REFRIGERATOR

A modular refrigerator includes a plurality of modules with at least one cooling unit module and at least one refrigeration module. The at least one cooling unit module and the at least one refrigeration module are independently constructed and secured to one another. The at least one refrigeration module may include at least a first refrigeration module and a second refrigeration modules. The at least one cooling unit module may be a common cooling unit module for selectively providing a refrigerant to the first and second refrigeration modules.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to refrigerators. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to various aspects of a refrigerator platform applicable for vehicle and non-vehicle applications. Inventions disclosed in this document may also be applicable to related field such as, cabinets, closets, drawers and other storage devices with opening means.

BACKGROUND

This section merely provides background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

Vehicles, including but not limited to, camper vans, recreational vehicles (“RVs”, in the United States and “Caravans” or “Mobile Homes” in Europe), trucks, tractor trailers, airplanes, boats, trains and the like, often incorporate refrigerators for the comfort and convenience of the occupants. For example, campers often find it convenient, or even necessary, to refrigerate food, drinks, and medicine during their journey and while at their campsites. While many prepared campsites in parks and commercial campgrounds provide for electrical outlets, many do not. Moreover, many highly desirable camping locations exist outside of these prepared sites. Thus, a popular solution has been to equip the recreational vehicle with a refrigerator.

Known refrigerators for vehicles have proven to be generally acceptable for their intended uses. A continuous need for improvement to vehicle refrigerators and other refrigerators, however, is always desired.

SUMMARY

It is a general object of the present teachings to provide modular refrigerator system including cooling and refrigeration components that may be assembled in various configurations.

It is another object of the present teachings to provide a modular refrigerator having a plurality of refrigeration modules and a common cooling module for selectively delivering a refrigerant to the plurality of refrigeration modules.

It is another object of the present teachings to provide a refrigerator with an insulated housing and interior components that may be readily manufactured in various widths.

It is another object of the present teachings to provide a refrigerator drawer with a variable sized freezer compartment that may be readily adjusted by an end user.

It is another object of the present teachings to provide a drawer assembly for a refrigerator including a lid that is automatically moveable from a sealed position to an unsealed position in response to movement of a drawer of the drawer assembly from a closed position toward an open position.

It is another object of the present teachings to provide a lighting arrangement for a refrigerator that better scatters light throughout the interior of the refrigerator and in an area in front of the refrigerator.

It is another object of the present teachings to provide a refrigerator having a drawer that can be opened in two opposite directions.

It is a related object of the present teachings to provide a refrigerator for a vehicle having a drawer that can be opened both from within the vehicle and outside the vehicle.

It is another object of the present teachings to provide a refrigerator with a door that can be selectively opened from both left and right sides while remaining secured to the cabinet at the opposite side to that being opened.

It is a related object of the present invention to provide a refrigerator with such a door that has a soft close.

It is another object of the present teachings to provide a refrigerator with a shelf having a mounting arrangement with a plurality of retractable pins biased to engaged positions with a side wall of the refrigerator.

It is another object of the present teachings to provide a refrigerator door construction include a plurality of discrete frame segments assembled around one or more foam cores and secured to one another.

It is yet another object of the present teachings to provide a drawer for a refrigerator having slidable and removable bins to increase the effective use of drawer storage space.

In accordance with one particular aspect, the present teachings provide a modular refrigerator including a plurality of modules with at least one cooling unit module and at least one refrigeration module. The at least one cooling unit module and the at least one refrigeration module are independently constructed and secured to one another. The at least one refrigeration module may include at least a first refrigeration module and a second refrigeration modules. The at least one cooling unit module may be a common cooling unit module for selectively providing a refrigerant to the first and second refrigeration modules

In accordance with another particular aspect, the present teachings provide a module refrigerator including a first refrigeration module and a second refrigeration module. A connection mechanism connects the first refrigeration module to the second refrigeration module. The connection mechanism includes a first mounting member secured to the first refrigeration module, an elongated coupling element including a first end interconnected to the first mounting member and a second end interconnected to the second refrigeration module, and a first tightening element connecting the first end of the elongated coupling element to the first mounting member. The first tightening element is operative to apply a tension force to the elongated coupling element to secure the first refrigeration module to the second refrigeration module.

In accordance with another particular aspect, the present teachings provide a modular refrigerator include a first refrigeration module, a second refrigeration module, and a connection element having a first portion slidably received within a first slot of the first refrigeration module and a second portion slidably received within a second slot of the second refrigeration module. The first slot extends across a first face of the first refrigeration module and the second slot extends across a second face of the second refrigeration module. The first portion of the connection element is a first dovetail portion and the second portion of the connection element is a second dovetail portion.

In accordance with another particular aspect, the present teachings provide a refrigerator drawer including a housing portion and a divider. The housing portion includes first and second lateral side walls, a front wall and a bottom wall. The divider is selectively positioned within an interior space defined by the first and second lateral side walls, the front wall and the bottom wall to subdivide the interior space into a fresh food portion maintained a first temperature and a freezer portion maintained at a second, lower temperature.

In accordance with another particular aspect, the present teachings provide a refrigerator having a housing, a drawer and a lid. The drawer is normally stored in a closed position within an interior of the housing and movable from the closed position to an open position at least partially extending from the housing. The lid is coupled to the housing for movement between a sealed position for sealing the drawer and an unsealed position in which the drawer is unsealed and free to move relative to the lid. The lid automatically moves from the sealed position to the unsealed position in response to an initial movement of the drawer from the closed position toward the open position.

In accordance with another particular aspect, the present teachings provide refrigerator having a housing defining an interior, the housing including a front opening normally closed by a door. The refrigerator further includes a lighting arrangement including one or more lighting units that cooperate with a lens-shaped geometry of a side wall of the housing to illuminate the interior of the refrigerator module and an area immediately in front of the refrigerator module.

In accordance with another particular aspect, the present teachings provide a sliding mechanism including a drawer, a tub and a latching arrangement. The drawer is movable to a first open position and a second open position, the first open position being directly opposed to the second open position. The latching arrangement connects the tub to the drawer such that the drawer may be selectively opened to one of the first and second open positions while preventing the drawer from opening to the other of the first and second open positions.

In accordance with another particular aspect, the present teachings provide a refrigerator including a cabinet, a door and a plurality of hinge assemblies. The plurality hinge assemblies includes first and second hinge assemblies mounting a left hand side of the door to the cabinet for right hand side opening of the door, and third and fourth hinge assemblies mounting a right hand side of the door to the cabinet for left hand side opening of the door. At least one of the first and second hinge assemblies includes a locking mechanism to prevent the left hand side of the door from opening when the right hand side of the door is opened. At least one of the third and fourth hinge assemblies including a further locking mechanism to prevent the right hand side of the door from opening when the left hand side of the door is opened.

In accordance with another particular aspect, the present teachings provide a shelf for releasably mounting with an interior of a housing. The shelf includes a central shelf portion and first and second mounting arrangements. The first and second mounting arrangements are carried at first and second lateral sides of the central shelf portion, respectively. Each mounting arrangement includes a pair of pins such that the shelf is mounted in the refrigerator with four pins that engage detents in a sidewall of the housing. The pins of at least one of the first and second mounting arrangements are movable between extended and retracted positions by a button carried by a slider member.

In accordance with another particular aspect, the present teachings provide a refrigerator including a housing, a drawer and at least one bin. The drawer is mounted in the housing for sliding movement between a closed position and an open position. The at least one bin carried by the drawer for movement with the drawer. The at least one bin is mounted to the drawer for movement between a forward position and a rearward position.

In accordance with another particular aspect, the present teachings provide a refrigerator including a housing, a door and a latching arrangement. The door is movable relative to the housing from a closed position to an open position and includes a frame and an outer panel. The latching arrangement normally maintains the door in the closed position. The outer panel is connected to the frame for movement between a first position and a second position such that the latching arrangement is in a latched condition securing the door to the housing when the outer panel is in the first position and movement of the outer panel from the first position to the second position controls the latching arrangement to operate in the unlatched condition allowing the door to move relative to the housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS ASPECTS

Described herein are various features or methods particular adapted for refrigerators, including but not limited to mobile refrigerators for use in camper vans, recreational vehicles, trucks, tractor trailers, airplanes, boats, trains and the like. It will be understood, however, that these features and method may be used in connection with other refrigerators and for applications other than refrigerators. The various features described herein may be used separately or may be combined in any manner within the scope of the present teachings.

With initial reference toFIG.1, the components of a modular refrigeration system constructed in accordance with the present teachings are illustrated. As will be further appreciated below, the present teachings provide a modular refrigerator platform comprised of individual modules that may be put together into variously configured assemblies. The modular refrigeration system may generally include at least one cooling unit module and at least one refrigerator module.

The cooling unit module functions to condense gaseous refrigerant to be used by the refrigeration modules. While the cooling unit module or cooling module is intended to be operatively interconnected with one or more refrigeration modules, the cooling unit module is a module that is constructed independently from the refrigeration modules. The cooling unit module may include:A thermally insulated housing.A refrigerant compressor, the specific type of compressor dependent on the intended cooling power of the cooling-unit. The compressor creates a pressure differential within the cooling system. Refrigerant evaporates on the low-pressure side of the compressor and condenses on the high-pressure side of the compressor.A condenser or heat exchanging device for condensing the compressed gaseous refrigerant into a liquid state.A filter/dryer.An accumulator which serves as a device which collects any refrigerant which remains in liquid form once passed through evaporative heat exchangers in the refrigerator modules. The liquid is collected in the accumulator in order to prevent liquid refrigerant entering the refrigerant compressor thus damaging the compressor.Refrigerant ‘feed-line’ and ‘return-line’ ports to connect to the feed-line and return-line ports on the refrigerator modules and valves for controlling the flow of refrigerant.An illuminated bar indicating an operational status to the end-user.Noise-absorbing materials.‘Master’ electronics which monitor and adjust the temperatures in all refrigerator modules towards their set points.An electrical bus connector PCB.

In some applications, the cooling unit may contain a compartment in which an ambient temperature is significantly higher than an ambient temperature of a space in which the refrigerator is contained by utilizing heat given off by the condenser during operation. The increased ambient temperature in the compartment may be used for purposes including but not limited to: thawing or defrosting frozen food products; drying wet or damp products including but not limited to clothing and the like; keeping pre-heated food or liquids warm; and heating water. The heated water may be used for various purposes including but not limited to: central hot water supply, preheating stage to provide a pre-heated source of water to be used by a tap supplying boiled water.

Each refrigeration module is a temperature controlled module which can come in various configurations to fulfill various functionalities. A refrigeration module may include:A thermally insulated cabinet or housing.One or more thermally insulated doors or drawers.One or more evaporative heat-exchangers (“evaporator”).A refrigerant feedline which feeds into a two-way refrigerant-valve, from which it continues and exits the module on opposite side.A refrigerant-return-line which passes through the cabinet completely. The lower end of the evaporators feeds directly into the return-line.A two-way refrigerant valve to either direct the flow of refrigerant towards the evaporative heat exchanger contained within the module or direct the flow of refrigerant towards the next ‘module’ in the assembly.‘Response’ electronics that communicate the current state of the refrigerator module to the control electronics, and execute commands given by the control electronics.An electrical bus connector PCB.

With reference toFIGS.1A-1D, various exemplary assemblies of the modular refrigeration system10are schematically illustrated.FIG.1Aillustrates a first assembly including a vertical stack of refrigeration modules with the cooling unit on the bottom.FIG.1Billustrates a vertical stack of refrigeration modules with the cooling unit on the top.FIG.1Cillustrates a combination of horizontally and vertically stacked refrigeration modules with two cooling modules.FIG.1Dillustrates a horizontal stack of refrigeration modules with the cooling unit below one of the refrigeration modules.

Turning toFIGS.1E through1H, further exemplary assemblies of the modular refrigeration system10are schematically illustrated. By these further embodiments, it will be understood that additional configurations within the scope of the present teachings can be made. In this regard, the present teachings are not limited to rectangular configurations. Explaining further, the corner of one module may connect somewhere between the corners of another module, for example. Modules can be connected to one another at any point. With particular reference toFIG.1G, a connection is made between modules that are not rectangular themselves. In this way, a refrigerator may be constructed to more precisely fit around a fixed element in a vehicle. For example, such a refrigerator may be able to better accommodate wheel arches, chassis elements, boat hull shapes, and the like. Such accommodations may also be achieved within the scope of the present teachings by varying the widths of rectangular modules, such as shown inFIG.1H, but perhaps less efficiently. InFIG.1H, a connection is shown between module “C” and module “A” where module “A” connects to module “C” in a way that none of the corners of module “C” connect to the corners of module “A”.

Versions of a cooling unit can exist which are situated under a countertop of a kitchen where the cooling unit incorporates a sink. In such an arrangement, which is shown schematically inFIG.1I, a condensing device D may be connected to the sink A in a way that the condensing device D allows energy E which is released during the condensation of the refrigerant to be transferred to material of the sink A. The sink A acts as a heat-exchanging device which transfers the energy from the sink to the ambient air, or to the water which is held in the sink bowl. The condensing device D may include a coil wrapped around the sink A. The coil may have an inlet B and an outlet C for transport refrigerant.

The modules (e.g., cooling unit module and refrigeration modules) may be connected to one another in any manner well known in the art within the scope of the present teachings. Significantly, the module may be independently constructed and later assembled as desired to provide a large degree of design flexibility.

According to the present teachings, various module connection mechanisms are disclosed for connecting first and second refrigeration modules. For example,FIGS.1J and1Killustrate a module connection mechanism10for a corner-to-corner connection between a first refrigeration module A and a second refrigerator module B in accordance with the present teachings is illustrated. Corner-to-corner connections may be made through a connection that is pulled from two directions. As illustrated, the connection mechanism10may include an elongated coupling element or elongated tension element12and one or more locking nuts or tightening elements14. The connection mechanism10is illustrated to further include first and second mounting members16A and16B. One of the mounting members16is secured to the first refrigeration module A and the other mounting member is secured to the second refrigeration module B. As illustrated, the first mounting member16A is secured to a first corner of the first refrigeration module A and the second mounting member16B is secured to a second corner of the second refrigeration module B. The first and second mounting members16A and16B are predefined geometries that may be integrated within the housings of the refrigeration modules A and B. The first and second mounting members16may be secured to the first and second refrigeration modules A and B with fasteners or in any suitable way known in the art.

The elongated coupling element12is elongated along an axis18and includes a first end12A interconnected to the first mounting member16A and a second end12B interconnected to the second coupling element16B. In the embodiment illustrated, the connection mechanism10includes first and second tightening elements14A and14B. In the embodiment illustrated, the tightening elements14A and14B are locking cam nuts such as conventionally used with flat-packaged furniture designs. The first and second tightening elements14A and14B are rotatably carried by the first and second mounting members16and16B, respectively. The first end12A of the elongated coupling element12is connected to the first mounting member16A by the first tightening element14A. The second end12B of the elongated coupling element12is similarly connected to the second mounting member16B by the second tightening element14B. The first and second tightening elements14A and14B may be conventionally rotated with a screw driver to apply a tension force to the elongated coupling element12along the axis18to secure the first refrigeration module to the second refrigeration module.

Turning toFIG.1L, a simplified sectional view of a module connection mechanism20for a corner-to-face connection between first and second refrigeration modules A and B in accordance with the present teachings is illustrated. Like reference characters are used inFIG.1Lto identify similar elements from the embodiment ofFIGS.1J and1K. As compared to the embodiment ofFIGS.1J and1K, the connection mechanism20includes only a single mounting member16. The mounting member16is secured to the first refrigeration module A. A tightening element14is rotably carried by the mounting member16. The first end12A of the elongated coupling element12is connected to the mounting member16by the tightening element14. The second end12C of the elongated coupling element12may be secured directly to the housing of the second refrigeration module B. For example, a hole22can be drilled in refrigeration module A, to receive the second end12C of the connecting element12. The tightening elements14may be conventionally rotated with a screw driver to apply a tension force to the elongated coupling element12along the axis18to secure the first refrigeration module A to the second refrigeration module B.

Turning toFIGS.1M,1N,1P, and1Q, additional module connection mechanisms for a corner-to-corner connection in accordance with the present teachings are illustrated. Again, like reference characters are used to identify elements similar to those introduced above in connection with the embodiment ofFIGS.1J and1K. The embodiment ofFIG.1Muses two tightening elements14B and14B and one coupling element12, and is similar to the embodiment ofFIGS.1J and1K. The embodiment ofFIG.1Nuses a single tightening element14and a coupling element12having a second end12B including a screw thread. The head screws into element4, which is a separate part. In the embodiment ofFIG.1P, the interface geometry of one of the mounting plates is changed by incorporating a screw hole24. This transfers loads to the housing directly. The screw thread of the second end12B of the coupling element12may be screwed into this screw hole24. This connection mechanism may be tightened with a tightening element14. In the embodiment ofFIG.1Q, the connection mechanism includes a tightening element14, a coupling element12, and a fastening element or anchor26that locks the coupling element12in place and transfer loads through the fastening element26to the refrigerator housing.

Turning toFIG.1R, a jig arrangement30for assembling a refrigerator in accordance with the present teachings is illustrated. The jig arrangement ensures that the mounting members16of the coupling mechanisms aligns properly by positioning and fixing the housing of the refrigerator module in a jig by integrating tightening or pulling elements into the jig itself. The jig thereby forces the coupling elements12to the proper locations, which ensures that the housing members16do not displace or otherwise deform under the loads exerted onto them by the expanding insulating foam of the refrigerator modules.

With reference toFIGS.2and3, modular connectivity between the various modules (cooling and refrigeration modules) may be achieved by providing the walls of each module with one or more connecting features. In the embodiment ofFIGS.2and3, at least one connection element40is provided for connecting the first refrigeration module A to the second refrigeration module B. In the embodiment illustrated, the refrigerator is shown to include four (4) similarly configured connection elements40. One of the connection elements40and cooperating geometries of the first and second refrigeration modules A and B is shown in greater detail in the sectional view ofFIG.3. The connection members40are shown to include a first portion40A slidably received within first slot42A defined by the housing of the first refrigeration module A. In the embodiment illustrated, the first and second portions of the connection member40are first and second dovetail portions40A and40B, respectively, and the first and second slots are first and second dovetail slots42A and42B that extend across a first face of the first refrigeration module A and a second face of the second refrigeration module B. The dovetail slots42A and42B may be provided in side walls, top walls and/or bottom walls or a dedicated part which contains the interfacing geometry and is added to the sidewalls and/or top walls and/or bottom walls. The dovetail slots42A and42B may correspond in width to the refrigerator assembly.

In the embodiment ofFIGS.2and3, the refrigerator is further shown to include a plurality of alignment pins44. The plurality of alignment pins extending in a direction perpendicular to the connection element and connect the first and second refrigeration modules by each engaging both of the first and second refrigeration modules. The alignment pins44are received within holds provided in each of the walls of the refrigeration modules A and B. When the modules A and B are stacked together, the connection members40may be slide into the hollow geometry cooperatively defined by the dovetail slots42A and42B in adjacent refrigeration modules A and B. The connection members40prevent the modules A and B from separating away from one another and the alignment pins44align the modules A and B and prevent the modules A and B from sliding relative to one another.

With reference toFIGS.3A and3B, another embodiment of a connection between first and second refrigeration modules A and B in accordance with the present teachings is illustrated. In this embodiment, the connection between the first and second refrigeration modules A and B is made in a way that mechanical loads exerted on the modules A and B are transferred directly to the housing of each module A and B via a connection element or clamping device46. The clamping device46cooperates with the mating geometry of first and second mounting members48A and48B carried by the first and second refrigeration modules A and B, respectively. In the embodiment illustrated, the first and second mounting members are injection molded corners48A and48B attached to the first and second refrigeration modules A and B, respectively, in any manner well known in the art. In the embodiment illustrated, the connection element46is elongated along an axis51. The connection element46includes a central portion49and first and second legs50A and50B depending from the central portion49. The first and second legs50A and50B extend substantially along the length of the central portion49and both define an acute angle with the central portion49. The first and second legs50A and50B are slidably received in first and second slots52A and52B, respectively, defined by the first and second mounting members48A and48B. The connection element46and the cooperating geometry of the first and second mounting members48A and48B prevent the first and second refrigeration modules A and B from separating.

Turning toFIGS.4-8, one of the refrigeration modules of the present teachings is shown in further detail. The modules may be readily manufactured in various widths. In this regard, the refrigeration modules may be constructed to have a width that may vary from approximately 300 mm to approximately 900 mm, for example. Other widths may be employed, however, within the scope of the present teachings.

The refrigeration module is shown to include an insulated housing60including an outer shell62and an insulating material (not particularly shown). The outer shell62may be considered to be a pre-insulation assembly and may include a pair of side walls64(i.e., left and right side walls), cabinet extrusions66, interface plates68, and a wrapper70. The insulated housing60is further shown to include a valve72and cooling pipes74. The side walls64form an interior side wall and partial front face of the insulated cabinet and contain interfacing geometry that functions to provide a structural connection between a liner plate76, the cabinet extrusions66, the interface plates68, the wrapper or outward facing housing part70, hinge (seeFIG.30, for example) and/or drawer mechanisms (seeFIG.8A, reference character77, for example), and electrical components such as wiring, printed circuit boards, connectors, lighting components and sensors. The cabinet extrusions66form the front face and transition from the front face toward the liner plate76. The interface plates68form the top and bottom of the outer shell and include a geometry (e.g., dovetail slots, as discussed above) for forming a structural connection between adjacent modules. The wrapper70is a layer of material that forms the outer left, back and right walls of the outer shell and wraps around the other cabinet components.

The insulating materials may be selected from a group of insulating materials consisting of: reaction polymers such as closed or open cell polyurethane based foams; vacuum insulation panels, glass fibers, fumed nano-porous silica particles, and combinations thereof.

Turning toFIGS.8A-8Ca portion of another refrigerator module in accordance with the present teachings is illustrated.FIGS.8A-8Care directed to a refrigerator module with a different construction than the refrigerator module ofFIGS.4-8. In the module ofFIGS.4-8, the side walls64are leading construction in variable width. The module ofFIGS.8A-8Cdiffers in that a center, liner plate78is the leading construction in variable width W. This results in different interface geometries for the various components. In the embodiment ofFIGS.4-8, variable width is realized with a plate. In the module ofFIGS.8A-8C, the variable width is realized through a vacuum formed liner.

FIG.8Bis an enlarged cross-sectional side view taken along the centerline of the liner plate78, illustrating a side wall80and a wrapper/enclosure material82positioned inside the liner plate76.FIG.8Cis an enlarged cross-sectional top view taken along the centerline of the liner plate76, illustrating the side wall80positioned inside the liner plate78. The advantage of this construction method is that the wrapper enclosure material82has a 2-dimensional cross-section and can thus be cut to the correct width. The material is placed inside a slot in the side wall80. This slot allows the housing material to move relative to the side wall, yet provides a geometry where foam can not leak out from during the foaming process. These parts are placed over the liner78and the interface between the liner78and side wall80are filled with a compressible material to prevent foam from leaking out during the foaming process. This is important because during because the foaming process, sidewall80is pulled into the correct position by actuators on the foaming mold prior to the foaming process to ensure that the modular interface of the cabinet is always in the correct position.

The construction of the center piece/liner78can be used in combination with the jig construction (as described inFIG.1R). The module is further illustrated to include side parts84and inserts86that can be preassembled with the mechanical interface (as described above) in the jig. By applying a barrier (such as foam tape or the like) on the back of the liner/interface areas with the side parts and the wrapper/outer housing88, the construction will position itself on the outline of the jig. This way all tolerances in the product will be limited to the tolerances of the jig. Resulting in a consistent (and predictable) tolerance on the insulation foamed cabinet, after foaming process.

Turning toFIGS.9,10and10A, an interior component of a refrigerator of the present teachings is illustrated and identified at reference character90. In the embodiment illustrated, the interior component is a bin. The interior component may also be selected from a group consisting further of shelves, trays and the like. As will become understood further below, the interior component90may be readily manufactured in various widths.

The bin90is shown to include first and second lateral sides92A and92B and a central member94extending laterally between the first and second lateral sides. The first and second lateral sides92A and92B may be injection molded, for example. The central member94may be unitarily formed of a plastic sheet, cut to a desired size and bended to a desired shape. The width W of the central member94may be selected based on a desired width of the interior component.90. As perhaps best shown in the cross-sectional view ofFIG.10A, the central member94has a generally U-shape defining front, rear and bottom walls94A,94B and94C of the bin90.

Turning toFIGS.10B and10C, alternative constructions for the central member94are illustrated. As shown in the cross-sectional views ofFIGS.10B and10C, the central member94of the bin90may alternatively consist of multiple discrete parts defining the sides of the bin90. InFIG.10B, the central member94includes a first discrete part defining the rear and bottom walls94B and94C of the bin90and a second discrete part defining the front wall94A of the bin90. InFIG.10C, the central member94includes a first discrete part defining the rear wall94B of the bin, a second discrete part defining the bottom wall94C of the bin90, and a third discrete part defining the front wall94A of the bin90.

Turning toFIG.1I, another bin in accordance with the present teachings is illustrated and identified at reference character100. The bin ofFIG.1Iis constructed similarly to the bin90ofFIGS.9and10, but the central member102of the bin100ofFIG.1Iis cut wider to readily provide a bin having a greater width W′.

Turning toFIGS.12and13, first and second shelves in accordance with the present teachings, respectively, are illustrated and identified at reference characters110and112. The first and second shelves110and112are similarly constructed to include first and second lateral sides114A and114B that may be injection molded and a central member116unitarily formed of a transparent plastic sheet laterally extending between first and second lateral sides114A and1146. The central member116of the second shelf112is cut wider (e.g., has a bigger width W) than the central member116of the first shelf110to readily provide a shelf112having a greater width W. A tray may be similarly constructed.

With reference toFIGS.14through16, a refrigerator drawer in accordance with the present teachings is illustrated and generally identified at reference character120. As will become understood, the refrigerator drawer120has a variable volume size freezer portion. The drawer120is illustrated to include a housing portion122and a divider124that can be variably positioned within the housing portion122. The housing portion122includes first and second lateral side walls126A and126B, a front wall128and a bottom wall (not specifically shown). A rear side of the housing portion122may be open and exposed to an evaporator of the refrigerator. The first and second side walls126A and126B may be formed to include vertically extending slots130or other structure to selectively receive the divider124in one of a plurality of distinct positions.

An interior space of the refrigerator drawer120is defined by the first and second lateral side walls126A and126B, the front wall128and the bottom wall. This interior space may be subdivided by the divider124into a freezer portion132A and a fresh food portion132B. The fresh food portion132B may be maintained at a first temperature and the freezer portion132A may be maintained at a second, lower temperature. The first temperature is preferably above a temperature that would freeze contents in the fresh food portion132B. The second temperature is preferably below a temperature necessary to freeze the contents of the freezer portion. In one application, the fresh food portion132B may be maintained at a temperature of approximately 4 degrees C. and the freezer portion123A may be maintained at a temperature of approximately −18 degrees C., for example. When the divider124is removed from the refrigerator drawer120or placed against the front wall128(as shown inFIG.16), the entire interior space may be maintained at the lower temperature and the entire interior space may be a freezer portion132A. When the divider124is removed, the drawer120can be set (with setting in APP) to complete fresh food (e.g., 4 degrees Celsius When the divider124is in a forward-most position, insulation of the divider124will help maintain the interior space at lower temperature without loss of performance and/or to prevent the temperature from rising due to a loss of insulation thickness at front.

Turning toFIGS.17through21, a drawer assembly for a refrigerator in accordance with the present teachings is illustrated and generally identified at reference character140. The drawer assembly140is shown to generally include a drawer142and a lid144. As will be discussed below, the lid144is automatically moveable from a sealed position to an unsealed position in response to movement of a drawer from a closed position toward an open position.

The drawer142is normally stored in the closed position within an interior of the refrigerator housing145and movable in a direction146from the closed position to the open position at least partially extending from the refrigerator housing145. The lid144is coupled to the refrigerator housing145for movement between the sealed position for sealing the drawer142and the unsealed position in which the drawer142is unsealed and free to move relative to the lid144.

The drawer142is shown in the closed position and the lid144in the sealed position inFIG.20, for example. From this closed position, the drawer142is opened by manual urging by the user in the direction of arrow146inFIG.17. The lid144is interconnected to the refrigerator housing145with one or more springs148. In the embodiment illustrated, the lid144is coupled to the refrigerator housing145with two springs148. The springs148function to bias the lid144in a forward direction (i.e., parallel to the arrow146).

The lid144is also coupled for movement relative to the refrigerator housing145by a plurality of pins150. The pins150are fixedly mounted in holes in lateral sides of the lid144. As illustrated, each lateral side of the lid carries first and second pins150. The pins150are received within slots152defined by the refrigerator side walls of the housing145. The slots152are angled upwardly in the forward direction (see arrow154inFIG.19A) and define a lift geometry. In this manner, the slots152function to translate the lid144forwardly in an angled lifting direction.

When the drawer142is initially moved from the closed position toward the open position in the direction of arrow146, the springs148pull the lid144forward and the angled slots152resultantly translate the lid144upwardly from the sealed position to the unsealed position. In this manner, the spring-loaded lid144of the drawer assembly140travels on four points along a defined trajectory to force the lid144upward. Resultantly, the pressure of a seal carried by the lid to seal the lid144to the drawer142is immediately released and no friction occurs between the seal of the lid144and the drawer142and the user has a smooth operating experience. No separate action is required to active the lid144. When the drawer142is manually urged back to the closed position, the drawer142pushes against a bracket154carried by the lid144to move the lid144backwards against the bias of the springs148. The geometry of the side wall slots152forces the lid144downward to the closed or sealed position.

With reference toFIGS.22and23, an insulated housing of a refrigerator module in accordance with the present teachings is illustrated and generally identified at reference character160. As illustrated, the housing may include a light diffusing arrangement162which functions to scatter light throughout an interior164of the refrigerator module. The light diffusing arrangement or lighting arrangement162may include includes one or more lighting units166that cooperate with a geometry of a side wall168of the refrigerator module to better illuminate interior164of the refrigerator module and an area immediately in front of the refrigerator module. In the embodiment illustrated, the lighting arrangement includes first and second lighting units166arranged on vertically extending edges of the refrigerator module between a front face of the refrigerator cabinet and interior walls of the refrigerator cabinet. Such lighting units166may be alternatively adapted for refrigerator drawers, by arranging the lighting units on a horizontally extending drawer edge between a tope face and interior side wall of the drawer.

Each lighting unit includes a light source such as an LED light source170and a lens diffuser172. The lens diffuser172functions to scatter a first portion of the light emitted from the light source onto a lens-shaped geometry174of the side wall of the refrigerator module, which in turn scatters the light throughout the interior164of the refrigerator module.

A second portion of light is dispersed toward the front of the refrigerator module and functions to illuminate an area in front of the refrigerator module where products held in the hand of an end user may be better seen. In this manner, products and information written on the packaging thereof may be read significantly easier—particularly in low ambient light conditions. The light distribution may be controlled in intensity such that the human eye experience is more pleasant—particularly under low ambient light conditions.

The refrigerator may also be provided with a light strip on an exterior surface to inform the user of the status of the refrigerator. For example, the light strip may be illuminated in a first color (i.e, green) to indicate favorable functioning of the refrigerator and a second color (i.e., red) to indicate a “service required” or “door ajar” condition, for example.

Turning toFIGS.24A and24BthroughFIGS.28A-28E, a refrigerator180in accordance with the present teachings is illustrated to include a drawer182that is accessible in two opposite directions. As shown inFIG.24A, the drawer182may be opened in a first direction (to the left and from within a vehicle184). As shown inFIG.24B, the drawer182of the refrigerator180may also be opened in an opposite, second direction (to the right and from outside the vehicle184).

The refrigerator180includes a tub186that connects to the drawer182through a latching arrangement188. The latching arrangement188connects the tub186to the drawer182such that the drawer182may be opened to one of the first and second open positions while preventing the drawer182from opening to the other of the first and second open positions. In this manner, a significant convenience may be realized by an end user in that the contents of the tub186may be alternatively accessed from within the vehicle184or from outside the vehicle184.

The latching arrangement188includes a first set of latching components associated with a first side (or the left side as shown inFIG.24) of the drawer182and an identical second set of latching components associated with a second side (or the right side as shown inFIG.24) of the drawer182. The latching arrangement188will be described in detail with reference to the first side of the drawer182. As schematically shown, however, it will be understood that similar components are provided at the second side of the drawer182.

A handle190is carried by a rotation bracket192and pivots about an axis. The rotation bracket192is mounted on a front panel of the drawer182. The handle190is coupled to a first or upper end of a connecting pin194such that rotation of the handle190by the user upwardly displaces the connecting pin194. At a second or lower end, the connecting pin194connects to a locking pin196. A tub locking mechanism198is carried on the tub186. A tub pivot plate200is spring-loaded and is activated by the tub locking mechanism198of the tub186. A locking bracket202is mounted on the front panel of the drawer182and holds the spring-loaded pivot plate200and the locking pin196in place. A base pivot plate204is spring-loaded and is activated by a base locking mechanism206on the base. Triggered by the connecting pin194, the locking pin196moves up and down. In this regard, when a force is manually applied to the handle190, the handle190rotates and the connecting pin194and the locking pin196are upwardly translated. The tub and base pivot plates200and204cooperate with the remainder of the latching arrangement to secure connection with the tub186and to prevent opening of the drawer182simultaneously from two opposite sides.

FIG.28Aillustrates a neutral position in which both sides of the latching arrangement are free to be activated by their respective handle190, but the drawer182is locked on both sides by the locking pins196. The images of the unlocked locks indicate the status of the latching arrangement. As shown inFIG.28B, when the left handle190is rotated, the associated locking pin196is shifted to engage with the tub locking mechanism198. By pulling the handle190, the drawer182will be pulled out to the first open position (e.g., to the interior of the vehicle). At the same time, two mechanisms are activated. 1) The locking pin196on left side is connected to the tub locking mechanism198is locked in place by the base pivot plate204to thereby secure the connection between the locking pin196and the tub locking mechanism198. 2) As shown inFIG.28C, the locking pin196on the opposite, right side is locked in place by the tub pivot plate200to prevent the opposite handle190from moving and thereby securing the drawer182from movement toward the second open position.

After the drawer182has been closed from the first open position and the system is returned to the “neutral” position, the handle190on the second or right side can be rotated and pulled (as shown inFIGS.28D and28E) to upwardly displace the associated connecting pin194and locking pin196. Again, the two mechanism noted above are activated. Namely, the locking pin196is locked in place to secure the connection with the tub186and the locking pin196on the first or left side is locked to prevent the handle190from moving the locking pin196on the closed side of the drawer182.

The drawer182may include a front panel210that is bigger than the opening through which the remainder of the drawer182may pass. The present teachings provide two solutions for selectively accessing the contents of the drawer182in two opposite directions. In accordance with one solution, the present teachings allow a tub186to selectively engage two drawers that open in opposite directions. According to another solution, detachable drawer panels on opposite sides of the tub may be selectively decoupled. When the drawer panel is decoupled on a first side, the drawer may be opened from the second side. Conversely, when the drawer panel is decoupled on the second side, the drawer may be opened from the first side.

Turning toFIG.29, a refrigerator220in accordance with the present teachings is illustrated to include a plurality of hinge assemblies222for rotatably connecting a door224to a cabinet226of the refrigerator220for movement between a closed position and an open position. In the embodiment illustrated, and as will be further appreciated below, the refrigerator220includes four hinge assemblies222located at each of the corners of the front face of the cabinet226. The hinge assemblies222may be substantially identical to one another and may advantageously allow the refrigerator220to be selectively opened from either a left side of the door224or a right side the door224. Such a double hinging door224provides improved access to an interior228the refrigerator220and allows for a great degree of placement of the refrigerator220within a confined space, such a motor vehicle. Additionally, the hinge assemblies222allow for an elimination of conventional magnetic refrigerator gaskets. Rather, the present teachings utilize springs in the corners of the cabinet to pull the door toward the cabinet226. The conventional magnetic gasket may be replaced with a non-magnetic gasket, such as rubber, which has sufficient travel to seat the front area of the cabinet226. A damper may be associated with each hinge assembly222to provide a soft close for the door224. Further, the hinge assemblies222of the present teachings may be provided with a self-locking mechanism that makes it impossible to open both lateral sides (e.g., left and right) of the door224at the same time.

The four hinge assemblies222include first and second hinge assemblies222A and222B mounting a first or left hand side of the door224to the cabinet226for right hand side opening of the door224and third and fourth hinge assemblies222C and222D mounting a second or right hand side of the door224to the cabinet226for left hand side opening of the door. At least one of the first and second hinge assemblies222A and222B includes a locking mechanism to prevent the left hand side of the door224from opening when the right hand side of the door224is opened and at least one of the third and fourth hinge assemblies222C and222D includes a further locking mechanism to prevent the right hand side of the door224from opening when the left hand side of the door224is opened.

One of the hinge assemblies222and its operation will be described in detail with particular reference toFIGS.30through37A-C. The hinge assembly222is shown to generally include a first portion230attached to the door224and a second portion232attached to the cabinet226. The first portion includes a hinge pin234received in a hole of the door224and a striker236carried at an end of the hinge pin234. The first portion230also includes a lock part238rotatably carried on the hinge pin234. As will be discussed further below, a torque spring240biases the lock part238toward a locked position.

The second portion232of the hinge assembly222includes a housing242and a taker244. The housing242allows the second portion232to be attached to the cabinet226as a unit. The taker244is movable relative to the housing242between a closed position (seeFIG.32, for example) when the door224is closed and an open position (seeFIG.33, for example) when the door224is opened. When the door224is opened from the left side, for example, the geometry of the striker236cooperates with the geometry of the taker244to translate the taker244in a forward direction and rotate the taker244about a vertically extending axis. When the door224is closed, the cooperating geometries of the striker236and taker244rotate the taker244in the opposite direction about the vertically extending axis and translate the taker244in a rearward direction.

The lock part238defines a tracer geometry that guides the lock part238along a path. The path is shown with arrows inFIG.37A. When tracer geometry of the lock part238enters the housing242, the tracer geometry follows a first portion of the path (i.e., the lower portion of the path inFIG.37A). Upon entering the housing242, the lock part238cannot be pulled out from the housing242while it follows the first part of the path. Before the lock part238can be pulled from the housing242, the lock part238first needs to be moved until it reaches a “rest position” (indicated at reference character246inFIG.37A), before the door224can be opened again (e.g., the lock part238can be removed) from that side of the cabinet226. After the lock part238reaches the rest position246, the tracer geometry of the lock part238follows the second part of the path (i.e., the upper portion of the path inFIG.37A) to move out of the housing242and allow the door224to be opened.

A pull spring248includes a first end attached to the taker244and a second end attached to the housing242. The pull spring248pulls the door224to the cabinet226. A damper250in the same direction provides a soft close for the door224.

When the door224is closed and the opposite, right side of the door224is opened, the torque spring240of the first portion230of the hinge assemblies222A and222B on the left side of the door224automatically actuate a locking mechanism (e.g., self-locking mechanism). In this regard, the torque spring240urges the lock part238to engage a detent250of the housing242(seeFIG.37, for example) in response to rotation of the door224about the left side.

With reference toFIGS.38,39and40A-40C, a shelf260for a refrigerator including a release system is illustrated. The shelf260is illustrated to generally include a central shelf portion262and first and second mounting arrangements264A and264B carried at first and second lateral sides of the central shelf portion262, respectively. Each mounting arrangement including a pair of pins or tabs266such that the shelf260is mounted in the refrigerator with four pins or tabs266that engage detents in a sidewall of the refrigerator housing. The pins or tabs266of at least one of the first and second mounting arrangements264A and264B are movable between extended and retracted positions. In the embodiment illustrated, only the pins or tabs266of the first mounting arrangement264A are movable between extended and retracted positions. The mounting arrangement264B is unitarily formed without any moving parts and is attached to the central shelf portion262.

The mounting arrangement264A may include a mounting member270secured to the central shelf portion262and a slider member272. In the embodiment illustrated, a central portion of the mounting member270is secured to the central shelf portion262and the ends of the mounting member272are resiliently deflectable from an extended position to a retracted position. The slider member272is movable in a linear direction indicated by arrow274. The slider member272includes a pair of pins276carried in slots278defined by the mounting member270. A forward end280of the slider member272defines a button that may be pushed by the user to pull the pins or tabs266inwardly. Explaining further, the ends of the mounting member272are normally in extended positions to engage slots in the housing of the refrigerator. When the slider member272is pushed inward (in the direction of arrow274, the pins276ride along the slots278and the ends of the slider member272are drawn inwardly in the direction of arrows280. Thus, when the button is depressed, the slider member or slider moves associated two pins from the extended position to the retracted position (e.g. toward a centerline of the shelf) so that the shelf260can be removed from the refrigerator. The pins are biased toward the extended positions so that the button doesn't need to be pushed for attaching the shelf. As perhaps best illustrated inFIG.40C, if you push the button (e.g., in the direction of the arrow) two pins are forced through a track. The shape of the track triggers a motion of the pins towards the center of the interior part (e.g., in the direction of the red arrows).

Turning toFIGS.41and42, a decorative panel construction for a refrigerator door assembly in accordance with the present teaching is illustrated and generally identified at reference character300. The refrigerator door assembly300includes a decorative panel302attached to a front face of a door304with double sided tape to hold the parts together. As compared to conventional doors in which decorative panels slide into a plastic frame, there is no large trim required around the door to hold the decorative panel to the door.

Turning toFIGS.43and44, another refrigerator door in accordance with the present teaching is illustrated and generally identified at reference character320. The refrigerator door320is shown to include a frame322having top and bottom injection molded profiles324and326and left and right injection molded profiles328and330. The left and right extrusion profiles328and330define left and right handles, respectfully, for the refrigerator door320. The door320further includes a decorative panel332, one or more foam panels334and a liner plate336. The one or more foam panels334may include a back foam panel334A and a front foam panel334B. In a first assembly step, the frame332is assembled with the foam panels334inside and the decorative panel332and liner panel336captured by the frame334. As compared to conventional refrigerator doors that utilizing a foaming system to “glue” all the parts together, the present teachings provide a door construction with significantly reduced manufacturing times. The present teachings also provide a door construction that can be readily adapted for various sizes allowing a single door design for different modules.

Turning toFIGS.45A-45E, a refrigerator drawer assembly in accordance with the present teachings is illustrated and generally identified at reference character350. A conventional refrigerator drawer such as a fresh food drawer offers a large open space to store products. This space, however, is not very effectively used since the user is required to stack products within the drawer to use all the available storage volume. The refrigerator drawer assembly350of the present teachings is shown to conventionally include a drawer352that is slidable relative to a housing or frame354between a closed position and an open position. The drawer assembly350further includes a plurality of bins356. In the embodiment illustrated, the drawer assembly350includes two bins356. It will be understood, however, that the drawer assembly350may include a greater or lesser number of bins356within the scope of the present teachings. Furthermore, the bins356may vary in width to optimize use of the space in the total scope of the variable width refrigerator platform described herein. The bins356are slidable relative to the drawer352and removable from the drawer352to more effectively use the storage space within the drawer352. The bins356are connected to the drawer352and normally translate with the drawer352upon opening and closing of the drawer352. To gain access to a space below the bins356, the user can simply slide the bins toward a back of the drawer352. The drawer352can be closed without having to bring the bins356back to the original or forward position. The bins356may be easily removed from the drawer352for use outside the refrigerator.

The bins356may have a sliding interface with the adjacent sides360of the drawer352and any drawer dividers358. As shown inFIG.45E, for example the bin356may include a stepped lower surface that horizontally overlaps one of the adjacent drawer sides360and the divider358. The bin356may be supported for sliding movement on the upper surfaces of the adjacent drawer side360and the divider358. Alternatively, the sides360or the divider358may include an inwardly extending ledge362to support the bin356. While not illustrated, the interface between the drawer352and bin356may include one or more wheels or bearings363.

When the drawer352is conventionally translated to the open drawer position, the bin(s)356normally translate with the drawer352as a result of friction between the cooperating surfaces of the bin(s)356and the sides360and/or divider358. To gain access to the interior of the drawer352, the user may remove the bin(s)356from the drawer352or the user may slide the bin(s)356rearward. When the drawer352is conventionally translated to the closed drawer position, the bin(s)356will contact a back surface of the housing or frame354and the bin(s)356will resultantly translate forwardly relative to the drawer352.

Turning toFIG.46, an accumulator for a modular refrigerator in accordance with the present teachings is illustrated and generally identified at reference character400. A modular refrigerator has cooling requirements that greatly differ from a conventional, fixed sized cabinet refrigerator. For example, a modular refrigerator may have an accumulator that accommodates for both large and small refrigerator modules that may have large and small evaporator systems, respectively.

The accumulator400is shown to include an accumulator vessel402, an inlet pipe404, an outlet pipe406and a capillary tube408. The accumulator400generally functions to collect (e.g., accumulate) the excess refrigerant in the cooling system to prevent fluids from entering the compressor, as the compressor is only able to process gas. The accumulator400of the present teachings also allows oil that is normally carried through the cooling system by the refrigerant to pass through, while allowing the refrigerant to accumulate in the vessel402and slowly evaporate away through the outlet pipe406leading to the compressor.

In operation, a mixture of liquid, gases and oil enters the accumulator vessel402via the input pipe404. The liquid and oil accumulate in the vessel402. A mixture of oil and a small amount of liquid refrigerant leaves the vessel402via the capillary tube or small diameter tube408where it is introduced into the flow of the outlet pipe406. Only gases leave the vessel402from the top of the vessel402via the outlet pipe406. As illustrated, the outlet pipe406leaves the vessel402at a point that is higher than the end of the inlet pipe404within the vessel402. The small amount of liquid refrigerant that leaves the vessel402via the capillary tube408will evaporate immediately after entering the flow of the outlet pipe or return tube406. As a result, an amount of fluid will end up in the return line to the compressor based on a size of the restriction made in the bottom of the vessel402or the diameter of the capillary tube408. These dimensions may be modified for particular systems to ensure sufficient evaporation of the liquid upon introduction into the flow of the return tube406.

Turning toFIG.47, mechanical interface500for a modular refrigerator is illustrated in connection with a first module A of the refrigerator. The mechanical interface is shown to include a plurality of barbed alignment pins502, a perimeter of caulk504, and lines of caulk506. As shown, the module A is ready for attachment of another module to be installed on top. The alignment pins502extends upwardly from the top side508of the module A. The lines of caulk506extend substantially across the top side508and function to spread mechanical loads between the housings of the two modules. The perimeter of caulk504will function as a moisture barrier to prevent moisture from entering a space between adjacent modules. The present teachings provide a mechanical interface500and related method that ensures that adjacent modules of a modular refrigerator are securely fastened, aligned properly and sealed to prevent moisture from permeating into the void between them.

Turning toFIGS.48and48A-48B, a latching arrangement550for a bin552of a refrigerator554in accordance with the present teachings is illustrated. As will become better understood below, the latching arrangement550cooperates with the rest of the refrigerator554to block the weight of the bin552and prevent the bin552from inadvertently opening. If the user wants to open the bin552, however, the user may pull on the bin552in a conventional manner to overcome the latching arrangement550and the function of the latching arrangement550is transparent to the user.

The bin552includes a frame or front face556and an outer panel558(otherwise referred to as a furniture panel or decorative panel558. The outer panel558and the frame556cooperate to define a door of the bin552. The door of the bin552is movable along with the bin is movable between a closed position to an open position relative to a housing566of the refrigerator554.

The outer panel or decorative panel558is movably secured to the frame or front face556. In the embodiment illustrated, the outer panel558and frame556are connected at their respective lower ends such that the outer panel558may pivot relative to the frame556about a horizontally extending axis560. The horizontally extending axis is a lateral extending axis that extends laterally across the refrigerator554. In other embodiments within the scope of the present teachings, the outer panel558may be connected to the frame556for movement other than pivotal movement. Of importance, on door component is able to move relative to another door component to release the latching arrangement550in response to a conventional opening of the door by the user.

The latching arrangement is normally operative for maintaining the door (e.g., the outer panel558and the frame556) in the closed position. The latching arrangement is operative in a latching condition when the outer panel558is in a first position (as shown inFIG.48A) and operative in an unlatched condition when the outer panel558is in the second position (as shown inFIG.48B).

The latching arrangement550includes a latch562with one end562A attached to an upper end of the decorative panel558and an opposite end defining a barb or hook562A. The latch562further includes an upwardly extending portion562C defining a ramped surface.FIG.48A, illustrates a normally latched position of the latching arrangement that prevents the door, and resultantly the bin554, from unintentionally opening during transit of a motor vehicle including the refrigerator554, for example. In the latched position, inadvertent opening of the bin552is prevented by engagement of the barb562A with a detent564carried by the housing566of the refrigerator554. As shown inFIG.48B, when a user desires to intentionally move the door and bin552from a closed position to an open position, the user manually grabs the upper end of the decorative panel558and pulls in the direction of arrow566. This action cause the decorative panel558to pivot slightly relative to the door frame556and brings the ramped surface of the upwardly extending portion562into engagement with a follower568carried by the door frame556. This engagement downwardly rotates the barb562A of the latch562and allows the barb to move past the detent564. With the latching arrangement550now in the unlatched position, the door and the bin552may be translated to the open position. However, in the closed position when an external force is applied, for example a cornering or breaking force of a vehicle, it is impossible that the drawer opens by itself. So without applying a separate lock the drawer front functions as a driving lock.

Turning to the flow diagram ofFIG.49Aand the system schematic ofFIG.49B, a method of controlling cooling of a modular refrigerator including a plurality of refrigeration modules in accordance with the present teachings will be further described. Additionally, a further exemplary embodiment of a module refrigerator600in accordance with the present teachings will be described. The method of the present teachings is particularly adapted for controlling refrigeration of a modular refrigerator600including a plurality of modules. In the embodiment illustrated, the module refrigerator600is shown to include a cooling unit or cooling module602, and three refrigeration modules, A, B and C. The cooling module602further includes an accumulator400, a compressor604, a condenser606, and a filter608. These are related components of the cooling module602will be understood to be conventional in construction and operation to any extent not described herein.

Each refrigeration module A, B, and C has a dedicated temperature sensor610for sensing an internal temperature. Each refrigeration module A, B and C is shown to be associated with slave electronic612operative to transmit a temperature signal to master electronics614of the modular refrigerator600. In the embodiment illustrated, the master electronics614are part of the cooling module602. Alternatively, each refrigeration module A, B and C may include a dedicated controller such as a fuzzy logic controller, for example

Each of the refrigeration modules A, B, and C will be cooled by the cooling module602. As such, the cooling module602will be understood to be a common, central cooling unit. The modular refrigerator600of the present teachings is operative to switch active cooling between refrigerant circuits of the refrigeration modules A, B, and C. As the refrigerant circuits of the modules A, B, and C do not operate simultaneously, the method of the present teachings is adapted to prioritize active cooling of the modules A, B, and C based on need.

According to a first general step616of the method of the present invention, a system controller617of the master electronics614of the modular refrigerator600compares cooling requests from each of the modules A, B and C and determines a which module is most in need of cooling. The system controller617may be a fuzzy logic controller, for example. This module most in need of cooling is referred to as the Max-Request module or priority refrigeration module. The Max-Request module or priority refrigeration module may be determined based on the greatest temperature difference between a module set temperature and that module's sensed temperature. To compare the cooling request from each of the refrigeration modules to identify the Max-Request or priority refrigeration module for cooling includes thus includes sensing a sensed temperature from each refrigeration module, comparing the sensed temperature sensed from each refrigeration module with a corresponding set temperature of each refrigeration module, and identifying the priority refrigeration module for cooling based on the a largest difference between the set temperature and the sensed temperature for each refrigeration module.

The modular refrigerator600further includes a plurality of valves for controlling a selective flow of refrigerant to the refrigeration modules A, B and C. In the embodiment illustrated, the plurality of valves includes first and second valves620A and620B. The valves620A and620B may be carried by the cooling module602. Each valve620A and620B includes one inlet and two outlets 1 and 2. If the modular refrigerator600alternatively includes only one refrigeration module, no valves are required. If the modular refrigerator600alternatively includes two refrigeration modules, one 2-way valves are required.

According to a second general step618of the method of the present teachings, the valves620A and620B of the modular refrigerator cooling unit602are controlled to direct cooling (e.g., refrigerant to a heat exchanger of the Max-Request module. For example, where the controller617determines that the refrigeration module A is the Max-Request module, valve620A is controlled by the fuzzy logic controller617to a first state. In this first state, refrigerant will flow through the 2-way valve620A to module A. Explaining further, outlet 1 of valve620A is open and outlet 2 of valve620A is closed. In this situation, the state of the second valve620B is inconsequential. Where the controller617determines that module B is Max-Request module, the valve620A is operated by the controller617such that refrigerant will flow from valve620A, through outlet 2 and to valve620B. Outlet 1 of valve620A is inactive or closed and outlet 2 of valve620A is active or open. At the same time, valve620B is controlled by the controller617such that refrigerant will flow through outlet 1 of valve620B to module B. Where the controller617determines that module C is the Max-Request module, the first valve620A is controlled by the controller617such that refrigerant flows to the second valve620B. Outlet 1 of valve620A is inactive or closed and outlet 2 of valve620A is active or open. At the same time, valve620B is controlled by the controller617such that refrigerant will flow through outlet 2 of valve620B to module C.

According to a third general step622of the present teachings, cooling of the Max-Request module continues for a predetermined time. In one example, cooling of Max-Request module may continue for ten (10) minutes. After the expiry of the predetermined time, the method returns to the first step616and re-determines the Max-Request module.

Turning toFIGS.50A-50B,51A-51B,52A-52B and53A-53B, various refrigerator bins including a variable width component are illustrated.FIGS.50A-50Billustrated a first bin700. The first bin includes first, second and third members700A,700B and700C. The first, second and third members700A,700B and700C may be individually formed of plastic or other suitable material and secured to one another in any manner well known in the art. As illustrated, the first and third members700A and700C are similarly formed to include laterally spaced apart side walls, a front wall, a rear wall and a bottom. The second member700B is situated between the first and third members700A and700C and will be understood to be a variable width member having a variable width W. As illustrated, the second member700B includes a front wall, a rear wall and a bottom. The laterally spaced walls of the second member700B need only be so high as to facilitate attachment to the adjacent first and third members700A and700C. A width of the entire bin700may be readily adapted for particular uses by incorporating a different second member700B. The first, second and third members700A,700B and700C cooperate to define three bin compartments.

A second bin710is shown inFIGS.51A and51B. For this embodiment and the embodiments that follow, like reference characters are used for similar features/elements. The second bin710includes a first member700A and a second member or variable width member700B. The second bin710differs from the first bin700by incorporating and end wall712, rather than a third member700C. The first member700A, the second member700B and the end wall712cooperate to define two bin compartments.

A third bin720is shown inFIGS.52A and52B. Similar to the second bin710, the third bin720includes a first member700A, a second member or variable width member700B, and an end wall712that cooperate to define two bin compartments.

A fourth bin730is shown inFIGS.53A and53B. This bin730includes variable width member700B, a first end wall712and a second end wall732that cooperate to define a single compartment bin.

Turning toFIGS.54A-54E, a refrigerator740including door locking arrangement742in accordance with the present teachings will be described. The refrigerator740includes a door744. In the embodiment illustrated, the door744is movable from a closed position to an open position by rotation about a horizontally extending lower pivot axis745. In other embodiments, the door may pivot about a horizontally extending axis or the door may be mounted to a bin for sliding movement between closed and open positions. As will become apparent herein, the door latching arrangement is operative to prevent inadvertent opening of the door744that may otherwise occur under the weight of the door744as the a vehicle including the refrigerator740is in transit, for example.

The door744is shown to include a door frame746and an outer panel748. The door frame746conventionally includes insulation for insulating the refrigerator740. The outer panel748may be otherwise referred to as a decorative panel or furniture panel. The outer panel748may carry a handle750and is mounted to the door frame746for pivotal movement relative to the door frame about the pivot axis745. In other embodiments within the scope of the present teachings, the outer panel748may move relative to the door frame746in a manner other than pivotally.

The door latching arrangement742includes a lock frame752, a striker plate754and a latch pin756. As perhaps best shown in the partially cut-away views ofFIGS.54C and54D, the latch pin756is carried within a channel758of the door frame746and is movable between a latched position (as shown inFIG.54C) and an unlatched position (as shown inFIG.54D). The latch pin756is biased to the latched position by a spring760in the channel758. The striker plate754is mounted to a housing761of the refrigerator740. In the latched position, the latch pin756extends into an opening762of the striker plate754to normally prevent the door744from opening.

The lock frame752is carried by the outer panel748. As shown, the lock frame752includes a follower portion764configured and positioned to engage a ramped surface of the latch pin756when a user pulls on the handle750of the door744to intentionally open the door744. The lock frame752includes planar portion766including the follower portion764. The planar portion766is disposed inboard relative to the striker plate754and extends parallel to a lateral side of the refrigerator740.

The outer panel748pivots about the axis750between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the follower portion746of the lock frame752is disposed rearward of the latch pin756as the latch pin756extends into the opening762of the striker plate754. An upper end of the outer panel748is pulled in the direction of arrow768to rotate the outer panel748from the first position to the second position. The second position of the outer panel748is shown in dashed lines inFIG.54E. In the embodiment illustrated, the outer panel748rotates about 5 degreed between the first and second positions. The door panel748is normally maintained in the first position by a spring770. Movement of the door panel748from the first position to the second position may be further guided by a pin772that laterally extends from a side of the door frame746and is movable received within a slot774of the planar portion766of the lock frame752.

The outer panel748may be roted by the user from the first position to the second position relative to the frame746. The range of rotation of outer panel748relative to the frame746may be limited by a slot in the lock frame752, for example. In the embodiment illustrated, rotation of the outer panel748relative to the frame746may be limited to about 5 degrees, for example.

The rotation of the outer panel748from the first position to the second position moves the latch pin756from the latched position to the unlatched position and transitions the latching arrangement742from the latched condition to the unlatched condition. Explaining further, the follower portion764of the lock frame752engages the ramped surface of the latch pin756. As the lock frame752and thereby the follower portion764move with the outer panel748, engagement of the follower portion764with the ramped surface of the latch pin756inwardly moves the latch pin756from the latched position to the unlatched position against the bias of the spring760. As such, the latch pin756is withdrawn from the opening762in the striker plate754and the door744can be opened. After the outer panel748has rotated relative to the frame746through the range of motion, continued pulling by the user operates to collectively rotate both the outer panel and the frame746(e.g., the door744) out the axis745to the open position of the door. When the door744is rotated from the open position to the closed position, the follower portion764returns to a position rearward of the latch pin756and the spring760moves the latch pin back to the latched position.

While specific examples have been discussed in the specification and illustrated in the drawings, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalence may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present teachings. Additionally, while the present teachings may have particular application for motor vehicles, the scope is limited in this regard. For example, various aspects of the present teachings may be readily adapted for refrigerators used in stationary applications, including but not limited to commercial and residential refrigerators. Furthermore, the mixing and matching of features, elements and/or functions between various examples may be expressly contemplated herein so that one skilled in the art would appreciate from the present teachings that features, elements and/or functions of one example may be incorporated into another example as appropriate, unless discussed otherwise above. Moreover, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the present teachings without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it may be intended that the present teachings not be limited to the particular examples illustrated by the drawings and discussed in the specification as the best mode of presently contemplated for carrying out the present teachings but that the scope of the present disclosure will include any embodiments following within the foregoing description and any appended claims.