CA2532390A1 - Control for a refrigerator - Google Patents
Control for a refrigerator Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2532390A1 CA2532390A1 CA 2532390 CA2532390A CA2532390A1 CA 2532390 A1 CA2532390 A1 CA 2532390A1 CA 2532390 CA2532390 CA 2532390 CA 2532390 A CA2532390 A CA 2532390A CA 2532390 A1 CA2532390 A1 CA 2532390A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- fresh food
- compartment
- refrigerator
- mode
- food 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
Links
Classifications
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- 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
- F25D17/00—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces
- F25D17/04—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection
- F25D17/06—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation
- F25D17/062—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation in household refrigerators
- F25D17/065—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation in household refrigerators with compartments at different temperatures
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- 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
- F25D29/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
-
- 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
- F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
- F25C2400/00—Auxiliary features or devices for producing, working or handling ice
- F25C2400/10—Refrigerator units
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- 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
- F25D17/00—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces
- F25D17/04—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection
- F25D17/042—Air treating means within refrigerated spaces
- F25D17/045—Air flow control arrangements
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- 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
- F25D2317/00—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2317/06—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation
- F25D2317/066—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation characterised by the air supply
- F25D2317/0666—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation characterised by the air supply from the freezer
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- 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
- F25D2400/00—General features of, or devices for refrigerators, cold rooms, ice-boxes, or for cooling or freezing apparatus not covered by any other subclass
- F25D2400/28—Quick cooling
-
- 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
- F25D2400/00—General features of, or devices for refrigerators, cold rooms, ice-boxes, or for cooling or freezing apparatus not covered by any other subclass
- F25D2400/30—Quick freezing
-
- 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
- F25D2700/00—Means for sensing or measuring; Sensors therefor
- F25D2700/12—Sensors measuring the inside temperature
-
- 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
- F25D2700/00—Means for sensing or measuring; Sensors therefor
- F25D2700/12—Sensors measuring the inside temperature
- F25D2700/122—Sensors measuring the inside temperature of freezer compartments
-
- 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
- F25D2700/00—Means for sensing or measuring; Sensors therefor
- F25D2700/14—Sensors measuring the temperature outside the refrigerator or freezer
Landscapes
- 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)
- Cold Air Circulating Systems And Constructional Details In Refrigerators (AREA)
Abstract
A refrigerator includes a fresh food compartment, a freezer compartment and a refrigeration system. A duct, exposed to the freezer compartment, leads into the fresh food compartment. A damper is arranged within the duct to selectively allow the passage of cooling air into the fresh food compartment. The refrigerator also includes an air mixing fan arranged in the fresh food compartment, a freezer mounted ice maker, a user interface having a plurality of control elements and a controller operatively associated with the user interface. The controller includes a memory having stored therein a plurality of operating parameters for controlling various aspects or features of the refrigerator, including a temperature control mode, a super cool mode, a food saver mode and a quick ice mode, which can be synergistically combined to efficiently operate the refrigerator.
Description
CnN't'RUt, FOR A R14:F121GlaRA'lY)R
BACKGROUND Ul+' TNC tNVrN7'lUN
1. ]:~ICld of the Tnvcl3ta(ln rl'ht: present 1nvC11tFDn pCrtillns to the tart. ofrefrigcrators and, more s partlclllitrly, to a contrcal I'ur <i reli'Igcriatol' that Cstabllshcs artd nvintatn5 ciuyitx:d fresh food compartment and frcczcr comptartment lempet'aturos, as wc:ll as cnablin~; various user scl4ctaUlc fcaturc:s.
BACKGROUND Ul+' TNC tNVrN7'lUN
1. ]:~ICld of the Tnvcl3ta(ln rl'ht: present 1nvC11tFDn pCrtillns to the tart. ofrefrigcrators and, more s partlclllitrly, to a contrcal I'ur <i reli'Igcriatol' that Cstabllshcs artd nvintatn5 ciuyitx:d fresh food compartment and frcczcr comptartment lempet'aturos, as wc:ll as cnablin~; various user scl4ctaUlc fcaturc:s.
2. f)iscnssion ofthc Prior /1r In gvner;al, a refrifierator include.s a Irrtil (1r tireazcr compartment K) for maintaining foodsttrlls at c-r below frcczing, and a second or fresh food cornpartnlcnt for maintaining fc,ocist{tiFs in a temperature >onc botwccn .imbient tlrtd .f:roczitzg, tcmpcratures. A typical ri:frigcrator inciudcs a refrigeration system having a compressUr, a ctandcnscr coil, a c;artdc:nscr firn, an cvaporatcar, and an evaporator fiiri.
!n opcr:ltlotl, tcnaperat:a.rc scn5ors provi(itd witliin ttio rcfrigcrator are uscd lc.t n7c.asrtre temperatures in the frosh food and freeier cotiipartment.s. When a door associated witlY citttcr compartment is opened, tht; resttiting loss ofcool air will cause the temperature of tllc s corr-partniCnt to rise. When tht: lcrnpcraturc of the compartment d4vi-tt4s I'Tom a prudctcrmiiicd or pre-sclcctcd temperature, the refri.ger;ition systcni is activated 1:o return the tcmpcrlturc to a puitit bclow a consunicr or factory e:stablishcd sct-point. In oi-dor io return thc compartmcnt tOnil)Cratllrc to t=h3S Flotnt, prior art systGt3is t1rC c0ust'.d to O}7VrtitC
at Ifl lilci7tlfllu3ii capacity rCgi3rdlCss oltlie dCgrC:l: of tliC dCviEitlo[i.
1'rior art rcti=igerators typically employ a wide tcinpcrature zone or bounce rc:bton that cstabltshes an acu:ptablt: tcniperatw-c range in oi-cier to rninimizc opcratiott of the refriga'atioii systeni. A small temperature ionc iyt bounce t'C~lol; results in cr'tClidCd operation of'the sysl.en-1, ts thcrcby rctlucing energy cfficioncy. On tiie otherr hand, a widc ternperxttt.tre zonc causes tctnperature fluctuations that niay ncg,ttively imract quality andlor taste of certain food itctm.
As part of t.he overall refrigcration system, a damper is typically provit,it;tl between the freezer compartment and the i'resh food ~cr conipttrt.ment. C)lacration of thc danipcr is controllcd stich that cool air is pettrtittcd to flow from Ãhe #'ree.zer compartment to the fresh food compat'tmcnt. In sornt; arrangements, a fan is mounted witliin a housing adjaccnt the cvaporator to aid in establishing the airflow. Accordingly, if' the temperature ol'the fresh food eonipni-tnlcnt rises above the set-point, 25 the dampcr is opened to ;tllow fhe passage of cooling air froni the evaporator comp;trt.rnetiE. int,o the frcsti food eotnpartmcnt.
In addition, one or morc i'atts liavc been incorporated 'tttto the fii=csh foud compzrkrnctit to circulate or evenly cii;ttrit7ute thc cooling air in order to riiininiicc: tcmper:.tture stratification. Typicailly, the fart(s) is cantiriuo'usly opcrated whe;n the f:resly food door is closed. 1-lowcvcr, s operating tlic fan whcn the damper is opcn ni.iy cause too niuch cooling air to bc drawn into the Iresh foad compar=tmctit. In any evcnt, in addition to corttrolling rct.rigc:nItiori cortlpon.ctits, dampcrs and fians, nitmy refrigerators include cUnt.rols that cnciblc a consumer to selectively activate various f(:P1tLirCs to ti11lC1r operation of the t'Cfri~f'=r.ttor to suit ,:
i o particular rtucd.
Reg,ardlcss of'thc teachings in the prior ar't, thcre still exists a nccd fbr an cnhanccd refrigcrator control systcyn. Mot=a specifically, thcrc exists a need for a refrigerator controller that cornbincs opc:ration of the damlycr and a fan in the tiesh lood compartment to rtiaintain desired is compartment tcrtt;]4ratkires_ In addition, thcre exists a neerl for a controller that can determine a direction and magnitude of change of temperature in tiu; fresli food 1nd/or frc:c;ier cutttpartiiicnts to provide greater scnsitivity in ot-dcr to minimiie activation of thc rcfrigcration tiystcrn, as well as blend various user sclcctablc features to obtain a 20 syn(:rbistiG combination t113t appeals to consuniers.
SUMMARY Oli+ THE iNVF.NTiON
The present. invcyriiiori is directed to a refrigerator iilcluding an outc;r sht;ll or cabinct witliin which is defined a fresh food compartment rrnd a f'i'c(%7.,1:r cCffTlpartnicnt. In a rtzannt~r knowti in the art, the rt;1i-i~;crator 'sncludcs a pair of doors pivotally nlour? tLd to the cabinet to sclcc:tivcly zcccss the I'resh lbod and fi-c:czer conipartmt:nts_ ln a marÃiicr also known in the art, thc rcfTigerator inciudes a rcCi'igcration systei7t t'or rcl;ulating ternperatures in the frc,sh food itnd freezer compartmcnts. A duct is s provided to tluidly int.ercortncct tlzc frc4zur compartment rtnd ttic fresh i'ooJ compA.ii:nicnt. Arranged along ttic duct is a dampcr which sclcctivr:ly shifts between art. opGn position, whcre;in cool itir flows ittto the: frc:;li food compartment, Ãc) a closed position dapcndins; upon a scnscd t1cCd for coolilig in tlle fr4's1-1 ro(ld con2partmcnt.
io In accordance witlt ttic invcntion, a.n air mixing Can is :trrrYrtgcd in the fresh food cortipartmcnt. '3'lte air rttixin- fnn is sclectivcly activated to establish a coolirtg 4tirflow in the fi=esli food comp.-t.n'xetat tu cfiniinatc, or at least 1T1111ir11i7.e, temperature strrttitication. 'l"he rcfrigerrttor furt.her includes an icc maker, a ttsct' iattcrface having a plurality of control 1s Lll'.r11Ctlts and a ccmt.rc~ilc;r operatively associatcd witli the user interfaco.
'1'ho c.ontrollot' includcs a nicmory having store;d thercin a plurality o!' operating parameters for controllint; various aspects or features of thc rL I i'I gC t'attlr.
ln accordattcc with a prcfcrred form of thc invcntiort, tltr, ooperating m par:arnctcrs include a tr.ntpcraturc control mocie, a sulicr cool mode, a food s,tver mode and a quick ice mc7dc_ 'i'ltc tcmpcrattrre control modc is employed to establish and maintain tcnipcrutures in ttic fresh food and freezer comp,=3rt:rnertts. More specifically, the temperature colttrol mode r.norxitors for temperature t.rcttc.ls. "I,Itat is, il'a niagrt.it.ttdc and dircction of 2; a tLlTlpcraharc ol'tllG freezer compartment indicates a warming treiid, tlte rcfrigur:ttion systcni is activated. C'ortvc;rscly, a coollng trcltd catlses the rcfrigc.rat.ion systcnl to turn off: The t.empcraturc of the fresla. 'Pood compnrtmeni. 4; also moriitorcd and controllcd in a similar rnanner. 'Tltat is. if in a warming trend, thc damper is opened, allovving cool air into the fresli food conipartmcnt.. lfin a cooling trencl, tlu; danipcr is closed.
"1'hc sirpcr cool mode is desif,rnt;d to lower a tcmpertaturc of the fresli food comptu-tment. to crvcrcomc a tcmpcrat.ure stratitication effect caused by, ror exaniple, pcr=iodic door openings or the addition of a lar=ge, w.rrni load. More sptTil.ically, repeatedly opening the door and relcasin4, coolcr air or placinl; a large itern that is at, ncar or above room temperaturc into the fresli food compartment can create a tcmpcratut'4 stratification cffcct in thc fi'esli fnod cornpru-tmclit nttd may cvcn raise the tempcrrture oftl't(: fl't;sll food c17n1partnlCnt above stlectcd lcvcls. In order to proactively address the potential sudden irlcrt;asC in tcnlpertttus=c, a consrani4r c-an sclcctivcly activate the super cool mode whcrcin thc caoling trcnd in the fresh food compartment is acijustcd to conipensatc for loss of cool air or the added heat, preferably by activating thc ntixing fan at iitll power if the dampar is closcd. T1'thc damper is opcn, the air niixing faty is nUt active. In this mnnnor, the t.emneraturc: of'thc fresh.
food compartment ciln bL 17orn'lOliY,td witlloUt exceeding any prc-sct :!U Con'11):lrtn7t=nt temperature.
A consumcr can rapidly lower tcmpcratures in bot}t the fresll food and Ji-ee:rer compartmcnts by activating thc food saver mode. When in the rcwrl5avcr modc, the ccsnt.rollcr autamatically lowers t:ttc tcmpcrttturc of each o!'thu Jirrsh l:uoc,{ and frcczcr comptlrtnicrtt:s to a minimum setting f'or it prGdGti:t=mincd period of tirnr:. l'ittally, if the consumc.r wish4s tO
shortcit. icc 13rodLtction time, the quick icc mod4 is activatcd. Wlicn opc;rat.imp, in the quick ice n-io(le, thc controllcr automttt.ic<illy lowers the tcmpcratrrrc of the frcezcr ccampartment to a minirnum setting for a first predc.ternlitled timc period and, in onc prcfcrrcd cmbodimcnt, ctich t.ime the ice maker is f licd with d<<ettcr, Yictivates the evaporator tijn '1'or a s second predet:crmincd tinic pwriod, Additional objc;cts, features and advantages of't.he pre4enl.
i.rtvctltion will bccorne rnorc readiiy apparcnt from the following det:tilc;d clcscript.ion of a preferr=s:d ci*nbodimcnt whcn ttYken in conjtsnGtion with lhc drawings wherein like rcfercncc numerals rel'el- to c:orrespotldit}g part,s io in t=11e tiCver'riI ViCWs.
BrtiRr nT:SCRIP7'IoN UF THE f)1tAWlINGS
rit;ure 1 A is a perspective view of a ruli-igcrator irtcludinn, a control constructed in ttccorcfancc with the prescrrt invention;
Figure 1 F3 is a block diat;rani o1'tl}e control constructcd in t5 accordance with the prc;sc.;nt irtvcntiotl;
l~igure; 2 is a.flow chitrt iilristrating a tcmpci-aturt control tnocie 1or a fresh foocl compartnlc:nt of the rcfritlerator ol' Figure 1;
figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating a tempcrats,ut; control rriodt: for ti frcczer compa.rtrrlcnt of t:he rcti=igcrator ot' Fit"u.rc 1;
P'igttrc 4 is a flow cttart illttstrating a supci- cool rrtocle for the reliiaer:ltor of F~'igurc 1;
rigurc 5 is a flow chtirt illustratini". a food saver mo(te for the refrigerator of Figure 1; and > l7igurc; 6 is a flow cltart illustrating a qulcl: icL'' niode for the rc.frigerat.or of Figure 1.
E)ETAIC.EU DLSCItIPTItON OF'.1'HE PRI:FERRHD
k:. M 80 ()I M F:N'l., 4Vith initial rcfcrcnce to H-rures l l1 and I k.i, a rufrigcrator 2 11) inCludes an outer shell or cabinet 4 within tivhic.li is positioncd a lincr 6 that dcfines a frLslt fbod comp;irt.me;nt. fi_ Another lincr (not slzown) is also positioncd in cabinct 4 to dc.fine a fi'eerer compartment 9_ Iti a manner krtowri irz thc art, fresll food conlpartmcnt S criri be,rccesswd by tltc sclcctivc opcning ot'a t7resh fuod dtsor 10. In a similar= marincr, a 15 ('reezer cloor= 12 can be openud to access freezer compartment 9. Tn tltc cnlbodirYlCrlt sliown, freezer door 12 includcs a dispenscr' 14 that enables a consUnlcr to retrieve ice and/or Iresh water without opening cithcr fresh food cloor 10 or freezer door 12. For t.he sakc: ot'cornpl~.~l.enesti, door 1() cyf.' rcrrit;arat.or 2 is shown to inchtdc a dairy comp7rtmcnt 15 and various 20 vertically adjustable shi;lving units, one ot'wliich is indicaLed at 16.
In a manner knowii in the art. I~resh food cornp;;rrtmcttt 8 is provided with a plurllity ofvcrtic3lly ltciglit adjustable shelves 20-22 supporte:d by a pair o!'slielf suppot-t rails, one of which is indicated at 25.
At a lowermost portion of fresh food cornrartnient 8 is illustratcd a pair of'tetnpcraturc controllc;d bins 28 and 29, as wcll is a convcntiortal stot-agc conipartmcnt 30. At, ~an tlt)per region ol'tresh food. compartment $
s is a tcmperatFjro control, hottsing or usc:r intcrfacc 40. lti t:ho embodimcnt shown, uscr intcrfacc 40 inc:ludes a display zonc 42 and a pltrralil.y of control clement.s 45-49. Control clcmcnts 4.5-48 .-re constituted by tcnipcrattsrc control alctt-tenls lor ad,justing a temperature o#' frcSli f.'ood cotr~pat'trrtcrtt 8 wand ITee;cer compartment 9, whilc control clcmcnt 49 is iu constituted by an auxiliary control clcmcnt for re-sel.ting, 1or example, a door alarm. For thu sake c)fcompleteness, intcrf:rec 40 is shown to inclttdc a light 54 which, in a manncr known in the .:trt, is contt-ollcd by a tiwttch 56 upl:=r'clttd by Opentng and closing door 10.
Witl7 #'urtltcr reference to Figur=c 113, refrigera.t.or 2 includcs a i 5 rcfi=igwrtttinn syst.em including at Ic.ast a ccrmpressor. 65, an cvaporator (not shown) attd an Mxporttor fan 68. Evaporator filn 68 est:stblisltes a cooling airflow t:hat is delivered into at least freezer cbniliartment 9. A
first portion of a cooling airflow is directed throu-h openings 70 (see Figure 1), located in a.n cvaporatton fan cover 72, rnt.o trcczcr zo compiu-taiicnt 9. Acttially, a first portiwi of the cooling airflow exits openings 70 and 1?re:le;rably, directly imlaingt:s upon an icc maker 75 which has associated therewith a wtttcr inlct, control vttlvc. 77 (scc rigurc !I3). By dirccting the cool air directly onto ico itiakc;r 75, the productikWn and quzlllt.y of ice is 4'n1iF.jnc4d. A strconCl pC)rtloil of the cooling airflow 2s prisscs through zs cltr':.t SU whiclt leads into freslr foad compttrtmcnt S.
Ac.tually, as tltii cv.tl7l?riltOr (not sllown) is (?p(::Fl to f.rOCZCr compartment 9 ~
via covcr 72, 1'resli food compartment 8 is cooled by cvolitig air that flows fi=or7i frcczcr cot partnicnt 9.
In ordcr to roguftitc the flow of cooling air into f'rc:sh foocl compartmcnt 8, a dai-npcr 82 is arrungc:d within duct 80. More spccifically, based on a cooling dcmand as scnsed by, for example, a fre5li food complrttncnt tcLnperttture sensor 90, damper 82 shifts bet.wccn a closed 1)asition and an opcn position. Tlaat is, in responsc to a sensed nccd f'or cooling, dampr:r 82 opcns to allow cool air to flow into fresh food conipartrnerit 8. In accordance with onc aspect (7f Lhe tnventlon, tllc irt dcgrce of opcning ol"dampcr 82 depcnds upon a particular cooling rccluiri;rncnL. More specifically, the are.tcer the nccd for coc~liit~;, the arci3ter tl7(; sl13ft. t=o t11C open posltietl. lt} a sifnilar mtrnner, ifthcrc is a f1cCd f()r cUbllTig fTee%er cUnip2lrtnictlt 9 as scllst:d by, for oxamplc, a frceZCr t.en#perature sensor 91, evaponator fan 68 is activatcd. Input is also r=aceivcd troni ;m ambient scnsor 92 t~,~ further enhance temperature regr.rit:-t.ion. lldditiotzal tcmpcraturc regulation is provided for fresh !ood compartment y witli the incorporation ol'an air niixirib iiin 95_ When activatcd, ait= mixing fan 95 circulatcs coolitit; air in fresh food cotll(?artfriCtit 8 in orrlcr to eliminate, or zit least substantially rcdtica, 2a t.cmlacr.tture stratificat.iOtt.
In accordance with the inveni.ion, rcfrigcrtttor 2 includes a C'f'[.J or cant.rollc:r 100 having a rtteniory 102. C'ontr=ofler 100 regulates operation of refrigerator 2 basod upon fa4Lory Sett.inl*s ttnd/or sclcctcd user proforcnees. User prefercnccs n3.ty inclLtdc; settin'g prc fi:rrcd tcmperatures for fresh footi campa:rtment 8and frcczer conipttrL'nlcnt 9, as wcll as vzn-ious model dcpciidcnt., spccial 1'catures incorporated into Teffigcrator 2.
"Mt(t is, each nlodel relrigwralor niay includc one or more available special fcatures that cnuld bc activated through usor intcrfaic;o 40. Towlyd that end, stored in memory 102 are various opct-ating parameters for refrigerator 2. In ztccortlancc with the cmbodiment shown, the operating parameters inclucie: a temperature control rnodc 120, a sttpcr cool mode I 24, a food saver ntotie 128, aLliiick ice mode 132 r:rr-d a dcft-nst modc 136. hz adclition, t"l'U 100 controls opcratiotz of temperature control bins 28 and 29, as well as numerous other fcatures whic,h do not fortti part of the present invc:ntion.
ttt In accordancc witli a prefcrretl fornt of tltc invcntion, temperature modc 120 includcs at least two sub-routincs. '1"hat is, tenypci-aturc rnodc 120 inclt-c14s a fresh food sub-t-outine that monitors a magnitudt=: and directioti of a temperature in lirest; fooa cotnpartmcnt 8 to estabIist1 and maintain a tctnpcralure within fresh food conipartnient 8 and a freezer ts sub-rmitinc tiiat monitors a magnitudc and dircction in freezer conzpartment 9 to establisli and maintain a tempc:rtxtttre; in frccicr compartment 9. Thtts, by monitoring both magnitudc and direction of tc;nipcrtitures, tcmla4raturc niodc 120 monitors trends in tcmpcratttrc wllich are employed to niaintain fresli food and frcezcr compartments H, 9 2u tetxtperf.ttttres at a desired setting as will be discussed niore fully below.
Referring to Figure 2, ti=esli f'ood sub-rottt.ine 145 starts by cliccÃcirig u ciirrent statc of'fresh food c.orn pat'tntiont 8 in step 195. TIZat is, its will be discusscd mcare Iully below, fresh food 5ub-routino 145 clctcrntincs wlic;tltcr the tcmperttturc itZ fresh food compartmcnt 8 is rising, thur.;
2a indicatingt=s wan-ning trcrtd, or wlicthcr the tciiipcraturc in I:reslt food corYtpartrYiont 8 is lowcrin(T, thus indicut.ing a cc7oling trcnd. If warn-iing, t,~
or more spucifict.tlly if a witz'rtlttls flag has be4n sct., i'resh food st-b-routinc 145 movcs to a warming mode in step 197. 1 f cc7oling, fresh fcxxi sub-routi-ze 145 moves to a coo3ilii; mcicle 199.
In warming mod4 or routine 197, controller 100 determines s wltethcr the tcnlpcratiarr; of fi'csh foocl compartment 8is greater than or equal to a set point temperature plus a cut-ira tcmpcraturc (Tõr-;,,).
'1'h3t is, contt'oller 101) acterrtiines whether ilie tcnipe;raturc; in 1'resh fc-c-cl compa.rtment 8 is above a consumcr or factory established set point (Tsi) plus the ctit-in temperature ('1",,,,_;,,) value for compressor 65. If thc temperature is gre;iiter or equal to thi5 value, additional ccx.-ling is deemed necessary ,tnd a cooling flag is sct in stcp 208. Once:t coolittg flag is set, c:o.rttroller 100 opens damper 82 and activates evlpot=atnr fan 68 in order to bcgin to pull down or lower the temperature of fresh food compartment 8 to the cicsircd level.
-s Obviously, if in step 195, a coolitlg flag is active, fresh lood sub-routir-e 145 moves to coollng mocle step 199. At this point, cont.roller 100 dctcr-nilies whcther the tcniperaturr: of fresh food compartmcttt 8 is less than or equal i.o the sct point tcmpcraturc (Ts-,) lcss a temperature cut-ot.lt ('17 cõl-oõa) vZl uc f'or compressor 65 in step 216. "T111t is, i f l.lte :.>u temperature of fresh t'ood compartment fi is less than or cclual to tlic e;stalilished set point temperature ("i'Si) less .Y cut-out valuc fot-c:ompressor 65, tio additional cooling is required and a warming flag is sct in step 21$. Once warming flag is set in stcp 218, clltrtpcr 82 is closed and cvapor-tl.o.r fan 68 is deactivated in step 220.
ii I f in stcp 206 it is dctcrmincd tl3at the temperature of fi=4s11 food compartment 8 is less than thc sct point teniperature ("I'sr) plt3s the cut-in tcntpera.ture ('1',,,,.;,,}, warminb nlode step 197 shills to sttp 218 in cooling mode stcp 199 and a warniin-, flag is set ensuring that darnpei= 82 is s closed and c:vapoi'ator Jati 08 is tlcactivatcd. Likewise, if in cooling inodc 199, controller 100 deterniine:5 tttat the tc.rnpcratttrc of fresll rood com.partnlent 8 is greater than or ccluttl to the set point t.emper,xl.ure (Tti>>) rninus the ct.tt o1.1t: valuc in step 216, cooling tnode step 199 shilts to stGp 208 in wttrtxtirtg n;odc 197, a cooling flag is set, dampcr 82 is ta opened and cvaporator fian 68 is activated.
12cicncncc will rxzw be nladc to Figure 3 in describing the steps associated with freezer temrcyrature st.tb-rouÃine 147. In a nltitlncr sirnilar to that descrityt;d above, cc,introllcr 100 initially dctcrmincs a status of freezer compartment 9 to scnsc whcthcr the tcmpcraturc in frccicr is compartment 9 is risitlg, indicating a warniing trend, or luwering, indicatinl; a cooling trc:nd. if.'warn7itig, freezer ternpc;r.iture sub-routine 147 shiilc, to wat=niing routino modo step 166 and, if cooling, freezer teniperttttre stab-routine shi ft.s to cooling mode step 108.
ln t13c.~ warming mocie step 166, controller 100 cictcrnii Elcs whctllcr 2U tlll: tenll)F:l'aZtlrC: of 1rt;i'.7=C1' c17i11p11rtn1Cilt (T,:/) 9 is rrcFltcr tllilli the set point tcmlieratttrt (Ts,,) plt.ts t.he cut-in t4mp4rature in step 172, At this point, it s(lolild bC tlndcrstood that the TSp and T,,,,,iõ values for t'rcc,zcr conipartmcnt 9 dil:t'cr 1'rom those ttscd 1'or lre:sh.food compartment 8. In any case, if the temrertxiure in freezer eotnpartrncnt 9 (Tr7 ) is 25 greutcr than ttic set poitit tGml)craturc (TS,.) plus the cut-in temperature (T~,,,-;,,), additional cooling is required and ai cooling flag is set in step 174.
i~
At this point, compressor 0.5 und cvaporatot- fan 68 are activatcd in step 176 to bring down or lowcr the tcnipcraturc in I'ree:zer conipartmcnt 9.
[f it is cshiblished in step 164 that the ternperattirc in frcczcr con,partmctit 9 is cooling, .1:r4uzer wmporature sub-routinC 147 movus to s cooling modc in ste}) 168. Oncc in the cooling rrtodc stGp 1(9, controllc;r 100 detcrn-iines whcthcr the temperature in #reczer compartment 9 is less than or equal to the temperature set point ("I'sp) lcss the cut-out tcmpwratttrc (TC1z..,,,,~) in stcp 182. If the tcmpcrtsture of frec7,cr compartment 9 is less than or eCluaf to thC sct-poitit temperature rnint-s t1i4 io cut-out tcrnpcrattu=c for conIpres4c7r 65, no additional cooling is rcquir4d and a w;trrriing flag is set in step ..1 84. At this point, conzpressor GS and evaporator fiun 68 are deactivated in step 186.
ln a rT1annCr siii7ifar to that described abovG, if in step 172 controller 100 clctcrniines tliat the tct7ipcraturC of freezer comp<7rtnienl, is ('I't:,) is greater 1:han Tsp+ctjT..t', (1i;ecer tenipcrature sub-routinc 147 shitts to step 184 of the cooling niode. Likewise, if in step 182 it is del.ermined that the tcmpcrt:ture of freezer compartmcnt 9 (T,q ) is greater than Tsp-Tc-u,y.rr,;, Ii=cuzcr tcmperature sttb-t'otlt.inc 147 sllifts to stell 174 of the warn-ring rYiodc followed by the activation of'cotnpressor 65 and 20 cvaporatcir fttn 68 in step 176.
Rcfcrcncc will now be made to I7igurc 4 in dcscribing, the steps performed in supc:r cool tnudc 124. As sliown, super cool mode 124 is initiatcd by malcing an appropriate selection through user ictter'face 40.
Thus, cUntrroller 100 irtitially dctcrmincs whether or not super cool modc aa 124 has been selecteti in Step 230. If sttpcr cool modc 124 is sclc:ctcd, an indicator light (not shown) on user interface 40 is preferably activated.
At this point, ccmtrollcr 100 clCtcrmincs a position of dttttipet''~32 in step 232. lfidamper 82 is at least partially o}acn, mi;cing or super cool flin 95 is dct-ctivatcd in stcp 234. dn thc othcr hand, i f dampe:r 82 is closed, super cx>o1 fan 85 is operated at tiril speed in stcp 236. Thus, in accordance with the niost prEferrcd forni of the invention, whcrt operating in supor cool modo Ã24, the opcrtttiott of rtxixing/supcr cool fan 85 is tied to ttie position ofdamper 82. More spt'.clticiilly, the operation of mixing/supt:r cool fan 85 will be tied dirG(:tly to the position 4]1'damper 232 until sticli tinic as supcr cool mode 124 has been deactivat.cd. ln this nianncr, ivatpertture stratilication in fresh food c,ornpartrnent. 8 can be niinimizcd without drawing excessive amounts o1'cooling air fi=om freezer compartment. 9.
Rcf'crcnce will now br made to Figurc 5 in dcscribing the op4t=rition of fc7c7d saver rncfrle 128. ln a manner similtir to that dcscribcd above, food savcr modc 128 is initiatccl tiirotigh sclcction o#'one of'control l;lGnlctlts 45-49 On uscr inicr[:YCCS 40. 'i'hus, :n3 initial dctcrniination is madc in step 297 to check whether food savcr modc 128 has been activatcd and, if so, an associated indicator light (not sliown) is illuminated. At this point, ccmtrollcr 100 lowers tcrnpcratr-rc set points for both fresh #'ood compartment H.ind fre;ezcr compartment: 91o minin-nim levels in stcp 299. In :.tccordance with the most preferred form of tlic invention, unless manually dcactivatcd, fix>d 4av4r mode 128 operates l;or a predoter-mincd period oftinie, for ex7mple, twclvc hours.
'I"lrerct'orc, in stcl) 301 c;onl:rol Ic.r 100 dctcrniincs wlictlicr the prcdctcrriiincd tintc bas clsipsetl. If t.l}e tinie has elapscd, set point temperatures for 1'resli food compartrttcrtt 8 ixnd frcczcr conipartmcnt 9 are returned to pre-selected ()r 11ictory levels in step 304. lf'tiie:
predetermined time has not clapsed,l detern-iination is rttade wltethcr food savcr :nodc 12$ i1z7s beett rn::lnw7liy deactivated in step 306. li' dc:actlvatGd, thr:n Lbod save:r modc 128 returns ti1r; temperatures of fi'csl]
food compartment 8<and freezer contpartmclit 9 to the original set points.
Otherwise, fiood savcr mocle 128 continues until step 301 yields a positive valuc, i.c., thc prcdctcrmiticd tilna period has lapsed.
Next, your.lttcntioit is dirictcd to lAigurc 6 which illustrates thc operation of quick ice niodc 132. In a manner again similar to that Iu described above, quiclc ice trodc 132 is initiatcd through selection of contt'ol clcmcnts 45-49 on user interldlce 40. Thus, an initifil detGrmination is nZ ttde wilether a consttlncr lias activated tlttick ice mode 132 in step 334. 1 f qt-ici{. ice mode 132 hias been activated, control lut' 1()0 lcywrrrs s1 wet point temperature of fi=eezcr conlpat'tment 9 in step 336. At Is tllls iJOint, cozitrollcr 100 n10rtit0.rs ope;ration ofvalvc 77 in icv rtiaker 75 in step 338. If'v.livc, 77 is opened, controller 100itctlvatcs evaporator fan 68 for ~3 p rcdeterrttined tinte period, c.g., two hours in step 340. "!'hat is, rcgardles5 ot'the ne:eci for cooling in freczcr coniparttricn.t 9, colitrollcr 100 will operate evaporator fan 68 for the prcdctermined time period.
20 In accardance witlz the invcntion, oncc sclectcd, quic:Jc ice niode 132 remains active for a predcterinincd period of tirne, for exaniplc, 48 hours or turtil trlat'1ua11y shut-of'f: Thus, in stcp 342 a ilt:t<*rmirlation is madc as to whetller the prcdcterlnincd tilne has elapsed. 1 fthc prcdctcrmincd timc has ei<ypseci, crnltrollcr 100 returns a set point .S t.GTT1pt:M,lt.llrL for freezer compartment 9 t(.) i,l 1prCset level In stcp -1,14 <iFld tiicrc:allc.r terminates. Alternatively, ift.hc; predetermine:d tinie period has not ptisscd, control lLr 100 cl1L'c1~5 whVtllCr CltllclC ice n1CUde 132 has bein manually dcactivatcd in stcp 346. If so, quick ice niclde 132 movcs to step 344 and thereafter trrrmin.rtt:s. i#; ktowcvcr, quick lcc nlodc 132 h,ts riot bc4tl dcactiviltcd in step 34.6, the tempe;t'attlt-c of frecrcr colrlpartnzent 9 will rC'rlliiln at the reduced or rtlirlitT3utT1 set pt]rrlt arTd the op(3r2ltloll of valve 77 contitiucs to be nionitorrd.
In a.n alternative arrangerncnt, qttick ice niode 132 can be automatically deactivated if vitlvc 77 has not openecl for a predetcrrrlincd pct'iod oftimc. That is, it'a#ler a predel.enrined period of tinic:, for M example 12 hours, valve 77 does not op4n to refill iccnzr:rkcr 75, thcrc is rZo longcr dcomcd a need fo3r continued ice production. More spccifically, iL' in step 338 valve 77 htis iiot opened f'or a secon(i predetermined period of' tinic, cluick ice mode 132 tiTovcs to stop 345 to dctcrrnirtc wl-lethcr tlzc second predetermined time Iia.s elapsed. If so, quick ice modc 132 ts moves to step 344 rcturning the set point of freezer compartment 9 to a norrnnl ot= prc-cstlblishcd level tlnd thereafter terminates.
For the sakc of corrrplctcncss, contrc~ller 100 can initiate a defrost niode 136. Foi- tlsc witla ttlc invcntion, the defrost modc can operatc on 20 eln ilditptivu ,.tnil/or 17m-en=lptivc basis whcn a determination is rnade:
that the evaporator (not shown) rcqttires dc-icing. In accordance with ont 4t'Tibodirncnt, dcfrost modc 136 senses door openings ol'rell-igera.tc7r 2 to dotcr-tiiino periods of low or little us:lge. 3'lte periods of low or little usage irrc: grouped ir3tc) blocks wliicll corr-c.5pond to var'tous tinic periods ys of tt day. Pref4ralyly, controller 100 will tiot activate dcfrost rtnodc 136 in a high irsagc block s:Tnd, most prcfcrably, activates defrost mode 136 in a low. prclc raOly the lowcst, usage blclcf:.
~c.
In any event, with the above <Yrr anhem4nt, it is possible to operate rcf:rigcr<itor 2 in a iiianner which enhances coritrol of f'resh food compartment 8 and frcczcr con=tpartmctit 9. More specifically, the various operating mt~dis outlined abovc can bc scloctcd individually or synt;.r_$,ititiGally cori-ibinCd to cfficicntty operate refrigerator 2.
Dcpcnding on a consumer's parl:icul,u needs, he/she can simply acccss interlacc; 40 to sclcct or adjtrst various operating pai-amctcrs of rc:frigerator 2 iizcludini;
the activation/deactivation of tlte various modes as set forth in accordance with thc invcniion.
Althotrp,h described with rcfcrcncc to a prcfcrrcd cnlhodinicnt of the ittvcntion, it should be readily rrnderstood that various changes and/or modifications can be niadc to the invcntion without departing from the spirit tltcrcof. For instanc.c, while the us4r interface is illustrated at an uppcr portion of'tlie i=resh koo<i conipurtrrrent, other locaticsns, such as on onsr of doors 10 and/or 12, would also be acceptable. In general, tht;
invcntion is only intcndcd to bc limited by the scope oftltc following clatnis.
!n opcr:ltlotl, tcnaperat:a.rc scn5ors provi(itd witliin ttio rcfrigcrator are uscd lc.t n7c.asrtre temperatures in the frosh food and freeier cotiipartment.s. When a door associated witlY citttcr compartment is opened, tht; resttiting loss ofcool air will cause the temperature of tllc s corr-partniCnt to rise. When tht: lcrnpcraturc of the compartment d4vi-tt4s I'Tom a prudctcrmiiicd or pre-sclcctcd temperature, the refri.ger;ition systcni is activated 1:o return the tcmpcrlturc to a puitit bclow a consunicr or factory e:stablishcd sct-point. In oi-dor io return thc compartmcnt tOnil)Cratllrc to t=h3S Flotnt, prior art systGt3is t1rC c0ust'.d to O}7VrtitC
at Ifl lilci7tlfllu3ii capacity rCgi3rdlCss oltlie dCgrC:l: of tliC dCviEitlo[i.
1'rior art rcti=igerators typically employ a wide tcinpcrature zone or bounce rc:bton that cstabltshes an acu:ptablt: tcniperatw-c range in oi-cier to rninimizc opcratiott of the refriga'atioii systeni. A small temperature ionc iyt bounce t'C~lol; results in cr'tClidCd operation of'the sysl.en-1, ts thcrcby rctlucing energy cfficioncy. On tiie otherr hand, a widc ternperxttt.tre zonc causes tctnperature fluctuations that niay ncg,ttively imract quality andlor taste of certain food itctm.
As part of t.he overall refrigcration system, a damper is typically provit,it;tl between the freezer compartment and the i'resh food ~cr conipttrt.ment. C)lacration of thc danipcr is controllcd stich that cool air is pettrtittcd to flow from Ãhe #'ree.zer compartment to the fresh food compat'tmcnt. In sornt; arrangements, a fan is mounted witliin a housing adjaccnt the cvaporator to aid in establishing the airflow. Accordingly, if' the temperature ol'the fresh food eonipni-tnlcnt rises above the set-point, 25 the dampcr is opened to ;tllow fhe passage of cooling air froni the evaporator comp;trt.rnetiE. int,o the frcsti food eotnpartmcnt.
In addition, one or morc i'atts liavc been incorporated 'tttto the fii=csh foud compzrkrnctit to circulate or evenly cii;ttrit7ute thc cooling air in order to riiininiicc: tcmper:.tture stratification. Typicailly, the fart(s) is cantiriuo'usly opcrated whe;n the f:resly food door is closed. 1-lowcvcr, s operating tlic fan whcn the damper is opcn ni.iy cause too niuch cooling air to bc drawn into the Iresh foad compar=tmctit. In any evcnt, in addition to corttrolling rct.rigc:nItiori cortlpon.ctits, dampcrs and fians, nitmy refrigerators include cUnt.rols that cnciblc a consumer to selectively activate various f(:P1tLirCs to ti11lC1r operation of the t'Cfri~f'=r.ttor to suit ,:
i o particular rtucd.
Reg,ardlcss of'thc teachings in the prior ar't, thcre still exists a nccd fbr an cnhanccd refrigcrator control systcyn. Mot=a specifically, thcrc exists a need for a refrigerator controller that cornbincs opc:ration of the damlycr and a fan in the tiesh lood compartment to rtiaintain desired is compartment tcrtt;]4ratkires_ In addition, thcre exists a neerl for a controller that can determine a direction and magnitude of change of temperature in tiu; fresli food 1nd/or frc:c;ier cutttpartiiicnts to provide greater scnsitivity in ot-dcr to minimiie activation of thc rcfrigcration tiystcrn, as well as blend various user sclcctablc features to obtain a 20 syn(:rbistiG combination t113t appeals to consuniers.
SUMMARY Oli+ THE iNVF.NTiON
The present. invcyriiiori is directed to a refrigerator iilcluding an outc;r sht;ll or cabinct witliin which is defined a fresh food compartment rrnd a f'i'c(%7.,1:r cCffTlpartnicnt. In a rtzannt~r knowti in the art, the rt;1i-i~;crator 'sncludcs a pair of doors pivotally nlour? tLd to the cabinet to sclcc:tivcly zcccss the I'resh lbod and fi-c:czer conipartmt:nts_ ln a marÃiicr also known in the art, thc rcfTigerator inciudes a rcCi'igcration systei7t t'or rcl;ulating ternperatures in the frc,sh food itnd freezer compartmcnts. A duct is s provided to tluidly int.ercortncct tlzc frc4zur compartment rtnd ttic fresh i'ooJ compA.ii:nicnt. Arranged along ttic duct is a dampcr which sclcctivr:ly shifts between art. opGn position, whcre;in cool itir flows ittto the: frc:;li food compartment, Ãc) a closed position dapcndins; upon a scnscd t1cCd for coolilig in tlle fr4's1-1 ro(ld con2partmcnt.
io In accordance witlt ttic invcntion, a.n air mixing Can is :trrrYrtgcd in the fresh food cortipartmcnt. '3'lte air rttixin- fnn is sclectivcly activated to establish a coolirtg 4tirflow in the fi=esli food comp.-t.n'xetat tu cfiniinatc, or at least 1T1111ir11i7.e, temperature strrttitication. 'l"he rcfrigerrttor furt.her includes an icc maker, a ttsct' iattcrface having a plurality of control 1s Lll'.r11Ctlts and a ccmt.rc~ilc;r operatively associatcd witli the user interfaco.
'1'ho c.ontrollot' includcs a nicmory having store;d thercin a plurality o!' operating parameters for controllint; various aspects or features of thc rL I i'I gC t'attlr.
ln accordattcc with a prcfcrred form of thc invcntiort, tltr, ooperating m par:arnctcrs include a tr.ntpcraturc control mocie, a sulicr cool mode, a food s,tver mode and a quick ice mc7dc_ 'i'ltc tcmpcrattrre control modc is employed to establish and maintain tcnipcrutures in ttic fresh food and freezer comp,=3rt:rnertts. More specifically, the temperature colttrol mode r.norxitors for temperature t.rcttc.ls. "I,Itat is, il'a niagrt.it.ttdc and dircction of 2; a tLlTlpcraharc ol'tllG freezer compartment indicates a warming treiid, tlte rcfrigur:ttion systcni is activated. C'ortvc;rscly, a coollng trcltd catlses the rcfrigc.rat.ion systcnl to turn off: The t.empcraturc of the fresla. 'Pood compnrtmeni. 4; also moriitorcd and controllcd in a similar rnanner. 'Tltat is. if in a warming trend, thc damper is opened, allovving cool air into the fresli food conipartmcnt.. lfin a cooling trencl, tlu; danipcr is closed.
"1'hc sirpcr cool mode is desif,rnt;d to lower a tcmpertaturc of the fresli food comptu-tment. to crvcrcomc a tcmpcrat.ure stratitication effect caused by, ror exaniple, pcr=iodic door openings or the addition of a lar=ge, w.rrni load. More sptTil.ically, repeatedly opening the door and relcasin4, coolcr air or placinl; a large itern that is at, ncar or above room temperaturc into the fresli food compartment can create a tcmpcratut'4 stratification cffcct in thc fi'esli fnod cornpru-tmclit nttd may cvcn raise the tempcrrture oftl't(: fl't;sll food c17n1partnlCnt above stlectcd lcvcls. In order to proactively address the potential sudden irlcrt;asC in tcnlpertttus=c, a consrani4r c-an sclcctivcly activate the super cool mode whcrcin thc caoling trcnd in the fresh food compartment is acijustcd to conipensatc for loss of cool air or the added heat, preferably by activating thc ntixing fan at iitll power if the dampar is closcd. T1'thc damper is opcn, the air niixing faty is nUt active. In this mnnnor, the t.emneraturc: of'thc fresh.
food compartment ciln bL 17orn'lOliY,td witlloUt exceeding any prc-sct :!U Con'11):lrtn7t=nt temperature.
A consumcr can rapidly lower tcmpcratures in bot}t the fresll food and Ji-ee:rer compartmcnts by activating thc food saver mode. When in the rcwrl5avcr modc, the ccsnt.rollcr autamatically lowers t:ttc tcmpcrttturc of each o!'thu Jirrsh l:uoc,{ and frcczcr comptlrtnicrtt:s to a minimum setting f'or it prGdGti:t=mincd period of tirnr:. l'ittally, if the consumc.r wish4s tO
shortcit. icc 13rodLtction time, the quick icc mod4 is activatcd. Wlicn opc;rat.imp, in the quick ice n-io(le, thc controllcr automttt.ic<illy lowers the tcmpcratrrrc of the frcezcr ccampartment to a minirnum setting for a first predc.ternlitled timc period and, in onc prcfcrrcd cmbodimcnt, ctich t.ime the ice maker is f licd with d<<ettcr, Yictivates the evaporator tijn '1'or a s second predet:crmincd tinic pwriod, Additional objc;cts, features and advantages of't.he pre4enl.
i.rtvctltion will bccorne rnorc readiiy apparcnt from the following det:tilc;d clcscript.ion of a preferr=s:d ci*nbodimcnt whcn ttYken in conjtsnGtion with lhc drawings wherein like rcfercncc numerals rel'el- to c:orrespotldit}g part,s io in t=11e tiCver'riI ViCWs.
BrtiRr nT:SCRIP7'IoN UF THE f)1tAWlINGS
rit;ure 1 A is a perspective view of a ruli-igcrator irtcludinn, a control constructed in ttccorcfancc with the prescrrt invention;
Figure 1 F3 is a block diat;rani o1'tl}e control constructcd in t5 accordance with the prc;sc.;nt irtvcntiotl;
l~igure; 2 is a.flow chitrt iilristrating a tcmpci-aturt control tnocie 1or a fresh foocl compartnlc:nt of the rcfritlerator ol' Figure 1;
figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating a tempcrats,ut; control rriodt: for ti frcczer compa.rtrrlcnt of t:he rcti=igcrator ot' Fit"u.rc 1;
P'igttrc 4 is a flow cttart illttstrating a supci- cool rrtocle for the reliiaer:ltor of F~'igurc 1;
rigurc 5 is a flow chtirt illustratini". a food saver mo(te for the refrigerator of Figure 1; and > l7igurc; 6 is a flow cltart illustrating a qulcl: icL'' niode for the rc.frigerat.or of Figure 1.
E)ETAIC.EU DLSCItIPTItON OF'.1'HE PRI:FERRHD
k:. M 80 ()I M F:N'l., 4Vith initial rcfcrcnce to H-rures l l1 and I k.i, a rufrigcrator 2 11) inCludes an outer shell or cabinet 4 within tivhic.li is positioncd a lincr 6 that dcfines a frLslt fbod comp;irt.me;nt. fi_ Another lincr (not slzown) is also positioncd in cabinct 4 to dc.fine a fi'eerer compartment 9_ Iti a manner krtowri irz thc art, fresll food conlpartmcnt S criri be,rccesswd by tltc sclcctivc opcning ot'a t7resh fuod dtsor 10. In a similar= marincr, a 15 ('reezer cloor= 12 can be openud to access freezer compartment 9. Tn tltc cnlbodirYlCrlt sliown, freezer door 12 includcs a dispenscr' 14 that enables a consUnlcr to retrieve ice and/or Iresh water without opening cithcr fresh food cloor 10 or freezer door 12. For t.he sakc: ot'cornpl~.~l.enesti, door 1() cyf.' rcrrit;arat.or 2 is shown to inchtdc a dairy comp7rtmcnt 15 and various 20 vertically adjustable shi;lving units, one ot'wliich is indicaLed at 16.
In a manner knowii in the art. I~resh food cornp;;rrtmcttt 8 is provided with a plurllity ofvcrtic3lly ltciglit adjustable shelves 20-22 supporte:d by a pair o!'slielf suppot-t rails, one of which is indicated at 25.
At a lowermost portion of fresh food cornrartnient 8 is illustratcd a pair of'tetnpcraturc controllc;d bins 28 and 29, as wcll is a convcntiortal stot-agc conipartmcnt 30. At, ~an tlt)per region ol'tresh food. compartment $
s is a tcmperatFjro control, hottsing or usc:r intcrfacc 40. lti t:ho embodimcnt shown, uscr intcrfacc 40 inc:ludes a display zonc 42 and a pltrralil.y of control clement.s 45-49. Control clcmcnts 4.5-48 .-re constituted by tcnipcrattsrc control alctt-tenls lor ad,justing a temperature o#' frcSli f.'ood cotr~pat'trrtcrtt 8 wand ITee;cer compartment 9, whilc control clcmcnt 49 is iu constituted by an auxiliary control clcmcnt for re-sel.ting, 1or example, a door alarm. For thu sake c)fcompleteness, intcrf:rec 40 is shown to inclttdc a light 54 which, in a manncr known in the .:trt, is contt-ollcd by a tiwttch 56 upl:=r'clttd by Opentng and closing door 10.
Witl7 #'urtltcr reference to Figur=c 113, refrigera.t.or 2 includcs a i 5 rcfi=igwrtttinn syst.em including at Ic.ast a ccrmpressor. 65, an cvaporator (not shown) attd an Mxporttor fan 68. Evaporator filn 68 est:stblisltes a cooling airflow t:hat is delivered into at least freezer cbniliartment 9. A
first portion of a cooling airflow is directed throu-h openings 70 (see Figure 1), located in a.n cvaporatton fan cover 72, rnt.o trcczcr zo compiu-taiicnt 9. Acttially, a first portiwi of the cooling airflow exits openings 70 and 1?re:le;rably, directly imlaingt:s upon an icc maker 75 which has associated therewith a wtttcr inlct, control vttlvc. 77 (scc rigurc !I3). By dirccting the cool air directly onto ico itiakc;r 75, the productikWn and quzlllt.y of ice is 4'n1iF.jnc4d. A strconCl pC)rtloil of the cooling airflow 2s prisscs through zs cltr':.t SU whiclt leads into freslr foad compttrtmcnt S.
Ac.tually, as tltii cv.tl7l?riltOr (not sllown) is (?p(::Fl to f.rOCZCr compartment 9 ~
via covcr 72, 1'resli food compartment 8 is cooled by cvolitig air that flows fi=or7i frcczcr cot partnicnt 9.
In ordcr to roguftitc the flow of cooling air into f'rc:sh foocl compartmcnt 8, a dai-npcr 82 is arrungc:d within duct 80. More spccifically, based on a cooling dcmand as scnsed by, for example, a fre5li food complrttncnt tcLnperttture sensor 90, damper 82 shifts bet.wccn a closed 1)asition and an opcn position. Tlaat is, in responsc to a sensed nccd f'or cooling, dampr:r 82 opcns to allow cool air to flow into fresh food conipartrnerit 8. In accordance with onc aspect (7f Lhe tnventlon, tllc irt dcgrce of opcning ol"dampcr 82 depcnds upon a particular cooling rccluiri;rncnL. More specifically, the are.tcer the nccd for coc~liit~;, the arci3ter tl7(; sl13ft. t=o t11C open posltietl. lt} a sifnilar mtrnner, ifthcrc is a f1cCd f()r cUbllTig fTee%er cUnip2lrtnictlt 9 as scllst:d by, for oxamplc, a frceZCr t.en#perature sensor 91, evaponator fan 68 is activatcd. Input is also r=aceivcd troni ;m ambient scnsor 92 t~,~ further enhance temperature regr.rit:-t.ion. lldditiotzal tcmpcraturc regulation is provided for fresh !ood compartment y witli the incorporation ol'an air niixirib iiin 95_ When activatcd, ait= mixing fan 95 circulatcs coolitit; air in fresh food cotll(?artfriCtit 8 in orrlcr to eliminate, or zit least substantially rcdtica, 2a t.cmlacr.tture stratificat.iOtt.
In accordance with the inveni.ion, rcfrigcrtttor 2 includes a C'f'[.J or cant.rollc:r 100 having a rtteniory 102. C'ontr=ofler 100 regulates operation of refrigerator 2 basod upon fa4Lory Sett.inl*s ttnd/or sclcctcd user proforcnees. User prefercnccs n3.ty inclLtdc; settin'g prc fi:rrcd tcmperatures for fresh footi campa:rtment 8and frcczer conipttrL'nlcnt 9, as wcll as vzn-ious model dcpciidcnt., spccial 1'catures incorporated into Teffigcrator 2.
"Mt(t is, each nlodel relrigwralor niay includc one or more available special fcatures that cnuld bc activated through usor intcrfaic;o 40. Towlyd that end, stored in memory 102 are various opct-ating parameters for refrigerator 2. In ztccortlancc with the cmbodiment shown, the operating parameters inclucie: a temperature control rnodc 120, a sttpcr cool mode I 24, a food saver ntotie 128, aLliiick ice mode 132 r:rr-d a dcft-nst modc 136. hz adclition, t"l'U 100 controls opcratiotz of temperature control bins 28 and 29, as well as numerous other fcatures whic,h do not fortti part of the present invc:ntion.
ttt In accordancc witli a prefcrretl fornt of tltc invcntion, temperature modc 120 includcs at least two sub-routincs. '1"hat is, tenypci-aturc rnodc 120 inclt-c14s a fresh food sub-t-outine that monitors a magnitudt=: and directioti of a temperature in lirest; fooa cotnpartmcnt 8 to estabIist1 and maintain a tctnpcralure within fresh food conipartnient 8 and a freezer ts sub-rmitinc tiiat monitors a magnitudc and dircction in freezer conzpartment 9 to establisli and maintain a tempc:rtxtttre; in frccicr compartment 9. Thtts, by monitoring both magnitudc and direction of tc;nipcrtitures, tcmla4raturc niodc 120 monitors trends in tcmpcratttrc wllich are employed to niaintain fresli food and frcezcr compartments H, 9 2u tetxtperf.ttttres at a desired setting as will be discussed niore fully below.
Referring to Figure 2, ti=esli f'ood sub-rottt.ine 145 starts by cliccÃcirig u ciirrent statc of'fresh food c.orn pat'tntiont 8 in step 195. TIZat is, its will be discusscd mcare Iully below, fresh food 5ub-routino 145 clctcrntincs wlic;tltcr the tcmperttturc itZ fresh food compartmcnt 8 is rising, thur.;
2a indicatingt=s wan-ning trcrtd, or wlicthcr the tciiipcraturc in I:reslt food corYtpartrYiont 8 is lowcrin(T, thus indicut.ing a cc7oling trcnd. If warn-iing, t,~
or more spucifict.tlly if a witz'rtlttls flag has be4n sct., i'resh food st-b-routinc 145 movcs to a warming mode in step 197. 1 f cc7oling, fresh fcxxi sub-routi-ze 145 moves to a coo3ilii; mcicle 199.
In warming mod4 or routine 197, controller 100 determines s wltethcr the tcnlpcratiarr; of fi'csh foocl compartment 8is greater than or equal to a set point temperature plus a cut-ira tcmpcraturc (Tõr-;,,).
'1'h3t is, contt'oller 101) acterrtiines whether ilie tcnipe;raturc; in 1'resh fc-c-cl compa.rtment 8 is above a consumcr or factory established set point (Tsi) plus the ctit-in temperature ('1",,,,_;,,) value for compressor 65. If thc temperature is gre;iiter or equal to thi5 value, additional ccx.-ling is deemed necessary ,tnd a cooling flag is sct in stcp 208. Once:t coolittg flag is set, c:o.rttroller 100 opens damper 82 and activates evlpot=atnr fan 68 in order to bcgin to pull down or lower the temperature of fresh food compartment 8 to the cicsircd level.
-s Obviously, if in step 195, a coolitlg flag is active, fresh lood sub-routir-e 145 moves to coollng mocle step 199. At this point, cont.roller 100 dctcr-nilies whcther the tcniperaturr: of fresh food compartmcttt 8 is less than or equal i.o the sct point tcmpcraturc (Ts-,) lcss a temperature cut-ot.lt ('17 cõl-oõa) vZl uc f'or compressor 65 in step 216. "T111t is, i f l.lte :.>u temperature of fresh t'ood compartment fi is less than or cclual to tlic e;stalilished set point temperature ("i'Si) less .Y cut-out valuc fot-c:ompressor 65, tio additional cooling is required and a warming flag is sct in step 21$. Once warming flag is set in stcp 218, clltrtpcr 82 is closed and cvapor-tl.o.r fan 68 is deactivated in step 220.
ii I f in stcp 206 it is dctcrmincd tl3at the temperature of fi=4s11 food compartment 8 is less than thc sct point teniperature ("I'sr) plt3s the cut-in tcntpera.ture ('1',,,,.;,,}, warminb nlode step 197 shills to sttp 218 in cooling mode stcp 199 and a warniin-, flag is set ensuring that darnpei= 82 is s closed and c:vapoi'ator Jati 08 is tlcactivatcd. Likewise, if in cooling inodc 199, controller 100 deterniine:5 tttat the tc.rnpcratttrc of fresll rood com.partnlent 8 is greater than or ccluttl to the set point t.emper,xl.ure (Tti>>) rninus the ct.tt o1.1t: valuc in step 216, cooling tnode step 199 shilts to stGp 208 in wttrtxtirtg n;odc 197, a cooling flag is set, dampcr 82 is ta opened and cvaporator fian 68 is activated.
12cicncncc will rxzw be nladc to Figure 3 in describing the steps associated with freezer temrcyrature st.tb-rouÃine 147. In a nltitlncr sirnilar to that descrityt;d above, cc,introllcr 100 initially dctcrmincs a status of freezer compartment 9 to scnsc whcthcr the tcmpcraturc in frccicr is compartment 9 is risitlg, indicating a warniing trend, or luwering, indicatinl; a cooling trc:nd. if.'warn7itig, freezer ternpc;r.iture sub-routine 147 shiilc, to wat=niing routino modo step 166 and, if cooling, freezer teniperttttre stab-routine shi ft.s to cooling mode step 108.
ln t13c.~ warming mocie step 166, controller 100 cictcrnii Elcs whctllcr 2U tlll: tenll)F:l'aZtlrC: of 1rt;i'.7=C1' c17i11p11rtn1Cilt (T,:/) 9 is rrcFltcr tllilli the set point tcmlieratttrt (Ts,,) plt.ts t.he cut-in t4mp4rature in step 172, At this point, it s(lolild bC tlndcrstood that the TSp and T,,,,,iõ values for t'rcc,zcr conipartmcnt 9 dil:t'cr 1'rom those ttscd 1'or lre:sh.food compartment 8. In any case, if the temrertxiure in freezer eotnpartrncnt 9 (Tr7 ) is 25 greutcr than ttic set poitit tGml)craturc (TS,.) plus the cut-in temperature (T~,,,-;,,), additional cooling is required and ai cooling flag is set in step 174.
i~
At this point, compressor 0.5 und cvaporatot- fan 68 are activatcd in step 176 to bring down or lowcr the tcnipcraturc in I'ree:zer conipartmcnt 9.
[f it is cshiblished in step 164 that the ternperattirc in frcczcr con,partmctit 9 is cooling, .1:r4uzer wmporature sub-routinC 147 movus to s cooling modc in ste}) 168. Oncc in the cooling rrtodc stGp 1(9, controllc;r 100 detcrn-iines whcthcr the temperature in #reczer compartment 9 is less than or equal to the temperature set point ("I'sp) lcss the cut-out tcmpwratttrc (TC1z..,,,,~) in stcp 182. If the tcmpcrtsture of frec7,cr compartment 9 is less than or eCluaf to thC sct-poitit temperature rnint-s t1i4 io cut-out tcrnpcrattu=c for conIpres4c7r 65, no additional cooling is rcquir4d and a w;trrriing flag is set in step ..1 84. At this point, conzpressor GS and evaporator fiun 68 are deactivated in step 186.
ln a rT1annCr siii7ifar to that described abovG, if in step 172 controller 100 clctcrniines tliat the tct7ipcraturC of freezer comp<7rtnienl, is ('I't:,) is greater 1:han Tsp+ctjT..t', (1i;ecer tenipcrature sub-routinc 147 shitts to step 184 of the cooling niode. Likewise, if in step 182 it is del.ermined that the tcmpcrt:ture of freezer compartmcnt 9 (T,q ) is greater than Tsp-Tc-u,y.rr,;, Ii=cuzcr tcmperature sttb-t'otlt.inc 147 sllifts to stell 174 of the warn-ring rYiodc followed by the activation of'cotnpressor 65 and 20 cvaporatcir fttn 68 in step 176.
Rcfcrcncc will now be made to I7igurc 4 in dcscribing, the steps performed in supc:r cool tnudc 124. As sliown, super cool mode 124 is initiatcd by malcing an appropriate selection through user ictter'face 40.
Thus, cUntrroller 100 irtitially dctcrmincs whether or not super cool modc aa 124 has been selecteti in Step 230. If sttpcr cool modc 124 is sclc:ctcd, an indicator light (not shown) on user interface 40 is preferably activated.
At this point, ccmtrollcr 100 clCtcrmincs a position of dttttipet''~32 in step 232. lfidamper 82 is at least partially o}acn, mi;cing or super cool flin 95 is dct-ctivatcd in stcp 234. dn thc othcr hand, i f dampe:r 82 is closed, super cx>o1 fan 85 is operated at tiril speed in stcp 236. Thus, in accordance with the niost prEferrcd forni of the invention, whcrt operating in supor cool modo Ã24, the opcrtttiott of rtxixing/supcr cool fan 85 is tied to ttie position ofdamper 82. More spt'.clticiilly, the operation of mixing/supt:r cool fan 85 will be tied dirG(:tly to the position 4]1'damper 232 until sticli tinic as supcr cool mode 124 has been deactivat.cd. ln this nianncr, ivatpertture stratilication in fresh food c,ornpartrnent. 8 can be niinimizcd without drawing excessive amounts o1'cooling air fi=om freezer compartment. 9.
Rcf'crcnce will now br made to Figurc 5 in dcscribing the op4t=rition of fc7c7d saver rncfrle 128. ln a manner similtir to that dcscribcd above, food savcr modc 128 is initiatccl tiirotigh sclcction o#'one of'control l;lGnlctlts 45-49 On uscr inicr[:YCCS 40. 'i'hus, :n3 initial dctcrniination is madc in step 297 to check whether food savcr modc 128 has been activatcd and, if so, an associated indicator light (not sliown) is illuminated. At this point, ccmtrollcr 100 lowers tcrnpcratr-rc set points for both fresh #'ood compartment H.ind fre;ezcr compartment: 91o minin-nim levels in stcp 299. In :.tccordance with the most preferred form of tlic invention, unless manually dcactivatcd, fix>d 4av4r mode 128 operates l;or a predoter-mincd period oftinie, for ex7mple, twclvc hours.
'I"lrerct'orc, in stcl) 301 c;onl:rol Ic.r 100 dctcrniincs wlictlicr the prcdctcrriiincd tintc bas clsipsetl. If t.l}e tinie has elapscd, set point temperatures for 1'resli food compartrttcrtt 8 ixnd frcczcr conipartmcnt 9 are returned to pre-selected ()r 11ictory levels in step 304. lf'tiie:
predetermined time has not clapsed,l detern-iination is rttade wltethcr food savcr :nodc 12$ i1z7s beett rn::lnw7liy deactivated in step 306. li' dc:actlvatGd, thr:n Lbod save:r modc 128 returns ti1r; temperatures of fi'csl]
food compartment 8<and freezer contpartmclit 9 to the original set points.
Otherwise, fiood savcr mocle 128 continues until step 301 yields a positive valuc, i.c., thc prcdctcrmiticd tilna period has lapsed.
Next, your.lttcntioit is dirictcd to lAigurc 6 which illustrates thc operation of quick ice niodc 132. In a manner again similar to that Iu described above, quiclc ice trodc 132 is initiatcd through selection of contt'ol clcmcnts 45-49 on user interldlce 40. Thus, an initifil detGrmination is nZ ttde wilether a consttlncr lias activated tlttick ice mode 132 in step 334. 1 f qt-ici{. ice mode 132 hias been activated, control lut' 1()0 lcywrrrs s1 wet point temperature of fi=eezcr conlpat'tment 9 in step 336. At Is tllls iJOint, cozitrollcr 100 n10rtit0.rs ope;ration ofvalvc 77 in icv rtiaker 75 in step 338. If'v.livc, 77 is opened, controller 100itctlvatcs evaporator fan 68 for ~3 p rcdeterrttined tinte period, c.g., two hours in step 340. "!'hat is, rcgardles5 ot'the ne:eci for cooling in freczcr coniparttricn.t 9, colitrollcr 100 will operate evaporator fan 68 for the prcdctermined time period.
20 In accardance witlz the invcntion, oncc sclectcd, quic:Jc ice niode 132 remains active for a predcterinincd period of tirne, for exaniplc, 48 hours or turtil trlat'1ua11y shut-of'f: Thus, in stcp 342 a ilt:t<*rmirlation is madc as to whetller the prcdcterlnincd tilne has elapsed. 1 fthc prcdctcrmincd timc has ei<ypseci, crnltrollcr 100 returns a set point .S t.GTT1pt:M,lt.llrL for freezer compartment 9 t(.) i,l 1prCset level In stcp -1,14 <iFld tiicrc:allc.r terminates. Alternatively, ift.hc; predetermine:d tinie period has not ptisscd, control lLr 100 cl1L'c1~5 whVtllCr CltllclC ice n1CUde 132 has bein manually dcactivatcd in stcp 346. If so, quick ice niclde 132 movcs to step 344 and thereafter trrrmin.rtt:s. i#; ktowcvcr, quick lcc nlodc 132 h,ts riot bc4tl dcactiviltcd in step 34.6, the tempe;t'attlt-c of frecrcr colrlpartnzent 9 will rC'rlliiln at the reduced or rtlirlitT3utT1 set pt]rrlt arTd the op(3r2ltloll of valve 77 contitiucs to be nionitorrd.
In a.n alternative arrangerncnt, qttick ice niode 132 can be automatically deactivated if vitlvc 77 has not openecl for a predetcrrrlincd pct'iod oftimc. That is, it'a#ler a predel.enrined period of tinic:, for M example 12 hours, valve 77 does not op4n to refill iccnzr:rkcr 75, thcrc is rZo longcr dcomcd a need fo3r continued ice production. More spccifically, iL' in step 338 valve 77 htis iiot opened f'or a secon(i predetermined period of' tinic, cluick ice mode 132 tiTovcs to stop 345 to dctcrrnirtc wl-lethcr tlzc second predetermined time Iia.s elapsed. If so, quick ice modc 132 ts moves to step 344 rcturning the set point of freezer compartment 9 to a norrnnl ot= prc-cstlblishcd level tlnd thereafter terminates.
For the sakc of corrrplctcncss, contrc~ller 100 can initiate a defrost niode 136. Foi- tlsc witla ttlc invcntion, the defrost modc can operatc on 20 eln ilditptivu ,.tnil/or 17m-en=lptivc basis whcn a determination is rnade:
that the evaporator (not shown) rcqttires dc-icing. In accordance with ont 4t'Tibodirncnt, dcfrost modc 136 senses door openings ol'rell-igera.tc7r 2 to dotcr-tiiino periods of low or little us:lge. 3'lte periods of low or little usage irrc: grouped ir3tc) blocks wliicll corr-c.5pond to var'tous tinic periods ys of tt day. Pref4ralyly, controller 100 will tiot activate dcfrost rtnodc 136 in a high irsagc block s:Tnd, most prcfcrably, activates defrost mode 136 in a low. prclc raOly the lowcst, usage blclcf:.
~c.
In any event, with the above <Yrr anhem4nt, it is possible to operate rcf:rigcr<itor 2 in a iiianner which enhances coritrol of f'resh food compartment 8 and frcczcr con=tpartmctit 9. More specifically, the various operating mt~dis outlined abovc can bc scloctcd individually or synt;.r_$,ititiGally cori-ibinCd to cfficicntty operate refrigerator 2.
Dcpcnding on a consumer's parl:icul,u needs, he/she can simply acccss interlacc; 40 to sclcct or adjtrst various operating pai-amctcrs of rc:frigerator 2 iizcludini;
the activation/deactivation of tlte various modes as set forth in accordance with thc invcniion.
Althotrp,h described with rcfcrcncc to a prcfcrrcd cnlhodinicnt of the ittvcntion, it should be readily rrnderstood that various changes and/or modifications can be niadc to the invcntion without departing from the spirit tltcrcof. For instanc.c, while the us4r interface is illustrated at an uppcr portion of'tlie i=resh koo<i conipurtrrrent, other locaticsns, such as on onsr of doors 10 and/or 12, would also be acceptable. In general, tht;
invcntion is only intcndcd to bc limited by the scope oftltc following clatnis.
Claims (21)
1. A refrigerator comprising:
a cabinet within which is defined a fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment;
a door pivotally mounted relative to the cabinet, said door being adapted to selectively close at Ieast one of the fresh food and freezer compartments;
an evaporator arranged in the cabinet, said evaporator including an evaporator fan;
a duct Ieading from the freezer compartment to the fresh food compartment;
a damper pivotally mounted in the duct, said damper being, selectively shiftable between an open position, wherein the fresh food compartment is fluidly connected to the freezer compartment, to a closed position, wherein the fresh food compartment is substantially isolated from the freezer compartment;
an air mixing fan arranged in the fresh food compartment, said air mixing fan being selectively activated to establish a recirculating airflow within the fresh food compartment;
an ice maker provided in the freezer compartment for selectively producing ice;
a user interface including a plurality of control elements for selectively adjusting operating parameters of the refrigerator; and a controller operatively coupled to the user interface, said controller including a memory having stored therein a plurality of operating parameters including:
a temperature control mone for establishing, maintaining and sensing an increasing or decreasing trend of at least one of a fresh food compartment temperature and a freezer compartment temperature;
a super cool mode for adjusting the fresh food compartment temperature to prevent stratification wherein, when the super cool mode is active, said controller activates the air mixing fan at full power if the damper is closed and maintains the air mixing fan off if the damper is open;
a food saver mode for rapidly lowering the fresh food compartment temperature and the freezer compartment temperature wherein, when the food saver mode is active, said controller automatically lowers the fresh food compartment temperature and the freezer compartment temperature to low settings for a predetermined period of time; and a quick ice mode for rapidly forming ice in the ice maker wherein, when in the quick ice mode, said controller automatically lowers the freezer compartment temperature to a minimum setting for a first predetermined time period and, when the ice maker is filled with water, activates the evaporator fan for a second predetermined time period.
a cabinet within which is defined a fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment;
a door pivotally mounted relative to the cabinet, said door being adapted to selectively close at Ieast one of the fresh food and freezer compartments;
an evaporator arranged in the cabinet, said evaporator including an evaporator fan;
a duct Ieading from the freezer compartment to the fresh food compartment;
a damper pivotally mounted in the duct, said damper being, selectively shiftable between an open position, wherein the fresh food compartment is fluidly connected to the freezer compartment, to a closed position, wherein the fresh food compartment is substantially isolated from the freezer compartment;
an air mixing fan arranged in the fresh food compartment, said air mixing fan being selectively activated to establish a recirculating airflow within the fresh food compartment;
an ice maker provided in the freezer compartment for selectively producing ice;
a user interface including a plurality of control elements for selectively adjusting operating parameters of the refrigerator; and a controller operatively coupled to the user interface, said controller including a memory having stored therein a plurality of operating parameters including:
a temperature control mone for establishing, maintaining and sensing an increasing or decreasing trend of at least one of a fresh food compartment temperature and a freezer compartment temperature;
a super cool mode for adjusting the fresh food compartment temperature to prevent stratification wherein, when the super cool mode is active, said controller activates the air mixing fan at full power if the damper is closed and maintains the air mixing fan off if the damper is open;
a food saver mode for rapidly lowering the fresh food compartment temperature and the freezer compartment temperature wherein, when the food saver mode is active, said controller automatically lowers the fresh food compartment temperature and the freezer compartment temperature to low settings for a predetermined period of time; and a quick ice mode for rapidly forming ice in the ice maker wherein, when in the quick ice mode, said controller automatically lowers the freezer compartment temperature to a minimum setting for a first predetermined time period and, when the ice maker is filled with water, activates the evaporator fan for a second predetermined time period.
2. A refrigerator comprising:
a cabinet within which is defined a fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment;
a door pivotally mounted relative to the cabinet, said door being adapted to selectively close at least one of the fresh food and freezer compartments;
an evaporator arranged in the cabinet, said evaporator including an evaporator fan;
a user interface including a plurality of control elements for selectively adjusting operating parameters of the refrigerator; and a controller operatively coupled to the user interface, said controller including a memory having stored therein a plurality of' operating parameters including a temperature control mode for establishing, maintaining and sensing an increasing or decreasing trend of at least one of a fresh food compartment temperature and a freezer compartment temperature;
a cabinet within which is defined a fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment;
a door pivotally mounted relative to the cabinet, said door being adapted to selectively close at least one of the fresh food and freezer compartments;
an evaporator arranged in the cabinet, said evaporator including an evaporator fan;
a user interface including a plurality of control elements for selectively adjusting operating parameters of the refrigerator; and a controller operatively coupled to the user interface, said controller including a memory having stored therein a plurality of' operating parameters including a temperature control mode for establishing, maintaining and sensing an increasing or decreasing trend of at least one of a fresh food compartment temperature and a freezer compartment temperature;
3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, further comprising:
an air mixing fan arranged in the fresh food compartment, said air mixing fan being selectively activated to establish a recirculating airflow within the fresh food compartment:
a duct leading from the freezer compartment to the fresh food compartment: and a damper pivotally mounted in the duct, said damper being selectively shiftable between an open position, wherein the fresh food compartment is fluidly connected to the freezer compartment, to a closed position, wherein the fresh food compartment is substantially isolated from the freezer compartment, said controller further operating, the refrigerator in a super cool mode for adjusting the fresh food compartment temperature to prevent stratification wherein, when the super cool mode is active, said controller activates the air mixing fan at full power if the damper is closed and maintains the air mixing fan off if the damper is open.
an air mixing fan arranged in the fresh food compartment, said air mixing fan being selectively activated to establish a recirculating airflow within the fresh food compartment:
a duct leading from the freezer compartment to the fresh food compartment: and a damper pivotally mounted in the duct, said damper being selectively shiftable between an open position, wherein the fresh food compartment is fluidly connected to the freezer compartment, to a closed position, wherein the fresh food compartment is substantially isolated from the freezer compartment, said controller further operating, the refrigerator in a super cool mode for adjusting the fresh food compartment temperature to prevent stratification wherein, when the super cool mode is active, said controller activates the air mixing fan at full power if the damper is closed and maintains the air mixing fan off if the damper is open.
4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, further comprising:
an ice maker provided in the freezer compartment for selectively producing ice, said controller further operating the refrigerator in a quick ice mode for rapidly forming ice in the ice maker wherein, when in the quick ice mode, said controller automatically lowers the freezer compartment temperature to a minimum setting for a first predetermined time period and, each time the ice maker is filled with water, activates the evaporator fan for a second predetermined time period.
an ice maker provided in the freezer compartment for selectively producing ice, said controller further operating the refrigerator in a quick ice mode for rapidly forming ice in the ice maker wherein, when in the quick ice mode, said controller automatically lowers the freezer compartment temperature to a minimum setting for a first predetermined time period and, each time the ice maker is filled with water, activates the evaporator fan for a second predetermined time period.
5. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein said temperature control mode includes a fresh food sub-routine and a freezer sub-routine.
6. The refrigerator according to claim 5 wherein, in the fresh food sub-routine, the fresh food compartment temperature is compared to a set point temperature established through the user interface plus refrigeration system cut-in and cut-out temperatures in determining the increasing or decreasing trend.
7. The refrigerator according to claim 2, further comprising.
an air mixing fan arranged in the fresh food compartment, said air mixing fan being selectively activated at a predetermined speed to establish a recirculating airflow within the fresh food compartment, wherein the speed of the air mixing fan is reduced upon opening of the door.
an air mixing fan arranged in the fresh food compartment, said air mixing fan being selectively activated at a predetermined speed to establish a recirculating airflow within the fresh food compartment, wherein the speed of the air mixing fan is reduced upon opening of the door.
8. A refrigerator comprising:
a cabinet within which is defined a fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment;
a door pivotally mounted relative to the cabinet, said door being adapted to selectively close at least one of the fresh food and freezer compartments;
an evaporator arranged is the cabinet, said evaporator including an evaporator fan;
a duct leading, from the freezer compartment to the fresh food compartment;
a damper pivotally mounted in the duct, said damper being selectively shiftable between an open position, wherein the fresh food compartment is fluidly connected to the freezer compartment, to a closed position, wherein the fresh food compartment is substantially isolated from the freezer compartment;
an air mixing fan arranged in the fresh food compartment, said air mixing fan being selectively activated to establish a recirculating air flow within the fresh food compartment;
a user interface including a plurality of control elements for selectively adjusting operating parameters of the refrigerator: and a controller operatively coupled to the user interface, said controller including a memory having stored therein a plurality of operating parameters including, a super cool mode for adjusting the fresh food compartment temperature to prevent stratification wherein, when the super cool mode is active, said controller activates the air mixing fan at full power if the damper is closed and maintains the air mixing fan off if the damper is open.
a cabinet within which is defined a fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment;
a door pivotally mounted relative to the cabinet, said door being adapted to selectively close at least one of the fresh food and freezer compartments;
an evaporator arranged is the cabinet, said evaporator including an evaporator fan;
a duct leading, from the freezer compartment to the fresh food compartment;
a damper pivotally mounted in the duct, said damper being selectively shiftable between an open position, wherein the fresh food compartment is fluidly connected to the freezer compartment, to a closed position, wherein the fresh food compartment is substantially isolated from the freezer compartment;
an air mixing fan arranged in the fresh food compartment, said air mixing fan being selectively activated to establish a recirculating air flow within the fresh food compartment;
a user interface including a plurality of control elements for selectively adjusting operating parameters of the refrigerator: and a controller operatively coupled to the user interface, said controller including a memory having stored therein a plurality of operating parameters including, a super cool mode for adjusting the fresh food compartment temperature to prevent stratification wherein, when the super cool mode is active, said controller activates the air mixing fan at full power if the damper is closed and maintains the air mixing fan off if the damper is open.
9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, further comprising: an ice maker provided in the freezer compartment for selectively producing ice, said controller further operating the refrigerator in a quick ice mode for rapidly forming ice in the ice maker wherein, when in the quick ice mode, said controller automatically lowers the freezer compartment temperature to a minimum setting for a first predetermined time period and, each time the ice maker is filled with water, activates the evaporator fan for a second predetermined time period.
10, The refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein said air mixing fan is selectively activated at a predetermined speed to establish the recirculating airflow within the fresh food compartment, wherein the speed of air mixing fan is reduced upon opening of the door.
11. A refrigerator comprising:
a cabinet within which is defined a fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment;
a door pivotally mounted relative to the cabinet, said door being adapted to selectively close at least one of the fresh food and freezer compartments;
an evaporator arranged in the cabinet,said evaporator including an evaporator fan;
a duct leading from the freezer compartment to the fresh food compartment;
an ice maker provided in the freezer compartment for selectively producing ice;
a user interface including a plurality of control elements for selectively adjusting operating parameters of the refrigerator; and a controller operatively coupled to the user interface, said controller including,a memory having stored therein a plurality of opening parameters including a quick ice mode for rapidly forming ice in the ice maker wherein, when in the quick ice mode, said controller activates the evaporator fan each time the ice maker is filled with water.
a cabinet within which is defined a fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment;
a door pivotally mounted relative to the cabinet, said door being adapted to selectively close at least one of the fresh food and freezer compartments;
an evaporator arranged in the cabinet,said evaporator including an evaporator fan;
a duct leading from the freezer compartment to the fresh food compartment;
an ice maker provided in the freezer compartment for selectively producing ice;
a user interface including a plurality of control elements for selectively adjusting operating parameters of the refrigerator; and a controller operatively coupled to the user interface, said controller including,a memory having stored therein a plurality of opening parameters including a quick ice mode for rapidly forming ice in the ice maker wherein, when in the quick ice mode, said controller activates the evaporator fan each time the ice maker is filled with water.
12. The refrigerator according to claim 11, further comprising: a valve for use in filling the ice maker with water, wherein said evaporator fan is controlled based on operation of said valve.
13. The refrigerator according to claim 12, wherein the controller automatically deactivates the quick ice mode if the valve has not been opened for a predetermined period of time.
14. The refrigerator according to claim 11, wherein the quick ice mode is selectively, manually controlled through the user interface.
15. The refrigerator according to claim 11, wherein the controller automatically establishes a minimum freezer compartment temperature setting for a first predetermined time period upon activation of the quick ice mode.
16. A method of controlling a refrigerator including fresh food and freezer compartments, a damper controlled air passage communicating the fresh food compartment, with the freezer compartment and an air mixing fan in the fresh food compartment comprising:
activating the air mixing fan at full power if the damper is closed;
and maintaining the air mixing fan off if the damper is open.
activating the air mixing fan at full power if the damper is closed;
and maintaining the air mixing fan off if the damper is open.
24 11. The method of claim 16, further comprising:
activating the air mixing fan at a predetermined speed to establish a recirculating airflow within the fresh food compartment; and reducing the speed of the air mixing fan upon opening of a fresh food compartment door.
activating the air mixing fan at a predetermined speed to establish a recirculating airflow within the fresh food compartment; and reducing the speed of the air mixing fan upon opening of a fresh food compartment door.
18. A method of controlling a refrigerator including fresh food and freezer compartments, as well as an evaporator fan and an ice maker, comprising:
opening a valve to deliver water to the ice maker; and controlling the evaporator fan based, at least in part, on opening of the valve.
opening a valve to deliver water to the ice maker; and controlling the evaporator fan based, at least in part, on opening of the valve.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising:
operating the refrigerator in a quick ice mode; and automatically deactivating the quick ice mode when the valve has not been opened for a predetermined period of time.
operating the refrigerator in a quick ice mode; and automatically deactivating the quick ice mode when the valve has not been opened for a predetermined period of time.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising:
re-activating the quick ice mode if the valve has been opened prior to expiration of the predetermined time.
re-activating the quick ice mode if the valve has been opened prior to expiration of the predetermined time.
21.The method of claim 18, further comprising:
operating the refrigerator in a quick ice mode; and automatically lowering a temperature in the freezer compartment to a minimum setting for a predetermined time period upon activation of the quick ice mode.
operating the refrigerator in a quick ice mode; and automatically lowering a temperature in the freezer compartment to a minimum setting for a predetermined time period upon activation of the quick ice mode.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2532390 CA2532390A1 (en) | 2006-01-09 | 2006-01-09 | Control for a refrigerator |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2532390 CA2532390A1 (en) | 2006-01-09 | 2006-01-09 | Control for a refrigerator |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2532390A1 true CA2532390A1 (en) | 2007-07-09 |
Family
ID=38236273
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2532390 Abandoned CA2532390A1 (en) | 2006-01-09 | 2006-01-09 | Control for a refrigerator |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2532390A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2020142930A1 (en) * | 2019-01-09 | 2020-07-16 | 合肥美的电冰箱有限公司 | Refrigerator and refrigeration control method and device therefor |
-
2006
- 2006-01-09 CA CA 2532390 patent/CA2532390A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2020142930A1 (en) * | 2019-01-09 | 2020-07-16 | 合肥美的电冰箱有限公司 | Refrigerator and refrigeration control method and device therefor |
| US12007151B2 (en) | 2019-01-09 | 2024-06-11 | Hefei Midea Refrigerator Co., Ltd. | Refrigerator and method and device for controlling refrigeration thereof |
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