Refrigeration appliance with conduit system in fluid communication with both refrigeration and freezing compartments

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a refrigeration appliance comprising: (a) a cabinet comprising (i) a vacuum insulation structure at least partially defining a refrigeration compartment and a freezing compartment and (ii) a conduit system in fluid communication with both the refrigeration compartment and the freezing compartment; (b) a refrigeration door coupled to the cabinet, the refrigeration door being maneuverable back and forth between (i) a closed position in which the refrigeration door rejects access to the refrigeration compartment from an external environment and (ii) an open position in which the refrigeration door permits access to the refrigeration compartment from the external environment; and (c) a freezer door or drawer coupled to the cabinet, the freezer door or drawer being maneuverable back and forth between (i) a closed position in which the freezer door or drawer rejects access to the freezer compartment from the external environment and (ii) an open position in which the freezer door or drawer permits access to the freezer compartment.

Description

Background Art

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a refrigeration appliance, and more particularly, to a refrigeration appliance having a conduit system in fluid communication with both a refrigeration compartment and a freezer compartment of the refrigeration appliance.

[0002] The refrigeration appliance may include a vacuum insulated structure defining both a refrigeration compartment and a freezer compartment and one or more doors allowing selective access to these compartments from the external environment.

[0003] However, there is a problem that the air pressure within the refrigeration compartment may decrease relative to atmospheric pressure (for example), which may hinder a user trying to open the door of the refrigeration compartment. The user may need to use a greater pulling force to open the door than the user would want. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present disclosure solves the problem of a duct system that allows airflow from a freezer compartment to a refrigeration compartment to reduce the pressure differential between the air in the refrigeration compartment and atmospheric pressure when a user opens the door of the refrigeration compartment.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigeration appliance includes: (a) a cabinet, which includes (i) a vacuum insulation structure that at least partially defines a refrigeration compartment and a freezer compartment and (ii) a conduit system that is fluidly connected to both the refrigeration compartment and the freezer compartment; (b) a refrigeration door coupled to the cabinet, which can be manipulated back and forth between (i) a closed position in which the refrigeration door denies entry into the refrigeration compartment from the external environment and (ii) an open position in which the refrigeration door allows entry into the refrigeration compartment from the external environment; and (c) a freezer door coupled to the cabinet, which can be manipulated back and forth between (i) a closed position in which the freezer door denies entry into the freezer compartment from the external environment and (ii) an open position in which the freezer door allows entry into the freezer compartment from the external environment.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigeration appliance includes: (I) a cabinet including (A) a vacuum insulation structure including (1) a refrigeration liner at least partially defining a refrigeration compartment and including a hole, (2) a freezer liner at least partially defining a freezer compartment and including a hole, (3) an outer package at least partially surrounding both the refrigeration liner and the freezer liner but separated from them by a continuous space, the outer package including (a) a first hole aligned with the hole passing through the refrigeration liner and (b) a second hole aligned with the hole passing through the freezer liner; (B) a refrigeration evaporator disposed in the refrigeration compartment; (C) a freezer evaporator disposed in the freezer compartment; and (D) a conduit system including: (1) a refrigeration conduit including (a) (a) a first portion positioned to receive condensate collected from a refrigeration evaporator, (b) a body extending from the first portion, through a hole in a refrigeration liner, through a continuous space between the refrigeration liner and an outer package, and through a second hole in the outer package, and (c) a second portion disposed outside the outer surface of the outer package, and (2) a freezing conduit, comprising (a) a first portion positioned to receive condensate collected from a refrigeration evaporator, (b) a body extending from the first portion, through a hole in a refrigeration liner, through a continuous space between the refrigeration liner and an outer package, and through a second hole in the outer package, and (c) a second portion disposed outside the outer surface of the outer package, wherein the refrigeration conduit and the freezing conduit are fluidly coupled outside the outer surface of the outer package.

[0007] These and other features, advantages and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art with reference to the following description, claims and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] In the attached picture:

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a refrigeration appliance of the present disclosure, showing a cabinet having a vacuum insulation structure, a refrigeration door hingedly attached to the cabinet and in a closed position, and a freezer drawer coupled to the cabinet also in a closed position;

[0010] Figure 2 is with Figure 1 the same view but showing the refrigeration door in an open position revealing the refrigeration compartment, and the freezer drawer in an open position revealing the freezer compartment;

[0011] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A side view of a refrigeration appliance showing a vacuum insulation structure including an outer packaging;

[0012] Figure 4 is through Figure 3 The line III-III is intercepted Figure 1A front view of a refrigeration appliance showing a vacuum insulation structure further comprising a refrigeration liner at least partially defining a refrigeration compartment, a freezer liner at least partially defining a freezer compartment, and an outer packaging partially surrounding both the refrigeration liner and the freezer liner;

[0013] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 an enlarged view of region V of the vacuum insulation structure, the vacuum insulation structure further comprising a continuous space separating the outer package and the refrigeration liner;

[0014] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 an enlarged view of region VI of the cabinet, showing that (i) a continuous space further separates the refrigeration liner from the freezer liner, (ii) the cabinet further includes a refrigeration channel allowing access to the refrigeration compartment outside the vacuum insulation structure, and (iii) the cabinet further includes a freezer channel allowing access to the freezer compartment outside the vacuum insulation structure;

[0015] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 an enlarged view of area VII of the embodiment of the present invention, showing that the cabinet further includes a machine room disposed below the vacuum insulation structure;

[0016] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A front view of a refrigeration appliance;

[0017] Fig. 9 is through Figure 8 The line IX-IX is intercepted Figure 1 a side view of a cross section of a refrigeration appliance;

[0018] Fig.10 yes Figure 1 A rear view of a refrigeration appliance showing several embodiments of a conduit system fluidly connecting a refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment via a refrigerating channel and a freezing channel;

[0019] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 XI of , showing (i) a first embodiment of the conduit system, which includes a tube in fluid communication with the refrigeration compartment through the holes of the refrigeration channel and in fluid communication with the freezing compartment through the holes of the freezing channel, and (ii) a second embodiment of the conduit system, which includes a refrigeration conduit in fluid communication with the refrigeration compartment through the holes of the refrigeration channel, a freezing conduit in fluid communication with the freezing compartment through the holes of the freezing channel, and a pipe fitting connecting the refrigeration conduit to the freezing conduit;

[0020] Fig.12 yes Figure 4, showing that (i) for a first embodiment of the conduit system, the first end of the tube terminates within or proximal to the bore of the refrigeration channel, and the second end of the tube terminates within or proximal to the bore of the freezer channel, and (ii) for a second embodiment of the conduit system, the first portion of the refrigeration conduit is further in fluid communication with a funnel that collects condensate from a refrigeration evaporator, and the first portion of the freezer conduit is further in fluid communication with another funnel that collects condensate from the freezer evaporator;

[0021] Fig.13 is with Fig.12 The same view, but now in perspective without the refrigeration channel and the freezing channel, showing (i) for the first embodiment of the catheter system, the first end of the tube extends through the aligned holes of the refrigeration liner and the outer package, and the second end of the tube extends through the aligned holes of the freezing liner and the outer package, and (ii) for the second embodiment of the catheter system, the first portion of the refrigeration tube extends through the aligned holes of the refrigeration liner and the outer package, and the first portion of the freezing tube extends through the aligned holes of the freezing liner and the outer package;

[0022] Fig.14 is an elevation view of a refrigeration channel (and a freezing channel, which may be the same as a refrigeration channel) showing holes for tubes of a catheter system (if incorporated with this embodiment) and holes for refrigeration catheters (or freezing catheters) of the catheter system (if incorporated with this embodiment);

[0023] Fig.15 is a perspective view of a refrigeration aisle (and a freezer aisle) illustrating the refrigeration aisle including an outer surface that forms an airtight seal with the refrigeration liner and outer packaging at the aligned apertures thereof; and

[0024] Fig.16 yes Fig.11 An enlarged perspective view of area XVI of shows an embodiment of a conduit system wherein a pipe fitting fluidly couples a refrigeration conduit and a freeze conduit, and the freeze conduit is further fluidly coupled to a drain conduit that directs the collected condensate to a drain pan within a machine room.

[0025] The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The embodiments shown herein are primarily methods steps and combinations of equipment components related to refrigeration appliances. Therefore, where appropriate, equipment components and method steps have been represented by conventional symbols in the drawings, and only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure are shown so as not to obscure the present disclosure with details that are obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. In addition, the same reference numerals in the description and drawings represent the same elements.

[0027] For the purpose of this description, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "rear", "front", "vertical", "horizontal" and their derivatives will refer to the following: Figure 1 Unless otherwise indicated, the term "front" shall refer to the surface of the element closer to the intended viewer, and the term "rear" shall refer to the surface of the element farther from the intended viewer. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure may adopt various alternative orientations unless expressly indicated to the contrary. It should also be understood that the specific devices and processes shown in the drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Therefore, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered limiting unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0028] As used herein, the terms "including," "comprises," "comprising," or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements includes not only those elements but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by "comprises." does not, without more constraints, exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes the element.

[0029] refer to Figures 1 to 4, the refrigeration appliance 10 includes a cabinet 12, a refrigeration door 14 and a freezer door or drawer 16. The cabinet 12 includes a vacuum insulation structure 18, which at least partially defines a refrigeration compartment 20 and a freezer compartment 22. The refrigeration appliance 10 can keep the air temperature in the refrigeration compartment 20 higher than the freezing point of water but lower than room temperature, such as a temperature in the range of 2°C to 4°C. Therefore, the air temperature in the refrigeration compartment 20 can extend the shelf life of the food items 24 arranged in the refrigeration compartment 20. The refrigeration appliance 10 can keep the air temperature in the freezer compartment 22 lower than the freezing point of water, such as a temperature in the range of -18°C to -23°C. The refrigeration appliance 10 can be built-in, such as in the illustrated embodiment, where the cabinet 12 is configured to be recessed behind a cabinet (not shown), or can be freestanding. In an embodiment where the refrigeration appliance 10 is freestanding, the refrigeration appliance 10 can include an aesthetically pleasing cover (not shown) on the cabinet 12.

[0030] The refrigeration door 14 is coupled to the cabinet 12, such as via one or more hinges 26 attached to both the refrigeration door 14 and the cabinet 12. The refrigeration door 14 may be in a closed position 28 (see Figure 1 ) and open position 30 (see Figure 2 ) between the refrigeration compartment 20 and the refrigeration door 14. The refrigeration door 14 may include a handle 32 to facilitate the user to manipulate the refrigeration door 14 accordingly. In the closed position 28, the refrigeration door 14 denies access to the refrigeration compartment 20 from the external environment 34. For example, in the closed position 28, the refrigeration door 14 covers the opening 36 into the refrigeration compartment 20. In the open position 30, the refrigeration door 14 allows access to the refrigeration compartment 20 from the external environment 34. For example, in the open position 30, the refrigeration door 14 fully reveals the opening 36 so that the user can enter the refrigeration compartment 20 from the external environment 34.

[0031] A freezer door or drawer 16 is also coupled to the cabinet 12. In the embodiment where the refrigeration appliance 10 includes a freezer door (not shown separately), the freezer door can be coupled to the cabinet 12 via a hinge 26. In the embodiment where the refrigeration appliance 10 includes a freezer drawer 16, such as those shown, the freezer drawer 16 can be coupled to the cabinet 12 via a track system 38. The freezer door or drawer 16 can be manipulated back and forth between a closed position 28 and an open position 30. In the closed position 28, the freezer door (if included) refuses to enter the freezer compartment 22 from the external environment 34. For example, the freezer door covers an opening 36, and the cabinet 12 forms the opening in the freezer compartment 22. On the contrary, as shown in the figure, if a freezer drawer 16 is included, the storage compartment 40 of the freezer drawer 16 is arranged in the freezer compartment 22, and the freezer drawer 16 covers the opening 36 entering the freezer compartment 22. Food items 24 can be placed in the storage compartment 40 of the freezer drawer 16. In the open position 30, the freezer door (if included) allows access to the freezer compartment 22 from the external environment 34 through the opening 36. Conversely, as shown, if a freezer drawer 16 is included, in the open position 30, the storage compartment 40 of the freezer drawer 16 is at least partially withdrawn from the freezer compartment 22 and accessible to a user from the external environment 34. The freezer door or drawer 16 may include a handle 42 to assist a user in manipulating the freezer door or drawer 16.

[0032] Additional references Figures 5 to 9 In an embodiment, the vacuum insulation structure 18 includes a refrigeration liner 44, a freezer liner 46, and an outer package 48. The refrigeration liner 44 at least partially defines the refrigeration compartment 20. For example, the refrigeration liner 44 may include a top wall 50, a bottom wall 52, a side wall 54, a side wall 56, and a rear wall 58. The top wall 50 and the bottom wall 52 are opposite to each other. The side wall 54 and the side wall 56 are opposite to each other. When the refrigeration door 14 is in the closed position 28, the rear wall 58 is opposite to the refrigeration door 14. The top wall 50, the bottom wall 52, the side walls 54, 56, and the rear wall 58 define the refrigeration compartment 20. Among other possibilities, the refrigeration liner 44 can be made of a plastic material or welded sheet metal.

[0033] The freezer liner 46 at least partially defines the freezer compartment 22. For example, the freezer liner 46 may include a top wall 60, a bottom wall 62, a side wall 64, a side wall 66, and a rear wall 68. The top wall 60 and the bottom wall 62 are opposite to each other. The side wall 64 and the side wall 66 are opposite to each other. When the freezer door or drawer 16 is in the closed position 28, the rear wall 68 is opposite to the freezer door or drawer 16. The top wall 60, the bottom wall 62, the side walls 64, 66, and the rear wall 68 define the freezer compartment 22. Among other possibilities, the freezer liner 46 can be made of a plastic material or welded sheet metal.

[0034] In an embodiment such as shown, the refrigerated liner 44 is disposed above the frozen liner 46. However, the refrigerated liner 44 may be disposed below the frozen liner 46. Alternatively, the refrigerated liner 44 and the frozen liner 46 may be disposed side by side.

[0035] The outer package 48 at least partially surrounds both the refrigeration liner 44 and the freezer liner 46. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the outer package 48 includes a top wall 70, a bottom wall 72, a side wall 74, a side wall 76, and a rear wall 78. The top wall 70 and the bottom wall 72 are opposite to each other. The side walls 74, 76 are opposite to each other. The top wall 70 is disposed above the top wall 50 of the refrigeration compartment 20. The bottom wall 72 is disposed below the bottom wall 52 of the refrigeration compartment 20. Due to the orientation of the refrigeration liner 44 above the freezer liner 46, the side wall 74 of the outer package 48 is disposed laterally outward from the side wall 54 of the refrigeration liner 44 and the side wall 64 of the freezer liner 46. Similarly, the side wall 76 of the outer package 48 is disposed laterally outward from the side wall 56 of the refrigeration liner 44 and the side wall 66 of the freezer liner 46. The refrigerated liner 44 and the frozen liner 46 are both disposed in elevation between the top wall 70 and the bottom wall 72 of the outer package 48. The refrigerated liner 44 and the frozen liner 46 are both disposed between the side walls 74 and the side walls 76 of the outer package 48. The rear wall 78 of the outer package 48 is disposed rearward of the rear wall 58 of the refrigerated liner 44 and the rear wall 68 of the frozen liner 46.

[0036] The outer package 48 is separated from both the refrigerated liner 44 and the freezer liner 46 by a continuous space 80. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the continuous space 80 (i) separates the top wall 70 of the outer package 48 from the top wall 50 of the refrigerated liner 44, (ii) separates the bottom wall 72 of the outer package 48 from the bottom wall 62 of the freezer liner 46, (iii) separates the side wall 74 of the outer package 48 from the side wall 54 of the refrigerated liner 44 and the side wall 64 of the freezer liner 46, and (iv) separates the side wall 76 of the outer package 48 from the side wall 56 of the refrigerated liner 44 and the side wall 66 of the freezer liner 46.

[0037] Similarly, a continuous space 80 separates the refrigerated liner 44 from the frozen liner 46. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the continuous space 80 separates the bottom wall 52 of the refrigerated liner 44 from the top wall 60 of the frozen liner 46.

[0038] The continuous space 80 of the vacuum insulated cabinet 12 that separates the outer packaging 48, the refrigeration liner 44, and the freezing liner 46 from each other has an air pressure that is less than atmospheric pressure. The reduced air pressure in the continuous space 80 is achieved by exhausting air from the continuous space 80 and sealing the vacuum insulation structure 18. Compared with the case where the air pressure is not reduced, the reduced air pressure reduces the heat transfer from the external environment 34 through the vacuum insulation structure 18 and into the refrigeration compartment 20 and the freezing compartment 22. The vacuum insulation structure 18 can further include an insulating medium 82 (e.g., fumed silica) in the continuous space 80 to further reduce heat transfer and help maintain the form of the vacuum insulation structure 18.

[0039] Additional references Figures 10 to 13 , the cabinet 12 further includes a duct system 84. The duct system 84 is in fluid communication with both the refrigeration compartment 20 and the freezer compartment 22. The duct system 84 allows air to flow from the freezer compartment 22, through the freezer liner 46, through the continuous space 80, through the outer package 48, along the outer package 48, through the continuous space 80 again, and then through the refrigeration liner 44 into the refrigeration compartment 20. Similarly, the duct system 84 allows air to flow from the refrigeration compartment 20, through the refrigeration liner 44, through the continuous space 80, through the outer package 48, along the outer package 48, through the continuous space 80 again, and then through the freezer liner 46 into the freezer compartment 22.

[0040] In order to accommodate the airflow between the refrigeration compartment 20 and the freezing compartment 22 through the duct system 84, the refrigeration liner 44 includes a hole 86 aligned with the first hole 88 of the outer package 48. The duct system 84 extends through the hole 86 and the first hole 88 to be in fluid communication with the refrigeration compartment 20. Similarly, the freezing liner 46 includes a hole 90 aligned with the second hole 92 of the outer package 48. The duct system 84 extends through the hole 90 and the second hole 92 to be in fluid communication with the freezing compartment 22. "Alignment" here can mean the alignment of the hole 86 and the first hole 88 and the alignment of the hole 90 and the second hole 92, horizontally forward 94 to rearward 96, but it is not required. Any linear alignment is sufficient.

[0041] Additional references Fig.14 and Fig.15In an embodiment, the vacuum insulation structure 18 further includes a refrigeration channel 98. The refrigeration channel 98 is disposed within the hole 86 of the refrigeration liner 44 and the first hole 88 of the outer packaging 48. The outer surface 100 of the refrigeration channel 98 forms an airtight seal with both the refrigeration liner 44 and the outer packaging 48. The airtight seal prevents the air pressure within the continuous space 80 from equalizing with the atmospheric pressure. The refrigeration channel 98 extends through the continuous space 80 between the hole 86 and the first hole 88. In such an embodiment, the refrigeration channel 98 includes a hole 102, which can be part of the conduit system 84, so that the airflow through the hole 102 contacts the refrigeration channel 98. Therefore, the conduit system 84 maintains fluid communication with the refrigeration compartment 20.

[0042] In an embodiment, the vacuum insulation structure 18 further includes a freezing channel 104. The freezing channel 104 and the refrigeration channel 98 can be the same, and therefore do not need to be displayed separately. The freezing channel 104 is arranged in the hole 90 of the freezing liner 46 and the second hole 92 of the outer package 48. The outer surface 107 of the freezing channel 104 forms an airtight seal to both the freezing liner 46 and the outer package 48. The airtight seal prevents the air pressure in the continuous space 80 from being balanced with the atmospheric pressure. The freezing channel 104 extends through the continuous space 80 between the hole 90 and the second hole 29. In this embodiment, the freezing channel 104 includes a hole 108, which can be a part of the duct system 84, so that the airflow through the hole 108 contacts the freezing channel 104. Therefore, the duct system 84 remains in fluid communication with the freezing compartment 22.

[0043] In an embodiment, the duct system 84 includes a tube 110. The tube 110 has a first end 103 and a second end 105. As shown, the first end 103 can terminate in the hole 102 of the refrigeration channel 98 or the proximal side of the refrigeration channel 98 in the refrigeration compartment 20. As shown, the second end 105 can terminate in the hole 108 of the freezing channel 104 or the proximal side of the freezing channel 104 in the freezing compartment 22. At least in part due to the duct system 84, when the refrigeration door 14 is manipulated from the closed position 28 to the open position 30, air (i) flows from the freezing compartment 22 into the second end 105 of the tube 110 (directly or via the hole 108 passing through the freezing channel 104), (ii) flows from the second end 105 of the tube 110 to the first end 103 of the tube 110, and (iii) flows from the first end 103 of the tube 110 into the refrigeration compartment 20 (directly or via the hole 102 of the refrigeration channel 98). The user pulls the refrigeration door 14 to the open position 30, pulling air from the freezer compartment 22 toward the refrigeration compartment 20 via the duct system 84 including the tube 110. Similarly, when the freezer door or drawer 16 is manipulated from the closed position 28 to the open position 30, air (i) flows from the refrigeration compartment 20 into the first end 103 of the tube 110 (directly or via the hole 102 through the refrigeration passage), (ii) flows from the first end 103 of the tube 110 to the second end 105 of the tube 110, and (iii) flows from the second end 105 of the tube 110 into the freezer compartment 22 (directly or via the hole 108 of the freezer passage 104). The user pulls the freezer door or drawer 16 to the open position 30, pulling air from the refrigeration compartment 20 toward the freezer compartment 22 via the duct system 84 including the tube 110.

[0044] In an embodiment, the cabinet 12 further includes a refrigeration evaporator 106. The refrigeration evaporator 106 is disposed in the refrigeration compartment 20. When the refrigeration evaporator 106 is used in a refrigeration cycle to extract heat from the refrigeration compartment 20, water condenses on the refrigeration evaporator 106. The condensed water falls from the refrigeration evaporator 106 due to gravity. A funnel 109 disposed under the refrigeration evaporator 106 may be combined to collect the water.

[0045] The conduit system 84 may include a refrigeration conduit 110A positioned to direct condensate collected from the refrigeration evaporator 106 to the outside of the refrigeration compartment 20. More specifically, in embodiments, such as those illustrated, the refrigeration conduit 110A includes a first portion 112, a second portion 114, and a body 116 disposed between the first portion 112 and the second portion 114. The first portion 112 of the refrigeration conduit 110A is positioned to receive condensate collected from the refrigeration evaporator 106. For example, the first portion 112 may be fluidly coupled to the funnel 109 below the refrigeration evaporator 106 at an altitude. The body 116 of the refrigeration conduit 110A extends from the first portion 112, through the hole 86 of the refrigeration liner 44, through the continuous space 80 between the refrigeration liner 44 and the outer packaging 48, and through the first hole 88 of the outer packaging 48. The second portion 114 is disposed outside of an outer surface 118 of the outer packaging 48. For example, the second portion 114 may be disposed at the rear portion 96 of the outer package 48 or on the underside of the outer package 48, among other options.

[0046] In an embodiment, the refrigeration conduit 110A extends through the refrigeration passage 98. The refrigeration passage 98 may include an aperture 120 for the refrigeration conduit 110A. The first portion 112 of the refrigeration conduit 110A may receive condensate collected from the refrigeration evaporator 106 within the aperture 120 of the refrigeration passage 98 or proximal to the refrigeration passage 98 within the refrigeration compartment 20. The body 116 of the refrigeration conduit 110A then extends away from the first portion 112 within the refrigeration passage 98, such as rearward 96. The body 116 extends along the outer package 48 to the exterior of its outer surface 118, such as downward 122, so that gravity causes the condensate to flow downward 122 toward the second portion 114. The second portion 114 may be disposed below the first portion 112 in altitude.

[0047] In an embodiment, the cabinet 12 further includes a freezing evaporator 124. The freezing evaporator 124 is disposed in the freezing compartment 22. When the freezing evaporator 124 is used for a refrigeration cycle to extract heat from the freezing compartment 22, water condenses on the freezing evaporator 124. The condensed water falls from the freezing evaporator 124 due to gravity. The funnel 126 disposed under the freezing evaporator 124 can be combined to collect the water. The refrigeration appliance 10 may further include a defrosting mechanism (e.g., a defrosting heater, not shown) to melt the condensate that has frozen on the freezing evaporator 124.

[0048] The conduit system 84 may include a cryoconduit 128 positioned to direct condensate collected from the cryoevaporator 124 to the outside of the cryocompartment 22. More specifically, in embodiments, such as those illustrated, the cryoconduit 128 includes a first portion 130, a second portion 132, and a body 134 disposed between the first portion 130 and the second portion 132. The first portion 130 of the cryoconduit 128 is positioned to receive condensate collected from the cryoevaporator 124. For example, the first portion 130 may be fluidly coupled to the funnel 126 below the cryoevaporator 124 at an altitude. The body 134 of the cryoconduit 128 extends from the first portion 130, through the hole 90 of the cryoliner 46, through the continuous space 80 between the cryoliner 46 and the outer package 48, and through the second hole 92 of the outer package 48. The second portion 132 is disposed outside the outer surface 118 of the outer package 48. For example, the second portion 132 may be disposed at the rear portion 96 of the outer package 48 or on the underside of the outer package 48, among other options.

[0049] In an embodiment, a cryoconduit 128 extends through the cryochannel 104. The cryochannel 104 may include a hole 136 for the cryoconduit 128. The first portion 130 of the cryoconduit 128 may receive condensate collected from the cryoevaporator 124 proximal to the cryochannel 104 within the hole 136 of the cryochannel 104 or within the cryocompartment 22. The body 134 of the cryoconduit 128 then extends away from the first portion 130 within the cryochannel 104, such as backward 96. The body 134 extends along the outer package 48 to the outside of its outer surface 118, such as downward 122, so that gravity causes the condensate to flow downward 122 toward the second portion 132. The second portion 132 may be disposed below the first portion 130 in altitude.

[0050] The refrigeration conduit 110A and the cryogenic conduit 128 of the conduit system 84 are fluidly coupled outside the outer surface 118 of the outer package 48. For example, the conduit system 84 may include pipe fittings 138, such as elbows 138a and tees 138b, to fluidly connect the refrigeration conduit 110A and the cryogenic conduit 128. In an embodiment, the refrigeration conduit 110A and the cryogenic conduit 128 become fluidly coupled at an altitude below the second hole 92 of the outer package 48.

[0051] In an embodiment, the conduit system 84 further includes a drain conduit 140. The drain conduit 140 is fluidly coupled to both the refrigeration conduit 110A and the freezing conduit 128. For example, the drain conduit 140 may include a first end 142 that is fluidly coupled to a tee, such that the first end 142 of the drain conduit 140 is in fluid communication with both the second portion 132 of the freezing conduit 128 and the second portion 114 of the refrigeration conduit 110A.

[0052] In an embodiment, the cabinet 12 further includes a drain pan 144. The duct system 84 is further in fluid communication with the drain pan 144. For example, the drain duct 140 may include a second end 146 in fluid communication with the drain pan 144. The drain pan 144 may be below the duct system 84 in altitude, and the second end 146 of the drain duct 140 is disposed below the first end 142 of the drain duct 140 in altitude, so that condensate flows from the duct system 84 into the drain pan 144. The drain pan 144 may be disposed in a machine room 148 of the cabinet 12 along with refrigeration cycle components such as the compressor 150. To facilitate the induction of condensate from the duct system 84 into the drain pan 144 under the action of gravity, the vacuum insulation structure 18 may be disposed above the machine room 148, and thus above the drain pan 144. The duct system 84 may terminate in the machine room 148, and the second end 146 of the drain duct 140 is disposed above the drain pan 144 in altitude. As a result, condensate flows out of the second end 146 of the drain conduit 140 and into the drain pan 144 .

[0053] When the refrigeration door 14 is manipulated from the closed position 28 to the open position 30, air (i) flows from the freezer compartment 22 and into the first portion 130 of the freezer conduit 128, (ii) flows from the first portion 130 of the freezer conduit 128 to the second portion 132 of the freezer conduit 128, (iii) flows from the second portion 132 of the freezer conduit 128 to the second portion 114 of the refrigeration conduit 110A, (iv) flows from the second portion 114 of the refrigeration conduit 110A to the first portion 112 of the refrigeration conduit 110A, and (v) flows from the first portion 112 of the refrigeration conduit 110A into the refrigeration compartment 20. Similarly, when the refrigeration door 14 is manipulated from the closed position 28 to the open position 30, air (i) flows from the external environment 34 into the second end 146 of the drain conduit 140, (ii) flows from the second end 146 of the drain conduit 140 to the first end 142 of the drain conduit 140, (iii) flows from the first end 142 of the drain conduit 140 to the second end 105 of the refrigeration conduit 110A, (iv) flows from the second end 105 of the refrigeration conduit 110A to the first end 103 of the refrigeration conduit 110A, and (v) flows from the second end 105 of the refrigeration conduit 110A and into the refrigeration compartment 20.

[0054] When the freezer door or drawer 16 is manipulated from the closed position 28 to the open position 30, air (i) flows from the refrigeration compartment 20 and into the first portion 112 of the refrigeration conduit 110A, (ii) flows from the first portion 112 of the refrigeration conduit 110A to the second portion 114 of the refrigeration conduit 110A, (iii) flows from the second portion 114 of the refrigeration conduit 110A to the second portion 132 of the refrigeration conduit 128, (iv) flows from the second portion 132 of the refrigeration conduit 128 to the first portion 130 of the refrigeration conduit 128, and (v) flows from the first portion 130 of the refrigeration conduit 128 into the freezer compartment 22. Similarly, when the freezer door or drawer 16 is manipulated from the closed position 28 to the open position 30, air (i) flows from the external environment 34 into the second end 146 of the drain duct 140, (ii) flows from the second end 146 of the drain duct 140 to the first end 142 of the drain duct 140, (iii) flows from the first end 142 of the drain duct 140 to the second end 105 of the freeze duct 128, (iv) flows from the second end 105 of the freeze duct 128 to the first end 103 of the freeze duct 128, and (v) flows from the second end 105 of the freeze duct 128 and into the freezer compartment 22.

[0055] The duct system 84 may include the tube 110, but does not include the refrigeration duct 110A fluidly coupled to the refrigeration duct 128 to direct the airflow from the freezer compartment 22 to the refrigeration compartment 20 when the refrigeration door 14 is moved to the open position 30, or to direct the airflow from the refrigeration compartment 20 to the freezer compartment 22 when the freezer door or drawer 16 is moved to the open position 30. Alternatively, the duct system 84 may include the refrigeration duct 110A fluidly coupled to the refrigeration duct 128, but does not include the tube 110 to direct the airflow from the freezer compartment 22 to the refrigeration compartment 20 when the refrigeration door 14 is moved to the open position 30, or to direct the airflow from the refrigeration compartment 20 to the freezer compartment 22 when the freezer door or drawer 16 is moved to the open position 30. As another alternative, the duct system 84 may include both the tube 110 and the refrigeration duct 110A fluidly coupled to the freezing duct 128 to direct the airflow from the freezing compartment 22 to the refrigeration compartment 20 when the refrigeration door 14 is moved to the open position 30, or to direct the airflow from the refrigeration compartment 20 to the freezing compartment 22 when the freezer door or drawer 16 is moved to the open position 30. For ease of description, the accompanying drawings include both embodiments, but the refrigeration appliance 10 may include only one of these embodiments and exclude the other. Note that in the case where the refrigeration appliance 10 includes the tube 110 but does not include the refrigeration duct 110A fluidly coupled to the freezing duct 128, the refrigeration appliance 10 may additionally include the refrigeration duct 110A and the freezing duct 128 that are separately fluidly connected to the drain pan 144. Combining the conduit system 84 with a refrigeration conduit 110A that is fluidly coupled to the freezing conduit 128 rather than the tube 110 may be advantageous in reducing the number of holes through the refrigeration passage 98 and the freezing passage 104 (such as eliminating holes 102, 108), since holes 136, 120 for the freezing conduit 128 and the refrigeration conduit 110A, respectively, would need to be included anyway to drain condensate from the freezing evaporator 124 and the refrigeration evaporator 106.

[0056] The embodiment of the duct system 84 of the present disclosure solves the problem described in the background because the duct system 84 allows airflow from the freezer compartment 22 to the refrigeration compartment 20 when the user pulls the refrigeration door 14 toward the open position 30. The additional airflow into the refrigeration compartment 20 reduces the pressure difference between the air in the refrigeration compartment 20 and the atmospheric pressure. Therefore, the user uses less pulling force to move the refrigeration door 14 to the open position 30 than if the refrigeration appliance 10 did not include such a duct system 84.

[0057] In addition, the duct system 84 can reduce the moisture imbalance between the refrigeration compartment 20 and the freezer compartment 22 compared to not including the duct system 84 to allow air to flow between the refrigeration compartment 20 and the freezer compartment 22. The reduction in moisture imbalance can mean a reduction in relative humidity within the refrigeration compartment 20. The reduction in relative humidity can reduce the insulation volume required to cover the refrigeration cycle lines within the refrigeration compartment 20, which increases the capacity of the refrigeration compartment 20 to hold food items 24.

[0058] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigeration appliance comprises: (a) a cabinet comprising (i) a vacuum insulation structure at least partially defining a refrigeration compartment and a freezer compartment and (ii) a conduit system fluidly connected to both the refrigeration compartment and the freezer compartment; (b) a refrigeration door coupled to the cabinet, the refrigeration door being maneuverable back and forth between (i) a closed position in which the refrigeration door denies entry into the refrigeration compartment from the external environment and (ii) an open position in which the refrigeration door allows entry into the refrigeration compartment from the external environment; and (c) a freezer door or drawer coupled to the cabinet, the freezer door or drawer being maneuverable back and forth between (i) a closed position in which the freezer door or drawer denies entry into the freezer compartment from the external environment and (ii) an open position in which the freezer door or drawer allows entry into the freezer compartment from the external environment.

[0059] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigeration appliance of the first aspect is proposed, wherein (a) the vacuum insulation structure includes (i) a refrigeration liner that at least partially defines a refrigeration compartment, (ii) a refrigeration liner that at least partially defines a freezer compartment, and (iii) an outer packaging that at least partially surrounds both the refrigeration liner and the freezer liner but is separated from them by a continuous space; and (b) the duct system allows air to flow from the freezer compartment, through the freezer liner, through the continuous space, through the outer packaging, along the outer packaging, through the continuous space again, and then through the refrigeration liner into the refrigeration compartment.

[0060] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigeration appliance of the second aspect is provided, wherein the refrigeration liner is arranged above the freezing liner.

[0061] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigeration appliance according to any one of the second to third aspects is provided, wherein the continuous space further separates the refrigeration liner from the freezing liner.

[0062] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigeration appliance of any one of the second to fourth aspects is provided, wherein (i) the refrigeration liner includes holes aligned with holes in the outer packaging, and (ii) the conduit system extends through the aligned holes of the refrigeration liner and the outer packaging.

[0063] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigeration appliance of the fifth aspect is proposed, wherein (i) the vacuum insulation structure further includes a refrigeration channel arranged in the holes of the refrigeration liner and the outer packaging, forming an airtight seal for the refrigeration liner and the outer packaging, and extending through the continuous space between the holes; and (ii) the conduit system includes holes extending through the refrigeration channel.

[0064] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigeration appliance of any one of aspects 2 to 6 is provided, wherein (i) the freezing liner includes holes aligned with holes in the outer packaging, and (ii) the conduit system extends through the aligned holes of the freezing liner and the outer packaging.

[0065] According to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigeration appliance of the seventh aspect is proposed, wherein (i) the vacuum insulation structure further includes a freezing channel arranged in the holes of the freezing liner and the outer packaging, forming an airtight seal for the freezing liner and the outer packaging, and extending through the continuous space between the holes; and (ii) the conduit system includes holes extending through the freezing channel.

[0066] According to the ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigeration appliance of the second aspect is proposed, wherein (1) the refrigeration lining includes a hole aligned with the first hole of the outer package; (2) the vacuum insulation structure further includes a refrigeration channel arranged in the hole of the refrigeration lining and the first hole of the outer package, forming an airtight seal between the refrigeration lining and the outer package, and extending through a continuous space; (3) the freezing lining includes a hole aligned with the second hole of the outer package; (4) the vacuum insulation structure further includes a freezing channel arranged in the hole of the freezing lining and the second hole of the outer package, forming an airtight seal between the freezing lining and the outer package, and extending through a continuous space; and (5) the conduit system includes (a) a hole of the refrigeration channel, (b) a hole of the freezing channel, and (c) a tube, the tube including (i) a first end terminating in the hole of the refrigeration channel or in the refrigeration compartment near the refrigeration channel and (ii) a second end terminating in the hole of the freezing channel or in the freezing compartment near the freezing channel.

[0067] According to the tenth aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigeration appliance of any one of the first to ninth aspects is provided, wherein (i) the cabinet further includes a refrigeration evaporator arranged in the refrigeration compartment; and (ii) the conduit system includes a refrigeration pipe, which is positioned to guide the condensate collected from the refrigeration evaporator from the refrigeration compartment to the outside of the refrigeration compartment.

[0068] According to the eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigeration appliance of any one of the first to tenth aspects is provided, wherein (i) the cabinet further includes a refrigeration evaporator arranged in the freezer compartment; and (ii) the duct system includes a refrigeration duct, which is positioned to guide the condensate collected from the refrigeration evaporator from the refrigeration compartment to the outside of the freezer compartment.

[0069] According to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a refrigeration appliance according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein (i) the cabinet further includes a drain pan, and (ii) the conduit system is further in fluid communication with the drain pan.

[0070] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigeration appliance according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects is provided, wherein (i) the cabinet further includes a machine room, and (ii) the duct system terminates in the machine room.

[0071] According to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided the refrigeration appliance of the thirteenth aspect, wherein the vacuum insulation structure is arranged above the machine room.

[0072] According to a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigeration appliance comprises: (I) a cabinet comprising (A) a vacuum insulation structure, the vacuum insulation structure comprising (1) a refrigeration liner at least partially defining a refrigeration compartment and comprising holes, (2) a freezer liner at least partially defining a freezer compartment and comprising holes, (3) an outer package at least partially surrounding both the refrigeration liner and the freezer liner but separated from them by a continuous space, the outer package comprising (a) a first hole aligned with the hole passing through the refrigeration liner and (b) a second hole aligned with the hole passing through the freezer liner; (B) a refrigeration evaporator disposed in the refrigeration compartment; (C) a freezer evaporator disposed in the freezer compartment; and (D) a conduit system, the conduit system comprising: (1) a refrigeration conduit comprising (a ) is positioned to receive a first portion of condensate collected from a refrigeration evaporator, (b) a body extending from the first portion, through a hole in a refrigeration liner, through a continuous space between the refrigeration liner and an outer package, and through a second hole in the outer package, and (c) a second portion disposed outside the outer surface of the outer package, and (2) a freezing conduit, which includes (a) a first portion of condensate collected from a refrigeration evaporator, (b) a body extending from the first portion, through a hole in a refrigeration liner, through a continuous space between the refrigeration liner and an outer package, and through a second hole in the outer package, and (c) a second portion disposed outside the outer surface of the outer package, wherein the refrigeration conduit and the freezing conduit are fluidly coupled outside the outer surface of the outer package.

[0073] According to the sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the refrigeration appliance of the fifteenth aspect further includes: (a) a refrigeration door coupled to the cabinet body, which can be manipulated back and forth between (i) a closed position in which the refrigeration door denies entry into the refrigeration compartment from the external environment and (ii) an open position in which the refrigeration door allows entry into the refrigeration compartment from the external environment; and (b) a freezer door or drawer coupled to the cabinet body, which can be manipulated back and forth between (i) a closed position in which the freezer door or drawer denies entry into the freezer compartment from the external environment and (ii) an open position in which the freezer door or drawer allows entry into the freezer compartment from the external environment.

[0074] According to the seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigeration appliance of the sixteenth aspect is proposed, wherein when the refrigeration door is manipulated from a closed position to an open position, air (i) flows from the freezing compartment and enters the freezing duct, (ii) flows from the freezing duct and enters the refrigeration duct, and (iii) flows from the refrigeration duct and enters the refrigeration compartment.

[0075] According to the eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigeration appliance of any one of aspects fifteen to seventeen is provided, wherein (a) the vacuum insulation structure further includes a refrigeration channel located in the hole of the refrigeration liner and the first hole of the outer package, the refrigeration channel forms an airtight seal between the refrigeration liner and the outer package, and extends through the space between the refrigeration liner and the outer package; (b) the body of the refrigeration conduit extends through the refrigeration channel; (c) the vacuum insulation structure further includes a freezing channel located in the hole of the freezing liner and the second hole of the outer package, the freezing channel forms an airtight seal between the freezing liner and the outer package, and extends through the space between the freezing liner and the outer package; and (d) the body of the freezing conduit extends through the freezing channel.

[0076] According to the nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigeration appliance of any one of aspects fifteen to eighteen is provided, wherein (i) the refrigeration liner is arranged above the freezing pad, and (ii) the refrigeration conduit and the freezing conduit become fluidly coupled at an altitude below the second hole of the outer packaging.

[0077] According to the twentieth aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigeration appliance of any one of aspects 15 to 19 is provided, wherein (i) the conduit system further includes a drain conduit, which includes (i) a first end fluidly coupled to the refrigeration conduit and the freezing conduit and (ii) a second end fluidly connected to the drain pan.

[0078] One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the described disclosure and other components of construction are not limited to any particular material. Unless otherwise described herein, other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed of a variety of materials.

[0079] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all its forms, coupling, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be fixed in nature or removable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with each other or with the two components. Unless otherwise specified, such joining may be permanent in nature or removable or releasable in nature.

[0080] It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the present disclosure shown in the exemplary embodiments are only illustrative. Although only several embodiments of the present invention are described in detail in the present disclosure, it will be easily understood by those skilled in the art who review the present disclosure that many modifications are possible (e.g., the size, size, structure, shape and ratio, parameter value, installation arrangement, use of materials, color, orientation, etc. of various elements) without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the narrated subject matter. For example, an element shown as being integrally formed can be composed of multiple parts, or an element shown as multiple parts can be integrally formed, the operation of the joint can be reversed or otherwise changed, the length or width of the structure and / or member or connector or other elements of the system can be changed, and the nature or quantity of the adjustment position provided between the elements can be changed. It should be noted that the elements and / or assemblies of the system can be constructed in any of a variety of colors, textures, and combinations by any of a variety of materials providing sufficient strength or durability. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Without departing from the spirit of the present invention, other replacements, modifications, changes, and omissions can be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangements of desired and other exemplary embodiments.

[0081] It should be understood that any described process or steps within a described process can be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. A refrigeration appliance, comprising: A cabinet comprising (i) a vacuum insulated structure at least partially defining a refrigeration compartment and a freezer compartment and (ii) a conduit system in fluid communication with both the refrigeration compartment and the freezer compartment; a refrigeration door coupled to the cabinet, the refrigeration door manipulable between (i) a closed position in which the refrigeration door denies access to the refrigeration compartment from the external environment and (ii) an open position in which the refrigeration door permits access to the refrigeration compartment from the external environment; as well as A freezer door or drawer is coupled to the cabinet, the freezer door or drawer being manipulable back and forth between (i) a closed position in which the freezer door or drawer denies access to the freezer compartment from the external environment and (ii) an open position in which the freezer door or drawer permits access to the freezer compartment from the external environment.

2. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 1, wherein The vacuum insulation structure includes (i) a refrigerated liner at least partially defining the refrigerated compartment, (ii) a frozen liner at least partially defining the frozen compartment, and (iii) an outer packaging at least partially surrounding both the refrigerated liner and the frozen liner but separated therefrom by a continuous space; and The duct system allows air to flow from the refrigerated compartment, through the refrigerated liner, through the continuous space, through the outer package, along the outer package, again through the continuous space, and then through the refrigerated liner into the refrigerated compartment.

3. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 2, wherein The refrigeration liner is disposed above the freezing liner.

4. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 2, wherein The refrigeration liner includes an aperture aligned with an aperture of the outer package, the conduit system extending through aligned apertures of the refrigeration liner and the outer package, The vacuum insulation structure further includes a refrigeration channel disposed within the apertures of the refrigeration liner and the outer package, forming an airtight seal with the refrigeration liner and the outer package, and extending through the continuous space between the apertures, and The conduit system includes a bore extending through the refrigeration passage.

5. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 2, wherein The freezer liner includes apertures that align with apertures in the outer package, said conduit system extending through aligned apertures of said cryoliner and said outer package, The vacuum insulation structure further includes a freezing channel disposed within the apertures of the freezing liner and the outer package, forming an airtight seal with the freezing liner and the outer package, and extending through the continuous space between the apertures, and The catheter system includes a hole extending through the cryo-tunnel.

6. The refrigeration appliance according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the refrigeration liner comprising an aperture aligned with the first aperture of the outer package; The vacuum insulation structure further includes a refrigeration channel disposed within the aperture of the refrigeration liner and the first aperture of the outer package, forming an airtight seal with the refrigeration liner and the outer package, and extending through the continuous space; the freezer liner comprising an aperture aligned with the second aperture of the outer package; The vacuum insulation structure further includes a freezing channel disposed within the hole of the freezing liner and the second hole of the outer package, forming an airtight seal with the freezing liner and the outer package, and extending through the continuous space; and The catheter system includes (a) a hole in the refrigeration channel, (b) a hole in the freezing channel, and (c) a tube, wherein the tube includes (i) a first end terminating in the hole in the refrigeration channel or proximal to the refrigeration channel in the refrigeration compartment and (ii) a second end terminating in the hole in the freezing channel or proximal to the freezing channel in the freezing compartment.

7. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 1, wherein The vacuum insulation structure comprises: a refrigeration liner at least partially defining a refrigeration compartment and comprising an aperture, a freezer liner at least partially defining a freezer compartment and including an aperture, and an outer package at least partially surrounding both the refrigerated liner and the frozen liner but separated therefrom by a continuous space, the outer package comprising (i) a first aperture aligned with the aperture through the refrigerated liner and (ii) a second aperture aligned with the aperture through the frozen liner, The refrigeration appliance further comprises: A refrigeration evaporator is arranged in the refrigeration compartment, a freezing evaporator disposed in the freezing compartment, and The catheter system further comprises: a refrigeration conduit comprising (i) a first portion positioned to receive condensate collected from the refrigeration evaporator, (ii) a body extending from the first portion through the hole of the refrigeration liner, through a continuous space between the refrigeration liner and the outer package, and through the second hole of the outer package, and (iii) a second portion disposed outside an outer surface of the outer package, and A cryoconduit comprising (i) a first portion positioned to receive condensate collected from the cryoevaporator, (ii) a body extending from the first portion through the hole of the cryoliner, through the continuous space between the cryoliner and the outer package, and through the second hole of the outer package, and (iii) a second portion disposed outside the outer surface of the outer package, and The refrigeration conduit and the cryoconduit are fluidly coupled externally of the outer surface of the outer package.

8. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 7, wherein When the refrigeration door is manipulated from the closed position to the open position, air (i) flows from the freezing compartment and into the freezing duct, (ii) flows from the freezing duct and into the refrigeration duct, and (iii) flows from the refrigeration duct and into the refrigeration compartment.

9. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 7, wherein The vacuum insulation structure further includes a refrigeration channel located within the hole of the refrigeration liner and the first hole of the outer package, the refrigeration channel forming an airtight seal with the refrigeration liner and the outer package and extending through the space between the refrigeration liner and the outer package; The body of the refrigeration conduit extends through the refrigeration passage; The vacuum insulation structure further comprises a freezing channel located within the hole of the freezing liner and the second hole of the outer package, the freezing channel forming an airtight seal with the freezing liner and the outer package and extending through the space between the freezing liner and the outer package; and The body of the cryoconduit extends through the cryochannel.

10. The refrigeration appliance according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein The refrigeration liner is arranged above the freezing liner, The refrigeration conduit and the cryoconduit become fluidly coupled at an altitude below the second aperture of the outer package, and The conduit system further includes a drain conduit including (i) a first end fluidly coupled to the refrigeration conduit and the freezing conduit and (ii) a second end in fluid communication with a drain pan.

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