U.S. patent application number 13/451697 was filed with the patent office on 2013-10-24 for refrigerator appliance having a drain pan.
This patent application is currently assigned to GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY. The applicant listed for this patent is Martin Nicholas Austin, Justin Berger, Stephanos Kyriacou. Invention is credited to Martin Nicholas Austin, Justin Berger, Stephanos Kyriacou.
Application Number | 20130276471 13/451697 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49378838 |
Filed Date | 2013-10-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130276471 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Austin; Martin Nicholas ; et
al. |
October 24, 2013 |
REFRIGERATOR APPLIANCE HAVING A DRAIN PAN
Abstract
A refrigerator appliance is provided with a drain pan mounted
below a condenser of the refrigerator appliance. The drain pan
includes features such as a channel for directing air through the
drain pan. The channel can, e.g., increase the efficiency of the
condenser and/or promote evaporation of liquid contained within the
drain pan.
Inventors: |
Austin; Martin Nicholas;
(Louisville, KY) ; Kyriacou; Stephanos;
(Louisville, KY) ; Berger; Justin; (Louisville,
KY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Austin; Martin Nicholas
Kyriacou; Stephanos
Berger; Justin |
Louisville
Louisville
Louisville |
KY
KY
KY |
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
Schenectady
NY
|
Family ID: |
49378838 |
Appl. No.: |
13/451697 |
Filed: |
April 20, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/291 ;
220/571 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 2321/1442 20130101;
F25D 23/003 20130101; F25D 21/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/291 ;
220/571 |
International
Class: |
F25D 21/14 20060101
F25D021/14; B65D 1/34 20060101 B65D001/34 |
Claims
1. A refrigerator appliance comprising: an evaporator; a condenser;
and a drain pan disposed below said condenser and in fluid
communication with said evaporator so as to receive liquid
condensate from said evaporator, said drain pan defining a
containment volume configured for holding liquid directed from said
evaporator, said drain pan also extending between a top and a
bottom along a vertical direction, said drain pan comprising: a
bottom plate; an outer wall extending upwardly from said bottom
plate along the vertical direction, said outer wall also extending
around a periphery of said bottom plate; and an inner wall
extending upwardly from said bottom plate along the vertical
direction, said inner wall defining a channel for directing a flow
of air through said drain pan along the vertical direction between
the bottom of said drain pan and the top of said drain pan.
2. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, further comprising a hood
disposed on a top of said inner wall.
3. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, further comprising a fan
configured for selectively urging a flow of air through said
condenser.
4. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, further comprising a
plurality of legs extending downwardly from said bottom plate along
the vertical direction, said plurality of legs elevating said
bottom plate relative to a support surface such that a gap is
defined below said bottom plate for permitting a flow of air
beneath said bottom plate.
5. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, further comprising a
plurality of posts extending upwardly from said bottom plate along
the vertical direction, said plurality of posts configured for
supporting said condenser.
6. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein said condenser is
positioned adjacent said drain pan such that heat energy from said
condenser assists in evaporating liquid contained in the
containment volume of said drain pan.
7. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein said drain pan is
constructed of plastic.
8. A refrigerator appliance comprising: an evaporator; a condenser;
and a drain pan disposed below said condenser and in fluid
communication with said evaporator so as to collect liquid
condensate directed from said evaporator, said drain pan extending
between a top and a bottom along a vertical direction, said drain
pan defining at least one channel for directing air through said
drain pan along the vertical direction between the top and the
bottom of said drain pan.
9. The refrigerator appliance of claim 8, wherein an outer wall of
said drain pan partially encloses the at least one channel.
10. The refrigerator appliance of claim 8, wherein an outer wall of
said drain pan encloses the at least one channel.
11. The refrigerator appliance of claim 8, further comprising a
hood disposed adjacent a top of the at least one channel.
12. The refrigerator appliance of claim 8, further comprising a fan
configured for selectively urging a flow of air through said
condenser.
13. The refrigerator appliance of claim 8, further comprising a
plurality of legs extending downwardly from said drain pan along
the vertical direction, said plurality of legs positioning said
drain pan relative to a support surface such that a gap is defined
below said drain pan for permitting a flow of air beneath said
drain pan.
14. The refrigerator appliance of claim 8, further comprising a
plurality of posts extending upwardly from said drain pan along the
vertical direction, said plurality of posts configured for
supporting said condenser.
15. The refrigerator appliance of claim 8, wherein said condenser
is positioned adjacent said drain pan such that heat energy from
said condenser assists in evaporating liquid contained in said
drain pan.
16. The refrigerator appliance of claim 8, wherein said drain pan
is constructed of plastic.
17. A drain pan for an appliance, the drain pan defining a
containment volume configured for holding liquid, the drain pan
extending between a top and a bottom along a vertical direction,
the drain pan comprising: a bottom plate; an outer wall extending
upwardly from said bottom plate along the vertical direction, said
outer wall also extending around a periphery of said bottom plate;
and an inner wall extending upwardly from said bottom plate along
the vertical direction, said inner wall defining a channel for
directing a flow of air through the drain pan along the vertical
direction between the bottom of the drain pan and the top of the
drain pan.
18. The drain pan of claim 17, further comprising a hood disposed
adjacent a top of said inner wall.
19. The drain pan of claim 17, further comprising a plurality of
legs extending downwardly from said bottom plate along the vertical
direction, said plurality of legs positioning said bottom plate
relative to a support surface such that a gap is defined below said
bottom plate for permitting a flow of air beneath said bottom
plate.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to drain pans for
refrigerator appliances.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Consumer refrigerator appliances generally utilize a
relatively simple vapor compression refrigeration apparatus that
includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an
evaporator connected in series. The system is charged with a
refrigerant such as R-134a. During operation, pressurized liquid
refrigerant from the compressor and condenser enters the expansion
device. Upon exiting the expansion device and entering the
evaporator, the refrigerant drops in pressure and changes phase
from a liquid to a gas.
[0003] Due to the pressure drop and phase change of the refrigerant
in the evaporator, heat from a chilled chamber of the refrigerator
appliance (e.g., a freezer chamber or a fresh food chamber) is
transferred to the refrigerant within the evaporator. However,
during the heat transfer, water vapor within the chilled chamber
can freeze upon contact with the evaporator and create a frost
buildup. Such frost buildup can grow in size until it negatively
affects operation of the refrigerator appliance. Accordingly,
certain refrigerator appliance include a defrost cycle during which
such frost buildup melts and is removed from the evaporator.
[0004] When the frost buildup melts, a significant amount of liquid
(e.g., water) can be generated. In certain refrigerator appliances,
such liquid is directed to a drain pan disposed outside of the
chilled chamber wherein the liquid evaporates. However, because a
significant amount of liquid can be generated, a significant amount
of time may be needed for the liquid to evaporate.
[0005] To promote evaporation, the drain pan can be positioned
adjacent the condenser that operates at a relatively high
temperature relative to the liquid. However, the effectiveness of
such a configuration can be limited. To further promote
evaporation, a fan can direct air, e.g., heated air from the
condenser, towards the liquid. Similarly, a heater can be mounted
within or adjacent the drain pan in order to increase the
temperature of the liquid and encourage evaporation. However, such
mechanisms consume energy and can decrease the efficiency of the
appliance. Such mechanisms also add to the cost of producing the
refrigerator appliance.
[0006] Accordingly, a refrigerator appliance with features for
improving evaporation of liquid within a drain pan of the
refrigerator appliance would be useful. In particular, a drain pan
with features for improving evaporation of liquid within the drain
pan without requiring additional energy consumption by the
appliance would be useful.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A refrigerator appliance is provided with a drain pan
mounted below a condenser of the refrigerator appliance. The drain
pan includes features such as a channel for directing air through
the drain pan. The channel can, e.g., increase the efficiency of
the condenser and/or promote evaporation of liquid contained within
the drain pan. Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set
forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from
the description, or may be learned through practice of the
invention.
[0008] In a first exemplary embodiment, a refrigerator appliance is
provided. The refrigerator appliance includes an evaporator, a
condenser, and a drain pan. The drain pan is disposed below the
condenser and in fluid communication with the evaporator in order
to receive liquid condensate from said evaporator. The drain pan
defines a containment volume configured for holding the liquid
directed from the evaporator. The drain pan extends between a top
and a bottom along a vertical direction. The drain pan has a bottom
plate. An outer wall extends away from the bottom plate along the
vertical direction. An inner wall also extends away from the bottom
plate along the vertical direction. The inner wall defines a
channel for directing air through the drain pan along the vertical
direction between the bottom of the drain pan and the top of the
drain pan.
[0009] In a second exemplary embodiment, a refrigerator appliance
is provided. The refrigerator appliance includes an evaporator, a
condenser, and a drain pan. The drain pan is disposed below the
condenser and configured for collecting liquid condensate directed
from the evaporator. The drain pan extends between a top and a
bottom along a vertical direction. The drain pan defines at least
one channel for directing air through the drain pan along the
vertical direction between the top and the bottom of the drain
pan.
[0010] In a third embodiment, a drain pan for a refrigerator
appliance is provided. The drain pan defines a containment volume
configured for holding liquid. The drain pan extends between a top
and a bottom along a vertical direction. The drain pan includes a
bottom plate and an outer wall extending upwardly from the bottom
plate along the vertical direction. The outer wall also extends
around a periphery of the bottom plate. An inner wall extends
upwardly from the bottom plate along the vertical direction. The
inner wall defines a channel for directing a flow of air through
the drain pan along the vertical direction between the bottom of
the drain pan and the top of the drain pan.
[0011] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with reference to
the following description and appended claims. The accompanying
drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this
specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention
and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles
of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention,
including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill
in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes
reference to the appended figures, in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator appliance according
to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0014] FIG. 2 is schematic view of a refrigeration system of the
refrigerator appliance of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a condenser of the
refrigeration system of FIG. 2 mounted above an exemplary
embodiment of a drain pan.
[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the drain pan of
FIG. 3 with the condenser removed for clarity and, in particular,
illustrates channels defined by the drain pan.
[0017] FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of the drain pan of FIG.
3 with hoods mounted to the drain pan.
[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a drain pan
according to an additional exemplary embodiment of the present
subject matter.
[0019] FIG. 7 provides a perspective view of a drain pan according
to another exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the
invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the
drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the
invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and
variations can be made in the present invention without departing
from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features
illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with
another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is
intended that the present invention covers such modifications and
variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and
their equivalents.
[0021] FIG. 1 depicts a consumer refrigeration appliance 10 in the
form of a refrigerator that may incorporate a sealed refrigeration
system in accordance with aspects of the invention. It should be
appreciated that the term "consumer refrigeration appliance" is
used in a generic sense herein to encompass any manner of
refrigeration appliance, such as a freezer, refrigerator/freezer
combination, and any style or model of conventional refrigerator.
In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the refrigerator 10 is
depicted as an upright refrigerator having a cabinet or casing 12
that defines a number of internal storage compartments. In
particular, the refrigerator 10 includes upper fresh-food
compartments 14 having doors 16 and lower freezer compartment 18
having upper drawer 20 and lower drawer 22. The drawers 20, 22 are
"pull-out" drawers in that they can be manually moved into and out
of the freezer compartment 18 on suitable slide mechanisms.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of refrigerator 10 including an
exemplary sealed refrigeration system 60. A machinery compartment
62 contains components for executing a known vapor compression
cycle for cooling air. The components include a compressor 64, a
condenser 66, an expansion valve 68, and an evaporator 70 connected
in series and charged with a refrigerant. As will be understood by
those skilled in the art, refrigeration system 60 may include
additional components, e.g., at least one additional evaporator,
compressor, expansion valve, and/or condenser. As an example,
refrigeration system 60 may include two evaporators.
[0023] Within refrigeration system 60, gaseous refrigerant flows
into compressor 64, which operates to increase the pressure of the
refrigerant. This compression of the refrigerant raises its
temperature, which is lowered by passing the gaseous refrigerant
through condenser 66. Within condenser 66, heat exchange with
ambient air takes place so as to cool the refrigerant and cause the
refrigerant to condense to a liquid state. A fan 72 is used to pull
air across condenser 66, as illustrated by arrows A.sub.C, so as to
provide forced convection for a more rapid and efficient heat
exchange between the refrigerant within condenser 66 and the
ambient air. Thus, as will be understood by those skilled in the
art, increasing air flow across condenser 66 can, e.g., increase
the efficiency of condenser 66 by improving cooling of the
refrigerant contained therein.
[0024] An expansion device (e.g., a valve, capillary tube, or other
restriction device) 68 receives liquid refrigerant from condenser
66. From expansion device 68, the liquid refrigerant enters
evaporator 70. Upon exiting expansion device 68 and entering
evaporator 70, the liquid refrigerant drops in pressure and
vaporizes. Due to the pressure drop and phase change of the
refrigerant, evaporator 70 is cool relative to compartments 14, 18
of refrigerator 10 (FIG. 1). As such, cooled air is produced and
configured to refrigerate compartments 14, 18 of refrigerator 10
(FIG. 1). Thus, evaporator 70 is a type of heat exchanger which
transfers heat from air passing over evaporator 70 to refrigerant
flowing through evaporator 70.
[0025] Collectively, the vapor compression cycle components in a
refrigeration circuit, associated fans, and associated compartments
are sometimes referred to as a sealed refrigeration system operable
to force cold air through refrigeration compartments 14, 18 (FIG.
1). The refrigeration system 60 depicted in FIG. 2 is provided by
way of example only. Thus, it is within the scope of the present
subject matter for other configurations of the refrigeration system
to be used as well.
[0026] It should be understood that during operation of
refrigeration system 60 water vapor, e.g., from air within
refrigeration compartments 14, 18 (FIG. 1) can freeze upon contact
with evaporator 70. For example, refrigerant within evaporator 70
may reach a temperature below the freezing point of water. Thus,
water vapor contacting evaporator 70 may freeze and create a frost
buildup (not shown) on evaporator 70. Such frost buildup may
continue to grow during operation of refrigeration system 60. For
example, when a user opens freezer doors 20, 22 and permits fresh
water vapor containing air to enter freezer chamber 18.
[0027] To avoid potential negative effects of such frost build up
on refrigeration system 60 operation, refrigeration system 60 is
configured for executing a defrost cycle. For example,
refrigeration system 60 may deactivate compressor 64 for a period
of time sufficient for the frost buildup on evaporator 70 to melt.
However, when the frost buildup melts, a volume of liquid runoff
(e.g, water) is produced that can freeze upon reactivation of
compressor 64 and negatively affect refrigeration system 60 and, in
particular, evaporator 70. Thus, such liquid runoff is directed
away from evaporator 70, e.g., using a tube, pipe, conduit, trench,
or other suitable mechanism (not shown). In the exemplary
embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the liquid runoff is directed to a
drain pan 100 as shown in FIG. 3 below.
[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of condenser 66 of
refrigeration system 60 (FIG. 2) mounted above drain pan 100. In
FIG. 3, fan 72 is mounted to a support wall 106 that extends from
drain pan 100, e.g., along a vertical direction V. In addition,
condenser 66 rests upon posts 130 that extend upwardly from drain
pan 100 along the vertical direction V. As discussed above, fan 72
urges a flow of cooling air A.sub.C through condenser 66. It should
be under stood that condenser 66 need not be supported by drain pan
100 and may be mounted above drain pan 100 in any suitable
manner.
[0029] Drain pan 100 extends between a top 102 and a bottom 104
along the vertical direction V. Between top 102 and bottom 104,
drain pan 100 defines a containment volume 108. Containment volume
108 is configured for receipt of the liquid runoff from evaporator
70 (FIG. 2) discussed above. Within containment volume 108, such
liquid runoff is permitted to evaporate. More particularly, certain
components of refrigeration cycle 60 and drain pan 100 may be
directed towards facilitating and assisting evaporation of liquid
runoff within containment volume 108. For example, condenser 66
operates at an elevated temperature relative to the liquid runoff.
Thus, air about condenser 66 can be heated and assist evaporation
of the liquid runoff. More directly, fan 72 can direct a portion of
flow A.sub.C across and/or into containment volume 108 in order to
assist evaporation of the liquid runoff.
[0030] Regarding drain pan 100, drain pan 100 defines vents or
channels 101 for assisting evaporation of the liquid runoff. For
example, channels 101 are configured for directing a flow of air
A.sub.F through drain pan 100. Channels 101 direct air from bottom
104 to top 102 of drain pan 100 as discussed in greater detail
below. As an example, air may be urged through channels 101 by
convective currents generated by condenser 66. As heated air rises
from condenser 66, cooler air within channels 101 may be drawn
upwardly, and such air may assist in cooling condenser 66. Thus,
e.g., condenser 66 may function more efficiently due to cooling air
carried within flow A.sub.F.
[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of drain pan 100 with
condenser 66 removed for clarity. As may be seen in FIG. 4, drain
pan 100 includes a base plate or bottom plate 110 that supports
posts 130. An outer sidewall 120 extends around or about an outer
edge or perimeter 121 of bottom plate 110. Outer sidewall 120 also
extends upwardly from bottom plate 110 along the vertical direction
V. Like outer sidewall 120, inner sidewalls 122 extend upwardly
from bottom plate 110 along the vertical direction V from inner
edges 123 of bottom plate 110.
[0032] In FIG. 4, channels 101 are defined by inner sidewalls 122.
Channels 101 also extend along the vertical direction V and are
enclosed by inner sidewalls 122. In FIG. 4, bottom plate 110, outer
sidewall 120, and inner sidewalls 122 also assist in defining
containment volume 108. Thus, for example, outer sidewall 120 and
inner sidewalls 122 extend between top 102 and bottom 104 of drain
pan 100 to hold liquid within containment volume 108. In FIGS. 3-5,
channels 101 are substantially circular. However, in alternative
exemplary embodiments, channels 101 may have any suitable shape,
e.g., oval and/or rectangular.
[0033] As discussed above, channels 101 direct flow of air A.sub.F
from bottom 104 to top 102 of drain pan 100. To facilitate flow of
air A.sub.F, drain pan 100 includes a plurality of legs 140 that
extend downwardly from bottom plate 110. By extending downwardly,
plurality of legs 140 assist bottom plate 110 in defining a space
or gap 142 beneath drain pan 100. Gap 142 is defined between pan
100 and a floor or other (e.g., substantially flat) support surface
150 (FIG. 3) on which drain pan 100 rests. Thus, for example, air
can enter gap 142 adjacent bottom 104 of drain pan 100. Such air
can flow through gap 142 beneath bottom plate 110 and enter
channels 101. Such air is then directed through channels 101 as
flow of air A.sub.F and passes through channels 101 from bottom 104
to top 102 of drain pan 100.
[0034] Upon exiting channels 101, inner sidewalls 122 may, e.g.,
direct flow of air A.sub.F along the vertical direction V towards
condenser 66 (FIG. 3). By directing flow of air A.sub.F towards
condenser 66, channels 101 and, more generally, drain pan 100 may
increase the efficiency of condenser 66. For example, flow of air
A.sub.F can assist in cooling refrigerant within condenser 66.
Conversely, flow of air A.sub.F can also assist in evaporation of
liquid held within containment volume 108. For example, flow of air
A.sub.F exiting channels 101 can flow across liquid within
containment volume 108. Drain pan 100 may include additional
features for altering the direction flow of air A.sub.F in order to
further assist evaporation of liquid in containment volume 108 as
discussed in greater detail below.
[0035] FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of drain pan 100 with
hoods 124 disposed on a top or a distal end 125 of inner sidewalls
122. As may be seen in FIG. 5, hoods 124 are configured for
directing flow of air A.sub.F. For example, hoods 124 may direct
flow of air A.sub.F towards, into, and/or across containment volume
108. By directing the flow of air A.sub.F into, towards, and/or
across containment volume 108, hoods 124 can, e.g., direct greater
amounts of air across liquid within containment volume 108 compared
to channels 101 shown in FIG. 4 in order to further facilitate
evaporation of the liquid. Hoods 124 may be an integral component
of inner sidewalls 122. Alternatively, hoods 124 may be a separate
component that is secured in place on top 125 of inner sidewalls
122, e.g., using glue, fasteners, snaps, or any other suitable
mechanism.
[0036] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a drain pan 200
according to an additional exemplary embodiment. Drain pan 200 is
substantially similar to drain pan 100 of FIGS. 3-5. For example,
drain pan 200 includes a bottom plate 210 and an outer sidewall 220
that extends upwardly from bottom plate 210 in the vertical
direction V. Bottom plate 210 and outer sidewall 220 help define a
containment volume 208 from a bottom 204 to a top 202 of drain pan
200.
[0037] In FIG. 6, drain pan 200 assists in defining a plurality of
channels 230. It should be understood that channels 230 function
similarly to channels 101 (FIG. 3). For example, like channels 101,
channels 230 can direct flow of air A.sub.F from bottom 204 to top
202 of drain pan 200. However, channels 230 are only partially
enclosed by outer side wall 220. Thus, air may enter channels 230
from a side of drain pan 200 not only from bottom 204. Thus, outer
side wall 220 may be configured such that channels 230 are at least
partially enclosed by outer side wall 220.
[0038] FIG. 7 provides a perspective view of a drain pan 300
according to another exemplary embodiment. Drain pan 300 is
substantially similar to drain pans 100 and 200 discussed above.
For example, drain pan 300 includes a bottom plate 310 and an outer
sidewall 320 that extends upwardly from bottom plate 310 in the
vertical direction V. Bottom plate 310 and outer sidewall 320 help
define a containment volume 308 from a bottom 304 to a top 302 of
drain pan 300.
[0039] Drain pan 300 assists in defining a plurality of channels
330. It should be understood that channels 330 function similarly
to channels 101 (FIG. 3) and channels 230 (FIG. 5). For example,
like channels 101 and channels 230, channels 330 direct flow of air
A.sub.F from bottom 204 to top 202 of drain pan 200. Channels 330
are only partially enclosed by outer side wall 320. Thus, air may
enter channels 330 from a side of drain pan 300 not only from
bottom 304.
[0040] This written description uses examples to disclose the
invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person
skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and
using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated
methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the
claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled
in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope
of the claims if they include structural elements that do not
differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include
equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from
the literal languages of the claims.
* * * * *