C and -20°C during operation of the refrigerator 10. The freezer compartment 120 is also in communication with the VCZ compartment 200, so that a portion of the cooling air supplied by the freezer refrigeration module 130 can be selectively supplied to the VCZ compartment 200.

[0086] Freezer refrigeration module 130

[0087] refer to Figure 6 , the freezer compartment refrigeration module 130 of the freezer compartment 120 and the airflow assembly or temperature control module 220 of the VCZ compartment 200 are shown as being disposed in their respective compartments 120, 200. FIG. 7A to FIG. 8 , a freezer refrigeration module 130 is shown. Generally, the freezer refrigeration module 130 includes a housing assembly 132, a freezer fan 156, and a freezer evaporator 158.

[0088] refer to Fig. 7A , the housing assembly 132 includes a front partition or cover 134 and a rear element or body 144. The cover 134 includes a front portion 136a and a lower surface or flange portion 136b. The profile and size of the front portion 136a are set to have various features that are pleasing to the consumer. A plurality of openings 138a, 138b, 138c extend through the front portion 136a. The openings 138a are spaced near the upper edge of the front portion 136a, and the lower openings 138b are spaced near the lower edge of the front portion 136a. The openings 138c are spaced in the middle of the front portion 136a. The openings 138a, 138b, 138c define the exhaust port of the freezer refrigeration module 130, as described in detail below. The lower opening 138b is formed on the raised portion 136c of the cover 134. The position and size of the raised portion 136c are set as described in detail below. It is contemplated that the cover 134 may be made of plastic.

[0089] The flange portion 136b extends from the front lower portion of the cover 134 at a position below the lower opening 138b. As shown, the flange portion 136b is a curved elongated member, and its size and location are set as described in detail below. The mounting hole 142 extends through the flange portion 136b. The location and size of the mounting hole 142 are set as described in detail below.

[0090] Multiple protrusions 143 ( Figure 7C ) extend from the outer edge of the cover 134 for mounting the freezer compartment refrigeration module 130 to the liner 72, as described in detail below. The positions and sizes of the plurality of tabs 143 are set as described in detail below.

[0091] refer to Figure 7B , for clarity, the cover 134 of the housing assembly 132 is removed. The contour of the front surface 144a of the body 144 forms a cavity 146. The cavity 146 is formed around an opening 148 extending through the body 144. The cavity 146 includes an upper branch 146a and a lower branch 146b. The upper branch 146a of the cavity 146 extends to the side edge of the body 144, forming an upper duct or outlet 152. In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet 152 is C-shaped. It is conceivable that the outlet 152 can have other shapes. The lower branch 146b extends to the middle of the body 144 and is positioned and sized as described in detail below. It is conceivable that the body 144 can be made of polystyrene foam (EPS).

[0092] The divider 154 extends from the front surface 144a of the body 144. In the illustrated embodiment, the divider 154 includes a base 154a and a central protrusion 154b. The central protrusion 154b is generally triangular in shape to divide the air path into two paths, as described in detail below.

[0093] The cover 134 is attached to the body 144 to enclose the cavity 146 and thereby define an internal air path "A" for the freezer refrigeration module 130. It is contemplated that the cover 134 may be attached to the body 144 using elements such as, but not limited to, fasteners, adhesives, snap-fit ​​components, and combinations of the foregoing elements. As shown, the cavity 146 is formed in the body 144, and the cover 134 encloses the open side of the cavity 146 to define the internal air path "A" into the freezer compartment 120, as described in detail below. Figure 7B As shown, air path "A" is directed in both upward and downward directions from fan 156. As described in detail below, the downwardly directed air path "A" is divided into two flow paths "A1" and "A2".

[0094] When the cover 134 is attached to the body 144, the raised portion 136c of the cover 134 is located above the partition 154 of the body 144. Specifically, the central protrusion 154b of the partition 154 extends into the raised portion 136c of the cover 134 to divide the corresponding area between the cover 134 and the body 144 into two flow paths "A1" and "A2" ( Figure 7B ). One flow path is fluidly connected to one of the lower openings 138b in the cover 134, and the other flow path is fluidly connected to another of the other lower openings 138b in the cover 134. Although the present embodiment is shown as having a single lower opening 138b connected to one flow path, it is contemplated that the cover 134 may include a plurality of lower openings 138b that communicate with one of the flow paths defined between the cover 134 and the body 144.

[0095] As shown, the body 144 is contoured to define concave and convex surfaces that cooperate with the undulating convex surfaces of the cover 134 to define various flow paths therebetween. It is contemplated that the undulating features may be reversed, so long as a flow path is defined between the cover 134 and the body 144. It is also contemplated that the cover 134 and the body 144 may be replaced with a single unitary body (e.g., a single molded component), and the internal passages may be formed in the single unitary body, e.g., molded or machined.

[0096] refer to Figure 7B , the freezer fan 156 is located in the opening 148 formed in the body 144. The freezer fan 156 is shown as a centrifugal or radial fan, wherein air is drawn from the rear 156a ( Figure 7C ) is sucked in and discharged outward along the outer periphery of the freezer compartment fan 156 (see air flow arrow "A", Figure 7B ). Various other types of fans (eg, axial flow fans, etc.) may also be used.

[0097] refer to Figure 7C , a rear view of the freezer compartment refrigeration module 130 is shown, with a freezer evaporator 158 located near the rear surface 144b of the body 144. The freezer evaporator 158 includes a plurality of fins 162 and a cooling coil 164 for absorbing heat from air conveyed through the freezer evaporator 158 when the refrigerant circulates through the cooling coil 164. The freezer evaporator 158 is attached to a frame member 166.

[0098] The frame member 166 includes a lower horizontal portion 166a extending below the freezing evaporator 158 and a vertical portion 166b extending along the rear side of the freezing evaporator 158. The lower horizontal portion 166a is spaced apart from the bottom of the freezing evaporator 158 to define an opening or gap 168 therebetween. The gap 168 defines a portion of the return flow path "B1" from the VCZ chamber 200 to the freezing evaporator 158, as described in detail below.

[0099] The cover 134 may include a plurality of fins 137 extending into an outlet 152 formed in the body 144. The fins 137 are contoured to direct air exhausted from the outlet 152 to a predetermined direction.

[0100] A fan cover or mounting plate 172 can be mounted to the rear surface 144b of the body 144. An opening 172a in the mounting plate 172 can be sized to define an inlet for the freezer compartment fan 156.

[0101] refer to Figure 8 , the freezer compartment fan 130 is located in the lower chamber 76 of the inner tank 72. Assume that the freezer compartment refrigeration module 130 ( Figure 7C) and the plurality of recesses (not shown) on the sidewall 76a of the lower chamber 76 can be positioned and sized to align with each other and engage in a snap-fit ​​manner. It is contemplated that the plurality of protrusions 143 and the plurality of recesses can be used to properly position the freezer refrigeration module 130 into the lower chamber 76 until fasteners (not shown) more securely secure the freezer refrigeration module 130 to the chamber 76. The flange portion 136b of the cover 134 is positioned to be spaced apart from the inclined portion 96 of the lower chamber 76. The lower chamber 76 ( Figure 4B ) in the lower mounting hole 98 and the flange portion 136b ( Fig. 7A ) can be positioned and sized to register with each other so that a fastener (not shown) can extend through the flange portion 136b and into the rear wall 76d of the lower chamber 76 to secure the freezer refrigeration module 130 to the lower chamber 76. The flange portion 136b and the inclined portion 96 define a portion of the return flow path "B2" extending from the lower portion of the freezer chamber 120 to the gap 168 below the freezing evaporator 158. The cover 134 and the rear wall 76d of the liner 72 define an evaporator chamber 174, which is sized to accommodate the evaporator 158.

[0102] When the freezer refrigeration module 130 is located in the lower chamber 76, the horizontal portion 166a of the frame member 166 extends into the sump or channel 94 formed in the liner 72. The sump or channel 94, together with the gap 168, defines a portion of the flow path "B1" from the VCZ chamber 200 to the freezer refrigeration module 130. The flow path "B1" allows air to flow from the sump or channel 94 in the liner 72 to the gap 168 below the freezing evaporator 158. Therefore, the flow paths "B1" and "B2" allow air to flow into the freezer refrigeration module 130. The outlet 152 is positioned and sized to extend at least partially into the recess 99 in the rear wall 76d of the lower chamber 76. The outlet 152 defines a portion of the flow path "C" to allow air to be discharged or exhausted from the freezer refrigeration module 130 and enter the VCZ chamber 200, as described in detail below. Additionally, the openings 138 a , 138 b , 138 c in the cover 134 also allow air from the air path “A” to be exhausted from the freezer refrigeration module 130 or into the freezer compartment 120 .

[0103] Although not shown, it is contemplated that one or more gasket elements may be disposed along a rear surface of the freezer refrigeration module 130 to define a seal between the freezer refrigeration module 130 and the rear wall 76 d of the lower chamber 76 .

[0104] VCZ Room 200

[0105] Re-reference Figure 6, the VCZ chamber 200 is located in the lower chamber 76 on the left side of the partition 100 (when viewed from the front of the refrigerator 10). The VCZ chamber 200 is configured to operate as a refrigerator (i.e., above zero) or a freezer (i.e., below zero) at different user-selectable temperatures. Generally, the VCZ chamber includes a shelf 12 ( Figure 2 )、Storage Box 14( Figure 2 ) and temperature control module 220. Door 202 ( Figure 1 , Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B ) is provided for closing the VCZ chamber 200.

[0106] Control unit or user interface 204 ( Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B ) is disposed on the door 202. The user interface 204 is disposed so that it is not visible when the door 202 of the VCZ chamber 200 and the door assembly 122 of the freezer chamber 120 are both in the closed position (see Figure 1 ). The user interface 204 can be accessed when the door 202 of the VCZ chamber 200 is pivoted open. The user interface 204 is configured to allow a user to selectively operate the VCZ chamber 200 at a user-selectable target variable climate zone temperature between a predetermined temperature below 0°C and a predetermined temperature above 0°C, including practical refrigeration and freezing temperatures, such as -18°C, -12°C, -2°C, 0°C, and +4°C. It is contemplated that the user interface 204 can be a plurality of buttons, capacitive touch buttons, a touch display, a keyboard, or any conventional device that allows a user to input commands to a control system (not shown) of the refrigerator 10. In Fig. 9A In the illustrated embodiment, the user interface 204 is located on the upper edge of the door 202. Fig. 9B In the illustrated embodiment, the user interface 204 is located on a side edge of the door 202 .

[0107] Temperature control module 220

[0108] refer to Figure 6 , shows the temperature control module 220 of the VCZ chamber 200. The temperature control module 220 is located at the rear of the VCZ chamber 200. FIG. 10A to FIG. 10B The temperature control module 220 generally includes a vertical partition or cover 222, a front body portion 244, a rear body portion 262, a heater 272, a fan 274, and a windshield assembly 292. The front body portion 244 is also referred to as a "first insulation element" and the rear body portion 262 is also referred to as a "second insulation element."

[0109] refer to Fig. 10A, the cover 222 includes a plurality of outlets 222a, 222b, 222c for exhausting air from the temperature control module 220 into the VCZ chamber 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the outlets 222a, 222b, 222c are generally rectangular. It is contemplated that the outlets 222a, 222b, 222c may be other shapes, such as oval, circular, square, etc. These outlets 222a, 222b, 222c define an outlet for allowing air to be exhausted or exhausted from the temperature control module 220 and into the VCZ chamber 200, as described in detail below. Optionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the outlets 222a, 222b, 222c include a guide element (not shown) for guiding the air exiting the temperature control module 220 into the VCZ chamber 200 in a predetermined direction. It is contemplated that the cover 222 may be made of plastic.

[0110] The inlet 224 extends through the cover 222. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet 224 is a grille opening having a plurality of rectangular openings. It is contemplated that the inlet 224 may be a single opening, or that the grille opening may be defined by an insert located in or above a single opening. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 222 includes a lower (guide) surface or cover element 226. The cover element 226 is a canopy-like element extending downward from the lower edge of the cover 222. It is contemplated that the cover element 226 may have other shapes and / or sizes. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover element 226 is integral with the cover 22. It is contemplated that the cover element 226 may be a separate component attached to the cover 222. The mounting hole 226a extends through the cover element 226 for securing the temperature control module 220 to the liner 72, as described in detail below.

[0111] refer to Fig.11 , showing the rear surface 228 of the cover 222. A first air passage chamber or recess 232 is formed in the rear surface 228. In the illustrated embodiment, the recess 232 is generally circular and includes three circular portions 232a. A boss 234 is disposed in a central portion of each circular portion 232a. The dimensions of the recess 232 are set as described in detail below. A ramp recess 232b extends from the recess 232 to the outlet 222c. The dimensions of the ramp recess 232b are set as described in detail below. Four mounting bosses 236 are disposed around the recess 232. Each boss 236 is sized to accommodate a fastener (not shown), as described in detail below. Three tabs 238 are disposed along one edge of the cover 222. The location and dimensions of the tabs 238 are set as described in detail below. It is contemplated that the cover 222 may be made of a plastic material, such as, but not limited to, polypropylene.

[0112] refer to Fig. 10B The main body 242 includes a front main body portion 244 ( Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B ) and the rear main body portion 262. Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B , the contour of the front body portion 244 engages with the rear surface 228 of the cover 222. The wavy recess 246 extends into the rear surface 244a of the front body portion 244 and protrudes from the front surface 244b of the front body portion 244. The recess 246 is sized and positioned to be received in the recess 232 of the cover 222. A hole 248 extends through each circular portion of the recess 246 and is sized and positioned to align with a corresponding boss 234 in the cover 222. The recess 246 communicates with two outlets 252a, 252b extending through the front body portion 244. The two outlets 252a, 252b are sized and positioned to align with the outlets 222a, 222b of the cover 222 when the front body portion 244 is mated with the cover 222.

[0113] The front body portion 244 also includes a ramp portion 254 extending from the recess 246. The ramp portion 254 extends to an outlet 252c. The outlet 252c is sized and positioned to align with the outlet 222c of the cover 222. The front body portion 244 also includes an opening 256 that aligns with the inlet 224 in the cover 222.

[0114] refer to Fig. 10B , the rear body portion 262 is contoured to match the rear surface 244a of the front body portion 244. The rear body portion 262 and the front body portion 244 are contoured to define an air path "D" ( Fig.16 , Fig.17 ), as described in detail below. A slot 264 is formed in one side edge of the rear body portion 262. The size and position of the slot 264 are set as described in detail below. It is contemplated that at least one of the front body portion 244 and the rear body portion 262 can be made of a plastic material, such as, but not limited to, polystyrene foam (EPS).

[0115] refer to Fig.13A and Fig. 13B, the heater 272, the fan 274 and the damper assembly 292 are shown as removed from the temperature control module 220. The heater 272, the fan 274 and the damper assembly 292 are all shown in their relative positions when installed in the temperature control module 220. The fan 274 and the damper assembly 292 are located between the front body portion 244 and the rear body portion 262, and the heater 272 is disposed on the front surface 244b of the front body portion 244. The heater 272 is shown as an elongated coil electric heater. It is envisioned that the heater 272 may be other types of conventional heating elements, such as, but not limited to, a strip electric heater, a ceramic heater, a flexible heating element, a thermoelectric heating element, or even a part of a condensation tube, etc. It is envisioned that the heater 272 may be optionally fixed to the front body portion 244 using a conductive tape (not shown) during the manufacturing process, but the heater 272 may also be mounted by mechanical fasteners, etc. As described above, the heater 272 is disposed on the front surface 244b of the front body portion 244. It is also contemplated that the heater 272 may be embedded within the front body portion 244 .

[0116] In the illustrated embodiment, the temperature control module 220 is shown to include a cover 222, a front body portion 244, and a heater 272 captured therebetween. It is contemplated that the cover 22 and the front body portion 244 may be formed as a single unitary body (e.g., a single molded component) that is overmolded around the heater 272. Alternatively, the heater 272 may be inserted into a slot formed (e.g., molded or machined) into the unitary unitary body.

[0117] refer to Fig.15 , the fan 274 is located in the recess 246 of the front body portion 244. Fig.13A and Fig. 13B As shown, the fan 274 is a radial fan and includes a plurality of blades 276 for drawing air into the fan 274 and radially discharging the air from the periphery of the fan 274. The fan 274 is shown as a centrifugal fan that discharges air outward along its periphery, but other types of fans (e.g., axial fans, etc.) are also contemplated. The fan 274 includes three mounting members 282 for securing the fan 274 to the bosses 234 of the cover 222. Specifically, the bosses 234 extend through corresponding holes 248 in the front body portion 244. Fasteners (not shown) are provided for securing the fan 274 to the cover 222, thereby securing the front body portion 244 therebetween.

[0118] The fan cover or mounting plate 284 is configured to be attached to the rear surface 244a of the front body portion 244. The mounting plate 284 includes four mounting holes 286 that are sized and positioned to align with the four bosses 236 of the cover 222. Specifically, the bosses 236 extend through corresponding holes 249 ( Fig. 12A , Fig. 12B ) to allow fasteners (not shown) to pass through the mounting plate 284, the front body portion 244 and reach the boss 236 of the cover 222. When the fan 274 and the mounting plate 284 are fixed to the front body portion 244, the inlet or opening 288 extends through the mounting plate 284 and is aligned with the center of the fan 274.

[0119] The damper assembly 292 includes a frame 294 and a damper door 298. The frame 294 includes an opening 296 extending through the frame 294. The damper door 298 is attached to the frame 294 to pivot relative to the opening 296. The damper door 298 has a shape that closely matches the shape of the opening 296 to close the opening.

[0120] The damper door 298 may include a sealing element 299 on a first side 298a of the damper door 298. Preferably, the sealing element 299 may be made of a resilient element, such as rubber or foam, but a rigid plastic material may also be used. It is contemplated that the sealing element 299 may be attached to the first side 298a of the damper door 298 using a fastening device, such as, but not limited to, an adhesive, a fastener, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing element 299 is a single element attached to the first side 298a of the damper door 298. It is contemplated that the sealing element 299 may be formed by embedding or surrounding the entire damper door 298 so that the sealing element covers the first side 298a and the second side 298b of the damper door 298.

[0121] A motor (not shown) may be provided for moving the damper door 298. The damper door 298 may be movable between a first or closed position (not shown) and a second or open position ( Fig.13A and Fig. 13B ) between the frame 294 and the opening 296. When in the closed position, the sealing element 299 engages the frame 294 to prevent air from flowing through the opening 296. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing element 299 is shown as part of the damper door 298. It is also contemplated that the sealing element 299 can be part of the frame 294. When in the open position, the position of the damper door 298 is set as described in detail below.

[0122] It is contemplated that the motor may pivot the damper door 298 between a plurality of positions, including an open position and a closed position, to control and adjust airflow to the VCZ chamber 200. It is also contemplated that a damper door heating element (not shown) may be disposed in or on the frame 294 and / or the damper door 298 to heat the frame 294 and / or the damper door 298. The heat applied to the frame 294 and / or the damper door 298 by the damper door heating element may be sufficient to prevent the damper door 298 from freezing to the frame 294 and / or to prevent frost from forming that would prevent the damper door 298 from fully closing.

[0123] In one embodiment, the temperature control module 220 is assembled by first placing the heater 272 on the front surface 244b of the front body portion 244. Fig.14 As shown, the front surface 244b of the front body portion 244 is then positioned adjacent to the rear surface 228 of the cover 222 to secure the heater 272 between the cover 222 and the front body portion 244. As described in detail above, the bosses 234, 236 ( Fig.11 ) and the holes 248, 249 ( Fig. 12A , Fig. 12B ) are aligned so that the bosses 234, 236 extend through the corresponding holes 248, 249. The fan 274 and the mounting plate 284 are then fastened to the corresponding bosses 234, 236 of the cover 222 to fix the fan 274 and the mounting plate 284 to the front body portion 244 and the cover 222.

[0124] For clarity and discussion, the rear body portion 262 is not shown. Fig.14 296 and the mounting plate 284 are shown attached to the front body portion 244. The rear surface 244a of the front body portion 244 is contoured to define an airflow path "D" from the fan 274. The damper assembly 292 is shown in an open position to allow air to flow through the opening 296 and along the airflow path "D" to the fan 274 inlet.

[0125] refer to Fig.15 , the rear body portion 262 is shown attached to the front body portion 244 to close the airflow path "D". Fig.15 Airflow through the temperature control module 220 is also shown flowing through the damper assembly 292 along airflow path “D”.

[0126] refer to Fig.16 and Fig.17 , the temperature control module 220 is shown as being located in the lower chamber 76, adjacent to the bulkhead 100. Prior to placing the temperature control module 220 in the lower chamber 76, the damper assembly 292 is positioned into the opening 102 of the bulkhead 100. It is contemplated that the seat 106 formed in the opening 102 may be sized such that the frame 294 of the damper assembly 292 abuts the seat 106. The temperature control module 220 is positioned such that the rear body portion 262 abuts the rear wall 76d of the liner 72. The liner 72 then defines the open side of the airflow path "D" (e.g., Fig.15 and Fig.16 shown).

[0127] Re-reference Figure 6 , the temperature control module 220 of the VCZ chamber 200 is located in the lower chamber 76 on the left side of the partition 100. It is assumed that the plurality of protrusions 238 ( Fig.11 ) is positioned and sized to engage with the mating recess 86 ( Figure 4B ) to align.

[0128] Re-reference Figure 6 , Fig.16 and Fig.17 , the temperature control module 220 is located in the lower chamber 76, above the sump or channel 94 at the rear of the lower chamber 76. The sump or channel 94 and the lower portion of the temperature control module 220 define an airflow path "B1" ( ) from the VCZ chamber 200 through the partition 100 and to the refrigeration evaporator 158 in the freezer chamber 120. Figure 8 and Fig.16 ). The sump or passage 94 is also referred to as the "second air passage chamber".

[0129] operate

[0130] The same operation description will now be made for the VCZ chamber 200. As described above, the freezer refrigeration module 130 is configured to supply cold air to both the freezer chamber 120 and the VCZ chamber 200, hereinafter referred to as the dual-cooling mode of the refrigerator 10. In the dual-cooling mode, the control unit (not shown) of the refrigerator 10 places the damper door 298 in the second or open position ( Fig.16 ). The controller also circulates the refrigerant through the freezer evaporator 158 and energizes the freezer compartment fan 156. It is contemplated that the fan 274 may also be energized to improve the airflow supply to the VCZ chamber 200.

[0131] First reference Fig.16 , the control unit rotates the freezing chamber fan 156 so that the inlet air is sucked along the airflow path "B1". Specifically, the air in the freezing chamber 120 is sucked through the space between the flange portion 136b and the inclined portion 96 of the bottom wall 76c of the lower chamber 76. Figure 8 As shown, air is drawn into the gap 168 below the freezer evaporator 158. Fig.16 , the freezer compartment fan 156 also causes inlet air to be drawn from the VCZ compartment 200 along airflow path "B1" and then flow along airflow path "B1" through the sump or channel 94 below the temperature control module 220, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 The air is drawn under the partition 100 to the freezer compartment evaporator 158.

[0132] Re-reference Figure 8, air from flow path "B1" is drawn into the gap 168 below the freezer evaporator 158 to mix with the air drawn from the freezer 120 along flow path "B2". The mixed air is then drawn above the freezer evaporator 158 where heat is removed from the air. The freezer fan 156 forces the air back to the freezer 120 along flow path "A". A portion of the air is discharged from the freezer refrigeration module 130 along flow path "C".

[0133] Re-reference Fig.16 The airflow along the flow path "C" passes through the windshield assembly 292 and flows along the flow path "D" to the fan 274 in the temperature control module 220 (see Fig.15 ). As described above, the damper door 298 is in the open position. In this position, the damper door 298 engages the front body portion 244 and blocks the opening 288 while allowing air to flow through the opening 296 of the damper assembly 292. The air then enters the temperature control module 220, where the fan 274 causes the air to be transported along the airflow path "D" and out of the outlets 222a, 222b, 222c into the VCZ chamber 200.

[0134] The air in the VCZ chamber 200 returns to the freezer chamber evaporator 158 along the flow path "B1", as described in detail above. The air continues to circulate as described above until each of the freezer chamber 120 and the VCZ chamber 200 is cooled to its respective desired temperature.

[0135] refer to Fig.17 Once the VCZ room 200 reaches the desired cooling temperature (i.e., the temperature preselected via the user interface 204), the control unit may initiate a mode in which the air in the VCZ room 200 and the air in the freezer compartment 120 circulate independently. To separate the VCZ room 200 from the freezer compartment 120, the control unit may move the damper door 298 to a closed position (not shown) so that cold air from the freezer compartment refrigeration module 130 is no longer supplied to the VCZ room 200. The fan 274 then draws air from the VCZ room 200 into the temperature control module 220 along a flow path "E" and exhausts the temperature control module 220 along a flow path "D" through the outlets 222a, 222b, 222c of the cover 222. At this point, the fan 274 circulates the air in the VCZ room 200 in a closed loop circulation path between the VCZ room 200 and the temperature control module 220 to maintain the preselected temperature. It is also contemplated that the fan 274 may be de-energized so that air is not circulated within the VCZ room 200. Alternatively, if the VCZ room 200 warms slightly over time, the control unit can cause the damper door 298 to partially or even fully open to take in additional cold air from the freezer compartment to reach the preselected temperature again. It is contemplated that the damper door 298 can be selectively opened and closed as needed to maintain the temperature of the VCZ room 200 over time.

[0136] The control unit can also continue to energize the freezer fan 156 and deliver refrigerant through the freezer evaporator 158 to keep the freezer 120 at a temperature lower than the VCZ chamber 200. The operation of the fan 156 causes the air in the freezer 120 to circulate in a closed-loop circulation path between the freezer 120 and the freezer evaporator 158.

[0137] During another mode of operation (hereinafter referred to as the VCZ chamber heating mode), the control unit can energize both the heater 272 and the fan 274 of the temperature control module 220. When energized, the heater 272 increases the temperature of the front body portion 244. This increase in temperature in turn causes the air temperature in the front body portion 244 of the temperature control module 220 to increase. The heated air is then delivered into the VCZ chamber 200 by the fan 274. The heater 272 and the optional fan 274 can remain energized until the temperature in the VCZ chamber 200 is warmed to the desired temperature. Optionally, the damper door 298 can be in a closed position to block the cold air from the freezer 120. If desired, the temperature in the VCZ chamber 200 can be reduced by implementing a dual cooling mode, as described in detail above. It is contemplated that the control unit can be programmed to alternate between the dual cooling mode and the VCZ chamber heating mode to keep the VCZ chamber at a desired temperature. It is also contemplated that a specific use of the VCZ chamber heating mode can be found in rapidly increasing the temperature of the VCZ chamber 200, if desired.

[0138] The present invention has been described with reference to the above exemplary embodiments. Others will make modifications and changes after reading and understanding the present invention. These exemplary embodiments cover one or more aspects of the present invention, which are intended to include all such modifications and changes, as long as these modifications and changes are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A refrigeration appliance, comprising: Chambers, which are used to store food in a cold environment; a partition dividing the chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber, the first chamber being disposed horizontally adjacent to the second chamber, the first chamber having a user-selectable target freezing temperature and the second chamber having a user-selectable target variable climate zone temperature between a predetermined temperature below 0°C and a predetermined temperature above 0°C; an evaporator disposed in the first chamber; an evaporator fan disposed in the first chamber for delivering cooling air from the evaporator to the first chamber and the second chamber; and A temperature control module located in the second chamber, the temperature control module comprising: a main body having a front surface and a rear surface, the rear surface facing the rear wall of the second chamber, the front surface facing the open end of the second chamber, an air passage formed in the body extending between a side inlet opening of the body and at least one outlet opening on a front surface of the body; and a heater assembly disposed between the front surface and the rear surface of the main body and close to the air passage, wherein when the heater assembly is powered on, the air in the air passage is heated by the heater assembly, The refrigeration appliance further comprises: an inner container defining a chamber for storing food in a cold environment, the rear wall of the inner container being contoured to define a first horizontal recess therein; and The partition comprises: a protrusion extending from a rear edge of the partition, the protrusion being disposed in a first horizontal recess in the liner when the partition is located in the chamber, an opening extending through the protrusion between opposing side surfaces of the partition, the opening being aligned with a first horizontal recess in the liner, and The side inlet opening of the body is in fluid communication with the first horizontal recess in the liner and the opening extending through the partition, wherein an evaporator fan disposed in the first chamber delivers cooled air from the evaporator through an opening extending through the partition, through a side inlet opening in the body, through an air passage in the body, and through at least one outlet opening in the body, and discharges the cooled air into the second chamber, wherein the liner is contoured to define a second horizontal recess fluidly connecting the first chamber and the second chamber, wherein air drawn by the evaporator fan in the first chamber is drawn from the second chamber through the second horizontal recess.

2. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 1, wherein: The heater assembly includes an electrical coil.

3. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 1, wherein: The heater assembly is overmolded into the body.

4. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 1, wherein: The body includes a front portion and a rear portion, and at least a portion of the air passage is defined between the rear portion and the front portion.

5. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 4, wherein: The at least a portion of the air passage is defined by a recess formed in at least one of the front portion and the rear portion.

6. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 4, wherein: The heater assembly is embedded in at least one of the front portion and the rear portion.

7. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 1, wherein: The air passage includes a second inlet opening extending through a front surface of the body.

8. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 1, further comprising a circulation fan located in the air passage for conveying air along the air passage.

9. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 1, wherein: The air passage defines a closed-loop circulation path with the second chamber.

10. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 1, further comprising: A refrigerating chamber is provided above the chamber, and the refrigerating chamber is used to store food in a cold environment having a target temperature of 0° C. or more.

11. A refrigeration appliance, comprising: Chambers, which are used to store food in a cold environment; a partition dividing the chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber, the first chamber being disposed horizontally adjacent to the second chamber, the first chamber having a user-selectable target freezing temperature, the second chamber having a user-selectable target variable climate zone temperature between a predetermined temperature below 0° C. and a predetermined temperature above 0° C., the partition defining a through passage between the first chamber and the second chamber; an evaporator disposed in the first chamber; an evaporator fan disposed in the first chamber for delivering cooling air from the evaporator to the first chamber and the second chamber; and A temperature control module located in the second chamber, the temperature control module comprising: a main body having a front surface and a rear surface, the rear surface facing the rear wall of the second chamber, the front surface facing the open end of the second chamber, an air passage formed in the body extending between a side inlet opening of the body and at least one outlet opening on a front surface of the body, the side inlet opening of the air passage being aligned with a through passage in the partition between the first chamber and the second chamber, a second inlet opening extending through the front surface of the body to the air passage, and A windshield assembly is located near the air passage, and the windshield assembly includes: a frame assembly defining a windshield air passage through the windshield assembly, the windshield air passage being in fluid communication with a through passage formed in the bulkhead, and a door rotatably attached to the frame assembly, the door being movable between a first position and a second position, wherein when the door is in the first position, the door fluidly isolates the through passage in the partition from the first chamber while allowing the second inlet opening in the body to be in fluid communication with the air passage in the body, and When the door is in the second position, the door fluidly isolates the second inlet opening in the body from the air passage in the body while allowing the through passage in the partition to be in fluid communication with the first chamber, The refrigeration appliance further comprises: an inner container defining a chamber for storing food in a cold environment, the rear wall of the inner container being contoured to define a first horizontal recess therein; and The partition comprises: a protrusion extending from a rear edge of the partition, the protrusion being disposed in a first horizontal recess in the liner when the partition is located in the chamber, an opening extending through the protrusion between opposing side surfaces of the partition, the opening being aligned with a first horizontal recess in the liner, and The side inlet opening of the body is in fluid communication with the first horizontal recess in the liner and the opening extending through the partition, wherein an evaporator fan disposed in the first chamber delivers cooled air from the evaporator through an opening extending through the partition, through a side inlet opening in the body, through an air passage in the body, and through at least one outlet opening in the body, and discharges the cooled air into the second chamber, wherein the liner is contoured to define a second horizontal recess fluidly connecting the first chamber and the second chamber, wherein air drawn by the evaporator fan in the first chamber is drawn from the second chamber through the second horizontal recess.

12. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 11, wherein: When the door is in the first position, the air passage forms a closed-loop circulation path within the second chamber.

13. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 11, wherein: The air passage directs cooled air from the evaporator into the second compartment when the door is in the second position.

14. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 11, wherein: The air passage is a single conduit extending between the first chamber and the second chamber.

15. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 11, wherein: The partition is not part of the uniformly expanded foam material applied to the space between the inner container and the metal shell of the refrigeration appliance.

16. A refrigeration appliance, comprising: Chambers, which are used to store food in a cold environment; a vertical partition dividing the chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber, the first chamber being disposed horizontally adjacent to the second chamber, the first chamber having a user-selectable target freezing temperature, the second chamber having a user-selectable target variable climate zone temperature between a predetermined temperature below 0° C. and a predetermined temperature above 0° C., the vertical partition defining a through passage between the first chamber and the second chamber; as well as A temperature control module located in the second chamber, the temperature control module comprising: a main body having a front surface and a rear surface, the rear surface facing the rear wall of the second chamber, the front surface facing the open end of the second chamber, an air passage formed in the body extending between a side inlet opening of the body and at least one outlet opening on a front surface of the body, the side inlet opening of the air passage being aligned with a through passage in a vertical partition between the first chamber and the second chamber, a second inlet opening extending through the front surface of the body to the air passage, and A windshield assembly is located near the air passage, and the windshield assembly includes: a door movable between a first position and a second position, wherein, when the door is in a first position, the door fluidly isolates the through passage in the vertical partition from the first chamber while allowing a second inlet opening in the body to be in fluid communication with an air passage in the body, The refrigeration appliance further comprises: an inner container defining a chamber for storing food in a cold environment, the rear wall of the inner container being contoured to define a first horizontal recess therein; and The partition comprises: a protrusion extending from a rear edge of the partition, the protrusion being disposed in a first horizontal recess in the liner when the partition is located in the chamber, an opening extending through the protrusion between opposing side surfaces of the partition, the opening being aligned with a first horizontal recess in the liner, and The side inlet opening of the body is in fluid communication with the first horizontal recess in the liner and the opening extending through the partition, wherein an evaporator fan disposed in the first chamber delivers cooled air from the evaporator in the first chamber through an opening extending through the partition, through a side inlet opening in the body, through an air passage in the body, and through at least one outlet opening in the body, and discharges the cooled air into the second chamber, wherein the liner is contoured to define a second horizontal recess fluidly connecting the first chamber and the second chamber, wherein air drawn by the evaporator fan in the first chamber is drawn from the second chamber through the second horizontal recess.

17. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 16, wherein: When the door is in the second position, the door fluidly isolates the second inlet opening in the body from the air passage in the body while allowing the through passage in the vertical partition to be in fluid communication with the first chamber.

18. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 16, further comprising: A heater assembly is disposed between the front surface and the rear surface of the main body, close to the air passage, wherein when the heater assembly is powered on, air in the air passage is heated by the heater assembly.

19. A refrigerator, comprising: An inner tank, which defines an upper refrigerating chamber and a lower chamber, wherein a vertical middle beam divides the lower chamber into a freezing chamber and a temperature-changing chamber; an evaporator cover disposed within the freezer compartment to define an evaporator chamber, an evaporator disposed within the evaporator chamber, an evaporator fan in fluid communication with the evaporator chamber between the liner and the evaporator cover; a through passage, which is disposed in the vertical center beam and is selectively opened and closed by a windshield; The evaporator cover includes a plurality of outlets, a lower surface, and an upper duct, wherein the plurality of outlets are used to convey cooling air from the evaporator chamber to the freezer chamber, the lower surface is used to guide air from the freezer chamber into the evaporator chamber, and the upper duct is fluidly connected to the outlet of the evaporator fan and is used to convey cooling air from the evaporator to the through-channel of the vertical center beam; and The bottom of the evaporator chamber includes an opening that connects the variable temperature chamber fluid to the evaporator chamber, and the evaporator cover and the liner define an air duct for drawing air from the variable temperature chamber to the evaporator when the damper opens the through channel.

20. The refrigerator according to claim 19, wherein The evaporator cover comprises: The front partition, which faces the open end of the freezer compartment, a radial fan fixed to the rear side of the front baffle, a fan guard secured to the rear side of the front baffle and defining an inlet for the radial fan, and A rear member is disposed between the fan cover and a rear side of the front baffle to form an air passage to guide cooling air from the evaporator to the plurality of outlets and the upper duct.

21. The refrigerator according to claim 20, wherein: The front baffle is made of plastic.

22. The refrigerator according to claim 20, wherein: The rear element is made of polystyrene foam (EPS).

23. A refrigerator, comprising: An inner tank, which defines an upper refrigerating chamber and a lower chamber, wherein a vertical middle beam divides the lower chamber into a freezing chamber and a temperature-changing chamber; a through passage formed in the vertical center beam, and a windshield selectively opens and closes the through passage, an evaporator is disposed in the freezing chamber, and an evaporator fan is disposed in the freezing chamber for conveying cooling air from the evaporator to the through passage of the vertical center beam to cool the temperature-changing chamber; The temperature-changing chamber comprises a vertical partition having a front side facing an open end of the temperature-changing chamber and a rear side facing the liner, a first air passage chamber being formed in the rear side of the vertical partition; a fan disposed in the first air passage chamber and fluidly connected to the through passage of the vertical center beam; a second air passage chamber formed in a rear side of the vertical partition and fluidly connected to an evaporator fan of the freezer compartment, the second air passage chamber being located below the first air passage chamber and fluidly separated from the first air passage chamber in the temperature-changing compartment; The vertical partition includes a plurality of outlets on the front side, the outlets being fluidly connected to the first air passage chamber for conveying cooling air from the evaporator of the freezing chamber to the temperature-changing chamber; and A lower surface extends to the bottom of the temperature changing chamber and is fluidly connected to the second air passage chamber for drawing air from the temperature changing chamber to the evaporator of the freezing chamber.

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