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US20120085123A1 - Refrigeration module and refrigeration system - Google Patents

Refrigeration module and refrigeration system Download PDF

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Publication number
US20120085123A1
US20120085123A1 US12/678,095 US67809508A US2012085123A1 US 20120085123 A1 US20120085123 A1 US 20120085123A1 US 67809508 A US67809508 A US 67809508A US 2012085123 A1 US2012085123 A1 US 2012085123A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
housing
refrigeration
refrigeration module
refrigeratable
compartment
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US12/678,095
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Luciana Wasnievski da Silva
Márcio Robert Thiessen
Paulo Rogerio Carrara Couto
Taciani Meurer Duarte
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Whirlpool SA
Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina
Original Assignee
Whirlpool SA
Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Whirlpool SA, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina filed Critical Whirlpool SA
Publication of US20120085123A1 publication Critical patent/US20120085123A1/en
Assigned to WHIRLPOOL S.A., UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DE SANTA CATARINA - UFSC reassignment WHIRLPOOL S.A. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: DA SILVA, LUCIANA WASNIEVSKI, CARRARA COUTO, PAULO ROGERIO, THIESSEN, MARCIO ROBERTO, DUARTE, TACIANI MEURER
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D19/00—Arrangement or mounting of refrigeration units with respect to devices or objects to be refrigerated, e.g. infrared detectors
    • F25D19/02—Arrangement or mounting of refrigeration units with respect to devices or objects to be refrigerated, e.g. infrared detectors plug-in type
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2500/00—Problems to be solved
    • F25B2500/01—Geometry problems, e.g. for reducing size
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2500/00—Problems to be solved
    • F25B2500/06—Damage
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D19/00—Arrangement or mounting of refrigeration units with respect to devices or objects to be refrigerated, e.g. infrared detectors

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a portable refrigeration module. More particularly, the invention relates to a self-contained mobile refrigeration unit having a construction arrangement which enables it to be effectively compatible with several models, types and variations of refrigeratable compartments.
  • the present invention further relates to a refrigeration system comprising the abovementioned portable refrigeration module.
  • Refrigeration equipments such as refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners comprise a refrigeration circuit having at least one condenser, one evaporator, one compressor and tubes, as well as other elements that help in the refrigeration process.
  • the refrigeration circuit is mounted/installed in a fixed manner and inside a refrigeratable compartment.
  • the refrigerating and the refrigerated portions of a kitchen refrigerator are associated in such a way that only a trained technician or a skilled artisan is capable of disassembling or dismounting said portions.
  • the conventional refrigeration apparatuses lack mobility, because after installation it is difficult to move and/or transport them to other areas or rooms, forcing the user to go to the site where the refrigeration equipment is installed.
  • Even refrigeration appliances considered to be portable are difficult to move because of their fixed and limited shape, which prevent them from being adapted to different types of environments.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 5,417,081 relates to a modular refrigeration apparatus divided into two portions: a lower and an upper portion; the storage compartments/units are positioned in the upper portion and a removable refrigeration unit is positioned in the lower portion.
  • the apparatus disclosed in this document enables the insulation of the evaporator and condenser to obtain greater energy efficiency, only when the refrigeration unit is used together with a specially adapted cabinet having a construction arrangement capable of providing said insulation.
  • the refrigeration unit alone does not provide this insulation feature, because it depends on the shape of the cabinet or compartment in which the unit is fitted/installed.
  • Another prior-art document, U.S. Pat. No. 5,458,407 discloses a similar apparatus, wherein the refrigeration unit is removably fitted to facilitate repair and maintenance, and in this case also the refrigeration unit's efficiency directly depends on the insulation provided by the arrangement of the adapted cabinet.
  • European document EP 1691152 discloses a modular refrigeration unit usable in a refrigeration cabinet. This unit comprises the condensing assembly and the evaporating assembly operatively connected.
  • the condensing assembly is open, not being safe for the transportation of the unit, because the pieces and parts are exposed and unprotected from accidental shocks and foreign objects.
  • its construction makes handling difficult, affecting its portability.
  • the vertical configuration disclosed limits its adaptability, because only certain specific types of cabinets can be used together with this refrigeration unit.
  • the refrigeration units described in the documents cited above have the disadvantage of only working satisfactorily in specific cabinet models, which are especially configured to receive only certain types of refrigeration units (modules) and, therefore, are not flexible and easily adaptable, and they have a component distribution system that facilitates the undesired heat transfer between them, adversely affecting the performance of the module.
  • the construction arrangements of said units there is no optimization of the storage capacity of the cabinet to be refrigerated, and the portability of said units is questionable, because in addition to the apparent lack of practical transportation, the pieces and parts are not duly protected so as to prevent damage risks.
  • a first objective of the present invention is to provide a portable and self-contained refrigeration unit, being simple and easy to install and maintain as well as effectively compatible with several types, models and variations of refrigeratable compartments (optimized power consumption and occupied volume).
  • the present invention aims at filling a gap existing in the field of refrigeration equipment through the development of a portable and self-contained refrigeration unit or module with good efficiency levels (high yield and power savings) and that can be installed in, and removed from, various types and models of compartments, cabinets and/or spaces in a simple and fast way without the need for adaptations and/or modifications that are difficult to implement.
  • it should enable flexibility in the positioning of the module as well as in the division of the refrigerated space and also the optimization of said space.
  • a first means to achieve the first objective of the present invention is by providing a refrigeration module capable of being removably fitted into a refrigeratable compartment, comprising a first portion and a second portion associated with each other, the first portion being in contact with the inside of the refrigeratable compartment, the second portion being in contact with the outside of the refrigeratable compartment, the first portion being capable of moving in relation to the second portion.
  • a second means to achieve the first objective of the present invention is by providing a refrigeration module capable of being removably fitted into a refrigeratable compartment, comprising at least a first portion and a second portion directly and firmly associated with each other, the refrigeration module comprising at least a first closed box, the first box interfacing the refrigeration module with the inside of the refrigeratable compartment and the second portion comprising at least a second closed box, the second portion interfacing the refrigeration module with the outside of the refrigeratable compartment, the first box fitting the refrigeratable compartment through a fitting portion whose cross section is smaller than the largest cross section of the second box.
  • the refrigerated space can be optimized with the use of the first portion at horizontal position (90 degrees between portions), serving as a compartment divider.
  • This construction arrangement also enables height variation of the position of the module in the refrigerated space, consequently rendering the division of said space flexible.
  • the volumes resulting from this division can be kept at different temperatures and said temperatures can be reverted without affecting the position of the module.
  • Cabinets with varied refrigeration capacities can be served keeping the external dimensions of the module and changing only the internal components.
  • a second objective of the present invention is to provide a refrigeration system comprising the refrigeration unit mentioned above, in the first or second means indicated above.
  • the second objective of the present invention is achieved by a refrigeration system having at least one refrigeration cabinet to accommodate refrigeratable items, the refrigeration system comprising at least one refrigeration module, the refrigeration module according to the first or second means as mentioned above.
  • FIG. 1 represents a view in perspective of a first preferred embodiment of the refrigeration module of the present invention, in an “L” configuration (90 degrees);
  • FIG. 2 represents a view in perspective of the upper part of the refrigeration module illustrated in FIG. 1 in an “I” configuration (180 degrees);
  • FIG. 3 represents a view in perspective of the lower part of the refrigeration module illustrated in FIG. 1 in an “I” configuration (180 degrees);
  • FIG. 4 represents a view in perspective of the refrigeration module illustrated in FIG. 1 in an “L” configuration (90 degrees), showing the inner part of said module;
  • FIG. 5 represents a view in perspective of the refrigeration module illustrated in FIG. 1 in an “I” configuration (180 degrees), showing the inner part of said module;
  • FIG. 6 represents a view in perspective of the refrigeration circuit of the refrigeration module illustrated in FIG. 1 in an “L” configuration (90 degrees);
  • FIG. 7 represents an exploded view of the first box of the refrigeration module as illustrated in FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 8 represents an exploded view of the second box of the refrigeration module as illustrated in FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 9 represents an upper view in perspective of the second preferred embodiment of the refrigeration module of the present invention.
  • FIG. 10 represents a lower view in perspective of the refrigeration module illustrated in FIG. 9 ;
  • FIG. 11 represents a view in perspective of the refrigeration module illustrated in FIG. 9 , showing the inner part of said module;
  • FIG. 12 represents an exploded view of the first box of the refrigeration module as illustrated in FIG. 9 ;
  • FIG. 13 represents an exploded view of the second box of the refrigeration module as illustrated in FIG. 9 ;
  • FIG. 14 represents a view in perspective of a third preferred embodiment of the refrigeration module of the present invention, in a closed configuration (0 degree);
  • FIG. 15 represents a view in perspective of the refrigeration module illustrated in FIG. 14 in an “L” configuration (90 degrees);
  • FIG. 16 ( 16 A and 16 B)—represents a view in perspective of two possible modes (A and B) of a refrigeration system, comprising the refrigeration module of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 14 ;
  • FIG. 17 represents a view in perspective of a forth preferred embodiment of the refrigeration module of the present invention, in a closed configuration
  • FIG. 18 represents a view in perspective of the refrigeration module illustrated in FIG. 17 , in an open configuration
  • FIG. 19 represents a view in perspective of a possible configuration of a refrigeration system, comprising the refrigeration module of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 17 ;
  • FIG. 20 represents a view in perspective of a fifth preferred embodiment of the refrigeration module of the present invention, in a closed configuration
  • FIG. 21 represents a view in perspective of the refrigeration module illustrated in FIG. 20 showing the opening process to obtain the “L” configuration (90 degrees);
  • FIG. 22 ( 22 A, 22 B, 22 C and 22 D)—represents a view in perspective of four possible modes of a refrigeration system, comprising the refrigeration module of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 20 .
  • FIGS. 1 , 9 , 14 , 17 and 21 represent five types of preferred embodiments of a refrigeration module 1 , which is the object of the present invention.
  • the refrigeration module 1 can be used in any refrigeratable compartment, such as various types and models of household/commercial/industrial/transportation refrigerator and freezer cabinets, air conditioner cabinets, cupboards, rooms, boxes, spaces, among others.
  • the refrigeratable compartment needs only to have a recess, a hollow portion or any support base.
  • FIGS. 16 , 19 and 22 show refrigeration cabinets 2 which are able to accommodate refrigeratable items used in household refrigerators.
  • the ability to remove the refrigeration module 1 allows for easiness of repair and/or preventive maintenance, because the user needs only to remove the refrigeration module 1 from the refrigeratable compartment and take it to a technical support center. Therefore, there is no need for a technician to visit the site where the refrigeration equipment (i.e., household refrigerator) is installed. Furthermore, during the time needed for repair/maintenance, the damaged refrigeration module 1 can be replaced with another functioning module, and said functioning module can be provided by technical support itself.
  • refrigeratable compartment types that can be used represents an evident advantage in relation to refrigeration modules known in the art, wherein only some specific refrigeratable compartment models can be used so that said refrigeration modules can be fitted.
  • adaptations are often needed which are complex and difficult to implement, increasing production costs.
  • FIG. 4 depicts the main elements arranged in the internal parts of said refrigeration module.
  • Such elements form a conventional refrigeration circuit, which is well-known and normally used in household air conditioners, refrigerators and freezers.
  • FIG. 6 shows the refrigeration circuit comprising an evaporator 104 , an accumulator 105 , a compressor 204 , a filter drier 205 , a condenser 206 , and an expansion device 11 associated with one another by tubes, in which a cooling fluid circulates, which cooling fluid, in turn, is responsible for heat (energy) exchange and transportation.
  • the expansion device 11 is represented by a capillary tube, associated with a suction line 12 , which in turn associates the compressor 204 with the accumulator 105 .
  • the expansion device is a valve (which is not depicted in the drawings), it would be arranged next to the evaporator inlet 104 and connected to the filter drier 205 by a tube.
  • the condenser 206 is known as the hot heat exchanger of a refrigeration apparatus while the evaporator 104 is known as the cold heat exchanger.
  • These heat exchangers can assume different construction arrangements, such as microchannels, finned tube, wire wound tube, roll-bond, among others, some of which enable more compact refrigeration modules.
  • the evaporator 104 , the accumulator 105 and the expansion device 11 (integrally in the case of a valve and partially in the case of a capillary tube) connected to one another constitute a first portion 100 that represents the “cold portion” of the refrigeration module.
  • the first portion 100 is totally (integrally) accommodated inside the refrigeratable compartment and the second portion 200 is totally accommodated outside the refrigeratable compartment, for maximum performance and greater energy efficiency to be obtained.
  • this configuration is not mandatory, and it is possible that a first portion 100 and/or a second portion 200 is accommodated only partially inside and outside the refrigeratable compartment, respectively.
  • the first portion 100 and the second portion 200 are associated with each other through the suction line 12 and the expansion device 11 (or tubes, connecting the evaporator 104 and the filter drier 205 , if the expansion device 11 is a valve), whose function is to enable the exchange of heat (energy) between the elements comprised by the first portion 100 and by the second portion 200 , especially the condenser 206 and the evaporator 104 .
  • the first portion 100 further comprises at least a first closed box 101 which externally involves the evaporator 104 , the accumulator 105 and the expansion device 11 (integrally, in the case of a valve and partially in the case of a capillary tube).
  • the first box 101 comprises at least a first lid 102 removably fitted into a first base 103 , and the evaporator 104 , the accumulator 105 and the expansion device 11 are arranged in the first base.
  • the first box 101 further comprises at least one outlet 107 which enables the refrigerated air to flow to the environment.
  • This outlet can be controlled by a damper for better air distribution inside the cabinet.
  • at least a first fan 106 is fixed/installed in the first box 101 next to said outlet 107 .
  • variable rotation fans and two-coil fans can be used also enabling better air flow rate control inside the cabinet and even temperature reversal between compartments.
  • This box can also comprise air filters and/or odorizers (not depicted in the drawings) to improve the quality of the refrigerated air.
  • the first box 101 has inlet slots 108 which enable ambient air to flow into the first portion 100 . Therefore, the first box 101 is the interface between the refrigeration module 1 and the inside of the refrigeratable compartment.
  • the second portion 200 further comprises at least a second closed box 201 which externally involves the condenser 206 , the compressor 204 and the filter drier 205 .
  • the second box 201 comprises at least a second lid 202 removably fitted to a second base 203 , and the condenser 206 , the compressor 204 and the filter drier 205 are arranged in the second base 203 .
  • the second box 201 has cooling slots 207 that enable heat dispersion to the environment with the help of at least a second fan 210 . Therefore, the second box 201 is the interface between the refrigeration module 1 and the outside of the refrigeratable compartment.
  • the first box 101 and the second box 201 should be totally or partially made of thermal insulating material to minimize undesired heat transfer between the refrigeration module (especially the hot portion) and the cabinet.
  • Insulation materials such as polyurethane, polystyrene or vacuum panels can be used, the latter enabling thinner walls and consequently a slimmer refrigeration module.
  • Other materials, such as plastic and stainless steel can be part of said structures for weight reduction or corrosion protection.
  • sealing and vibration insulating materials can be employed to for noise reduction purposes.
  • the possibility of closing the first box 101 and the second box 201 facilitates the transportation of the refrigeration module 1 and also provides the mechanical protection of all pieces and parts that form the refrigeration circuit, such as, for instance, when the user takes the refrigeration module 1 for repair/maintenance to a technical support center.
  • the risks of damaging the pieces and parts are prevented by closing said boxes, avoiding said pieces and parts to be exposed and unprotected from accidental shocks and foreign objects.
  • the refrigeration module 1 enables it to be moved along the extension of the refrigeratable compartment.
  • the refrigeratable compartment is a household refrigerator cabinet
  • the refrigeration module 1 can be positioned from its base to the top, depending on the required application.
  • two refrigeratable compartments for instance, can be kept at different temperatures, regardless of the volumes of these compartments. Therefore, as previously mentioned, temperature reversal or change between refrigeratable compartments is also possible.
  • the distance of the first portion 100 (“cold portion”) and the second portion 200 (“hot portion”) enables the reduction of the undesired heat transfer from the compressor 204 and the condenser 206 to the evaporator 104 by means other than through the cooling fluid, such as, for instance, through the air or through the structure of the refrigeration module 1 itself.
  • the external dimensions of the first box 101 and the second box 201 can be kept, and different types of refrigeration modules 1 can be implemented having varied refrigeration capacities through the use of variable capacity compressors and/or only replacing the internal components.
  • the dimensions and the shape of the refrigeratable compartment can remain unchanged.
  • Control lights, electronic circuits which currently are part of the cabinet could also be coupled to the refrigeration module, as well as specific component controls, such as compressor and expansion device, enabling an increase in their efficiency.
  • the electric supply to or energization of the refrigeration module 1 is preferably provided by a conventional electric cable to be connected to an alternating current (AC) power socket.
  • AC alternating current
  • batteries, a DC power supply or any other type of power supply may be used, as long as it is compatible with the operation of the refrigeration module 1 .
  • the refrigeration module 1 is self-contained because, in addition to comprising all of the elements, pieces and parts required to provide refrigeration, its electric supply is not provided by/dependent on the refrigeratable compartment, as is the case of a conventional household refrigerator.
  • FIGS. 1 and 8 illustrate details of a first embodiment of the refrigeration module 1 of the present invention.
  • the first portion 100 is capable of angularly moving in relation to the second portion 200 .
  • the refrigeration module 1 is configured in “L”, that is, the first box 101 is angularly positioned in a stabilized way at 90 degrees from the second box 201 .
  • the refrigeration module 1 is configured in “I”, that is, the first box 101 is angularly positioned in a stabilized way at 180 degrees from the second box 201 .
  • the angular movement between the first portion 100 and the second portion 200 enables flexibility and the simple and, easy adaptation of the refrigeration module 1 to several types of compartments, including those that were not specially designed to receive the refrigeration module 1 . Therefore, this construction arrangement, which enables the freedom of angular movement between the first portion 100 , comprising the evaporator 104 , and the second portion 200 , comprising the condenser 206 , was never exploited before in self-contained modular refrigeration equipment.
  • Said angular movement between the first portion 100 and the second portion 200 is enabled by means of an articulation mechanism 300 , which preferably comprises pivoting pins 301 mounted on first fitting holes 110 and on second fitting holes 209 comprised by the first box 101 and by the second box, respectively.
  • the first box 101 and the second box 201 slide over the pivoting pins 201 so as to enable the angular movement between first portion 100 and the second portion 200 .
  • the pivoting pins 301 and/or the first and second fitting holes 110 , 209 should provide sufficient friction to enable angular movement and also to enable that the first portion 100 stabilizes in relation to the second portion 200 in any angular position.
  • Another type of articulation mechanism 300 could be used provided it is suitable for this application. For instance, a pivoting axis could be used associating the holes of said boxes instead of the pivoting pin 301 , or else, some type of spring/lock mechanism.
  • the suction line 12 and the expansion device 11 which associate a first portion 100 with a second portion 200 , are flexible.
  • a passage groove 208 from the second box 201 and a passage hole 109 from the first box 101 aligned to each other enable the passage of the suction line 12 and the expansion device 11 from the first box 101 to the second box 201 .
  • the suction line 12 and the expansion device 11 can be rigid, if they are not subject to any force that might damage them.
  • FIGS. 2 , 3 and 5 it is noted that there two first fans 106 installed in the first box 101 , directed to ends (sides or faces) opposite to said first box 101 . Therefore, the refrigeration module 1 is capable of dividing the refrigeratable compartment in at least two different spaces, enabling the separate refrigeration of each environment. Thus, large savings are obtained because with only one refrigeration module 1 it is possible to refrigerate two environments at the same time and, in addition, it is not necessary to implement ducts or tubes that hamper installation and/or maintenance. It is also possible to use another number of first fans 106 , or add ducts to the structure, depending on the application.
  • FIGS. 9 to 13 illustrate a second embodiment of the refrigeration module 1 of the present invention.
  • the second embodiment of the present invention can be understood as a particular case of the first embodiment explained above.
  • the first portion 100 does not move in relation to the second portion 200 , that is to say, the first box 101 and the second box 201 are directly and fixedly associated.
  • the first box 101 fits into the refrigeratable compartment through a fitting portion 111 whose cross section is smaller than the largest cross section of the second box 201 .
  • the first box 101 is positioned at 90 degrees from the second box 201 , characterizing the “L” configuration.
  • the largest cross section of the second box 201 is the longitudinal section of the second box 201 , which is larger than the cross section of the fitting portion 111 of the first box 101 .
  • This type of construction arrangement facilitates the mounting/installation of the refrigeration module 1 in a refrigeratable compartment.
  • the “L configuration” enables the second portion 200 (“hot portion”) to be totally outside the refrigeratable compartment and the first portion 100 (“cold portion”) to be totally inside the refrigeratable compartment, so as to optimize the space occupied by the refrigeration module 1 .
  • the “L configuration” is not mandatory, and other angular values are acceptable, such as, 180 degrees.
  • This type of fixed and static arrangement is more advantageous in relation to the mobile arrangement (first embodiment) in terms of cost and ease of production, because it is a simpler configuration and involves fewer pieces and parts, thus reducing the material and manpower costs for mounting and testing in production.
  • FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate a third embodiment of the refrigeration module 1 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 14 illustrates the closed or the 0 (zero) degree configuration, which facilitates the transportation of the refrigeration module 1 , because the space occupied by it is reduced. This configuration can also be used in the functioning mode of the refrigeration module 1 .
  • the other differences in relation to the first embodiment represent only design and shape variations of the first box 101 and the second box 201 .
  • FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate a forth embodiment of the refrigeration module 1 of the present invention.
  • the first portion 100 is capable of axially moving in relation to the second portion 200 through a sliding mechanism 400 .
  • a first portion 100 has a slit 401 through which the edges of the second portion 200 slide.
  • This sliding mechanism 400 enables the first portion 100 to stabilize in relation to the second portion 200 at any axial position through a conventional mechanic lock (not depicted in the drawing) capable of fixing the first box 101 to the second box 201 so as not to allow any relative movement between them.
  • the closed configuration (or 0 degree) illustrated in FIG. 17 is preferably used for the transportation of the refrigeration module 1 .
  • FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate a fifth embodiment of the refrigeration module 1 of the present invention.
  • This embodiment is very similar to the third embodiment, and the differences represent only design and shape variations of the first box 101 and the second box 201 .
  • the closed configuration (or 0 degree) illustrated in FIG. 20 is preferably used for the transportation of the refrigeration module 1 .
  • FIGS. 16 , 19 and 22 show refrigeration systems 500 which respectively comprise the third, forth and fifth embodiments of the refrigeration module 1 and a refrigeration cabinet 2 .
  • This refrigeration system 500 is represented by a household refrigerator with a freezer; however, as already mentioned, other types of refrigeratable compartments can be used.
  • the refrigeration module 1 is integrally accommodated on the back wall 501 of the refrigeration cabinet 2 so as not to functionally and esthetically interfere with the front part of the refrigerator-freezer.
  • FIGS. 16 and 22 depict some configurations showing how the refrigeration module 1 can be moved along the back wall 501 of the refrigeration cabinet 2 .
  • FIG. 16A illustrates a configuration in which only the freezer is refrigerated by the refrigeration module 1 .
  • the refrigeration module 1 (third embodiment) is positioned exactly at the division between the refrigerator and the freezer so that a specific refrigeration intensity is provided for each of these parts.
  • FIGS. 22A and 22B illustrate the same configurations shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B , respectively, using the fifth embodiment of the refrigeration module 1 .
  • FIGS. 22C and 22D illustrate alternative configurations enabled by the flexibility and adaptability of the fifth embodiment of the refrigeration module 1 .
  • the first portion 100 of the refrigeration module 1 is partially or totally accommodated inside the refrigeration cabinet 2 and the second portion 200 of the refrigeration module 1 is partially or totally accommodated outside the refrigeration cabinet 2 to provide optimized performance and power efficiency.
  • this configuration is not mandatory, as illustrated in FIG. 22D (180 degree configuration), wherein the first portion 100 is accommodated outside the refrigeration cabinet 2 .

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)
US12/678,095 2007-09-12 2008-09-11 Refrigeration module and refrigeration system Abandoned US20120085123A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
BRPI0703622-1A BRPI0703622A2 (pt) 2007-09-12 2007-09-12 màdulo de refrigeraÇço e sistema de refrigeraÇço
BRPI0703622-1 2007-09-12
PCT/BR2008/000277 WO2009033243A2 (fr) 2007-09-12 2008-09-11 Module et système de réfrigération

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US20120085123A1 true US20120085123A1 (en) 2012-04-12

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US12/678,095 Abandoned US20120085123A1 (en) 2007-09-12 2008-09-11 Refrigeration module and refrigeration system

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US (1) US20120085123A1 (fr)
EP (2) EP2198225B1 (fr)
JP (1) JP2010539430A (fr)
KR (1) KR20100087088A (fr)
CN (1) CN101981391B (fr)
AT (1) ATE533015T1 (fr)
BR (1) BRPI0703622A2 (fr)
WO (1) WO2009033243A2 (fr)

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US20120291476A1 (en) * 2011-05-16 2012-11-22 Whirlpool Corporation Cooling system integration enabling platform architecture
US20120291475A1 (en) * 2011-05-16 2012-11-22 Whirlpool Corporation Universal and flexible cooling module set (cms) configuration and architecture
US8820112B2 (en) 2011-05-16 2014-09-02 Whirlpool Corporation Flexible cooling system integration for multiple platforms
US20170135499A1 (en) * 2015-11-18 2017-05-18 Whirlpool S.A. Cooling System for Cabinets and Cooling Cabinet by Forced Air
WO2019135378A1 (fr) * 2018-01-05 2019-07-11 ワコン株式会社 Système de refroidissement
JP2019120455A (ja) * 2018-01-05 2019-07-22 ワコン株式会社 冷却システム
USD887788S1 (en) 2017-05-17 2020-06-23 Dometic Sweden Ab Cooler
USD888503S1 (en) 2017-05-17 2020-06-30 Dometic Sweden Ab Cooler
USD911512S1 (en) 2018-01-31 2021-02-23 Carrier Corporation Axial flow fan
CN113303633A (zh) * 2021-07-01 2021-08-27 合肥三电冷机有限公司 集成式制冷系统及陈列式商用冷柜
USD933449S1 (en) 2016-11-22 2021-10-19 Dometic Sweden Ab Latch
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CN101981391A (zh) 2011-02-23
ATE533015T1 (de) 2011-11-15
CN101981391B (zh) 2012-11-28
KR20100087088A (ko) 2010-08-03
BRPI0703622A2 (pt) 2009-04-28
EP2198225B1 (fr) 2011-11-09
JP2010539430A (ja) 2010-12-16
WO2009033243A3 (fr) 2009-06-25
EP2198225A2 (fr) 2010-06-23
EP2447636A1 (fr) 2012-05-02
WO2009033243A2 (fr) 2009-03-19

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