System and method for operating refrigeration appliance

Abstract

A double-door type refrigerating system comprises a first refrigerating box body and a second refrigerating box body beside the first refrigerating box body. The heater is arranged in the wall of one of the first refrigeration box body and the second refrigeration box body. The controller is configured to constantly operate the heater during the side-by-side operation mode. The controller is arranged in one of the first refrigeration box body and the second refrigeration box body.

Description

System and method for operating a refrigeration appliance Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a method for operating a refrigerator, in particular a built-in refrigerator. Background Art

[0002] Built-in refrigerators integrate into existing cabinetry and offer a high-end look. There are different types of built-in refrigerators, such as integrated refrigerators and panel-mounted refrigerators. Built-in refrigerators can have stainless steel fronts or custom panel-mounted fronts to match existing cabinetry. Built-in refrigerators also come in a variety of sizes and styles, such as bottom-mount, French-door, side-by-side, and column-mounted. Column-mounted built-in refrigerators are full-food freshness or full-freezing appliances that can be installed together or separately and are fully customizable.

[0003] In the case of a bifold column model, the temperature difference between the freezer column and the refrigerated column can cause condensation to form on the outside of the column, and the condensation can cause water damage behind the appliance. Existing models on the market use additional, separate heaters mounted on the outside of the column to reduce condensation, however, such heaters are an expensive solution.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] Various aspects and advantages of the invention are set forth below in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

[0006] In one exemplary embodiment, a side-by-side refrigeration system includes a first refrigeration cabinet and a second refrigeration cabinet adjacent to the first refrigeration cabinet. A heater is disposed within a wall of one of the first refrigeration cabinet and the second refrigeration cabinet. A controller is configured to constantly operate the heater during a side-by-side operation mode. The controller is disposed within one of the first refrigeration cabinet and the second refrigeration cabinet.

[0007] In another exemplary embodiment, an integrated side-by-side refrigeration system includes a first refrigeration enclosure defining a freezer column. The side-by-side refrigeration system also includes a second refrigeration enclosure defining a food preservation column. The first refrigeration enclosure and the second refrigeration enclosure together form the integrated side-by-side refrigeration system. A heater is disposed within a wall of one of the first refrigeration enclosure and the second refrigeration enclosure. A controller is configured to constantly operate the heater during a side-by-side operating mode. The controller is disposed within one of the first refrigeration enclosure and the second refrigeration enclosure.

[0008] In another exemplary embodiment, a method for operating a side-by-side refrigeration system includes receiving a signal at a controller indicating activation of the side-by-side refrigeration system. The controller then determines an operating mode of the side-by-side refrigeration system. The controller then adjusts an operating state of a heater disposed within a wall of the side-by-side refrigeration system. The operating mode of the side-by-side refrigeration system is configured to constantly operate the heater during the side-by-side operating mode.

[0009] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily understood with reference to the following description and appended claims.The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the specification sets forth a complete disclosure of the present invention for those skilled in the art, which disclosure enables those skilled in the art to implement the present invention, including the best embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] FIG1 provides a front elevational view of a refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein a door of the refrigeration appliance is shown in a closed position.

[0012] 2 provides a front elevation view of the exemplary refrigeration appliance of FIG. 1 , with the door shown in an open position.

[0013] FIG3 provides a cross-sectional view of the exemplary refrigeration appliance of FIG1 .

[0014] 4 provides a front elevation view of a side-by-side refrigeration system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein both doors of the side-by-side refrigeration system are shown in a closed position.

[0015] 5 provides a front elevation view of the exemplary side-by-side refrigeration system of FIG. 4 , with both doors shown in an open position.

[0016] FIG. 6 provides a cross-sectional view of the exemplary side-by-side refrigeration system of FIG. 4 .

[0017] FIG. 7 provides a method of operating a side-by-side refrigeration system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features or elements of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, one or more examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. The detailed description uses figure numerals to refer to features in the drawings. Like or similar figure numerals in the drawings and description are used to refer to like or similar parts of the present disclosure. Each example is given by way of explanation of the invention and does not limit the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For example, a feature shown or described as part of one embodiment can be used in another embodiment, thereby producing yet another embodiment. Therefore, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0020] As used herein, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another, and these terms are not intended to indicate the location or importance of each component. Terms such as "left," "right," "front," "back," "top," or "bottom" are used with reference to the perspective of a user accessing a refrigeration appliance. For example, a user stands in front of a refrigerator to open the door and reaches into the food storage compartment to access the items therein.

[0021] As used herein, approximate terms such as "substantially" or "approximately" include values ​​within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. When used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include values ​​within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction. For example, "substantially vertical" includes directions within ten degrees of a vertical line in any direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise).

[0022] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the exemplary refrigeration appliance 100 includes an insulated housing or cabinet 120 defining a food storage compartment 122. A door 124 is configured to selectively seal the food storage compartment 122 when in a closed position (Figure 1) and provide access to the food storage compartment 122 when in an open position (Figure 2). The door 124 is rotatably mounted to the cabinet 120, such as by one or more hinges 126 (Figure 2), for rotation between an open position and a closed position.

[0023] Refrigeration appliance 100 defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T ( FIG. 3 ), each of which is perpendicular to one another. As can be seen in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 , housing 120 extends along vertical direction V between top 101 and bottom 102, along lateral direction L between left side 104 and right side 106, and along transverse direction T between front 108 ( FIG. 3 ) and rear 110 ( FIG. 3 ). As can be seen in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 , food storage chamber 122 extends along transverse direction T between front 134 and rear 132. Front 134 of food storage chamber 122 defines an opening 136 for receiving food. Food storage chamber 122 is a refrigerated compartment 122 for receiving food for storage. As used herein, a chamber may be "cooled" because it can operate at a temperature below room temperature (e.g., less than approximately 75 degrees Fahrenheit (75°F), such as less than 34 degrees Fahrenheit (34°F)). Those skilled in the art will recognize that the food storage chamber 122 can be cooled by a sealed refrigeration system so that the food storage chamber 122 can operate at or near the temperatures described herein by providing cool air from the sealed system. Those skilled in the art understand the structure and function of such a sealed system and, for the sake of brevity and clarity, will not be described in further detail herein.

[0024] The refrigeration door 124 is rotatably mounted (e.g., hinged) to the edge of the cabinet 120 for selectively accessing the food storage chamber 122 within the cabinet 120. The refrigeration door 124 can be mounted to the cabinet 120 at or near the front side 134 of the food storage chamber 122 so that the door 124 moves between a closed position ( FIG. 1 ) and an open position ( FIG. 2 ), for example, by rotating on a hinge 126. In the closed position of FIG. 1 , the door 1 seals the food storage chamber 122. In addition, one or more seals and other sealing devices may be provided to facilitate sealing between the door 124 and the cabinet 120, which are not shown but will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. In the open position of FIG. 2 , the door 124 allows access to the food storage chamber 122.

[0025] For example, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, various storage components can be installed in the food storage chamber 122 to facilitate the storage of food therein. In particular, the storage components include a box 116, a drawer 117, and a shelf 118 installed in the food storage chamber 122. The box 116, the drawer 117, and the shelf 118 are used to receive food (e.g., beverages and / or solid food) and can assist in organizing such food.

[0026] As described, the housing 120 defines a single refrigerated food storage compartment for receiving food for storage. In this example, the single refrigerated food storage compartment 122 is a fresh food compartment. In other embodiments, the refrigeration compartment can be a freezer compartment, such as freezer compartment 422 ( FIG. 5 ), and / or the refrigeration appliance 100 can include one or more additional refrigeration compartments for receiving a variety of food items and storing them at various temperatures as desired. For example, the refrigeration appliance 100 can include one or more refrigeration compartments for deep-freezing (e.g., at approximately 0°F or lower) storage, or for cooling, for example, produce or wine at relatively warmer temperatures, such as approximately 60°F or higher (but still below room temperature, as described above), as well as any suitable temperature in between. In various exemplary embodiments, the refrigeration compartment 122 can be selectively operated at any number of various temperatures and / or temperature ranges, as desired or required for each application, and / or the refrigeration appliance 100 can include one or more additional compartments that can be selectively operated at any suitable food storage temperature.

[0027] As can be seen in FIG3 , the heater 220 can be mounted in a foam block 218, for example, at the rear portion 110 of the housing 120. However, in alternative exemplary embodiments, the heater 220 can be mounted at other locations within the housing 120, for example, at the left side 104 or the right side 106 of the housing 120. The heater 220 can be one of a plurality of heaters, for example, mounted at various locations within the housing 120, and can be activated to prevent dew or condensation from forming on the refrigeration appliance 100. The heater 220 can be controlled by a controller 210. As is known in the art, the controller 210 can be configured to operate the heater 220 under a humidity control setting to prevent dew or condensation from forming on the refrigeration appliance 100. Those of ordinary skill in the art understand the humidity control setting, and for the sake of brevity and clarity, the humidity control setting will not be described in further detail herein.

[0028] As used herein, the terms "processing device," "computing device," "controller," and the like may generally refer to any suitable processing device, such as a general-purpose or specialized microprocessor, a microcontroller, an integrated circuit, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a logic device, one or more central processing units (CPUs), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a processing unit that performs other specialized computations, a semiconductor device, and the like. Furthermore, these "controllers" need not be limited to a single component, but may include any suitable number, type, and configuration of processing devices integrated in any suitable manner to facilitate the operation of the appliance. Alternatively, the controller 210 may be constructed to perform control functions without using a microprocessor, for example, using a combination of independent analog and / or digital logic circuits (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, and / or gates, and the like) rather than relying on software.

[0029] The controller 210 may include or be associated with one or more storage elements or non-transitory computer-readable storage media, such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, EPROM, flash memory devices, disks, or other suitable storage devices (including combinations thereof). These storage devices may be components separate from the processor, or may be included on a board within the processor. In addition, these storage devices may store information and / or data accessible by one or more processors, including instructions that may be executed by the one or more processors. It should be understood that the instructions may be software written in any suitable programming language, or may be implemented in hardware. Additionally or alternatively, the instructions may be executed logically and / or virtually using separate threads on one or more processors.

[0030] For example, the controller 210 may be operable to execute programmed instructions or microcontroller code associated with an operating mode of the refrigeration appliance 100. In this regard, instructions may be software or any set of instructions that, when executed by a processing device, causes the processing device to perform operations, such as running one or more software applications. Furthermore, it should be noted that the controller 210 as disclosed herein is capable of and may be operable to perform any method, method step, or portion of a method as disclosed herein. For example, in some embodiments, the methods disclosed herein may be specifically embodied in programmed instructions stored in a memory and executed by the controller 210.

[0031] The exemplary refrigeration appliance 100 illustrated is generally referred to as a single-door or dedicated refrigerator, also known as a column refrigerator. However, it is recognized that the benefits of the present invention are applicable to other types and styles of refrigerators, such as bottom-mounted refrigerators, top-mounted refrigerators, side-by-side refrigerators, or freezers. Therefore, the description set forth herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit any particular refrigeration compartment configuration.

[0032] Fig. 4 to Fig. 6 illustrate the refrigeration appliance 100 combined with freezing appliance 400, and each appliance is a corresponding column refrigerator.The combination of refrigeration appliance 100 and freezing appliance 400 can form a double-door refrigeration system 500 together. Cabinet 120 can be called the first refrigeration cabinet 120, and cabinet 420 can be called the second refrigeration cabinet 420. Double-door refrigeration system 500 can be integrated into the surrounding cabinets in the kitchen or other suitable locations. Door 124 on refrigeration appliance 100 and freezing appliance 400 can have the cabinet panel that is installed to door 124, so that it looks seamless with any surrounding cabinets. Similar to refrigeration appliance 100, double-door refrigeration system 500 can extend between top 101 and bottom 102 along vertical V, extend between left side 104 and right side 106 along lateral L, and extend between front 108 (Fig. 6) and rear portion 110 (Fig. 6) along horizontal T. As can be seen in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the freezer compartment 422 extends along the transverse direction T between the front side 134 and the rear side 132 .

[0033] 4 to 6 , the storage components installed in the freezer compartment 422 include boxes 116, drawers 117, and shelves 118 similar to those installed in the food storage compartment 122. This configuration of the freezer compartment 422 is provided for exemplary purposes only, and other configurations (i.e., combinations, distributions, or placements of such boxes 116, drawers 117, and shelves 118) are possible and will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0034] As can be seen in Figure 6, heater 220 can be installed in foam block 218. Heater 220 can be one of a plurality of heaters and can be activated to prevent dew or condensation from forming on the side-by-side refrigeration system 500. As described above, heater 220 can be controlled by controller 210. In this exemplary embodiment, controller 210 can be configured to constantly operate heater 220 during the side-by-side operation mode to prevent dew or condensation from forming on the refrigeration appliance 100 (for example, between and / or behind the refrigeration appliance 100 and the freezing appliance 400). The side-by-side operation mode can be implemented in controller 210 during the installation of the side-by-side refrigeration system 500 to the kitchen or other user-desired location, for example, so that the side-by-side operation mode is selected when the refrigeration appliance 100 and the freezing appliance 400 are installed side by side. The side-by-side operation mode is described in detail in method 700 herein. Regarding the side-by-side refrigeration system 500 , each of the refrigerating appliance 100 and the freezing appliance 400 may have a controller 210 , that is, the freezing appliance 400 may have an additional controller 210 .

[0035] Method 700 may be used to operate a side-by-side refrigeration system, such as side-by-side refrigeration system 500. At 710, controller 210 may receive a signal indicating activation of side-by-side refrigeration system 500, i.e., a signal indicating that side-by-side refrigeration system 500 has been turned on. Then, at 720, controller 210 determines the operating mode installed or selected for the side-by-side refrigeration system. In a dual-installation or side-by-side refrigeration system 500, a side-by-side operating mode may be selected when the refrigeration appliance 100 and the freezer appliance 400 are installed side by side. Once the operating mode is determined, controller 210 may adjust the operating state of heater 220 at 730. In the current exemplary embodiment, since the operating mode installed in controller 210 of side-by-side refrigeration system 500 is configured to constantly operate heater 220 during the side-by-side operating mode, heater 220 can be constantly operated to prevent dew and condensation from forming on side-by-side refrigeration system 500. In a single column installation, as described in detail in Figures 1-3, the controller may not be installed in a swing-door mode of operation and may be operated in a humidity control setting, for example, such that the heater 220 is not constantly operating.

[0036] Various trims and other components may be included in the side-by-side refrigeration system 500. The trim may be installed between the refrigeration appliance 100 and the freezing appliance 400, for example, to cover the gap between the refrigeration appliance 100 and the freezing appliance 400. Furthermore, the side-by-side refrigeration system 500 may include a flash drive or standardized utility module (SUM) that includes a software update for enabling the side-by-side operating mode (also known as the "dual installation mode" for the heater 220). Thus, in certain exemplary embodiments, the side-by-side operating mode may not be the default operating mode. The software update for installing the side-by-side operating mode may adjust the operation of the heater 220 from a default operating state (e.g., in which the heater 220 operates periodically or intermittently) to a constant operating state, as described in detail above. During installation of the side-by-side refrigeration system 500, the installer may be instructed to allow the software of the side-by-side refrigeration system 500 to be updated before completing the installation. This update will desirably occur after the columns (i.e., the refrigeration appliance 100 and the freezing appliance 400) are assembled and set up. The software update may be one of the final steps in the installation of the side-by-side refrigeration system 500 .

[0037] As can be seen from the above, the side-by-side refrigeration system 500 can have a side-by-side operating mode, which can switch the heater 220 from a humidity control setting to a constant operating state. When the heater 220 is constantly operating, dew and condensation may not form due to the temperature difference between the refrigeration appliance 100 and the freezing appliance 400. The side-by-side operating mode can advantageously eliminate the need for known additional components or kits that users must obtain in addition to the side-by-side refrigeration system 500. This reduces consumer costs and manufacturing / installation costs.

[0038] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention (including the best mode) and also to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention (including making and using any device or system and performing any method included). The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. If such other examples include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if such other examples include equivalent structural elements that do not differ substantially from the literal language of the claims, such other examples are intended to fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A double-door refrigeration system, characterized in that: include: a first refrigeration box; a second refrigeration box next to the first refrigeration box; a heater disposed in a wall of one of the first refrigeration box and the second refrigeration box; as well as A controller is configured to constantly operate the heater during a side-by-side operating mode, the controller being disposed within one of the first refrigerated enclosure and the second refrigerated enclosure.

2. The side-by-side door refrigeration system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first refrigeration box and the second refrigeration box together form an embedded or integrated refrigeration appliance.

3. The side-by-side door refrigeration system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first refrigerated enclosure is a freezer column and the second refrigerated enclosure is a food preservation column.

4. The side-by-side door refrigeration system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The side-by-side refrigeration system further includes the heater, which is installed in foam within the wall of one of the first refrigeration box and the second refrigeration box.

5. The side-by-side door refrigeration system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The side-by-side refrigeration system further includes an additional heater disposed in a wall of the other of the first refrigeration box and the second refrigeration box.

6. The side-by-side door refrigeration system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The side-by-side refrigeration system further includes an additional controller configured to constantly operate the additional heater during the side-by-side operating mode.

7. An integrated double-door refrigeration system, characterized in that: include: a first refrigerated enclosure defining a freezing column; a second refrigeration enclosure, the second refrigeration enclosure defining a food preservation column, the first refrigeration enclosure and the second refrigeration enclosure together forming the integrated side-by-side refrigeration system; a heater disposed in a wall of one of the first refrigeration box and the second refrigeration box; as well as A controller is configured to constantly operate the heater during a side-by-side operating mode, the controller being disposed within one of the first refrigerated enclosure and the second refrigerated enclosure.

8. The integrated double-door refrigeration system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The side-by-side refrigeration system further includes the heater, which is installed in foam within the wall of one of the first refrigeration box and the second refrigeration box.

9. The integrated side-by-side refrigeration system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The side-by-side refrigeration system further includes an additional heater disposed in a wall of the other of the first refrigeration box and the second refrigeration box.

10. The integrated side-by-side refrigeration system according to claim 9, characterized in that: The side-by-side refrigeration system further includes an additional controller configured to constantly operate the additional heater during the side-by-side operating mode.

11. A method for operating a side-by-side refrigeration system, characterized in that: include: receiving, at a controller, a signal indicating activation of the side-by-side refrigeration system; determining, at the controller, an operating mode of the side-by-side refrigeration system; as well as adjusting, at the controller, an operating state of a heater provided in a wall of the side-by-side refrigeration system, Wherein, the operating mode of the side-by-side refrigeration system is used to constantly operate the heater during the side-by-side operating mode.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The double-door refrigeration system further includes a first refrigeration box and a second refrigeration box, wherein the first refrigeration box and the second refrigeration box together form an embedded or integrated refrigeration appliance.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The first refrigerated enclosure is a freezer column and the second refrigerated enclosure is a refrigerator column.

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The side-by-side refrigeration system further includes the heater, which is housed in foam within a wall of one of the first refrigeration box and the second refrigeration box.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The side-by-side refrigeration system further includes an additional heater disposed in a wall of the other of the first refrigeration box and the second refrigeration box.

16. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The side-by-side refrigeration system further includes an additional controller configured to constantly operate the additional heater during the side-by-side operating mode.

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