U.S. patent application number 10/508966 was filed with the patent office on 2005-08-04 for refrigerating apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Dyson Limited. Invention is credited to Forbes, Andrew, Parker, Steve C J, Taylor, Mark Philip.
Application Number | 20050166605 10/508966 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 9933782 |
Filed Date | 2005-08-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050166605 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Forbes, Andrew ; et
al. |
August 4, 2005 |
Refrigerating apparatus
Abstract
The invention provides refrigerating apparatus (10;100) for
chilling an object (26), the refrigerating apparatus (10;100)
comprising a chamber (12;112) having a longitudinal axis (18;118),
an inlet (22;122) and an outlet (24;124) spaced along the
longitudinal axis (18;118), the refrigerating apparatus (10;100)
further comprising means for generating a fluid flow, characterised
in that notation means (128) are provided for causing the fluid
flow to follow a helical path about the longitudinal axis (18;118)
within the chamber (12;112) between the inlet (22;122) and the
outlet (24;124).
Inventors: |
Forbes, Andrew; (Caldicot,
GB) ; Taylor, Mark Philip; (Bristol, GB) ;
Parker, Steve C J; (Bristol, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MORRISON & FOERSTER LLP
1650 TYSONS BOULEVARD
SUITE 300
MCLEAN
VA
22102
US
|
Assignee: |
Dyson Limited
Tetbury Hill
GB
|
Family ID: |
9933782 |
Appl. No.: |
10/508966 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
March 20, 2003 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB03/01327 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/64 ;
62/434 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 2400/28 20130101;
F25D 17/062 20130101; F25D 2317/0651 20130101; F25D 2317/0654
20130101; F25D 2317/0665 20130101; F25D 2331/803 20130101; F25D
2317/0664 20130101; F25D 31/007 20130101; F25D 15/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
062/064 ;
062/434 |
International
Class: |
F25D 017/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 27, 2002 |
GB |
0207183.5 |
Claims
1. A refrigerating apparatus for chilling an object, the
refrigerating apparatus forming part of a refrigerator and
comprising a chamber having a longitudinal axis, an inlet and an
outlet spaced along the longitudinal axis, a device for generating
a fluid flow within the chamber and a structure for causing the
fluid flow to follow a helical path about the longitudinal axis
within the chamber between the inlet and the outlet.
2. A refrigerating apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
inlet is arranged tangential to the chamber so as to cause the
fluid flow to follow a helical path about the longitudinal axis
within the chamber.
3. A refrigerating apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein
the outlet is arranged tangential to the chamber.
4. A refrigerating apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein
the chamber is cylindrical.
5. A refrigerating apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein
the longitudinal axis of the chamber is substantially vertical.
6. A refrigerating apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein
the inlet and the outlet are at opposite ends of the chamber.
7. A refrigerating apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein
the fluid flow is a chilled airflow.
8. A refrigerating apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein
the means device for generating the fluid flow comprises a fan and
an evaporator, the evaporator housing a refrigerant.
9. A refrigerating apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the
outlet is arranged so as to pass the fluid flow to the evaporator
for recirculation.
10. A refrigerating apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein a
support is provided for supporting the object spaced from a wall of
the chamber.
11. A refrigerating apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein
the chamber is dimensioned so as to hold a beverage bottle.
12. A refrigerating apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein
the apparatus comprises a plurality of chambers, each chamber being
dimensioned so as to house an object to be chilled.
13. (canceled)
14. A method of chilling an object in a refrigerator, comprising:
a) placing an object to be chilled in a chamber in the
refrigerator, the chamber having a longitudinal axis, an inlet and
an outlet spaced along the longitudinal axis; b) introducing a
fluid flow to the inlet of the chamber; c) causing the fluid flow
to follow a helical path about the longitudinal axis and around the
object to be chilled; and d) allowing the fluid flow to exit the
chamber via the outlet.
15. A method of chilling an object as claimed in claim 14, wherein
the fluid flow is introduced tangentially to the chamber.
16. A method of chilling an object as claimed in claim in claim 14
or 15, wherein the fluid flow passes at least twice around the
object before being allowed to exit the chamber.
17. A method of chilling an object as claimed in claim 14 or 15,
wherein the fluid flow is caused to flow between a wall of the
chamber and a support on which the object is placed.
18. A method of chilling an object as claimed in claim 14 or 15,
further comprising chilling the fluid flow prior to entry into the
chamber.
19. A method of chilling an object as claimed in claim 18, further
comprising passing the fluid flow through an evaporator.
20. A method of chilling an object as claimed in claim 19, further
comprising returning the fluid flow to the evaporator for
rechilling after exiting the chamber via the outlet.
21. A method of chilling an object as claimed in claim 20, wherein
the rechilled fluid flow is introduced to the inlet of the
chamber.
22. (canceled)
Description
[0001] The invention relates to refrigerating apparatus. The
invention relates particularly, but not exclusively, to
refrigerating apparatus suitable for chilling objects rapidly. The
invention further relates to a method of refrigeration.
[0002] Conventional refrigerating apparatus comprises means for
generating and maintaining a low temperature environment in which
to store food or beverages. However, it is often desirable to chill
an object, for example, a bottle of wine or beer, quickly. This is
not readily achievable by leaving the bottle in a refrigerator as
it takes a considerable time before the contents of the bottle are
chilled to the desired temperature. Often, in order to speed up the
chilling process, the consumer places the bottle in a freezer.
However, this method has the disadvantage that it is not easily
controllable and it relies on the consumer remembering to take the
bottle out of the freezer before the contents freeze. An example of
an apparatus for chilling an object more quickly is shown in U.S.
Pat. No. 4,358,932 which describes a system of introducing cold
air, taken directly from the freezer compartment of a refrigerator,
to a chamber containing a bottle. The cold air enters the chamber
at the base and flows upwardly, in the direction of the
longitudinal axis of the chamber. As the cold air passes the
bottle, heat is transferred from the bottle and its contents to the
cold air, thereby causing the temperature of the contents to fall.
However, the amount of time taken to chill the contents may still
be unsuitably long for the consumer's needs. For example, following
the calculation given in U.S. Pat. No. 4,358,932, a 1 litre bottle
would take 23 minutes to chill to from 75.degree. F. to 35.degree.
F.
[0003] The type of arrangement shown in the prior art has the
disadvantage that only a small area of the bottle is in direct
contact with the cold air and the residency time of the cold air
passing the bottle is short. Therefore, heat transfer from the
bottle and its contents to the cold air is not maximised.
Additionally, the air flow through the chamber is not particularly
turbulent and so heat exchange is relatively inefficient.
[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
refrigerating apparatus suitable for chilling objects rapidly.
[0005] The invention provides refrigerating apparatus for chilling
an object, the refrigerating apparatus forming part of a
refrigerator and comprising a chamber having a longitudinal axis,
an inlet and an outlet spaced along the longitudinal axis, the
refrigerating apparatus further comprising means for generating a
fluid flow, characterised in that rotation means are provided for
causing the fluid flow to follow a helical path about the
longitudinal axis within the chamber between the inlet and the
outlet. In this configuration, there is an increase in the contact
time between the fluid flow and the object. Therefore, heat
transfer is more efficient which leads to a reduction in the time
taken to chill the object.
[0006] Preferably the inlet is arranged tangential to the chamber
so as to cause the fluid flow to follow a helical path about the
longitudinal axis within the chamber. Provision of the tangential
inlet ensures helical fluid about the object which maximises the
contact time during which heat transfer occurs.
[0007] Preferably a support is provided for supporting the object
spaced from a wall of the chamber. The support ensures that the
object is placed in the chamber in an optimum position for heat
transfer.
[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a
plurality of chambers, each chamber being dimensioned so as to
house an object to be chilled. It is an advantage to be able to
chill a number of objects simultaneously. This is particularly
suitable for use in, for example, restaurants where it is desirable
to have a large number of alternative beverages available on
demand.
[0009] The invention further provides a method of chilling an
object in a refrigerator, comprising the steps of:
[0010] a) placing an object to be chilled in a chamber in the
refrigerator, the chamber having a longitudinal axis, an inlet and
an outlet spaced along the longitudinal axis;
[0011] b) introducing a fluid flow to the inlet of the chamber;
[0012] c) causing the fluid flow to follow a helical path about the
longitudinal axis and around the object to be chilled;
[0013] and
[0014] d) allowing the fluid flow to exit the chamber via the
outlet.
[0015] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way
of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of
refrigerating apparatus according to the invention, the embodiment
being illustrated here with a wine bottle housed therein;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of
refrigerating apparatus according to the invention;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in
combination with other elements; and
[0019] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a third embodiment of
refrigerating apparatus according to the invention.
[0020] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of refrigerating apparatus
10 according to the invention. The refrigerating apparatus 10
comprises a chamber 12 having first end wall 14, a second end wall
16 and a cylindrical wall 20 extending therebetween. The chamber 12
is thus generally cylindrical and has a longitudinal axis 18. It
will be appreciated that the chamber can be of any shape suitable
for receiving and housing an object to be chilled. An inlet 22 for
introducing a chilled fluid flow to the chamber 12 is provided at a
first end 12a thereof adjacent the first end wall 14. The inlet 22
is circular in cross-section and communicates tangentially with the
chamber 14. An outlet 24 for carrying the fluid flow out of the
chamber 12 is provided at a second end 12b thereof adjacent the
second end wall 16. The outlet 24 is circular in cross-section and
communicates tangentially with the chamber 12. The inlet 22 and the
outlet 24 are spaced apart along the axis 18.
[0021] FIG. 1 shows a wine bottle 26 housed in the cylindrical
chamber 12 but it will be understood that the wine bottle 26 may be
replaced with any suitable object that the consumer wishes to
chill. Equally, the chamber 12 may be shaped and dimensioned so
that other objects may be conveniently received and stored therein.
A stand 28 is provided on the second end wall 16 to allow the
object (here the wine bottle 26) to be supported. The stand 28 is
located and arranged so that, when the wine bottle 26 is supported
thereon, it is located substantially centrally of the chamber 12.
The stand 28 has a platform 30 and a plurality of legs 32 which
ensure that the platform 30 is spaced from the second end wall 16.
Hence, a gap is provided between the second end wall 16 and the
platform 30 on which the wine bottle 26 is supported.
[0022] The refrigerating apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 operates in
the following manner. A chilled fluid flow, preferably air, is
introduced into the first end 12a of the chamber 12 via the inlet
22. The tangential arrangement of the inlet 22 with respect to the
chamber 12 causes the incoming chilled fluid to follow a generally
helical path around the cylindrical wall 20 whilst it moves along
the axis 18 in the direction of the outlet 24. A simplified version
of the path followed by the fluid is shown in FIG. 1. The helical
path followed by the fluid is considerably longer than a direct
path between the inlet 22 and the outlet 24. Furthermore, by
forcing the fluid to follow a helical path, the turbulence created
in the fluid flow improves the transfer of heat away from the
object 26 to be cooled.
[0023] The fluid flow exits the chamber 12 via the outlet 24 which
communicates with the second end 12b of the chamber 12. The fact
that the platform 30 is spaced apart from the second end wall 16
means that the fluid flow can pass underneath the platform 30
before it exits the chamber 12. The fluid flow is therefore able to
cool the stand 28 by transferring heat energy away from it. This is
particularly effective if the stand 28 is made from a thermally
conductive material, eg. metal. If the stand 28 is cooled, this can
also assist with the cooling of the object 26.
[0024] A second embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 2.
This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the
refrigerating apparatus 100 comprises an inlet 122 and an outlet
124 which are coincident with the longitudinal axis 118 of the
chamber 112. Further, a fan assembly 128 is provided at the first
end 114 adjacent the inlet 122. The fan assembly 128 is illustrated
in FIG. 2 as lying generally on the longitudinal axis 118 but the
position of the fan assembly 128 may be altered so as to cause the
incoming fluid flow to follow a helical path down the chamber 112.
The method of use of the apparatus shown in FIG. 2 is essentially
the same as that of FIG. 1. A chilled fluid flow enters the chamber
112 via the axial inlet 122. The fan assembly 128 is caused to
rotate so as to force the incoming fluid flow to travel along a
generally helical and somewhat turbulent path about the
longitudinal axis 118 of the chamber 112. It will be appreciated
that alternative means of causing the incoming axial fluid flow to
follow a helical path could replace the fan assembly 128. For
example, fixed vanes could be employed to create the same effect.
What is important is that the incoming fluid flow is forced to
follow a generally helical and turbulent path within the chamber
112.
[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and
described above in combination with other elements. The apparatus
10 is connected via the inlet 22 and the outlet 24, in combination
with further pipe work, to a chamber 140. An evaporator 150 is
located inside the chamber 140, along with a fan assembly 152.
Preferably, the pipe work connecting the apparatus 10 to the
chamber 140 is thermally lagged, as is the chamber 140. In use,
liquid refrigerant (for example, butane or hydrofluoroalkane) is
pumped at low pressure into the evaporator 150 via an inlet 154.
The low pressure of the liquid refrigerant causes it to evaporate
into a gas. The change in the physical state of the refrigerant
causes an exothermic reaction whereby heat is lost from the liquid
and the liquid rapidly cools causing the temperature in the
evaporator 150 to drop. The fan assembly 152 generates a flow of
air which passes across the evaporator 150 and becomes chilled. It
is then passed towards the chamber 12 (the direction of flow is
shown by arrows A in FIG. 3). The chilled air enters the chamber 12
via the inlet 22 and is caused to follow a helical path 160 around
the object to be chilled, passing from the first end 12a of the
chamber 12 towards the second end 12b. The contact time between the
object and the chilled air is greatly increased because of the
helical nature of the flow. In this way, heat transfer from the
object to the chilled air is maximised and the object rapidly
losses heat and cools down.
[0026] The air exiting the chamber 12 via the outlet 24 is at a
higher temperature than the chilled air entering at the inlet 22
because of the heat transfer process. However, the exiting air can
be circulated back to the evaporator 150 for rechilling. The heat
generated by the process is exchanged within the evaporator where
it can be removed from the system by means of a conventional
compressor and condenser system. It will be appreciated that the
apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2 can replace the apparatus 10 used
in the system shown in FIG. 3.
[0027] FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of the invention. The
refrigerating apparatus 200 comprises an arrangement of chambers
212 each having the same configuration as the chamber 12 of FIG. 1.
It will be appreciated that the chambers 212 could alternatively
have the configuration of that shown in FIG. 2. Each chamber 212
has a tangential inlet 222 and a tangential outlet 224. At least
one main inlet 226 (two are shown here) feeds chilled air into the
refrigerating apparatus 200 and a proportion of the chilled air is
directed into each inlet 222. The chilled air follows a helical
path downwardly through each chamber 212 before exiting via the
respective outlet 224 as previously described. The exiting air is
carried away via one or more main outlets 228. The number and
arrangement of chambers 212 is not limited to that shown in the
figure. This arrangement is beneficial when a number of objects
require to be chilled simultaneously.
[0028] The invention is not intended to be limited to the precise
features of the embodiments described above. Other variations and
modifications will be apparent to a skilled reader. For example, as
has been mentioned, the chamber may be of any suitable shape to
hold the object to be chilled. Also, the fluid used to chill the
object need not be air but could be any suitable fluid. In some
circumstances, the fluid could be a liquid, eg. water.
* * * * *