Home Appliance, Particularly Cooling Device Having at Least One Air Flow System

This application claims the priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 119, of Turkish Patent Applications TR 2024/004500, filed Apr. 15, 2024, and TR 2024/011756, filed Sep. 5, 2024; the prior applications are herewith incorporated by reference in their entirety.

The present invention relates to a home appliance, particularly a cooling device, including at least two subparts provided in at least one part which is suitable for storage of at least one material, a related inner rear wall provided in each subpart, at least one related cold air input provided on the inner rear walls, an evaporator which is located in the related part and which provides a formation of cold air, which is suitable for passage by the related cold air input part to the related subpart, by using at least one related fan, at least one air transfer path which provides a transfer of cold air for passage of cold air by the related cold air input part from the evaporator to the related subpart, and at least one air feeding channel which provides a transfer of the air, that is located in the related subpart, for feeding to at least one related air input part opening into the evaporator, by using at least one air feeding opening provided in the related subpart.

Cooling devices among home appliances that exist, in particular, in the present art substantially include a cooling part and a freezing part. The cooling part and the freezing part include subparts disposed therein. The subparts can be at different temperature degrees in accordance with the preference of users or in accordance with the product desired to be stored. Therefore, in cooling devices, different cold air flow systems exist for different subparts in the present art.

In European Patent EP1857754B1, corresponding to U.S. Pat. No. 7,984,623, a refrigerator is provided which includes a freezing chamber having a first evaporator and a first fan, and a cooling chamber having a second evaporator and a second fan. Moreover, the first and second fans can be embodied to guide the cold air, produced by the first and second evaporators, to the freezing and cooling chambers respectively. Additionally, pluralities of cold air channels can be provided in at least one of the freezing and cooling chambers; the cold air channels can be embodied to provide cold air to the freezing and cooling chambers by operation of the first and second fans, respectively.

The present invention provides an additional improvement, an additional advantage or an alternative to the prior art.

It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a home appliance, particularly a cooling device, having at least one air flow system, which overcomes the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices of this general type and which prevents the interaction of the air which is located in at least two subparts, moreover, in parts such as a drawer or compartment which is located in each subpart, during transfer of the cold air, provided preferably at different temperature degrees, in an independent manner from each other to at least two subparts which exist in a first part and/or in a second part of a cooling device and to parts such as a drawer or compartment which is located in each subpart, to the evaporator again and cooling of the cold air in the evaporator, and to prevent any clogging that may occur in the evaporator.

Another object of the present invention is to prevent non-homogenous frosting of the evaporator.

Another object of the present invention is to provide efficient usage of the evaporator.

Another object of the present invention is to reduce energy consumption in cooling devices.

In order to achieve the objects, the subject matter cooling device includes at least two subparts provided in at least one part which is suitable for storage of at least one material, a related inner rear wall provided in each subpart, at least one related cold air input part provided on the inner rear walls, an evaporator which exists in the related part and which provides formation of cold air, which is suitable for passage by using the related cold air input part to the related subpart, by using at least one related fan, at least one air transfer path which provides transfer of cold air for passage of cold air by using the related cold air input part from the evaporator to the related subpart, and at least one air feeding channel which provides transfer of the air, that exists in the related subpart, for feeding to the related air input part opening into at least one evaporator, by using at least one air feeding opening provided in the related subpart, the at least two air input parts opening into the evaporator are configured to be suitable for being provided in a manner substantially not overlapping with each other and in an aligned and side-by-side manner in a width direction.

In this way, the air fed to at least two air input parts opening into the evaporator is prevented from interacting with each other, in other words, prevented from mixing. Thus, in case air is fed at different temperature degrees to at least two input parts opening into the evaporator, frostings which may occur in the evaporator are prevented.

In a possible embodiment of the invention, the evaporator includes at least three air input parts opening into evaporator. Thus, air, which has different temperature value, can be fed to the evaporator, and interaction of at least three airs which are fed and which have different temperature values is prevented, and thus, undesired frostings in the evaporator will be prevented. The air, fed to the air input parts opening into the evaporator, is transferred to the evaporator for being cooled again. Thus, the air fed to the air input parts opening into the evaporator is less cold when compared with the cold air which comes from the cold air input parts.

In a possible embodiment of the invention, the first air input part, opening into an evaporator and provided in a manner corresponding to the middle part of the evaporator, among the at least three air input parts opening into the evaporator is configured to be bigger than the other air input parts opening into the evaporator. In this way, dimensions of the air input parts opening into the evaporator can be determined based on the temperature adjusted in the energy test and the heat gains in the operation condition. The air input part opening into the evaporator is connected to the related subpart or to the compartment by at least one air feeding opening. Thus, the dimensions of the air input parts opening into the evaporator can be produced or adjusted in accordance with the required cooling capacity for the related subpart or compartment. In this way, energy efficiency can be provided.

In a possible embodiment of the invention, the evaporator is configured to include the second air input part opening into the evaporator and the third air input part opening into the evaporator where the second air input part and the third air input part have different sizes from each other or are equivalent to each other and are suitable for being positioned to two sides of the first air input part opening into the evaporator and provided in a manner corresponding to the middle part of the evaporator. In this way, in accordance with the required cooling capacity for each related subpart or compartment to which the air input part opening into the evaporator is connected by at least one air feeding opening, the air input parts opening into the evaporator can be produced or adjusted in terms of dimension. In this way, energy efficiency can be provided.

In a possible embodiment of the invention, at least two subparts, which are suitable for storage of at least one material, are provided in at least one first part. In this way, during feeding of the air, which exists in at least two subparts that exist in the first part, to the first evaporator, the air can be guided to air input parts opening into different evaporator. Thus, undesired frostings and clogging which may occur in the first evaporator can be prevented.

In a possible embodiment of the invention, at least two subparts, which are suitable for storage of at least one material, are provided in at least one second part. In this way, during feeding of the air, which exists in at least two subparts that exist in the first part, to the second evaporator, the air can be guided to air input parts opening into different evaporator. Thus, undesired frostings and clogging which may occur in the second evaporator can be prevented.

In a possible embodiment of the invention, the first air input part opening into a first evaporator and provided in a manner corresponding to the middle part of the first evaporator is configured to be positioned in the first evaporator in a manner facing the opposite direction of a front opening and a first inner rear wall. In this way, contribution will be provided to feeding of air from the first part to the first evaporator.

In a possible embodiment of the invention, the second air input part opening into a first evaporator and the third air input part opening into a first evaporator and positioned in a manner corresponding to both sides of the air input part opening into the first evaporator and provided in a manner corresponding to the middle part of the first evaporator are configured to be positioned in the first evaporator in a manner facing in the direction of an inner volume. In this way, contribution will be provided to feeding of air from the first part to the first evaporator.

In a possible embodiment of the invention, the first part includes at least one first subpart and at least one second subpart. In this way, contribution will be provided to transfer of the airs, that exist at different temperature values that exist in different subparts, to the first evaporator without contacting each other.

In a possible embodiment of the invention, at least one air feeding channel connected to at least one air feeding opening positioned at the first subpart is configured to be connected to the first air input part opening into the first evaporator and provided in a manner corresponding to the middle part of the first evaporator. In this way, the air, fed by an air feeding channel and the air feeding opening, can be transferred to the first evaporator.

In a possible embodiment of the invention, the first air input part opening into the second evaporator and provided in a manner corresponding to the middle part of the second evaporator is configured to be opening into the second evaporator in a manner facing the direction of a second inner volume. In this way, contribution will be provided to feeding of air from the second part to the second evaporator.

In a possible embodiment of the invention, the second air input part opening into a second evaporator and the third air input part opening into a second evaporator and positioned in a manner corresponding to both sides of the first air input part opening into the second evaporator and provided in a manner corresponding to the middle part of the second evaporator are configured to be positioned in a manner opening to the second evaporator in a manner facing the opposite direction of the front opening and a second inner rear wall. In this way, contribution will be provided to feeding of air from the second part to the second evaporator.

In a possible embodiment of the invention, the second part includes at least one first compartment, at least one second compartment, and at least one third compartment. In this way, contribution will be provided to transfer of airs, which exist at different temperature values in different compartments, to the second evaporator without contacting each other. Preferably, the first compartment and the second compartment are existing at the first subpart of the second part. The third compartment is preferably provided at the second subpart of the second part.

In a possible embodiment of the invention, at least one first compartment air feeding channel connected with at least one first compartment air feeding opening provided in at least one first compartment is configured to be connected to the second air input part opening into the second evaporator. In this way, contribution will be provided to feeding the air, which exists in the first compartment, to the second evaporator.

In a possible embodiment of the invention, at least one second compartment air feeding channel connected with at least one second compartment air feeding opening provided in at least one second compartment is configured to be connected to the third air input part opening into the second evaporator. In this way, contribution will be provided to feeding the air, provided in the second compartment, to the second evaporator.

By using the term “cooling device” mentioned herein, it is intended to mean any device, particularly a domestic cooling device, or a refrigerator, used in houses and which has a cooling cycle and can realize a cooling function.

By using the term “air transfer path” mentioned herein, it is intended to mean a part which can also be a fan housing and wherein a pressure chamber is provided.

The subject matter invention can include at least one damper which controls air flow and positioned preferably at the air transfer path.

Through the use of the phrase “corresponding to (or associated with) the middle part of the evaporator” mentioned herein, it is intended to mean a part which will correspond approximately to the middle of the evaporator at the lower part of the evaporator when the cooling device, thus, when the evaporator, is viewed from the opposite side.

Through the use of the term “material” mentioned herein, it is intended to mean the products which are suitable for storage in the cooling device.

The cooling device includes at least one door (not shown in the figures) connected to the body by using hinges in a rotatable manner. If the door is closed, the front opening is completely closed, in other words, access to the parts of the cooling device from outside is prevented.

The words part, compartment, chamber, shelf can be given as examples for the term “at least two subparts” mentioned herein.

Here, the aforementioned first evaporator is a vertical evaporator which extends parallel to the first inner rear wall.

Here, the aforementioned second evaporator is a vertical evaporator which extends parallel to the second inner rear wall.

Here, the aforementioned width direction can be defined as the direction from the first side wall towards the second side wall.

In this context, with the indications “first side wall,” “second side wall,” “ceiling,” “base,” “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “rear,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “upwards,” “downwards,” “inner,” “outer,” “inwardly,” “outwardly” etc. the positions and orientations given for intended use and intended arrangement of the domestic cooling device and for a user then standing in front of the domestic cooling device in a closed position of the door and viewing in the direction of the domestic cooling device are indicated.

Other features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims.

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a home appliance, particularly a cooling device, having at least one air flow system, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.

The construction and method of operation of the invention, however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are provided solely for the purpose of exemplifying the invention having advantages over prior art, which were outlined above and will be explained in detail hereinafter.

Referring now to the figures of the drawings in detail, it is seen that in this detailed description, the subject matter is explained with references to examples without forming any restrictive effect, only in order to make the subject more understandable.

In order to achieve the object of the invention, the subject matter cooling deviceincludes at least two subparts,,.,.provided in at least one part,which is suitable for storage of at least one material. A related inner rear wall,is provided in each subpart,,.,.. At least one related cold air input part.,.,.,.,.,.,.is provided on the inner rear walls,. An evaporator,which is provided in the related part,provides a formation of cold air, which is suitable for passage by the related cold air input part.,.,.,.,.,.,.to the related subpart,,.,., by using at least one related fan,. At least one air transfer path,provides a transfer of cold air for passage of cold air by using the related cold air input part.,.,.,.,.,.,.from the evaporator,to the related subpart,,.,.. At least one air feeding channel.,.,.provides a transfer of the air, that exists in the related subpart,,.,., for feeding to at least one related air input part opening into the evaporator.,.,., by using at least one air feeding opening.,.,.,.,.,.provided in the related subpart,,.,.). At least two air input parts opening into the evaporator.,.,.,.,.,.are configured to be suitable for being provided in a manner substantially not overlapping with each other and in a lined and side-by-side manner in a width direction X.

In this way, the air fed to at least two air input parts.,.,.,.,.,.opening into the evaporator,is prevented from interacting with each other, in other words, prevented from mixing. Thus, in case air is fed at different temperature degrees to at least two air input parts.,.,.,.,.,.opening into the evaporator,, frostings which may occur in the evaporator,are prevented.

With reference to, it is seen that the subject matter cooling deviceincludes a first partand a second part. The first partis formed by a first subpartand a second subpart. At the first subpart, there are preferably six cold air input parts.. The cold air input parts.transfer the cold air, which comes from at least one cold air passage channel.positioned at the rear side of a first inner rear wall, to the first subpart. The cold air is formed by using a first evaporator, and can be transferred to the cold air passage channel.with the help of a first fanand by using a first air transfer path. Then, the air that exists in the first subpartis transferred to the first air input part opening into a first evaporator.which can be seen inand which can be removed from, by the air feeding opening.and by the air feeding channel.connected to the opening. The first air input part opening into the first evaporator.can be seen through an imaginary window opened in. At the second subpartthat is provided in the first part, the cold air, that occurs in the first evaporator, enters the second subpartby using the first fanand by using a first cold air input part.and a second cold air input part.. The air, that exists in the second subpart, is then fed back to the first evaporatorby using the second air input part opening into the first evaporator.and by using the third air input part opening into a first evaporator.. As can be seen in, there is at least one first evaporator cover, which is removable, at the part of the first inner rear wallwhich corresponds to the first evaporator. In the preferred usage, at the first part, there is at least one first air feeding opening.and at least one second air feeding opening.positioned on the first evaporator coverin a manner corresponding to the second air input part opening into the first evaporator.and to the third air input part opening into the first evaporator.. In the preferred usage, the first air feeding opening.and the second air feeding opening.are in rectangular form, but can also be produced in different forms. The first air feeding opening.and the second air feeding opening.can be produced in desired numbers. Moreover, as can be seen in, in the second subpart, there is a drawer partin the part that corresponds to the first cold air input part., the second cold air input part., the first air feeding opening.and the second air feeding opening.. The temperature values of the drawers which are provided in the drawer partcan be different from each other and from the first subpart. In the preferred applications, the temperature of the first subpartcan be between +2 and +8 Celsius degrees. The temperature degree of the drawer partcan be between −1 and +3 Celsius degrees. As seen in, there can be preferably two drawers in the drawer part.

As can be seen in,and, the second partis formed by a first compartment, a second compartmentand a third compartment. These compartments are independent from each other. As can be seen inand, a second evaporatoris positioned in a manner corresponding to the rear side of a second inner rear wallsuch that the second evaporatorcorresponds to the third compartment. The cold air, produced in the second evaporator, enters the first compartmentthrough a first compartment cold air input part.by using a first compartment cold air passage channel.with the help of a second fanand a second air transfer path. The air which exists in the first compartmentthen passes to a first compartment air feeding channel.through a first compartment air feeding opening.and reaches the second air input part opening into the second evaporator.as can be seen in. The second air input part opening into the second evaporator.can be seen through an imaginary window opened in.

As can be seen inand, the cold air, produced in the second evaporator, advances through a second compartment cold air passage channel.with the help of the second fanand the second air transfer pathand reaches a second compartment cold air input part.and enters the second compartment. The air, that exists in the second compartment, then passes through a second compartment air feeding opening.and comes to the third air input part opening into the second evaporator., by using a second compartment air feeding channel.. The third air input part opening into the second evaporator.can be seen through an imaginary window opened in.

As can be seen inand, the cold air produced in the second evaporatorcomes to the third compartmentthrough a third compartment first cold air input part.and a third compartment second cold air input part.that can be seen in, with the help of the second fanand the second air transfer path. The air, that exists in the third compartment, then passes to the first air input part opening into the second evaporator.by using a third compartment air feeding opening.. The temperature degrees of the independent compartments that exist in the second partcan be different from each other. For instance, while the first compartmentcan be −18 Celsius degrees, the second compartmentcan be between −18 Celsius degrees and +4 Celsius degrees. Moreover, also at the second part, there is a second evaporator coverwhich is removable and which is provided at the part of the second inner rear wallthat corresponds to the third compartment. Thus, the third compartment first cold air input part., the third compartment second cold air input part.and the third compartment air feeding opening.can be positioned in a manner facing a second inner volumeon the second evaporator cover. With reference toand, it is seen that the first compartment air feeding channel.and the second compartment air feeding channel.are positioned so as to be at the opposite direction of the second inner volume. Moreover, it can be understood that the first air input part opening into the second evaporator.is provided at the side where the second inner volumeis provided.

In a possible embodiment of the invention, the evaporator.includes at least three air input parts opening into evaporator.,.,.,.,.,.. Thus, feeding of air, which has different temperature values, to the evaporator,becomes possible, and interaction of at least three air flows which are fed and which have different temperature values is prevented, thus, undesired frostings in the evaporator,will be prevented. The air fed to the air input parts opening into the evaporator.,.,.,.,.,.is transferred to the evaporator,to be cooled again. Thus, the air fed to the air input parts opening into the evaporator.,.,.,.,.,.is less cold when compared with the cold air which comes from the related cold air input parts.,.,.,.,.,.,..

In a possible embodiment of the invention, the first air input part opening into the evaporator.,.and provided in a manner corresponding to the middle part of the evaporator,, among the at least three air input parts opening into the evaporator.,.,.,.,.,.is configured to be bigger than the other air input parts opening into the evaporator.,.,.,.. In this way, the dimensions of the air input parts opening into the evaporator.,.,.,.,.,.can be determined based on heat gains in the operating condition and the temperature adjusted in an energy test. The air input part opening into the evaporator.,.,.,.,.,.is connected to the related subpart,or to the compartment,,by using at least one air feeding opening.,.,.,.,.,.. Thus, the dimensions of the air input parts opening into the evaporator.,.,.,.,.,.can be produced or adjusted in accordance with the required cooling capacity for the related subpart,or the compartment,,. In this way, energy efficiency can be provided.

In a possible embodiment of the invention, the evaporator,is configured to include the second air input part opening into the evaporator.,.and the third air input part opening into the evaporator.,.where the second air input part.,.and the third air input part.,.have different sizes from each other or are equivalent to each other and are suitable for being positioned to two sides of the first air input part opening into the evaporator.,.and provided in a manner corresponding to the middle part of the evaporator. In this way, in accordance with the required cooling capacity for each related subpart,or compartment,,to which the air input part opening into the evaporator.,.,.,.,.,.is connected by using at least one air feeding opening.,.,.,.,.,., the air input parts opening into the evaporator.,.,.,.,.,.can be produced or adjusted in terms of dimension. In this way, energy efficiency can be provided.

In a possible embodiment of the invention, at least two subparts,which are suitable for storage of at least one material are provided in at least one first part. In this way, during feeding of the air, that exists in at least two subparts,provided in the first part, to the first evaporator, the air can be guided to the air input parts.,.,.opening into different evaporators. Thus, undesired frostings and clogging which may occur in the first evaporatorcan be prevented.