Refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator includes a housing defining an interior, a freezer compartment disposed in the interior, and a cooling unit for cooling the interior of the refrigerator. The freezer compartment has a freezer compartment door. The cooling unit includes a heat exchanger disposed in the interior of the housing. At least one vent duct extends vertically through the freezer compartment door. The at least one vent duct has a first end in communication with an upper region of the interior of the refrigerator. An airflow path extends between the heat exchanger and a lower end of the at least one vent duct. A cooling fan is disposed in the interior of the refrigerator for directing an air source through the heat exchanger, along the airflow path, through the at least one vent duct, and into the upper region of the interior of the refrigerator. The cooling unit includes a cooling unit housing located at a rear side of the refrigerator. The cooling unit housing defines a U-shaped airflow path extending between an inlet and an outlet, the inlet and the outlet being located at the same side of the refrigerator. The refrigerator according to the present disclosure can provide more efficient cooling for the upper region of the refrigerator.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 236,807, filed August 25, 2021. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to refrigerators. More specifically, this disclosure relates to various aspects of refrigerators applicable to both vehicle and non-vehicle applications. Background Technology

[0004] This section provides only background information relevant to this disclosure and does not constitute prior art.

[0005] For the comfort and convenience of occupants, vehicles (including but not limited to campervans, recreational vehicles (RVs in the US, caravans or mobile homes in Europe), trucks, tractor trailers, airplanes, ships, trains, etc.) are often equipped with refrigerators. For example, campers often find it convenient, and even necessary, to refrigerate food, drinks, and medicines while traveling and at campsites. Therefore, a popular solution is to equip recreational vehicles with refrigerators.

[0006] Known refrigerators for vehicles have proven generally acceptable for their intended use. However, improvements to vehicle-mounted refrigerators and other refrigerators are always necessary. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This section provides a general overview of the contents of this disclosure and is not a full disclosure of its entire scope or all its features.

[0008] The general purpose of this instruction is to provide more efficient cooling for the upper area of ​​the refrigerator.

[0009] A more specific and relevant purpose of this instruction is to provide an air duct that extends through the freezer door to direct cooling air from the evaporator section of the refrigerator to the upper area of ​​the refrigerator.

[0010] Another overall objective of this teaching is to provide a refrigerator with a cooling unit that offers better performance and lower energy consumption, faster installation, reduced noise, easier maintenance, and easier diagnosis.

[0011] According to one particular aspect, this teaching provides a refrigerator comprising a housing defining an interior, a freezer compartment disposed within the interior, and a cooling unit for cooling the refrigerator interior. The freezer compartment has a freezer door. The cooling unit includes a heat exchanger disposed within the housing. At least one ventilation duct extends vertically through the freezer door. The at least one ventilation duct has a first end communicating with an upper region of the refrigerator interior. An airflow path extends between the heat exchanger and the lower end of the at least one ventilation duct. A cooling fan is disposed within the refrigerator for directing airflow through the heat exchanger, along the airflow path, through the at least one ventilation duct, and into the upper region of the refrigerator interior.

[0012] According to another particular aspect, this teaching provides a refrigerator including a housing defining an interior, a heat exchanger disposed within the interior, and a cooling unit for cooling the interior. The cooling unit includes a cooling unit housing located at the rear side of the refrigerator. The cooling unit housing defines a U-shaped airflow path extending between an inlet and an outlet. The inlet and outlet are located on the same side of the refrigerator.

[0013] From the description provided herein, it will become apparent that many more areas are applicable. The descriptions and specific examples within this invention are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0014] This teaching will be more fully understood from the detailed description, any appended claims, and the following drawings. The drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0015] Figure 1 The diagram is a perspective view of a refrigerator based on this teaching, showing a refrigerator built into a cabinet in a motor vehicle such as a caravan.

[0016] Figure 2 This is another three-dimensional view of the refrigerator in this teaching.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator.

[0018] Figure 4 It is similar to Figure 3 A simplified cross-sectional view showing the airflow inside the refrigerator.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view taken through the freezer door of the refrigerator.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a rear perspective view of a part of a refrigerator according to this teaching.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional diagram of another refrigerator based on this teaching.

[0022] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A 3D view of a refrigerator, in which the cover of the cooling unit has been removed for illustrative purposes. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The following description is exemplary in nature only and is not intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or use. It should be understood that in all the drawings, corresponding reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts and features.

[0024] General reference to the attached diagram Figure 1-6 The refrigerator constructed according to this teaching is illustrated and is generally identified by reference numeral 10. As will be further understood below, this teaching provides a refrigerator 10 particularly suitable for use in caravans or other vehicles. However, it should be understood that this teaching is not limited thereto and can be applied to other non-mobile applications. Figure 1 In the image, the refrigerator 10 is shown as being built into the cabinet 12 of the motor vehicle.

[0025] Before elaborating on specific aspects of this teaching, it is necessary to provide a more general description of the refrigerator shown throughout the accompanying drawings. The illustrated refrigerator 10 generally includes a housing 14 and a cooling unit 16 for cooling the interior 18 of the housing 14. Access to the interior 18 of the housing 14 is via a refrigerator door 20, which is conventionally pivotally connected to the housing 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the refrigerator 10 includes a single door 20. In other embodiments within the scope of this teaching, the refrigerator 10 may include two or more doors. The refrigerator 10 may include a bottom drawer 22, a middle drawer 24, a door bin 26, and a freezer compartment 28. The bottom drawer 22 may be slidably disposed in a lower region 18A of the interior 18 of the refrigerator 10. The door bin 26 may be carried by the door 20 and disposed in an upper region 18B of the interior 18 of the refrigerator 10. The middle drawer 24 may be vertically positioned between the bottom drawer 22 and the door bin 26 in a middle region 18C of the interior 18. The freezer compartment 28 may generally be closed by a freezer door 29. As shown in the figure, the entrance of the freezer door 28 is horizontally located behind the upper region 18B of the interior 18 of the refrigerator 10.

[0026] The cooling unit 16 of the refrigerator 10 typically includes a compressor 30, a ventilator 32, a condenser tray 34, and a condenser 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the condenser is a wire-style condenser 36. Various components of the cooling unit 16 can be housed within a cooling unit housing 38. The condenser 36 is operatively connected to a heat exchanger or evaporator 40 located at the rear of the refrigerator 10.

[0027] This instruction provides more efficient cooling to the upper region 18B of the interior 18 through at least one vertically extending ventilation duct 42 passing through the freezer door 28. For example... Figure 5 The cross-sectional view is perhaps most particularly shown, in the illustrated embodiment, where the freezer door 28 includes a pair of ventilation ducts 42 extending vertically through the freezer door 28. The freezer door 28 may define a freezer handle. At least one ventilation duct 42 may pass through the freezer handle. The interior 44 of the freezer door 28 is otherwise shown as being foamed with an insulating material 46.

[0028] Each ventilation duct 42 has a first end or upper end 42A communicating with the upper region 18B of the interior 18 of the refrigerator 10 and a second end or lower end 42B. An airflow path 48 extends between the heat exchanger 40 and the lower end 42B of each ventilation duct 42. More specifically, the airflow path 48 includes a vertical extension adjacent to the heat exchanger 40. Air from inside the refrigerator 10, guided into the airflow path 48 by the cooling fan 52, is cooled within the vertical extension of the airflow path 48. The airflow path 48 also includes a horizontal extension below the freezer compartment 28, extending between the vertical extension and the ventilation duct 42. Guide vanes 50 are provided at the lower end 42 of the ventilation duct 42 to facilitate the transition of airflow from the airflow path 48 to the ventilation duct 42.

[0029] A cooling fan 52 is disposed within the interior 18 of the refrigerator 10. As shown, the cooling fan 52 is horizontally positioned behind the middle drawer 24, between the middle drawer 24 and the heat exchanger 40. In this respect, the cooling fan 52 may be mounted on a front wall that defines a portion of an airflow path 42 immediately behind the middle drawer 24. In other applications, the cooling fan 52 may be mounted on and carried by the middle drawer 24. The cooling fan 52 operates to direct airflow through the heat exchanger 40, along an airflow path 48, through at least one ventilation duct 42, and into the upper region 18A of the interior 18 of the refrigerator 10. Cooling air may also be directed in the opposite downward direction. The direction in which air is drawn into the cooling fan 52 is indicated by arrow 54. Figure 4 The other arrows indicate the flow of cooling air from heat exchanger 52. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the cooling fan 52 can be oriented upwards to guide a larger amount of cooling air to the upper region 18B of the interior 18.

[0030] During operation, the cooling fan 52 can be controlled to direct air towards the heat exchanger 40 for cooling, upward along the airflow path 48, through the ventilation duct 42 of the refrigerator door 28, and into the upper region 18B of the interior 19 of the refrigerator 10. Figure 4As shown, the upper end 42A of the ventilation duct 42 can be located in front of the freezer door 28. Air can also be guided downwards from the heat exchanger 40. In this way, the internal airflow within the refrigerator 10 can be optimized to ensure that each area of ​​the refrigerator 10 is effectively cooled. The cooling fan 52 can be controlled to operate both when the compressor is running and when it is not running. In some applications, it may be necessary to operate the cooling fan 52 continuously or almost continuously to provide sufficient cooling to the upper area 18 without overcooling other areas of the refrigerator.

[0031] This teaching provides a solution for effectively cooling the upper region 18B of the interior 18, wherein the heat exchanger 40 is located centrally within the refrigerator 10, while avoiding incorporation into complex air ductwork. This solution also provides a clean and desirable appearance within the refrigerator 10. In one application, the upper region 18B of the interior 18 can be maintained within an ideal temperature range between 0 and 8 degrees Celsius.

[0032] The cooling unit housing 38 is located on the rear side 58 of the refrigerator 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the cooling unit housing 38 may have a U-shaped sidewall 56, which has a first wall or top wall 56A, a second wall or bottom wall 56B, and a third sidewall or intermediate sidewall 56C connecting the top wall 56A and the bottom wall 56B. The first wall 56A and the third sidewall 56C may be formed together. The second sidewall 56B may be formed separately and may define the bottom plate of the cooling unit 16. The sidewall 56 of the cooling unit housing 38 opens into the interior 60 of the cooling unit 16 at an opening side 61. The opening side 61 is located on the side of the refrigerator 10.

[0033] The cooling unit housing 38 defines an airflow path 62. This airflow path can be a U-shaped path 62 extending between an inlet 64 and an outlet 66. The inlet 64 and outlet 66 are located on the same side of the refrigerator 10. The refrigerator includes side vents 68 removably attached to the cooling unit housing 38 and covering the inlet 64 and outlet 66. Because the removable side vents 68 are located on the side of the refrigerator 10, it is easier to diagnose and repair the various components of the cooling unit 16 from inside the vehicle without removing the refrigerator 10. The cooling unit 16 may also include a removable housing 63 that closes the open rear side of the cooling unit housing 38.

[0034] Airflow path 62 includes a first portion 62A extending horizontally from inlet 64 into cooling unit housing 38 and a second portion 66B extending horizontally into outlet 66. An arcuate portion 62C connects the first portion 62A and the second portion 62B. A partition wall 70 is horizontally oriented within cooling unit housing 38 and separates the first portion 62A and the second portion 62B of airflow path 62. Compressor 30 is disposed within the first portion 62A of airflow path 62. Condenser 36 is disposed within the second portion 62B of airflow path 62. Ventilator 32 is located in airflow path 62 at the transition between the third portion 62C and the second portion 62B.

[0035] The refrigerator 10 of this teaching, including the cooling unit 16, provides the additional benefit of a more secure fixation to the vehicle. Since the mounting point can be freely accessed from the side, it can be adjusted according to the vehicle, thus making the connection between the refrigerator 10 and the vehicle even more secure.

[0036] Turning Figure 7 and Figure 8 Another refrigerator according to this teaching is shown and is generally identified by reference numeral 100. Given the similarity between refrigerator 100 and refrigerator 10, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the figures to identify similar elements. Figure 7 and Figure 8 Refrigerator 100 and Figure 1-6 The main difference in refrigerator 10 is the integration of a smaller metal casing 102 instead of a larger plastic casing 38. For illustrative purposes, this metal casing 102... Figure 8 It was removed from the text.

[0037] The cooling unit housing 38 is located on the rear side 58 of the refrigerator 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the cooling unit housing 38 may have a U-shaped sidewall 56, which has a first wall or top wall 56A, a second wall or bottom wall 56B, and a third sidewall or intermediate sidewall 56C connecting the top wall 56A and the bottom wall 56B. The first wall 56A and the third sidewall 56C may be formed together. The second sidewall 56B may be formed separately and may define the bottom plate of the cooling unit 16. The cooling unit housing 38 opens into the interior 60 of the cooling unit housing 56 at an opening side 61. The opening side 61 is located on the side of the refrigerator 10.

[0038] Similar to refrigerator 10, cooling unit housing 102 defines an airflow path 62. The airflow path can be a U-shaped airflow path 62 extending between inlet 64 and outlet 66. Inlet 64 and outlet 66 are located on the same side of refrigerator 10. Airflow path 62 includes a first portion 62A extending horizontally from inlet 64 into cooling unit housing 56 and a second portion 66B extending horizontally to outlet 66. Intermediate portion 62C connects the first portion 62A and the second portion 62B.

[0039] As shown in the specific embodiment illustrated, housing 102 may be configured to mate with ventilator 32 to include the rear and top walls of condenser 36. Unless otherwise described, it should be understood that the airflow of cooling unit 16 in refrigerator 100 is the same as that in refrigerator 10.

[0040] Although specific examples have been discussed in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted for its elements without departing from the scope of the teachings. Furthermore, while the teachings may have specific applications in motor vehicles, their scope is limited in this respect. For example, aspects of the teachings can be readily applied to refrigerators used in stationary applications, including but not limited to commercial and residential refrigerators. Moreover, the mixing and matching of features, elements, and / or functions between the various examples can be explicitly considered herein, such that those skilled in the art will understand from the teachings that features, elements, and / or functions of one example can be combined with those of another, unless otherwise discussed above. Furthermore, numerous modifications can be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings without departing from their essential scope. Therefore, it is contemplated that the teachings are not limited to the specific examples shown in the drawings and discussed in the specification as the best mode currently contemplated for carrying out the teachings, but rather that the scope of this disclosure will include any embodiments described in the foregoing description and any appended claims. Finally, it should be understood that the term U-shape, as used herein, is not limited to a shape having two parallel legs and a precise middle portion. Instead, the term will be understood to include any shape having two legs that are parallel or slightly inclined to each other and a middle section connecting the two legs. The middle section can be arched, straight, or other shapes.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, comprising: A housing that defines the interior; At least one outer part that closes the interior of the housing; A freezer compartment, wherein the freezer compartment is disposed inside and has a freezer door and an internal freezer compartment; A cooling unit for cooling the interior of the refrigerator, the cooling unit including a heat exchanger disposed inside the housing; At least one ventilation duct extends vertically through the freezer door, the at least one ventilation duct having a first end that communicates with the upper part of the interior of the refrigerator and is isolated from the internal freezer compartment of the freezer; An airflow path extending between the lower end of the heat exchanger and the at least one ventilation duct; and A cooling fan is provided to guide air from inside the refrigerator through the heat exchanger, vertically upward along the airflow path into the lower end of the at least one ventilation duct, through the at least one ventilation duct, and out from the first end of the at least one ventilation duct. The airflow path also extends completely through the at least one ventilation duct to the upper part of the interior of the refrigerator located above the freezer compartment.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one ventilation duct includes a first ventilation duct and a second ventilation duct spaced apart.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The freezer door has a front, and the first end of the at least one ventilation duct is located at the front of the freezer door.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The airflow path includes a vertical extension adjacent to the heat exchanger.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein, The airflow path also includes a horizontal extension below the freezer chamber, the horizontal extension extending between the vertical extension and the at least one ventilation duct.

6. The refrigerator of claim 5, further comprising a guide vane located at the lower end of the at least one ventilation duct to assist airflow transition from the airflow path to the lower end of the at least one ventilation duct.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The upper region of the interior is located entirely above the heat exchanger, so that cooling air from the heat exchanger is guided upward to the upper region.

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