A COOLING DEVICE

Abstract

By means of the present invention, a cooling device (9) is realized, that prevents the fresh food compartment (10) to be cooled unnecessarily while the door (12) of the fresh food compartment (10) is open, that prevents formation of frost on the first evaporator (7) even when the user keeps the door (12) of the fresh food compartment (10) open frequently and/or for a long time while the compressor (1) is operating, thus decreasing the requirement of performing a special defrost cycle, furthermore that directs the refrigerant fluid only to the freezing compartment (11) while the door (12) of the fresh food compartment (10) is open during the refrigeration cycle, enabling preferably to maintain additional cooling in the freezing compartment (11), that enables the compressor (1) to be used more effectively, enabling a more effective refrigeration to be performed and hence providing energy saving.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooling device comprising two compartments and two evaporators.

[0002] The users have to store some foods in the frozen state and some in the cooled state. The white good producers designed cooling devices having two compartments where products to be cooled and products to be frozen can be placed separately and two evaporators that provide the cooling of the compartments at different temperatures by evaporating a refrigerant fluid in order to meet both demands of the users.

[0003] The users keep the door of the compartment open, for example the fresh food compartment of this type of cooling device, generally for a long time in order to place the bought products therein. During this time, the warm air in the outer environment enters into the compartment and causes the compartment to heat up. This causes the refrigeration efficiency to decrease.

[0004] In the state of the art International Patent Application no. WO0237038, a double compartment cooling device is explained wherein the frost formed on the evaporator is enabled to be defrosted by a special defrost cycle.

[0005] The aim of the present invention is the realization of a cooling device wherein the requirement for performing the defrost cycle is decreased and which provides a more effective refrigeration.

[0006] The cooling device realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention and explicated in the attached claims, comprises a sensor that provides the detection of the opening and closing of the fresh food compartment door, a valve that provides the circulation of the refrigerant fluid in at least two different ways such that it flows through both of the evaporators or only through the second evaporator and a control unit that enables the valve to change the flow path of the refrigerant fluid depending on the result of the detection during the refrigeration cycle. Thus, the first evaporator is prevented from cooling unnecessarily while the door of the first compartment is open during the refrigeration cycle.

[0007] The control unit enables the valve to circulate the refrigerant fluid through both evaporators while the door of the fresh food compartment is closed during the refrigeration cycle. Thus, normal refrigeration cycle is enabled to be performed while the door of the fresh food compartment is closed during the refrigeration cycle. The control unit enables the refrigerant fluid to be circulated through only the second evaporator by the valve while the door of the fresh food compartment is open during the refrigeration cycle. Thus, a refrigeration cycle that saves energy is realized while the door of the fresh food compartment is open during the refrigeration cycle.

[0008] The control unit changes the flow path of the refrigerant fluid by means of the valve during the refrigeration cycle when the door of the fresh food compartment is detected to be changed from a closed position to an open position. Thus, the cooling device is enabled to pass from the normal refrigeration cycle immediately to the energy saving refrigeration cycle when the door of the fresh food compartment is opened. Furthermore, the refrigerant fluid is prevented from cooling the fresh food compartment without deactivating the compressor and the freezing compartment is continued to be cooled while the door of the fresh food compartment is open.

[0009] The control unit enables the flow path of the refrigerant fluid to be changed by means of the valve during the refrigeration cycle when the door of the fresh food compartment is detected to be changed from an open position to a closed position. Consequently, the cooling device is enabled to change immediately from the energy saving refrigeration cycle to the normal refrigeration cycle when the door of the fresh food compartment is closed and the refrigerant fluid is enabled to be passed through the evaporators of the freezing and the fresh food compartments.

[0010] In an embodiment of the present invention, the cooling device comprises a first evaporator disposed after the valve, a second evaporator disposed after the first evaporator and a by-pass line that extends between the valve and the inlet of the second evaporator. When the door is detected to be closed by the sensor, the refrigerant fluid is first directed to the first evaporator and afterwards to the second evaporator by means of the valve. When the door is detected to be open by the sensor, the refrigerant fluid is directed to the by-pass line by the valve. The refrigerant fluid that passes through the by-pass line afterwards passes through the second evaporator. In this embodiment, the refrigerant fluid does not pass through the first evaporator.

[0011] In a derivative of this embodiment, the cooling device comprises a second capillary disposed on the by-pass line. When the valve is in the first position, the refrigerant fluid passes through the first capillary and when the valve is in the second position, it passes through the second capillary.

[0012] In another embodiment of the present invention, the cooling device comprises a second evaporator disposed after the condenser, the valve disposed after the second evaporator, the first evaporator disposed after the valve and a by-pass line that extends between the valve and the outlet of the first evaporator. When the door is detected to be closed by the sensor, the refrigerant fluid first passes through the second evaporator and afterwards is directed to the first evaporator by means of the valve. When the door is detected to be open by the sensor, the refrigerant fluid that passes through the second evaporator is directed to the by-pass line by the valve. The refrigerant fluid that passes through the by-pass line, afterwards returns to the compressor. In this embodiment, the refrigerant fluid does not pass through the first evaporator.

[0013] By means of the present invention, a cooling device is realized wherein the requirement for performing the defrost cycle is decreased and which provides a more effective refrigeration.

[0014] The model embodiments relating to the cooling device realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention are illustrated in the attached figures, where:

[0015] FIG. 1--is the schematic view of a cooling device of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 2--is the schematic view of the refrigeration cycle in a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 3--is the schematic view of the refrigeration cycle in a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:

[0019] 1. Compressor

[0020] 2. By-pass line

[0021] 3. Condenser

[0022] 4. Control unit

[0023] 5. Valve

[0024] 6. 106. Capillary

[0025] 7. First evaporator

[0026] 8. Second evaporator

[0027] 9. Cooling device

[0028] 10. Fresh food compartment

[0029] 11. Freezing compartment

[0030] 12. Door

[0031] 13. Sensor

[0032] The cooling device (9) of the present invention comprises a fresh food compartment (10) having a door (12), wherein products to be cooled are placed, a freezing compartment (11) having a door, wherein products to be frozen are placed, a compressor (1) that enables the refrigerant fluid to be compressed and circulated in a refrigeration cycle, a condenser (3) that enables the compressed refrigerant fluid to be condensed by cooling, a first evaporator (7) that enables the fresh food compartment (10) to be cooled by vaporizing the refrigerant fluid, a second evaporator (8) that enables the freezing compartment (11) to be cooled by vaporizing the refrigerant fluid and that is connected in series to the first evaporator (7), and at least one capillary (6) disposed after the condenser (3) and prior to the evaporators (7, 8) with respect to flow direction of the refrigerant fluid, which enables the flow of the refrigerant fluid to be regulated (FIG. 2 and FIG. 3).

[0033] The cooling device (9) furthermore comprises a sensor (13) that detects the opening and closing of the fresh food compartment (10) the door (12), a valve (5) that is disposed after the condenser (3), that enables the refrigerant fluid to flow through both of the two evaporators (7, 8) while in the first position, and flow through only the second evaporator (8) while in the second position, and a control unit (4) that enables the position of the valve (5) to be changed (FIG. 2 and FIG. 3). During the refrigeration cycle, the valve (5) directs the refrigerant fluid only to the second evaporator (8) while the door (12) of the fresh food compartment (10) is open. Thus, the first evaporator (7) is prevented from cooling unnecessarily and the formation of frosting on the first evaporator (7) while the door (12) is open is prevented (FIG. 1).

[0034] While the door (12) is closed, the control unit (4) changes the valve (5) to the first position, enabling the refrigerant fluid to pass through both of the two evaporators (7, 8) during the refrigeration cycle (FIG. 2 and FIG. 3). Thus, normal refrigeration cycle is realized while the door (12) is closed during the refrigeration cycle. While the door (12) is open, the control unit (4) changes the valve (5) to the second position, enabling the refrigerant fluid to be directed only to the second evaporator (8) during the refrigeration cycle.

[0035] The control unit (4) changes the valve (5) from the from the first position to the second position during the refrigeration cycle such that the flow path of the refrigerant fluid changes when the door (12) is detected to be changed from a closed position to an open position by the sensor (13) (FIG. 2 and FIG. 3).

[0036] The control unit (4) changes the valve (5) from the from the second position to the first position during the refrigeration cycle such that the flow path of the refrigerant fluid changes when the door (12) is detected to change from an open position to a closed position by the sensor (13) (FIG. 2 and FIG. 3). Thus, the cooling device (9) is enabled to pass from the energy saving refrigeration cycle immediately to the normal refrigeration cycle when the door (12) is closed.

[0037] In an embodiment of the present invention, the cooling device (9) comprises a first evaporator (7) disposed after the valve (5), a second evaporator (8) disposed after the first evaporator (7) and a by-pass line (2) that extends between the valve (5) and the inlet of the second evaporator (8) (FIG. 2). When the door (12) is detected to be closed by the sensor (13), the valve (5) is changed to the first position by the control unit (4). In this position, the refrigerant fluid is first directed to the first evaporator (7) and afterwards to the second evaporator (8) by the valve (5). In this position, the refrigerant fluid does not pass through the by-pass line (2). Both the fresh food compartment (10) and the freezing compartment (11) are cooled by means of the evaporators (7, 8). When the door (12) is detected to be open by the sensor (13), the valve (5) is changed to the second position by the control unit (4). In this position, the refrigerant fluid is directed to the by-pass line (2) by the valve (5). The refrigerant fluid that passes through the by-pass line (2), afterwards passes through the second evaporator (8). In this embodiment, the refrigerant fluid does not pass through the first evaporator (7). Only the freezing compartment (11) is cooled by means of the second evaporator (8)

[0038] In a derivative of this embodiment, the cooling device (9) comprises a second capillary (106) disposed on the by-pass line (2) (FIG. 2). In this embodiment, the capillary (6) is disposed after the valve (5) and prior to the first evaporator (7). When the valve (5) is in the first position, the refrigerant fluid passes through the first capillary (6) and when the valve (5) is in the second position, it passes through the second capillary (106).

[0039] In another embodiment of the present invention, the cooling device (9) comprises a second evaporator (8) disposed after the condenser (3), the valve (5) disposed after the second evaporator (8), the first evaporator (7) disposed after the valve (5) and a by-pass line (2) that extends between the valve (5) and the outlet of the first evaporator (7) (FIG. 3). When the door (12) is detected to be closed by the sensor (13), the valve (5) is changed to the first position by the control unit (4). In this position, the refrigerant fluid first passes through the second evaporator (8) and afterwards is directed to the first evaporator (7) by the valve (5). In this position, the refrigerant fluid does not pass through the by-pass line (2). Both the fresh food compartment (10) and the freezing compartment (11) are cooled by means of the evaporators (7, 8). When the door (12) is detected to be open by the sensor (13), the valve (5) is changed to the second position by the control unit (4). In this position, the refrigerant fluid that passes through the second evaporator (8) is directed to the by-pass line (2) by the valve (5). The refrigerant fluid that passes through the by-pass line (2), afterwards returns to the compressor (1). In this embodiment, the refrigerant fluid does not pass through the first evaporator (7). Only the freezing compartment (11) is cooled by means of the second evaporator (8).

[0040] By means of the present invention, a cooling device (9) is realized, that prevents the fresh food compartment (10) to be cooled unnecessarily while the door (12) of the fresh food compartment (10) is open, that prevents formation of frost on the first evaporator (7) even when the user keeps the door (12) of the fresh food compartment (10) open frequently and/or for a long time while the compressor (1) is operating, thus decreasing the requirement of performing a special defrost cycle, furthermore that directs the refrigerant fluid only to the freezing compartment (11) while the door (12) of the fresh food compartment (10) is open during the refrigeration cycle, enabling preferably to maintain additional cooling in the freezing compartment (11), that enables the compressor (1) to be used more effectively, enabling a more effective refrigeration to be performed and hence providing energy saving.

Claims

1. A cooling device (9) comprising a fresh food compartment (10) having a door (12), wherein products to be cooled are placed, a freezing compartment (11) wherein products to be frozen are placed, a compressor (1) that enables the refrigerant fluid to be compressed and circulated in a refrigeration cycle, a condenser (3) that enables the compressed refrigerant fluid to be condensed by cooling, a first evaporator (7) that cools the fresh food compartment (10), a second evaporator (8) that cools the freezing compartment (11) and that is connected in series to the first evaporator (7), at least one capillary (6) disposed after the condenser (3) and prior to the evaporators (7, 8) with respect to flow direction of the refrigerant fluid, which enables the flow of the refrigerant fluid to be regulated, and a sensor (13) that detects the opening and closing of the fresh food compartment (10) door (12), characterized by a valve (5) disposed after the condenser (3), that directs the refrigerant fluid to both of the two evaporators (7, 8) while the door (12) is closed, and directs the refrigerant fluid only to the second evaporator (8) while the door (12) is open and a control unit (4) that enables the position of the valve (5) to be changed.

2. A cooling device (9) as in claim 1, characterized by the first evaporator (7) disposed after the valve (5), the second evaporator (8) disposed after the first evaporator (7) and a by-pass line (2) that extends between the valve (5) and the inlet of the second evaporator (8).

3. A cooling device (9) as in claim 2, characterized by the valve (5) that directs the refrigerant fluid to the by-pass line (2) when the door (12) is detected to be open by the sensor (13).

4. A cooling device (9) as in claim 3, characterized by the capillary (6) disposed after the valve (5) and prior to the first evaporator (7), through which the refrigerant fluid passes while the valve (5) is in the first position and a second capillary (106) disposed on the by-pass line (2), through which the refrigerant fluid passes while the valve (5) is in the second position.

5. A cooling device (9) as in claim 1, characterized by the second evaporator (8) disposed after the condenser (3), the valve (5) disposed after the second evaporator (8), the first evaporator (7) disposed after the valve (5) and a by-pass line (2) that extends between the valve (5) and the outlet of the first evaporator (7).

6. A cooling device (9) as in claim 5, characterized by the valve (5) that directs the refrigerant fluid passing through the second evaporator (8) to the by-pass line (2) when the door (12) is detected to be open by the sensor (13).