THERMAL IMPROVEMENTS IN VIS REFRIGERATORS

A refrigeration appliance includes a cabinet having a trim breaker defining a mullion region and a refrigerant system. The cabinet defines a first compartment and a second compartment. The refrigerant system includes a refrigerant defining a flow path through a compressor, a heat loop coupled to the compressor, a condenser coupled to the heat loop, and an evaporator assembly coupled to the compressor and the condenser. The heat loop is routed around a perimeter of the cabinet and through the mullion region. The evaporator assembly includes at least one first evaporator disposed in the first compartment and a second evaporator disposed in the second compartment. The at least one first evaporator may include a first roll bond evaporator coupled to a second roll bond evaporator in series with the first, or a wire-on-tube evaporator.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to thermal improvement for an appliance, and more specifically, to thermal improvements for a vacuum insulated refrigeration appliance.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vacuum insulated refrigerator includes a cabinet defining a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment where the cabinet at least partially defines a mechanical compartment. The cabinet includes a liner, a wrapper, and a trim breaker. The trim breaker is coupled to the liner and the wrapper. The trim breaker defines a refrigerator compartment perimeter, a freezer compartment perimeter, and a mullion region between the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment. The refrigerant system includes a compressor disposed in the mechanical compartment. A heat loop is coupled to the compressor where the heat loop includes a first send segment routed from the mechanical compartment and along a first portion of the freezer compartment perimeter, a second send segment routed through the mullion region, and a third send segment routed along a first portion of the refrigerator compartment perimeter adjacent the mullion region. A first return segment is routed along a second portion of the refrigerator compartment perimeter, a second return segment is routed through the mullion region, and a third return segment is routed along a second portion of the freezer compartment perimeter and to the mechanical compartment. A condenser is disposed in the mechanical compartment and is coupled to the heat loop, where a refrigerant is directed from the compressor, through the heat loop, and then to the condenser, and an evaporator assembly is coupled to the condenser and the compressor.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vacuum insulated refrigerator includes a cabinet defining an upper compartment, a lower compartment, and a mullion region between the upper compartment and the lower compartment. The cabinet at least partially defines a machine compartment. A trim breaker is coupled to a periphery of the cabinet and the mullion region. A compressor is disposed in the machine compartment. A heat loop is fluidly coupled to the compressor where the heat loop is coupled to the trim breaker and is routed along the periphery of the cabinet and through the mullion region. A condenser is fluidly coupled to the heat loop. An evaporator assembly is fluidly coupled to the condenser and to the compressor. The evaporator assembly includes at least one first evaporator disposed in the upper compartment and a second evaporator disposed in the lower compartment. A refrigerant is configured to flow from the compressor to the heat loop, from the heat loop to the condenser, and from the condenser to the evaporator assembly.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigeration appliance includes a cabinet including a wrapper and a liner where the wrapper at least partially defines a machine compartment. A trim breaker is coupled to an edge of the wrapper and an edge of the liner. The trim breaker defines a mullion region. A refrigerant system includes a compressor disposed in the machine compartment. A heat loop is coupled the compressor. The heat loop is coupled to the trim breaker. The heat loop includes a send portion and a return portion routed through the mullion region, where the send portion and the return portion each cross a center line defined by the cabinet. A condenser is disposed in the machine compartment and is coupled to the heat loop. An evaporator assembly is coupled to the cabinet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring toFIGS.1-13, reference numeral10generally designates a vacuum insulated appliance including a cabinet12defining a refrigerator compartment14and a freezer compartment16. The cabinet12at least partially defines a mechanical compartment18and includes a liner20, a wrapper22, and a trim breaker24coupled to the liner20and the wrapper22. The trim breaker24defines a refrigerator compartment perimeter26, a freezer compartment perimeter28, and a mullion region30between the refrigerator compartment14and the freezer compartment16. A refrigerant system40includes a compressor42disposed in the mechanical compartment18, a heat loop44coupled to the compressor42, a condenser46disposed in the mechanical compartment18and coupled to the heat loop44, and an evaporator assembly48coupled to the condenser46and the compressor42, where a refrigerant49is directed from the compressor42, through the heat loop44, and then to the condenser46. The heat loop44includes a first send segment50routed from the mechanical compartment18and along a first portion52of the freezer compartment perimeter28, a second send segment54routed through the mullion region30, a third send segment56routed along a first portion58of the refrigerator compartment perimeter26, a first return segment60routed along a second portion62of the refrigerator compartment perimeter26, a second return segment64routed through the mullion region30, and a third return segment66routed along a second portion68of the freezer compartment perimeter28and to the mechanical compartment18.

Referring toFIGS.1-3, the vacuum insulated appliance10is illustrated as a refrigeration appliance, however, it is contemplated that the vacuum insulated appliance10disclosed herein may be for a variety of appliances, structures, or for insulation purposes other than with an appliance. The refrigeration appliance10is illustrated as a bottom mount refrigerator having a first insulated door70aand a second insulated door70b. The first insulated door70aand the second insulated door70b, which can generally be referred to as insulated doors70, can have substantially similar configurations, as discussed further herein. The cabinet12of the illustrated refrigeration appliance10includes an upper compartment configured as the refrigerator compartment14and a lower compartment configured as the freezer compartment16. In this way, the refrigerator and freezer compartments14,16defined by the cabinet12can be sealed with the insulated doors70a,70b, respectively. Moreover, in various configurations, the appliance10may include the cabinet12defining at least a first compartment and a second compartment sealed with insulated doors70. The appliance10may be, for example, a bottom mount French door refrigerator, a top mount refrigerator, a side-by-side refrigerator, a 4-door French door refrigerator, and/or a 5-door French door refrigerator. Further, the present disclosure is not limited to refrigerators. The appliance10may be, for example, freezers, coolers, vacuum insulated structures, and other similar appliances and fixtures within household and commercial settings.

The cabinet12of the appliance10is an insulated structure having an insulation cavity80defined between the liner20and the wrapper22. Similarly, the insulated doors70are an insulated structure having an insulation cavity82defined between a door wrapper84coupled to a door liner86. Each of the insulation cavities80,82of the cabinet12and insulated doors70typically includes one or more insulation materials88disposed therein. It is generally contemplated that the insulation materials88may be glass type materials, carbon-based powders, silicon oxide-based materials, silica-based materials, insulating gasses, and other standard insulation materials88known in the art. The insulation materials88substantially fill the insulation cavity80, forming a substantially continuous layer between the wrapper22and the liner20. Similarly, the insulation materials88substantially fill the insulation cavity82, forming a substantially continuous layer between the door wrapper84and the door liner86. The insulation cavities80,82are filled with the insulation materials88using a load port on the cabinet12and the insulated doors70, respectively. The cabinet12and the insulated doors70each define an evacuation port for applying a vacuum or negative pressure to the insulation cavities80,82.

Referring still toFIGS.1-3, an at least partial vacuum90is defined within the insulation cavities80,82. The at least partial vacuum90defines a pressure differential92between an exterior94of the cabinet12and the insulation cavity80. The pressure differential92serves to define the inward compressive force that is exerted on both the wrapper22and the liner20and tends to bias the wrapper22and the liner20toward the insulation cavity80. The pressure differential92and the inward compressive force are also exerted on both the door wrapper84and the door liner86of the insulated doors70and tend to bias the door wrapper84and the door liner86towards the insulation cavity82in a similar manner.

The wrapper22, the door wrapper84, the liner20, and the door liner86are made from a material at least partially resistant to bending, deformation, or otherwise being formed in response to an inward compressive force. These materials for the wrapper22, the door wrapper84, the liner20, and the door liner86include, but are not limited to, metals, polymers, metal alloys, combinations thereof, and/or other similar substantially rigid materials that can be used for vacuum insulated appliances and structures.

Referring still toFIG.3, as well asFIG.4, it is contemplated that the trim breaker24may be coupled to the outer edges96of the wrapper22and/or the liner20. The trim breaker24has a generally rectangular shape, however, it is contemplated that other geometric shapes known in the art may be used. In this way, the trim breaker24may not substantially interfere with access to the refrigerator and freezer compartments14,16defined by the cabinet12. At least one channel98may be defined around a perimeter of the trim breaker24. The channel98may be configured to receive the outer edges96of the wrapper22and/or the liner20. It is also contemplated that the trim breaker24may define more than one channel98to accommodate the wrapper22and the liner20in separate channels98. The channels98may be filled with an adhesive, such as, for example, an epoxy. The adhesive is configured to couple the wrapper22and/or the liner20with the trim breaker24and seal the insulation cavity80.

The trim breaker24includes cross member100to define apertures102a,102bcorresponding to the refrigerator and freezer compartments14,16of the appliance10. The channels98defined by the trim breaker24may extend around the perimeter of the trim breaker24as well as along the cross member100. The cross member100defines the mullion region30between the refrigerator and freezer compartments14,16. In the illustrated example, the trim breaker24defines the refrigerator compartment perimeter26around the upper aperture102aand defines the freezer compartment perimeter28around the lower aperture102b.

Referring toFIGS.5and6, passthroughs110a,110bare defined by the wrapper22and the liner20to provide a passage for electrical, fluid, and other appliance connections between the refrigerator and freezer compartments14,16and outside the cabinet12. The wrapper22has top surface112, a bottom surface114, a rear surface116, a pair of side surfaces118, and a curved surface120. The bottom surface114of the wrapper22may be coupled to a base122. The curved surface120of the wrapper22and the base122at least partially define the mechanical compartment18. The liner20can generally have a similar shape as the wrapper22to be fit within the wrapper22and form the cabinet12.

Various appliance components124can be positioned on the base122within the mechanical compartment18below the rear surface116and proximate to the curved surface120of the wrapper22. The appliance components124positioned within the mechanical compartment18include components of the refrigerant system40, including the compressor42, portions of the heat loop44, the condenser46, and/or portions of the evaporator assembly48. The appliance components124may also include a controller, electronics, or other components for operation of the appliance10.

As illustrated inFIG.7, a flow diagram depicts a flow path126for a thermal exchange media, referred to herein as the refrigerant49, through the refrigerant system40. The refrigerant49is generally capable of undergoing repeated phase changes between a liquid and a gas. The refrigerant system40generally performs a refrigeration cycle that cools the refrigerator and freezer compartments14,16by using the refrigerant49as the thermal exchange media between the compartments14,16and an external environment. The flow path126of the refrigerant49generally starts by flowing from the compressor42, through the heat loop44, through the condenser46, through the evaporator assembly48, and then returns to the compressor42.

The refrigerant49enters the compressor42as a low-pressure gas. The refrigerant49may also be introduced to the compressor42and refrigerant system40using a refrigerant inlet130. The compressor42is configured to compress the refrigerant49into a higher-pressure gas. During the compression, the refrigerant49temperature increases. The compressor42is also configured to circulate the refrigerant49through the refrigerant system40. The refrigerant49exits the compressor42and enters the heat loop44as the higher-pressure gas. The heat loop44is coupled to the compressor42and is generally routed out of the mechanical compartment18, along the refrigerator and freezer compartment perimeters26,28and through the mullion region30, and returns to the mechanical compartment18. The heat loop44is coupled to the trim breaker24and assists with temperature regulation about the compartments14,16. Specific configurations of the heat loop44are discussed further herein. The refrigerant49remains as the higher-pressure gas while flowing through the heat loop but may have a reduced temperature because of heat exchange with the trim breaker24and other components proximate the trim breaker24.

The heat loop44extends into the machine compartment18, and the refrigerant49exits the heat loop44and the enters the condenser46as a higher-pressure gas. The condenser46is coupled to the heat loop44and is configured as a heat exchanger. The condenser46may exchange heat with ambient air in the mechanical compartment18. The condenser46condenses the refrigerant49to a liquid, releasing heat. The condenser46may be coupled to a drier132. The drier132is configured to trap moisture, dirt, or other contaminants that may be present in the refrigerant system40. The refrigerant49exits the drier132and is directed to the evaporator assembly48. It is also contemplated that the refrigerant system40may not include the drier132. In such configurations, the condenser46is coupled to the evaporator assembly48.

The refrigerant49exits the condenser46or the drier132and enters the evaporator assembly48. The evaporator assembly48, discussed further herein, is configured to cool the refrigerator compartment14and/or the freezer compartment16. As the refrigerant flows through the evaporator assembly48, the refrigerant49experiences a pressure drop and becomes a low-pressure liquid configured to absorb heat, thereby cooling the compartments14,16. The refrigerant49exits the evaporator assembly48, enters a check valve134as the low-pressure gas, and returns to the condenser46, starting the refrigerant system40. The check valve134may be coupled to the evaporator assembly48and the compressor42. The check valve134regulates the direction of flow of the refrigerant49and prevents the refrigerant49from back-feeding from the compressor42to the evaporator assembly48. It is contemplated that the refrigerant system40may not include the check valve134. In such configurations, the evaporator assembly48is directly coupled to the compressor42.

Still referring toFIG.7, a three-way valve136may be disposed between the condenser46or the drier132and the evaporator assembly48. The three-way valve136is coupled to the condenser46or the drier132and splits the flow of the refrigerant49between a refrigerator evaporator assembly138and a freezer evaporator assembly140. The evaporator assembly48may include the refrigerator evaporator assembly138, the freezer evaporator assembly140, or both. The three-way valve136may be omitted when the evaporator assembly48includes one of the refrigerator evaporator assembly138or the freezer evaporator assembly140. The evaporator assembly48, as illustrated, includes both the refrigerator evaporator assembly138, disposed in the refrigerator compartment14, and the freezer evaporator assembly140, disposed in the freezer compartment16, which are routed in parallel along the flow path126. The refrigerator and freezer evaporator assemblies138,140are both coupled to the three-way valve136via capillary tubes142a,142band/or an expansion valve. The capillary tubes142a,142bregulate the flow of the refrigerant49through the refrigerator and freezer evaporator assemblies138,140. The refrigerant49experiences a pressure loss through the capillary tubes142a,142band becomes the low-pressure liquid. As the refrigerant49flows through the refrigerator and freezer evaporator assemblies138,140, the refrigerant49phase changes into the low-pressure gas, removing heat from the refrigerator compartment14and freezer compartment16, respectively.

The refrigerant49exits the refrigerator and freezer evaporator assemblies138,140and enters the check valve134. The refrigerator and freezer evaporator assemblies138,140are both coupled to the check valve134using suction lines146a,146b. The refrigerant system40may include other components and is not limited to the components discussed herein.

The heat loop44is disposed directly between the compressor42and the condenser46. In this way, the refrigerant49is directed from the compressor42to the heat loop44and then from the heat loop44to the condenser46. The heat loop44being coupled between the compressor42and the condenser46allows for increased performance of the heat loop44. The heat loop44reduces or prevents condensation on the periphery of the cabinet12at the trim breaker24and the wrapper22. The heat loop44being coupled between the compressor42and condenser46increases the temperature of the refrigerant49running through the heat loop44, resulting in the decrease in condensation.

Referring again toFIG.5, as well asFIGS.8and9, the refrigerator evaporator assembly138is coupled to at least one interior surface170of the liner20within the refrigerator compartment14, and the freezer evaporator assembly140is coupled to at least one interior surface172of the liner20within the freezer compartment16. The capillary tube142aand suction line146afor the refrigerator evaporator assembly138are routed through the upper passthrough110a. The capillary tube142band suction line146bfor the freezer evaporator assembly140are routed through the lower passthrough110b. The capillary tube142bis coupled to an inlet174of the freezer evaporator assembly140and the suction line146bis coupled to an outlet176of the freezer evaporator assembly140.

In the illustrated configuration, the freezer evaporator assembly is configured as a fin-on-tube evaporator178. The fin-on-tube evaporator178has a refrigerant tube180and a plurality of fins182coupled to the refrigerant tube180. Air flows through the fin-on-tube evaporator178and transfers heat through both the refrigerant tube180and the plurality of fins182. While the fin-on-tube evaporator178is depicted, other evaporator assemblies or configurations may be used for the freezer evaporator assembly140.

Referring still toFIG.8, the refrigerator evaporator assembly138may include a first roll bond evaporator200coupled to a second roll bond evaporator202. The first and second roll bond evaporators200,202are coupled together in series along the flow path126. The capillary tube142ais coupled to an inlet204of the first roll bond evaporator200. A refrigerant line206is coupled to an outlet208of the first roll bond evaporator200and to an inlet210of the second bond evaporator202. The suction line146ais coupled to an outlet212of the second roll bond evaporator202. The first roll bond evaporator200has a first panel214and a second panel216coupled together to define a refrigerant channel218between the inlet204and the outlet208. Similarly, the second roll bond evaporator202has a first panel220and a second panel222coupled together to define a refrigerant channel224between the inlet210and the outlet212. Air in the refrigerator compartment14flows along the first and second roll bond evaporators200,202and is cooled by transferring heat to the refrigerant49.

Referring toFIG.9, the refrigerator evaporator assembly138may include a wire-on-tube evaporator230. The capillary tube142ais coupled to an inlet232of the wire-on-tube evaporator230. The suction line146ais coupled to an outlet234of the wire-on-tube evaporator230. The wire-on-tube evaporator230has a refrigerant tube236and a plurality of wires238coupled to the refrigerant tube236. The plurality of wires238may be run perpendicular to the refrigerant tube236. Air in the refrigerator compartment14flows over the wire-on-tube evaporator230and is cooled by the plurality of wires238and transfers heat to the refrigerant49. The plurality of wires238transfer the heat from the air to the refrigerant tube236.

The evaporator assembly48including either the first and second roll bond evaporators200,202or the wire-on-tube evaporator230helps improve the balancing of the refrigerant system40between the refrigerator and freezer evaporator assemblies138,140. The inclusion of either the first and second roll bond evaporators200,202or the wire-on-tube evaporator230also reduces or prevent a buildup of condensation on the suction lines146a,146b. The first and second roll bond evaporators200,202and/or the wire-on-tube evaporator230allows for a more complete evaporation of the refrigerant49and helps prevent liquid refrigerant from entering the suction line146aand the compressor42. The more complete evaporation of the refrigerant49may also allow for the removal of an accumulator from the refrigerant system40. The removal of the accumulator may help decreases the complexity of the system, the time of manufacturing, and ease maintenance of the system. Moreover, the roll bond evaporators200,202and/or the wire-on-tube evaporator230may be advantageous for increasing surface area of the refrigerator evaporator assembly138to maximize efficiency in the heat exchange process.

Referring toFIGS.10-13, the configuration of the heat loop44may also assist in improving thermal regulation of the appliance10. The heat loop44is generally routed around a perimeter of the cabinet12and through the mullion region30. The heat loop44is routed from the mechanical compartment18, along the refrigerator and freezer compartment perimeters26,28, through the mullion region30, and returns to the mechanical compartment18to couple to the condenser46. The heat loop44is coupled to the trim breaker24along the compartment perimeters26,28and in the mullion region30. The heat loop44includes the first send segment50routed from the mechanical compartment18along the first portion52of the freezer compartment perimeter28, the second send segment54routed through the mullion region30, and the third send segment56routed along the first portion58of the refrigerator compartment perimeter26. The heat loop44also includes the first return segment60routed along the second portion62of the refrigerator compartment perimeter26, the second return segment64routed through the mullion region30, and the third return segment66routed along the second portion68of the freezer compartment perimeter28to the mechanical compartment18.

The first send segment50may be routed from the mechanical compartment18and couple to the trim breaker24proximate a center line250of the cabinet12. Additionally, the third return segment66may decouple from the trim breaker24proximate the center line250of the cabinet12and be routed to the mechanical compartment18. The first portion52of the freezer compartment perimeter28may start at the center line250on a first, lower edge252of the freezer compartment perimeter28, extending along the first edge252, along a second, side edge254of the freezer compartment perimeter28, and stopping proximate the mullion region30. The second portion68of the freezer compartment16may start at the center line250on the first edge252, extending along the first edge252, extending along a third, side edge256of the freezer compartment16, and stopping proximate the mullion region30.

The first portion58of the refrigerator compartment perimeter26may start proximate the mullion region30extending along a first, side edge258of the refrigerator compartment perimeter26, extending along a second, upper edge260of the refrigerator compartment14, and stopping at the center line250on the second edge260. The second portion62of the refrigerator compartment14transitions from the first portion58proximate the center line250, extending along the second edge260of the refrigerator compartment14, extending along a third, side edge262of the refrigerator compartment14, and stopping at the mullion region30.

Referring still toFIGS.10and11, the heat loop44may be routed through the mullion region30in different configurations to limit temperature variation within the mullion region30and a prevent condensation buildup on in the mullion region30. A first configuration of the heat loop44routed through the mullion region30is illustrated. The second send segment54, which is also referred to herein as the send portion54, may have a generally “Z” shape or a serpentine shape, extending toward the refrigerator compartment14, through the mullion region30, and again towards the refrigerator compartment14.

The second send segment54routed through the mullion region30includes a first mullion segment270which is routed along a first mullion portion272of the freezer compartment perimeter28. The first mullion portion272extends between the side edge254and where the send segment54extends towards the refrigerator compartment14. A second mullion segment274extends from a first lateral side276, also referred to as a first end276, of the mullion region30to a second lateral side278, also referred to as a second end278, of the mullion region30. The two sides or ends276,278are on opposing sides of the center line250. The second mullion segment274extends proximate a midline280between the freezer compartment16and the refrigerator compartment14. A third mullion segment282is routed along a first mullion portion284of the refrigerator compartment perimeter26. The third mullion segment282is generally parallel to the first mullion segment270and the second mullion segment274. The third mullion segment282is generally longer than the first mullion segment270.

The second return segment64, also referred to as the return portion64, of the heat loop44may have a generally “Z” shape or a serpentine shape, extending toward the freezer compartment16, through the mullion region30, and again towards the freezer compartment16. The second return segment64includes a first mullion segment286routed along a second mullion portion288of the refrigerator compartment perimeter26. A second mullion segment290extends from the second lateral side278of the mullion region30to the first lateral side276of the mullion region30proximate the midline280. A third mullion segment292is routed along a second mullion portion294of the freezer compartment perimeter28. The third mullion segment292is generally parallel to the first mullion segment286and the second mullion segment290. The third mullion segment292is generally longer than the first mullion segment286.

The send portion54routed proximate the midline280may extend proximate and parallel to the return portion64routed proximate to the midline280. Accordingly, the second mullion segment274of the second send segment54may extend proximate and parallel to the second mullion segment290of the second return segment64. The second mullion segment274of the second send segment54and the second mullion segment290of the second return segment64may extend equidistance from the midline280and/or equidistance from the freezer compartment perimeter28and the refrigerator compartment perimeter26, respectively. The send portion54and the return portion64may generally be rotationally symmetrical around a center point296defined by the intersection of the center line250and the midline280. The send portion54and/or the return portion64may cross the center line250.

Stated a different way, the heat loop44routed through the mullion region30includes the send portion54and the return portion64. The send portion54of the heat loop44is routed proximate to the first mullion portion272of the freezer compartment perimeter28, proximate to the midline280between the freezer compartment16and the refrigerator compartment14and from the first end276of the mullion region30to the second end278of the mullion region30, and proximate to the first mullion portion284of the refrigerator compartment perimeter26. The return portion64of the heat loop44is routed proximate to the second mullion portion288of the refrigerator compartment perimeter26, proximate to the midline280and from the second end278to the first end276, and proximate to the second mullion portion294of the freezer compartment perimeter28.

Referring still toFIGS.10and11, the first mullion segment270of the second send segment54is routed in a first direction320, as illustrated by arrow320. The second mullion segment274is routed in the first direction320and is coupled to the first mullion segment270with a connector segment322, which is routed from the first direction320to a second direction324, as illustrated by arrow324, and again in the first direction320. The second direction324may be perpendicular to the first direction320. The third mullion segment282is routed in a third direction326, as illustrated by arrow326, and is coupled to the second mullion segment274with a connecter segment328, which is routed from the first direction320to the third direction326. The first direction320and the third direction326may be opposing, horizontal directions. The second direction322may be perpendicular to the first and/or third directions320,326.

The first mullion segment286of the second return segment64is routed in the third direction326. The second mullion segment290is routed in the third direction326and is coupled to the second mullion segment290with a connector segment330, which is routed from the third direction to a fourth direction332, illustrated by arrow332, and to the first direction320. The fourth direction332may be perpendicular to the third direction326. The second direction324and the fourth direction332may be opposing directions. The third mullion segment292is routed in the first direction320and is coupled to the second mullion segment290with a connector segment334, which is routed from the third direction326to the first direction320.

Referring again toFIGS.12and13, a second configuration of the heat loop44routed through the mullion region is illustrated. The second send segment54, also referred to as the send portion54, routed through the mullion region30includes a first mullion segment340routed along a first mullion portion342of the freezer compartment perimeter28, a second mullion segment344extending at an obtuse angle A1from a lower or freezer side346of the mullion region30to an upper or refrigerator side348of the mullion region30, and a third mullion segment350routed along a first mullion portion352of the refrigerator compartment perimeter26.

The second return segment64, also referred to as the return portion64, of the heat loop44includes a first mullion segment354routed along a second mullion portion356of the refrigerator compartment perimeter26, a second mullion segment358extends at an obtuse angle A2from the refrigerator side348of the mullion region30to the freezer side346of the mullion region30, and a third mullion segment360is routed along a second mullion portion362of the freezer compartment perimeter28. The second mullion segment344of the second send segment54may extend proximate and parallel to the second mullion segment358of the second return segment64. The send portion54and the return portion64may generally be rotationally symmetrical around the center point296. The send portion54and/or the return portion64may cross the center line250.

Stated a different way, the heat loop44routed through the mullion region30includes the send portion54and the return portion64. The send portion54is routed proximate to the first mullion portion342of the freezer compartment16, from the lower side346of the mullion region30to the upper side348of the mullion region30at the obtuse angle A1relative to the lower side346of the mullion region30, and proximate to the first mullion portion352of the refrigerator compartment14. The return portion64is routed proximate to the second mullion portion356of the refrigerator compartment14, from the upper side348to the lower side346at the obtuse angle A2relative to the upper side348of the mullion region30, and proximate to the second mullion portion362of the freezer compartment16. The obtuse angle A1and obtuse angle A2may be the same angle.

The obtuse angle A1is defined as the angle between the first mullion segment340of the second send segment54and the second mullion segment344of the second send segment54. The obtuse angle A2is defined as the angle between the first mullion segment354of the second return segment64and the second mullion segment358of the second return segment64. The obtuse angles A1may be defined as the angle between the midline280and the second mullion segment344of the second send segment54. The obtuse angles A2may be defined as the angle between the midline280and the second mullion segment358of the second return segment64. The obtuse angles A1and A2are equal when the second mullion segment344of the second send segment54extends parallel to the second mullion segment358of the second return segment64.

Referring still toFIGS.12and13, the first mullion segment340of the second send segment54is routed in a first direction390, as illustrated by arrow390. The second mullion segment344is routed in a second direction392, as illustrated by arrow392, and is coupled to the first mullion segment340with a connector segment394, which is routed in the first direction390to the second direction392. The second direction392is at the obtuse angle A1in the first direction390. The third mullion segment350is routed in a third direction396, as illustrated by arrow396and is coupled to the second mullion segment344by a connector segment398, which is routed in the second direction392to the third direction396. The first direction390and the third direction396may be opposing directions.

The first mullion segment354of the second return segment64is routed in the third direction396. The second mullion segment358is routed in a fourth direction400, as illustrated by arrow400, and is coupled to the first mullion segment354by a connector segment402, which is routed in the direction to the fourth direction400. The fourth direction400is at the obtuse angle A2to the third direction396. The fourth direction400and the second direction392may be opposing directions. The third mullion segment360is routed in the first direction390and is coupled to the second mullion segment358by a connector segment404routed in the fourth direction400to the first direction390.

The first and second configurations of the heat loop44routing in the mullion region30reduces or prevents condensation buildup on the periphery of the cabinet12at the trim breaker24and the wrapper22. Both configurations can reduce or minimize temperature variation or low temperature areas in the mullion region30.

With reference toFIGS.1-13, the refrigerant system40configuration, the heat loop44configurations, and the evaporator assembly48configurations may be used independently or in any combinations with each other. For example, the refrigerant system40with the heat loop44disposed between the compressor42and the condenser46may be used with the first configuration of the heat loop44. The heat loop44configurations may also be used independently of the refrigerant system40discussed and used with a refrigerant system having the heat loop44disposed between a condenser and an evaporator assembly. The evaporator assemblies48may be used with the refrigerant system40and/or the heat loop44configurations or may be used independently of the other systems.

Use of the present device may provide a variety of advantages. For example, the refrigerant system40may have an improved system balance between the refrigerator evaporator assembly138and the freezer evaporator assembly140when the refrigerator evaporator assembly138is either the first roll bond evaporator200coupled to the second roll bond evaporator202or the wire-on-tube evaporator230. Both configurations of the refrigerator evaporator assembly138increase heat transfer between the refrigerator compartment14and the refrigerant system40. The configurations of the refrigerator evaporator assembly138increase a cooling load to reduce or prevent liquid refrigerant from entering the compressor42, which reduces external condensation on the suction lines146a,146b. Additionally, disposing the heat loop44between the compressor42and the condenser46may better regulate temperature along the trim breaker24and through the mullion region30, which can reduce or prevent external condensation. Moreover, the configuration of the heat loop44between the compressor42and the condenser46may also optimize the layout of the refrigerant system40and/or the appliance10. Further, the configurations of the heat loop44in the mullion region30may help create a consistent or more consistent temperature across the mullion region30and reduce or eliminate low temperature spots. The more consistent temperature in the mullion region30helps reduce external condensation is the mullion region30. Also, each of the refrigerant system40configuration, the heat loop44configurations, and the evaporator assembly48configurations may be utilized independently or in combination to increase energy efficiency of the vacuum insulated appliance10and reduce refrigerant cycle time within the refrigerant system40. Additional benefits or advantages may be realized and/or achieved.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a vacuum insulated refrigerator includes a cabinet defining a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment where the cabinet at least partially defines a mechanical compartment. The cabinet includes a liner, a wrapper, and a trim breaker. The trim breaker is coupled to the liner and the wrapper. The trim breaker defines a refrigerator compartment perimeter, a freezer compartment perimeter, and a mullion region between the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment. The refrigerant system includes a compressor disposed in the mechanical compartment. A heat loop is coupled to the compressor where the heat loop includes a first send segment routed from the mechanical compartment and along a first portion of the freezer compartment perimeter, a second send segment routed through the mullion region, and a third send segment routed along a first portion of the refrigerator compartment perimeter adjacent the mullion region. A first return segment is routed along a second portion of the refrigerator compartment perimeter, a second return segment is routed through the mullion region, and a third return segment is routed along a second portion of the freezer compartment perimeter and to the mechanical compartment. A condenser is disposed in the mechanical compartment and is coupled to the heat loop, where a refrigerant is directed from the compressor, through the heat loop, and then to the condenser, and an evaporator assembly is coupled to the condenser and the compressor.

According to another aspect, a second send segment of a heat loop includes a first mullion segment routed along a first mullion portion of a freezer compartment perimeter. A second mullion segment extends from a first lateral side of a mullion region to a second lateral side of the mullion proximate a midline between a freezer compartment and a refrigerator compartment. A third mullion segment is routed along a first mullion portion of a refrigerator compartment perimeter. A second return segment of the heat loop includes a first mullion segment routed along a second mullion portion of the refrigerator compartment perimeter. A second mullion segment extends from the second lateral side of the mullion region to the first lateral side of the mullion region proximate the midline. A third mullion segment is routed along a second mullion portion of the freezer compartment perimeter. The second mullion segment of the second send segment extends proximate and parallel to the second mullion segment of the second return segment.

According to yet another aspect, a second send segment of the heat loop includes a first mullion segment routed along a first mullion portion of a freezer compartment perimeter. A second mullion segment extends at an obtuse angle from a freezer side of a mullion region to a refrigerator side of the mullion region. A third mullion segment is routed along a first mullion portion of the refrigerator compartment perimeter. A second return portion of the heat loop includes a first mullion segment routed along a second mullion portion of a refrigerator compartment perimeter. A second mullion segment extends at an obtuse angle from the refrigerator side of the mullion region to the freezer side of the mullion region. A third mullion segment is routed along a second mullion portion of the freezer compartment perimeter. The second mullion segment of the second send segment extends proximate and parallel to the second mullion segment of the second return segment.

According to another aspect, a refrigerant system includes a drier coupled to a condenser and an evaporator assembly.

According to yet another aspect, an evaporator assembly includes a refrigerator evaporator assembly disposed in a refrigerator compartment and a freezer evaporator assembly is disposed in a freezer compartment where the refrigerator evaporator assembly and the freezer assembly are arranged in parallel along a refrigerant flow path.

According to another aspect, a refrigerator evaporation assembly includes a first roll bond evaporator coupled to a second roll bond evaporator. The first roll bond evaporator and the second roll bond evaporator are arranged in series along a refrigerant flow path.

According to yet another aspect, a refrigerator evaporation assembly includes a wire-on-tube evaporator, and a freezer evaporator assembly includes a fin-on-tube evaporator.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vacuum insulated refrigerator includes a cabinet defining an upper compartment, a lower compartment, and a mullion region between the upper compartment and the lower compartment. The cabinet at least partially defines a machine compartment. A trim breaker is coupled to a periphery of the cabinet and the mullion region. A compressor is disposed in the machine compartment. A heat loop is fluidly coupled to the compressor where the heat loop is coupled to the trim breaker and is routed along the periphery of the cabinet and through the mullion region. A condenser is fluidly coupled to the heat loop. An evaporator assembly is fluidly coupled to the condenser and to the compressor. The evaporator assembly includes at least one first evaporator disposed in the upper compartment and a second evaporator disposed in the lower compartment. A refrigerant is configured to flow from the compressor to the heat loop, from the heat loop to the condenser, and from the condenser to the evaporator assembly.

According to another aspect, at least one first evaporator includes a first roll bond evaporator coupled to a second roll bond evaporator.

According to yet another aspect, an upper compartment is a refrigerator compartment, where at least one first evaporator is a wire-on-tube evaporator.

According to another aspect, a heat loop is routed through a mullion region which includes a send portion and a return portion. The send portion is routed proximate to a first mullion portion of a lower compartment, proximate to a midline between an upper compartment and the lower compartment and from a first end of the mullion region to a second end of the mullion region, and proximate to a first mullion portion of the upper compartment. The return portion is routed proximate to a second mullion portion of the upper compartment, proximate to the midline and from the second end to the first end, and proximate to a second mullion portion of the lower compartment. The send portion is routed proximate the midline extends proximate and parallel to the return portion routed proximate to the midline.

According to yet another aspect, a heat loop is routed through a mullion region including a send portion and a return portion. The send portion is routed proximate to a first mullion portion of a lower compartment, from a lower side of the mullion region to an upper side of the mullion region at a first obtuse angle relative to the lower side of the mullion region, and proximate to a first mullion portion of an upper compartment. The return portion is routed proximate to a second mullion portion of the upper compartment, from the upper side to the lower side at a second obtuse angle relative to the upper side of the mullion region and proximate to a second mullion portion of the lower compartment. The send portion extends at the first obtuse angle extends proximate to the return portion and extending at the second obtuse angle.

According to another aspect, a first obtuse angle is equal to a second obtuse angle.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigeration appliance includes a cabinet including a wrapper and a liner where the wrapper at least partially defines a machine compartment. A trim breaker is coupled to an edge of the wrapper and an edge of the liner. The trim breaker defines a mullion region. A refrigerant system includes a compressor disposed in the machine compartment. A heat loop is coupled the compressor. The heat loop is coupled to the trim breaker. The heat loop includes a send portion and a return portion routed through the mullion region, where the send portion and the return portion each cross a center line defined by the cabinet. A condenser is disposed in the machine compartment and is coupled to the heat loop. An evaporator assembly is coupled to the cabinet.

According to another aspect, a liner defines a refrigeration compartment and a freezer compartment. An evaporator assembly includes a wire-on-tube evaporator coupled to the liner and in the refrigeration compartment.

According to yet another aspect, a liner defines a refrigeration compartment and a freezer compartment. An evaporator assembly includes a first roll bond evaporator coupled to a second roll bond evaporator. The first roll bond evaporator and the second roll bond evaporator are arranged in series along a flow path of a refrigerant and are coupled to the liner in the refrigeration compartment.

According to another aspect, a heat loop is disposed between a compressor and a condenser. A refrigerant system is configured to direct a refrigerant along a flow path from the compressor to the heat loop, from the heat loop to the condenser, and through an evaporator assembly to the compressor.

According to yet another aspect, a cabinet defines a first compartment, a second compartment, and a mullion region between the first compartment and the second compartment. A heat loop is routed along a perimeter of the first compartment, a perimeter of the second compartment, through the mullion region between the first compartment and the second compartment.

According to another aspect, a send portion is routed proximate to a first mullion portion of a first compartment, proximate to a midline between a second compartment and the first compartment and from a first end of a mullion region to a second end of the mullion region, and proximate to a first mullion portion of the second compartment. A return portion is routed proximate to a second mullion portion of the second compartment, proximate to the midline and from the second end to the first end, and proximate to a second mullion portion of the first compartment. The send portion is routed proximate the midline extends proximate and parallel to the return portion routed proximate to the midline.

According to yet another aspect, a send portion is routed proximate to a first mullion portion of a first compartment, from a lower side of the mullion region to an upper side of a mullion region at a first obtuse angle relative to the lower side of the mullion region, and proximate to a first mullion portion of a second compartment. A return portion is routed proximate to a second mullion portion of the second compartment, from the upper side to the lower side at a second obtuse angle relative to the upper side of the mullion region and proximate to a second mullion portion of the first compartment. The send portion extending at the first obtuse angle extends parallel and proximate to the return portion extending at the second obtuse angle.