Refrigerator defrosting and chilling compartment

A defrosting and chilling compartment that can be incorporated into the fresh food compartment of a refrigerator includes separate and independent pathways for selectively conducting warming or cooling air, respectively, to a holding section in the compartment where an item to be defrosted or chilled is located. Certain of the pathways are used to conduct warming air and certain other pathways are used to conduct cooling air. A heating device is associated with the pathways that conduct warming air, and the pathways that conduct cooling air are associated with a source of cooling air. Separate air-moving devices, such as fans for example, can be provided for the separate pathways. The pathways can include a closure device for selectively and variably opening and closing the pathways.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to refrigerators and, more particularly, to defrosting and chilling compartments or units for refrigerators.

A modern household refrigerator typically comprises a freezer storage section, or compartment, and a fresh food storage section, or compartment, that are arranged side-by-side or over and under one another. In the former instance the compartments are separated by a vertical wall or mullion, and in the latter instance the compartments are separated by a horizontal wall or mullion. Usually, shelves and baskets are provided in the freezer section and shelves and drawers are provided in the fresh food section. Auxiliary equipment such as an ice maker, located in the freezer compartment, and/or a water dispenser may also be provided. Suitable doors close off the fronts of the freezer and fresh food compartments and provide access to those compartments.

A complement to conventional household refrigerators that is finding acceptance by consumers is a defrosting and chilling compartment, sometimes referred to as a “defrost and chill compartment” or “quick chill and thaw compartment”, that is located in the fresh food section of the refrigerator. The defrosting and chilling compartment, when it is used to defrost food, allows food placed in the compartment to be defrosted more rapidly or less rapidly, depending on the user's needs and wishes, than would be the case if the food were simply placed in the refrigerator's fresh food section or outside the refrigerator at room temperature. In addition, the defrosting and chilling compartment, when it is used to defrost food, addresses health concerns associated with the uncontrolled defrosting of frozen food at room temperature outside the refrigerator. Using a defrosting and chilling compartment allows the frozen food to be thawed under controlled conditions so that the food will be ready to be used when desired. In addition, the use of a defrosting and chilling compartment allows the food, once it is thawed, to be maintained at a temperature, typically the temperature of the fresh food compartment, that will avoid spoilage of the food.

The defrosting and chilling compartment also can be used to quickly and effectively chill foods to temperatures normally maintained in the fresh food compartment of the refrigerator. Thus, it is often the case that there is a need to chill a food or beverage item more rapidly than can be accomplished by placing the item in the fresh food compartment of the refrigerator. As a result, occasionally, the item is placed in the freezer section of the refrigerator in order to rapidly chill the item. However, close attention must be given to the item in order to prevent the item from remaining in the freezer section for a period of time longer than is necessary and oftentimes the fact that the item is in the freezer is forgotten, resulting in freezing of the item with unhappy consequences such as occurs when the cap of a glass beverage container is forced from the container by the freezing liquid in the container.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention, a defrosting and chilling compartment for a refrigerator has separate and independent pathways for separately conducting air to the defrosting and chilling compartment for selectively defrosting or chilling an item of food in the defrosting and chilling compartment. The compartment can include separate air-moving devices such as fans, for example, associated with the separate and independent pathways.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a defrosting and chilling compartment for a refrigerator includes a holding section that is intended to hold an item to be defrosted or chilled. The holding section has a front, a rear, two sides and a top. In a particular aspect, at least one exhaust opening is provided at the rear of the holding section for exhausting air from the holding section. A first air-moving device, such as a fan for example, is provided for selectively moving air to the holding section, and at least one first pathway is provided for conducting the air selectively moved by the first air-moving device to the holding section. A heating device is provided for selectively heating the air moved by the first air-moving device to the holding section along the at least one first pathway. A second air-moving device, such as a fan for example, is provided for selectively moving air to outside the defrosting and chilling compartment, and at least one second pathway is provided for conducting the air selectively moved by the second air-moving device to outside the defrosting and chilling compartment. The at least one second pathway is independent and substantially isolated from the at least one first pathway. At least one third pathway is provided for conducting air between a source of cooling air and the holding section. The at least one third pathway is independent of and substantially isolated from the at least one first pathway.

According to a further aspect, the defrosting and chilling compartment includes two first pathways. In that case, one of the two first pathways can be in fluid communication with the holding section at a location adjacent the top, the front and one of the sides of the holding section and the other of the two first pathways can be in fluid communication with the holding section at a location adjacent the top, the front and the other of the sides of the holding section. Further, the at least one third pathway can be in fluid communication with the holding section adjacent the top and one of the sides of the holding section.

According to yet another aspect, the exterior of the compartment to which air is conducted along the at least one second pathway by the second air-moving device and the source of cooling air are in fluid communication. As a result, the conducting of the air along the at least one second pathway to the exterior of the compartment causes cooling air to be conducted to the holding section along the at least third pathway.

According to still another aspect, each of the at least one second pathway and the at least one third pathway includes a closure device for selectively and variably opening and closing the at least one second pathway and the at least one third pathway, respectively.

According to yet a further aspect, the defrosting and chilling compartment is installed within a refrigerator having a fresh food section and a freezer section. The defrosting and chilling compartment is located in the fresh food section of the refrigerator and the freezer section of the refrigerator comprises the source of cooling air.

According to still a further aspect, the at least one first pathway, the at least one second pathway, the at least one third pathway, the first air-moving device and the second air-moving device are all supported from a common support member that is removable from the defrosting and chilling compartment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Referring first toFIG. 1, a refrigerator of the side-by-side variety is shown generally at10. The refrigerator includes a freezer section, access to which is had through the door11of the freezer section which is shown inFIG. 1as being closed, and a fresh food section, indicated generally at12, access to which is had through door13. The door13of the fresh food section12is shown as including compartments or shelving15that may include a dairy compartment and can be adjusted. Also illustrated inFIG. 1for exemplary purposes is a plurality of shelves16that can be cantilevered from rails mounted to the back of the fresh food compartment as will be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art.

The freezer compartment and the fresh food compartment are separated by a dividing wall or mullion14that extends essentially along the full height and width of the interior of the refrigerator. The fresh food section is cooled by air entering the fresh food section from the freezer section through a passageway, not shown, in the mullion14. Correlatively, air from the fresh food section will flow to the freezer section through an air return, not shown, in the mullion14. Supplying cold air from the freezer section to the fresh food section and returning air from the fresh food section to the freezer section is known to those having ordinary skill in the art and the details by which such circulation of air is carried out are not presented here except that it is noted that the air from the freezer normally enters the fresh food section through the mullion14near the top of the fresh food section, is circulated throughout the fresh food section and then exits the fresh food section and returns to the freezer section through the air return in the mullion14near the bottom of the fresh food section. A temperature control device, not shown, can be mounted in the upper area of the fresh food section and be used to regulate the temperatures of both the fresh food and freezer compartments.

Located at the bottom of the fresh food compartment12is a defrosting and chilling compartment20. The defrosting and chilling compartment need not be located as illustrated, however, and can be placed, essentially, anywhere in the fresh food compartment. Additionally, the compartment20can comprise one of a stack of compartments, the other compartments being outfitted for other purposes such as for separately holding meats and vegetables for example. Further, although the defrosting and chilling compartment of the invention is illustrated as being located in a side-by-side refrigerator, where the freezer and fresh food sections of the refrigerator are arranged along side one another, the present invention may be applied as well to refrigerators where the freezer section is either above or below the fresh food section and the freezer and fresh food sections are separated by a horizontal dividing wall or mullion. Indeed, the defrosting and chilling compartment of the present invention can be used in environments other than within the fresh food compartment of a refrigerator as will become apparent from the description that follows.

A detailed description of the embodiment of the defrosting and chilling compartment20of the invention can be best understood in connection from a consideration ofFIGS. 2,3and4of the drawings, reference to which will now be made. Referring first toFIG. 2, the defrosting and chilling compartment20is shown to include a holding section, indicated generally at21, that is adapted to be mounted within the fresh food compartment12so that it can be moved between a retracted position, as shown inFIG. 1, and an extended position where access may be had to the holding section21for the placement of food items to be defrosted or chilled and for the removal of the items after they have been defrosted or chilled.

The holding section21includes a front22, a rear23, two sides24and25, a top26and a bottom27. At least one exhaust opening is provided in the holding section21for exhausting air from the holding section. In the embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings, two exhaust openings28and29are included. One exhaust opening, the exhaust opening28, is located adjacent the rear23, side24and bottom27of the holding section21and the other exhaust opening, the exhaust opening29, is located adjacent the rear23, side25and bottom27of the holding section. A tray37can be placed on the bottom27of the holding section21in which case the items of food to be defrosted or chilled are placed on the tray. Further, the tray can comprise a two piece-assembly of a drip pan base and a perforated deck on which the items sit. The location of the exhaust openings28and29with relation to the tray37is such that air entering the holding section21at the front22or sides24and25of the holding section will make good contact with any food item placed on the tray37before exiting the holding section through the exhaust openings28and29. Although the holding section21in the described embodiment of the invention has a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration, the holding section may be otherwise configured so as to have, for example, a square or curvilinear cross-sectional configuration.

As indicated above, the holding section21is supported in the fresh food section12of the refrigerator10in any manner familiar to those skilled in the art so that it can be moved out from under the cover member, indicated generally at40, of the compartment20that is secured in place within the fresh food compartment12. Thereby, access to the holding section21may be had for the purpose of placing or removing an item of food in or from the holding section after which the holding section21can be returned to a position underneath cover member40. In the embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings, the holding section21is adapted to be slidably mounted within the fresh food compartment12. Although it is not necessary that the holding section21be hermetically sealed by cover member40when the holding section21is in place underneath cover member40, it is preferable that enough of a seal exist between holding section21and cover member40to prevent the easy entry and exiting of air into and out of the holding section.

When it is desired to defrost or thaw an item of food, the holding section21is pulled out from under the cover member40and the item is placed at the bottom of the holding section21, such as on the tray37. The holding section21is then returned under the cover member40and air of a selected temperature is introduced into the holding section for the purpose of defrosting the item. Similarly, when it is desired to chill an item of food, the item is placed at the bottom of the holding section and air of a selected temperature is introduced into the holding section for the purpose of chilling the item of food.

The defrosting and chilling compartment20also comprises a heating and cooling module indicated generally at30. The module30is secured to the cover member40and is in abutting engagement with the holding section21when the holding section is in place under cover member40. However, the module30and the holding section21are separable and the module30remains in place underneath the cover40when the holding section21is pulled out from under the cover member. This is accomplished, for example, by means of a snap fitting arrangement between the module30and the cover member40. A seal39is mounted along the front perimeter of the module30so that when the holding section21is in place beneath the cover member40and is in abutting engagement with the holding section21, the seal39will prevent air from passing into or out of the compartment20at the juncture of the holding section21and the module30.

The module30includes a device for selectively heating air that is introduced into the holding section21of the compartment. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, the heating device comprises an adhesive-backed foil heater31, of the type familiar to those skilled in the art, attached to a mounting plate32. The mounting plate32is supported in the module30so as to be spaced away from the rear23of the holding section21, when the holding section and the module30engage one another, so as to form a first plenum38. This arrangement allows air in the plenum38to pass over the heater31and be heated prior to being conducted to the holding section21as further described below. The mounting plate32is also located in the module30so as to be spaced from the back33of the module and create a second plenum34in the module30from which air can be conducted to the holding section21without coming into contact with the heater31.

As noted above, the cover40of the defrosting and chilling compartment, in the embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings, is secured to the interior of the fresh food compartment12of the refrigerator10and the holding section21is slidably supported by means familiar to those having ordinary skill in the art so that the holding section may be opened by pulling the holding section out from under the cover40and closed by pushing the holding section back under the cover.

When the holding section21is in place under the cover40, an opening41in the cover40provides fluid communication, such as the passage of air, to the holding section21at a location adjacent the top26, the front22and the side24of the holding section, and an opening42provides fluid communication, such as the passage of air, to the holding section21at a location adjacent the top26, the front22and the other side25of the holding section. Also, when the holding section21is in place underneath the cover40, an opening43in the cover40provides fluid communication, such as the passage of air, to the holding section21adjacent the top26and the side24of the holding section. In the embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings, the opening43is also located so as to be approximately midway between the front22and the rear23of the holding section21. An additional opening44is provided in cover40at a location such that when the holding section21is in place under the cover40, both the plenum38and the plenum34are positioned at least in part below the opening44so that air can pass through the opening44from each of plenum38and plenum34.

As seen inFIGS. 2 and 3, the compartment20further includes a support member in the form of a panel50that is adapted to lie in place on cover40within the upturned edges45of the cover. The panel50includes openings51,52,53,54and55. When the panel50is secured to cover40: the opening51is in fluid communication with the opening41in the cover40; the opening52is in fluid communication with the opening42in the cover40; the opening53is in fluid communication with the opening43in the cover40; the opening54is in fluid communication with the plenum38; and the opening55is in fluid communication with the plenum34. As used herein, the phrase “fluid communication” means that locations that are said to be in fluid communication with one another can have a fluid, such as air, pass between the locations.

Mounted to the underside of the panel50below the opening54is a first air-moving device56for selectively moving air to the holding section21from plenum38, as further described below. A second air-moving device57is located below the opening55in the panel50for selectively moving air to outside the defrosting and chilling compartment20from plenum34, also as further described below. In the embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings both air-moving devices comprise fans that are secured to the panel50such as by brackets not shown.

At least one first pathway is provided in compartment12for conducting the air selectively moved by the first air-moving device56. In the embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings two such pathways are provided. Referring toFIGS. 2,3and4, the two pathways are established by upstanding pathway walls or vanes that are supported from panel50. Specifically, one first pathway60is defined by the vanes61and62for conducting to the holding section21the air selectively moved by the fan56from the plenum38and out through the opening54, the one first pathway60being in fluid communication with the holding section21through the opening51in the panel50and the opening41in the cover40. The one first pathway60and the holding section21are in fluid communication at a location adjacent the top26, the front22and the side24of the holding section. In addition, in the embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings, a second or other first pathway65is defined by the upstanding walls or vanes66and67for conducting to the holding section21the air selectively moved by the fan56from the plenum38and out through the opening54, the other first pathway65being in fluid communication with the holding section21through the opening52in the panel50and the opening42in the cover40. The other first pathway65and the holding section21are in fluid communication at a location adjacent the top26, the front22and the other side25of the holding section. As indicated above, air selectively moved by the fan56from the plenum38and out through the opening54will have first passed over the heating device31so that the heating device can selectively heat the air moved by the fan56to the holding section21along the pathways60and65.

At least one second pathway is provided for conducting the air selectively moved by the fan57to outside the defrosting and chilling compartment20. Specifically, a second pathway68is defined by the upstanding walls or vanes62,69and70for conducting air selectively moved by the fan57from the plenum34and out through opening55to outside the compartment20. As shown in the drawings, the second pathway68is independent and substantially isolated from the one first pathway60and the other first pathway65. In the embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings, the air conducted along the second pathway68is exhausted from the second pathway to the fresh food compartment12of the refrigerator10. From that point, the exhausted air will merge with the general air stream that circulates in the fresh food compartment and will pass to the freezer through the freezer air return.

At least one third pathway is provided for conducting air between a source of cooling air and the holding section21. Specifically, a third pathway74is defined by the upstanding walls or vanes70and75for conducting air from a source of cooling air to the holding section21, the third pathway74being independent of and substantially isolated from the first pathways60and65. The third pathway74can be open to the interior of the fresh food compartment or to the freezer section of the refrigerator10. In the latter instance, an opening in the mullion14is provided opposite the third pathway74so as to provide fluid communication between the freezer compartment and the third pathway. A suitable means is provided for placing the third pathway74and the opening in the mullion in communication without the cold air from the freezer section spilling into the fresh food compartment12. The opening43in the cover40and the opening53in the panel50provide the means by which the third pathway74is in fluid communication with the holding section21adjacent the top26and the one side24of the holding section.

The foregoing description of the invention makes reference to various openings in the several components of the compartment20for the passage of air therethrough. If a more directed stream of air is desired than would occur with simple openings as shown in the embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings, the openings can be formed with nozzles having apertures of a desired configuration.

The defrosting and chilling compartment20also includes a closure panel79. The perimeter of the closure panel79forms the outer bounds of the top of the compartment20and the closure panel rests on the top edges of the plurality of vanes that are mounted on panel50so as to define one of the boundaries of each of the pathways60,65,68and74. The closure panel79can be attached to the remainder of the compartment20by any suitable means including by gluing the closure panel to the top edges of the vanes.

There will be occasions when it will be desirable to control the air flow capacity of air flow pathways68and74. For that purpose, the embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings is provided with air flow control means80. In an exemplary case, the air flow control means can comprise adjustable dampers. The use of adjustable dampers to selectively and variably control the air flow capacity of air flow pathways in the refrigerator art is well known. By way of example, electronically controlled sliding dampers can be used and the dampers can function so as to open and close the air flow pathways68and74in equal proportions at the same time.

Based on the foregoing description, it will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art that the present invention can be used in a variety of ways to carry out defrosting and chilling functions on food items placed in holding section21of compartment20. For example, in connection with the defrosting of a food item, a timing mechanism can be provided for controlling the flow of electricity to the heater31and the fan56; and suitable means for setting the timing mechanism so that it will simultaneously start the heater and the fan can be located at the front47of the cover40. In such a mode, the user, based on personal experience or instructions provided by the manufacturer, will set the timing mechanism for an appropriate period of time, given the size of the food item to be defrosted, such that when the timing mechanism has run for the period of time set by the user and turns off the flow of electricity to the heater31and the fan56, the food item will have been defrosted and can safely remain in the fresh food compartment12until it is ready to be used. While the timing mechanism is on and the fan56is running, air propelled by the fan56will be directed along the pathways60and65, as shown by the arrows inFIG. 3, through openings51and52, respectively, in the panel50, through the openings41and42, respectively, in the cover40downwardly into the holding section21where the air will pass over the food item in the holding section. The air, after passing over the food item, will exit the holding section21through openings28and29and enter plenum38where the air will be warmed and recirculated to the holding section21as described.

Similarly, in connection with the rapid cooling of a food item, a timing mechanism can be provided for controlling the flow of electricity to a device for opening and closing each of the dampers80and the fan57. Once again suitable means for setting the timing mechanism can be provided at the front47of the cover40so that the timing mechanism will energize the device for opening the dampers and start the fan57. Once more, the user, based on personal experience or instructions from the manufacturer will set the timing mechanism for an appropriate period of time, given the size of the food item to be chilled, such that when the timing mechanism has run for the period of time set by the user and turns off the flow of electricity to the device for opening and closing the dampers, so as to close the dampers, and the fan56so as to shut off the fan, the food item will have been chilled to a desired temperature. When the dampers80are open and the fan57is running air will be propelled by the fan57and will be directed along the pathway68as shown by the arrows inFIG. 3. where the air will be exhausted from the compartment20to the fresh food compartment12. As a result, the pressure in the compartment20will be lowered causing air from either the fresh food compartment or the freezer section to enter the compartment20along the pathway74as shown by the arrow inFIG. 3. The cold air will then pass through the opening53in the panel50and the opening43in the cover40and enter the holding section21. As more cold air enters the holding section21as fan57continues to exhaust air from the compartment21along pathway68, air that has passed over the food item to be chilled will exit the holding section21through openings28and29. The air that exits the holding section21will pass over the top of mounting plate32which is configured so as to be slightly below cover40and the air will be propelled by fan57along air passageway68so as to continue the circulation of cold air through the holding section21.

The electrical energy required for the functioning of the heater31, the fans56and57, the dampers80and any timing mechanisms or other control elements that are operated from the front47of the cover member40can be provided, for example, by means of electrical wiring that extends between these components and wiring harnesses that run to the refrigerator wiring system.

The foregoing examples of the use of the present invention represent, perhaps, the more basic applications of the invention. However, it will be understood to those having ordinary skill in the art that the present invention can also be used in more complex defrosting and chilling modes. For example, temperature sensors can be located in one or more of the various air flowpaths and/or the holding section21with the output of the sensors connected to an electronic controller. The electronic controller can be coupled to the heater31, the fans56and57and the dampers80and configured so as to adjust the operation of these components to produce air streams of different flow rates and temperatures in accordance with the particular nature of the defrosting or chilling mode that is desired. In this connection, algorithms for defrosting or chilling can be executed by the electronic controller in response to the temperature information delivered to the controller by the temperature responsive devices so the electronic controller can appropriately adjust the heater the fans and the dampers.