CN101981391B - Refrigeration module and refrigeration system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a self-contained portable refrigeration unit having a structural configuration that makes it compatible with several models, types and variations of refrigerable compartments. This refrigerating unit is represented by a refrigerating module (1) capable of being detachably fitted into a refrigerable compartment, comprising a first part (100) and a second part (200) connected to each other. The first part (100) is in contact with the interior of the refrigerable chamber, and the second part (200) is in contact with the exterior of the refrigerable chamber. In some embodiments of the invention, the first part (100) can )move. The first part (100) connects the refrigeration module (1) with the interior of the refrigerable chamber. The second part (200) connects the refrigeration module (1) with the outside of the refrigerable chamber. In another preferred embodiment, the first part (100) is fitted into the refrigerated chamber through an assembly part (111), the cross section of which is smaller than the largest cross section of the second part (200). The invention also relates to a refrigeration system (500) comprising at least one embodiment of the above-mentioned portable refrigeration module (1).

Description

Refrigeration Modules and Refrigeration Systems

technical field

The invention relates to a portable refrigeration module. More particularly, the present invention relates to a self-contained mobile refrigeration unit having a structural configuration that makes it effectively compatible with several models, types and variations of refrigerable chambers.

The present invention further relates to a refrigeration system, which comprises the above-mentioned portable refrigeration module.

Background technique

Refrigeration equipment such as refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners includes a refrigeration circuit that has at least one condenser, one evaporator, a compressor, and multiple tubes, among other elements that contribute to the refrigeration process. Usually, in this type of refrigeration equipment, the refrigeration circuit is fitted/installed in a fixed manner inside the refrigerable chamber. In other words, the refrigerating and refrigerated parts, such as a kitchen refrigerator, are connected in such a way that only specially trained technicians or skilled craftsmen can disassemble or disassemble said parts.

Therefore, if a component of the refrigeration circuit has operational problems and requires maintenance, a technician is required to repair the equipment. In addition, the unavailability of essential parts of equipment such as refrigerators, whose function is to preserve food, creates problems for users, depending on the time required to repair the equipment. In this sense, preventive maintenance of domestic refrigerators is rarely performed due to the difficulties involved. Due to the impossibility/difficulty of repairing and maintaining existing equipment and/or lack of replacement parts from technical support, often the only solution for the user is to purchase a new refrigerator.

To avoid such problems, a solution may be to purchase a backup refrigerator; however, the costs and space requirements involved are disadvantageous. Currently, there are smaller portable refrigerators that can alleviate this problem, but their storage capacity is quite low compared to normal size refrigerators, so it probably won't be enough to hold all the items refrigerated.

In addition to repair and maintenance issues, practicality is also affected in this type of structural configuration because the size of the cooling equipment (such as a refrigerator or air conditioner) does not allow it to be easily installed in every place. The user should refit the site to accommodate the refrigeration unit; therefore, if the piece of equipment needs to be replaced, another unit of similar size should be found or the site should be remodeled to accommodate the space requirements.

In addition, conventional refrigeration units lack mobility since it is difficult to move and/or transport them to other areas or spaces after installation, forcing users to travel to the location where the refrigeration equipment is installed. Even refrigeration appliances considered portable are difficult to move because of their fixed and restricted shape, which prevents them from adapting to different types of environments.

Document US 3,712,078 relates to a detachable refrigeration unit which can be adapted to be mounted on several types of refrigeration cabinets. While this flexibility offers advantages, the proximity of condensers, compressors, and evaporators without proper insulation is a structural arrangement that promotes undesirable heat transfer through the air, adversely affecting module performance. European document EP1547492 also relates to a similar modular refrigeration unit.

Document US 5,417,081 relates to a modular refrigeration unit which is divided into two parts: a lower part and an upper part; the storeroom/unit is located in the upper part and the removable refrigeration unit is located in the lower part. The device disclosed in this document makes it possible to insulate the evaporator and condenser for greater energy efficiency only when the refrigeration unit is used with a specially adapted cabinet having a structural configuration capable of providing said insulation. Therefore, refrigeration units alone do not provide this insulating feature as it depends on the shape of the cabinet or room in which the unit is assembled/installed. Another prior art document, US5,458,407, discloses a similar device in which the refrigeration unit is detachably mounted for easy repair and maintenance, in which case the efficiency of the refrigeration unit also directly depends on the configuration of the retrofit cabinet Insulation provided.

Document US2007044498 describes a refrigeration device comprising two evaporators interconnected by pipes capable of cooling a plurality of shelves of a cabinet of a refrigeration device. Air outlet ducts are directed to each shelf and the ducts are capable of providing cooling of different intensity levels to each shelf of the cabinet. Although this US document describes a very useful construction, it does not disclose a portable refrigeration unit, ie a device that is easily removed from the refrigeration cabinet by the average user and safely transported without special tools and expertise in the refrigeration plant.

European document EP1691152 discloses a modular refrigeration unit usable in a refrigeration cabinet. Such a unit includes operatively connected condensing and evaporating components. One of the disadvantages of the invention described in this European document is that the condensing assembly is open, unsafe for unit transport, since the parts are exposed and not protected from accidental shocks and foreign objects. In addition, its structure makes handling difficult, affecting its portability. Additionally, the disclosed vertical configuration limits its applicability, since only certain types of cabinets can be used with this refrigeration unit.

Thus, the refrigeration units described in the above cited documents have the disadvantage of working satisfactorily only in certain cabinet models, which are specifically constructed to accept only certain types of refrigeration units (modules), and are therefore not flexible And not being easily adaptable, they have a component distribution system that promotes unwanted heat transfer between them, adversely affecting the performance of the modules. In addition, considering the structural configuration of the unit, the storage capacity of the cabinet to be refrigerated is not optimized, and the portability of the unit is questionable, since, in addition to the apparent lack of viable transport, the parts are not duly protected from damage risk.

Contents of the invention

A first object of the present invention is to provide a portable self-contained refrigeration unit that is simple and easy to install and maintain, as well as efficiently compatible with several types, models and variations of refrigerable chambers (optimized power consumption and occupied volume).

Against this background, the present invention aims to fill the gap existing in the field of refrigeration equipment by developing a portable self-contained refrigeration unit or module with a high efficiency level (high output and energy saving), which can be converted without difficult retrofitting and/or a simple and fast method of modification is installed in different types and models of chambers, cabinets and/or spaces, and can be removed from these different types and models of chambers in this simple and fast method. In addition, it should allow flexibility in the positioning of the modules, as well as in the division of the refrigerated space and also in the optimization of said space.

The first method to achieve the first object of the present invention is to provide a refrigeration module that can be detachably installed into the refrigerable chamber, comprising a first part and a second part connected to each other, the first part is in contact with the interior of the refrigerable chamber, and the second part is in contact with the interior of the refrigerable chamber Two parts are in contact with the outside of the refrigerable chamber, the first part has an evaporator, the second part has an interconnected compressor, filter drier and condenser, the compressor is connected to the evaporator through at least one suction line, the first part Angular movement is possible with respect to the second portion by a hinge mechanism.

A second method of achieving the first object of the present invention is to provide a refrigeration module capable of being detachably incorporated into a refrigerable compartment, comprising at least a first part and a second part directly and firmly connected to each other, the first part incorporating the refrigeration module Connected with the inside of the refrigerable chamber, the second part connects the refrigeration module with the outside of the refrigerated chamber, the first part has an evaporator, the second part has a compressor, a filter drier and a condenser connected to each other, the compressor passes through at least A suction line is connected to the evaporator, and the first part can be inserted into the refrigerable chamber through a fitting, the cross-section of which is smaller than the largest cross-section of the second part.

A third way of achieving the first object of the present invention is to provide a refrigeration module capable of being detachably incorporated into a refrigerable chamber, comprising a first part and a second part interconnected, the first part being in contact with the interior of the refrigerable chamber, the second part being in contact with the interior of the refrigerable chamber Two parts are in contact with the outside of the refrigerable chamber, the first part has an evaporator, the second part has an interconnected compressor, filter drier and condenser, the compressor is connected to the evaporator through at least one suction line, the first part Capable of angular movement relative to the second part by means of a hinge mechanism, the refrigeration module is capable of dividing the refrigerable chamber into at least two different spaces, the refrigeration module is capable of cooling each space separately, maintaining said chambers at different temperatures, and by first The flow rate control of the fan enables temperature inversion or variation between the refrigerated volumes, the first part being able to fit into the refrigerable chamber through a fitting having a cross-section smaller than the largest cross-section of the second part.

Thus, good power efficiency is obtained due to the separation of the components (evaporator, compressor and condenser) located respectively in the first and second sections (which prevents undesired heat transfer between them). The portability and ease of transport of the modules results from the possibility of relative movement between the parts. By using the first section in a horizontal position (90 degrees between sections), which acts as a room divider, the refrigerated space is optimized. This structural configuration also enables the position height of the modules in the refrigerated space to be varied, thereby making the space division flexible. Additionally, the volumes resulting from such partitioning can be maintained at different temperatures, and these temperatures can be reversed without affecting the position of the modules. Cabinets with different cooling capacities can be used to maintain the external dimensions of the modules and only change the internal components.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a refrigeration system comprising the above refrigeration unit according to the above first or second method.

The second object of the present invention is achieved by a refrigerating system having at least one refrigerating cabinet containing refrigerable items, the refrigerating system comprising at least one refrigerating module as described in the first or second method above stated.

Description of drawings

The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 - represents a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of a refrigeration module of the present invention in an "L" configuration (90 degrees);

Figure 2 - represents an upper perspective view of the refrigeration module shown in Figure 1 in the "I" configuration (180 degrees);

Figure 3 - represents a lower perspective view of the refrigeration module shown in Figure 1 in the "I" configuration (180 degrees);

Figure 4 - represents a perspective view of the refrigeration module shown in Figure 1 in the "L" configuration (90 degrees), showing the interior of the module;

Figure 5 - represents a perspective view of the refrigeration module shown in Figure 1 in the "I" configuration (180 degrees), showing the interior of the module;

Figure 6 - represents a perspective view of the refrigeration circuit of the refrigeration module shown in Figure 1 in the "L" configuration (90 degrees);

Figure 7 - represents the first partial exploded view of the refrigeration module shown in Figure 1;

Figure 8 - represents a second exploded view of the refrigeration module shown in Figure 1;

Figure 9 - represents the upper perspective view of the second preferred embodiment of the refrigeration module of the present invention;

Figure 10 - represents a bottom perspective view of the refrigeration module shown in Figure 9;

Figure 11 - represents a perspective view of the refrigeration module shown in Figure 9, showing the internal components of said module;

Figure 12 - represents the first partial exploded view of the refrigeration module shown in Figure 9;

Figure 13 - represents the second exploded view of the refrigeration module shown in Figure 9;

Figure 14 - represents a perspective view of a third preferred embodiment of a refrigeration module of the present invention in a closed configuration (0 degrees);

Figure 15 - represents a perspective view of the refrigeration module shown in Figure 14 in the "L" configuration (90 degrees);

Figure 16 (16A and 16B) - represents a perspective view of two possible modes (A and B) of a refrigeration system, including the refrigeration module of the present invention shown in Figure 14;

Figure 17 - represents a perspective view of a fourth preferred embodiment of a refrigeration module of the present invention in a closed configuration;

Figure 18 - represents a perspective view of the refrigeration module shown in Figure 17 in an open configuration;

Figure 19 - represents a perspective view of a possible configuration of a refrigeration system, including the refrigeration module of the present invention shown in Figure 17;

Figure 20 - represents a perspective view of a fifth preferred embodiment of the refrigeration module of the present invention in a closed configuration;

Figure 21 - represents a perspective view of the refrigeration module shown in Figure 20, showing the opening process to obtain the "L" configuration (90 degrees);

Figure 22 (22A, 22B, 22C and 22D) - represents perspective views of four possible modes of a refrigeration system, including the refrigeration module of the present invention shown in Figure 20.

Detailed ways

Figures 1, 9, 14, 17 and 21 represent five types of preferred embodiments of the refrigeration module 1 which is the object of the present invention. The refrigeration module 1 can be used in any refrigerable room, such as different types and models of household/commercial/industrial/transport refrigerator and freezer cabinets, air-conditioning cabinets, cupboards, rooms, boxes, spaces, etc. Therefore, in order for the refrigeration module to be detachably assembled, the refrigerable chamber only needs to have a groove, a hollow part or any supporting bottom. As an example of a refrigerated compartment, Figures 16, 19 and 22 show a refrigerated cabinet 2 capable of containing refrigerated items for use in domestic refrigerators. The ability to remove the refrigeration module 1 eases repair and/or preventive maintenance, since the user only needs to remove the refrigeration module 1 from the refrigerable compartment and take it to a technical support center. Therefore, there is no need for a technician to visit the place where the refrigeration equipment (ie a domestic refrigerator) is installed. In addition, during the time required for repair/maintenance, a damaged refrigeration module 1 can be replaced by another functional module, which can be provided by its own technical support.

The wide variety of refrigerable chamber types that can be used represents a clear advantage over refrigeration modules known in the art, in the prior art only some specific refrigerable chamber models are available so that said refrigeration modules can be used assembly. In many refrigerable modular chamber models, retrofitting is often required, which is complex and difficult to perform, increasing production costs.

Figure 4 depicts the main elements arranged in the internal components of the refrigeration module. These elements form a conventional refrigeration circuit, which is well known and commonly used in domestic air conditioners, refrigerators and freezers. Figure 6 shows a refrigeration circuit comprising an evaporator 104 interconnected by pipes, a liquid collector 105, a compressor 204, a filter drier 205, a condenser 206, and an expansion device 11, and the cooling fluid in the refrigeration circuit Circulating, the cooling fluid is in turn responsible for heat (energy) exchange and transport. In this case, the expansion device 11 is represented by a capillary connected to the suction line 12 which in turn connects the compressor 204 with the liquid collector 105 . If the expansion device were a valve (which is not depicted in the figure), it would be placed next to the evaporator inlet 104 and connected to the filter drier 205 by a pipe. Generally, heat is removed from the warm air within the refrigerable chamber by the evaporator 104 and delivered to the condenser 206 which releases the heat outside the refrigerable chamber. Therefore, the condenser 206 is called the hot heat exchanger of the refrigeration plant, and the evaporator 104 is called the cold heat exchanger. These heat exchangers are available in different structural configurations such as micro-channel, finned tube, bobbin tube, roll-bonded, etc., some of which enable more compact refrigeration modules.

The evaporator 104, liquid collector 105 and expansion device 11 (integral in the case of valves, separate in the case of capillaries) are interconnected to form a first part 100 representing the "cold part" of the refrigeration module. Compressor 204, filter drier 205 and condenser 206 are interconnected to form a second part 200 representing the "hot part" of the refrigeration module. Thus, the first part 100 (the "cold part") is in contact with the interior of the refrigerable chamber to provide cooling, and the second part 200 (the "hot part") is in contact with the exterior of the refrigerable chamber to enable heat dissipation.

Preferably, for highest performance and higher energy efficiency, the first part 100 is entirely (integrally) housed inside the refrigerable chamber, and the second part 200 is entirely housed outside the refrigerable chamber. However, this configuration is not mandatory, and it is possible that only parts of the first part 100 and/or the second part 200 are accommodated inside and outside the refrigerable chamber, respectively.

The first part 100 and the second part 200 are connected to each other through the suction line 12 and the expansion device 11 (or the pipe connecting the evaporator 104 and the filter drier 205, if the expansion device 11 is a valve), the function of which is to enable the first part 100 and the Heat (energy) is exchanged between the components of the second part 200 (in particular between the condenser 206 and the evaporator 104).

The first part 100 externally surrounds the evaporator 104, the liquid collector 105 and the expansion device 11 (integral in the case of a valve, separate in the case of a capillary). The first part 100 comprises at least a first cover 102 removably fitted into a first bottom 103 in which an evaporator 104, a liquid collector 105 and an expansion device 11 are arranged.

The first part 100 further comprises at least one outlet 107 enabling the flow of refrigerated air to the environment. This outlet can be controlled by a damper for better air distribution within the cabinet. To assist and facilitate air flow, at least a first fan 106 is fixed/mounted in the first part 100 next to said outlet 107 . Among other things, variable rotation fans and two-coil fans can also be used to improve air velocity control within cabinets and even temperature reversals between chambers. This section may also include an air filter and/or an odorant adder (not depicted in the figure) to improve the quality of the refrigerated air. On the other hand, the first part 100 has an inlet slot 108 which allows ambient air to flow into the first part 100 . Therefore, the first part 100 is the interface between the refrigeration module 1 and the interior of the refrigerable chamber.

The second part 200 surrounds the condenser 206 , the compressor 204 and the filter drier 205 from the outside. The second part 200 comprises at least a second cover 202 detachably fitted to a second bottom 203 , and a condenser 206 , a compressor 204 and a filter drier 205 are arranged in the second bottom 203 . The second part 200 has cooling slots 207 which can dissipate heat to the environment by means of at least a second fan 210 . Therefore, the second part 200 is the interface between the refrigeration module 1 and the outside of the refrigerable chamber.

The first part 100 and the second part 200 should be completely or partly made of thermally insulating material in order to minimize undesired heat transfer between the refrigeration module (especially the hot part) and the cabinet. Thermal insulation materials such as polyurethane, polystyrene or vacuum insulation panels can be used, the latter making the walls thinner and thus the refrigeration module slimmer. Other materials such as plastic and stainless steel may be part of the structure for weight reduction or corrosion protection. In addition to these devices, sealing and vibration insulating materials may be employed for noise reduction purposes.

The possibility of closing the first part 100 and the second part 200 facilitates the transport of the refrigeration module 1 and also provides mechanical protection of all parts forming the refrigeration circuit, for example when the user takes the refrigeration module 1 to a technical support center for repair/maintenance. Thus, the risk of damage to the parts is prevented by closing the part, avoiding that the parts are exposed, and avoiding that the parts are not protected from accidental impacts and foreign objects.

The above-mentioned structural configuration and flexibility/adaptability of the refrigeration module 1 enables it to move along the extension of the refrigerable chamber. For example, if the refrigerable compartment is a domestic refrigerator cabinet, the refrigeration module 1 may be positioned from its bottom to its top, depending on the desired application. Additionally, by using the first fan 106 to control the flow rate of cool air exiting the evaporator, for example two refrigerable compartments can be maintained at different temperatures, regardless of the volume of the compartments. Therefore, temperature reversals or changes between refrigerable compartments are also possible, as previously mentioned.

The distance between the first part 100 ("cold part") and the second part 200 ("hot part") provided by the structural arrangement of the present invention can be reduced by means other than cooling fluid, such as by air or by the structure of the refrigeration module 1 itself. ) Undesired heat transfer from compressor 204 and condenser 206 to evaporator 104 .

In addition, the external dimensions of the first part 100 and the second part 200 can be maintained, and different types of refrigeration modules 1 can be implemented with varying refrigeration capacities through the use of variable capacity compressors and/or merely substituting internal components. Therefore, the size and shape of the refrigerable chamber can remain unchanged.

Controls, lighting, and electronics that are currently part of the cabinet can also be linked to the refrigeration modules, as well as specific component controls, such as compressors and expansion devices, enabling their efficiency to be increased.

The power supply or power-up of the refrigeration module 1 , which is not shown in the figures, is preferably provided by a conventional cable to be connected to an alternating current (AC) power outlet. However, batteries, DC power or any other type of power can be used as long as it is compatible with the operation of the refrigeration module 1 .

So, it can be said that the refrigeration module 1 is self-contained, since besides including all the elements and components needed to provide refrigeration, its power supply is not provided by/depends on the refrigerable chamber, as is the case with conventional domestic refrigerators.

Although the present invention relates to a refrigeration module, it should be understood that the structural arrangements described herein are applicable to other types of climate equipment, such as equipment generally intended to be heated.

first embodiment

Figures 1 and 8 illustrate details of a first embodiment of a refrigeration module 1 of the invention.

In this first embodiment, the first part 100 is angularly movable relative to the second part 200 .

In FIG. 1 , the refrigeration module 1 is configured as an "L", ie the first part 100 is angularly positioned at 90 degrees to the second part 200 in a stable manner. In FIGS. 2 and 3 , the refrigeration module 1 is configured as "I", ie the first part 100 is angularly positioned at 180 degrees to the second part 200 in a stable manner. These two configurations, "L" and "I", are preferably used; however, any other angle value may be used depending on the configuration (configuration) of the refrigerable chamber to be used.

The angular movement between the first part 100 and the second part 200 enables the flexibility of the refrigeration module 1 and the simple and easy adaptation of the refrigeration module 1 to various types of chambers, including those not specifically designed to accept the refrigeration module 1 . Therefore, this structural arrangement, which enables free angular movement between the first part 100 comprising the evaporator 104 and the second part 200 comprising the condenser 206 has never before been used in a self-contained modular refrigeration plant.

Said angular movement between the first part 100 and the second part 200 is enabled by means of a hinge mechanism 300 which preferably comprises a pivot pin 301 mounted on the first fitting hole 110 and the second fitting hole 209, the first The fitting hole 110 and the second fitting hole 209 are included by the first part 100 and the second part, respectively. Thus, the first part 100 and the second part 200 slide on the pivot pin 200 to enable an angular movement between the first part 100 and the second part 200 . The pivot pin 301 and/or the first and second mounting holes 110 , 209 should provide sufficient friction to enable angular movement and also stabilize the first part 100 relative to the second part 200 in any angular position. Another type of hinge mechanism 300 could be used if it is suitable for the application. For example, a pivot shaft could be used instead of a pivot pin 301 connecting the holes of the parts, or some other type of spring/lock mechanism.

Preferably, in this first embodiment, the suction line 12 and the expansion device 11 connecting the first part 100 with the second part 200 are flexible. The passage slots 208 of the second part 200 and the passage holes 109 of the first part 100 aligned with each other enable the passage of the suction line 12 and the expansion device 11 from the first part 100 to the second part 200 . However, depending on how the articulation mechanism 300 is implemented, the suction line 12 and the expansion device 11 may be rigid if they are not subject to any forces that could break them.

In FIGS. 2 , 3 and 5 , it is noted that there are two first fans 106 installed in the first part 100 , directed towards the opposite end (side or face) to said first part 100 . Therefore, the refrigeration module 1 can divide the refrigerated room into at least two different spaces, and can cool each environment separately. Consequently, considerable savings are obtained, since by having only one refrigeration module 1, two environments can be cooled simultaneously, and furthermore, it is not necessary to implement passages or ducts which hinder installation and/or maintenance. It is also possible to use another number of first fans 106, or to add ducts to the structure, depending on the application.

second embodiment

9 to 13 illustrate a second embodiment of the refrigeration module 1 of the present invention.

The second embodiment of the present invention may be understood as a special case of the first embodiment described above.

In this second embodiment, the first part 100 does not move relative to the second part 200 , that is to say the first part 100 and the second part 200 are directly and fixedly connected.

The first part 100 is fitted into the refrigerable chamber through the fitting part 111 , the cross section of which is smaller than the largest cross section of the second part 200 .

Preferably, the first portion 100 is positioned at 90 degrees to the second portion 200, characterized by an "L" configuration. In this configuration, the largest cross-section of the second part 200 is a longitudinal cross-section of the second part 200 that is larger than a cross-section of the fitting part 111 of the first part 100 . This type of structural configuration facilitates the assembly/installation of the refrigeration module 1 in the refrigerable room. The "L configuration" has the second part 200 ("hot part") completely outside the refrigerable chamber and the first part 100 ("cold part") completely inside the refrigerable chamber in order to optimize the space occupied by the refrigeration module 1 . Of course, the "L configuration" is not mandatory, other angle values are acceptable, eg 180 degrees.

This type of fixed static configuration is more advantageous in terms of cost and ease of production with respect to mobile devices (first embodiment), as it is simpler to construct and involves fewer parts, thereby reducing installation and testing in production material and labor costs.

third embodiment

Figures 14 and 15 illustrate a third embodiment of the refrigeration module 1 of the present invention.

This embodiment is quite similar to the first embodiment, with the main difference being the hinge mechanism 300 comprising a pivot shaft 302 instead of a pivot pin 301 . The first part 100 and the second part 200 are adapted to enable the pivot shaft 302 to fit.

In particular, Figure 14 illustrates a closed or 0 (zero) degree configuration that facilitates transport of the refrigeration module 1, as it takes up less space. This configuration can also be used in the mode of operation of the refrigeration module 1 .

Other differences with respect to the first embodiment represent only design and shape changes of the first part 100 and the second part 200 .

Fourth Embodiment

Figures 17 and 18 illustrate a fourth embodiment of the refrigeration module 1 of the present invention.

In this fourth embodiment, the first part 100 is axially movable relative to the second part 200 by means of a sliding mechanism 400 .

Preferably, the first part 100 has a slot 401 through which the edge of the second part 200 slides.

This sliding mechanism 400 enables the first part 100 to be stabilized in any axial position relative to the second part 200 by means of a conventional mechanical lock (not depicted) which is capable of securing the first part 100 to the second part 200 so that There will not be any relative movement between them.

The closed configuration (or 0 degrees) shown in FIG. 17 is preferably used for transport of the refrigeration module 1 .

Fifth Embodiment

Figures 20 and 21 illustrate a fifth embodiment of the refrigeration module 1 of the present invention.

This embodiment is very similar to the third embodiment, and the difference only represents the design and shape changes of the first part 100 and the second part 200 .

The closed configuration (or 0 degrees) shown in FIG. 20 is preferably used for transport of the refrigeration module 1 .

Cooling System

Fig. 16, Fig. 19 and Fig. 22 show a refrigeration system 500 comprising the third, fourth and fifth embodiments of the refrigeration module 1 and the refrigeration cabinet 2, respectively. The refrigeration system 500 is represented by a domestic refrigerator with a freezer; however, as previously mentioned, other types of refrigerable compartments may be used.

Preferably, the refrigeration module 1 is housed integrally on the rear wall 501 of the refrigeration cabinet 2 so as not to interfere functionally and aesthetically with the front of the refrigerator-freezer.

FIGS. 16 and 22 depict configurations showing how the refrigeration module 1 can move along the rear wall 501 of the refrigeration cabinet 2 .

FIG. 16A illustrates a configuration in which only the refrigerator is refrigerated by the refrigeration module 1 . On the other hand, in Fig. 16B, the refrigeration module 1 (third embodiment) is precisely positioned at the division between the refrigerator and the freezer, so as to provide each of these sections with a specific cooling intensity. Similarly, Figures 22A and 22B illustrate the same configuration as shown in Figures 16A and 16B respectively, using the fifth embodiment of the refrigeration module 1 . Figures 22C and 22D illustrate alternative configurations enabled by the flexibility and adaptability of the fifth embodiment of the refrigeration module 1 .

As mentioned above, preferably, the first part 100 of the refrigeration module 1 is partially or completely accommodated inside the refrigeration cabinet 2, and the second part 200 of the refrigeration module 1 is partially or completely accommodated outside the refrigeration cabinet 2, to provide optimum performance and power efficiency. However, this configuration is not mandatory, as shown in FIG. 22D (180 degree configuration), where the first part 100 is housed outside the refrigeration cabinet 2 .

It may be noticed that due to its flexible positioning, there are no ducts inside the cabinet for distributing the cool air. Pipes can be joined or unjoined as required. These pipes cause problems related to wall condensation and load loss, the latter being one of the sources of refrigeration system inefficiency.

The above examples represent preferred embodiments; however, it should be understood that the scope of the present invention embraces other possible variations and is limited only by the content of the appended claims, which include all possible equivalents.

Claims (17)

1. A refrigeration module (1) capable of being detachably loaded into a refrigerable chamber, comprising a first part (100) and a second part (200) connected to each other, the first part (100) is in contact with the interior of the refrigerable chamber, The second part (200) is in contact with the outside of the refrigerable chamber, the first part (100) has an evaporator (104), the second part (200) has an interconnected compressor (204), a filter drier (205) and a condenser device (206), the compressor (204) is connected to the evaporator (104) through at least one suction line (12), and the refrigeration module (1) is characterized in that: the first part (100) can be connected through a hinge mechanism ( 300) angular movement relative to the second portion (200). 2. The refrigeration module (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the hinge mechanism (300) can stabilize the first part (100) at any angular position relative to the second part (200). 3. The refrigeration module (1) according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that the first part (100) comprises at least a first cover (102) detachably fitted into the first bottom (103). 4. The refrigeration module (1) according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that the second part (200) comprises at least a second cover (202) detachably fitted into the second bottom (203) . 5. The refrigeration module (1) according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that it comprises an expansion device (11) capable of exchanging heat between the condenser (206) and the evaporator (104). 6. The refrigeration module (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the suction line (12) and the expansion device (11) are flexible. 7. The refrigeration module (1) according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that the first part (100) comprises at least one outlet (107) capable of allowing the refrigerated air to flow to the environment. 8. The refrigeration module (1 ) according to claim 7, characterized in that the first part (100) comprises at least a first fan (106) associated with the outlet (107). 9. The refrigeration module (1) according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that the first part (100) comprises an inlet slit (108) for allowing ambient air to flow into the first part (100). 10. The refrigeration module (1) according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that the second part (200) comprises cooling seams (207) capable of dissipating heat to the environment. 11. The refrigeration module (1) according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that it can be moved along the refrigeration chamber. 12. The refrigeration module (1) according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that it can divide the refrigerated chamber into at least two different spaces, and the refrigeration module (1) can separately cool each space, maintain the chambers at different temperatures, and flow rate control through the first fan (106) enables temperature reversal or variation between the refrigerated volumes. 13. A refrigeration module (1) capable of being detachably loaded into a refrigerated compartment, comprising at least a first part (100) and a second part (200) directly and firmly connected to each other, the first part (100) enabling refrigeration The module (1) is connected to the inside of the refrigerated chamber, the second part (200) connects the refrigeration module (1) to the outside of the refrigerated chamber, the first part (100) has an evaporator (104), the second part (200) With interconnected compressor (204), filter drier (205) and condenser (206), said compressor (204) is connected with said evaporator (104) through at least one suction line (12), refrigeration The module (1) is characterized in that the first part (100) can be fitted into the refrigerable chamber through an assembly part (111) whose cross-section is smaller than the largest cross-section of the second part (200). 14. A refrigeration system (500), the refrigeration system has at least one refrigeration cabinet (2) to accommodate refrigerated items, the refrigeration system (500) is characterized in that it includes at least one refrigeration module (1), and the refrigeration module (1) As defined in claim 1 or 13. 15. The refrigeration system (500) according to Claim 14, characterized in that the refrigeration module (1) is partially accommodated in the rear wall (501) of the refrigeration cabinet (2). 16. The refrigeration system (500) according to Claim 15, characterized in that the refrigeration module (1) can be moved along the rear wall (501) of the refrigeration cabinet (2). 17. A refrigeration module (1) capable of being detachably loaded into a refrigerable chamber, comprising a first part (100) and a second part (200) connected to each other, the first part (100) is in contact with the interior of the refrigerable chamber, The second part (200) is in contact with the outside of the refrigerable chamber, the first part (100) has an evaporator (104), the second part (200) has an interconnected compressor (204), a filter drier (205) and a condenser device (206), the compressor (204) is connected to the evaporator (104) through at least one suction line (12), and the refrigeration module (1) is characterized in that: the first part (100) can be connected through a hinge mechanism ( 300) With angular movement relative to the second part (200), the refrigeration module (1) is capable of dividing the refrigerable chamber into at least two different spaces, the refrigeration module (1) is capable of cooling each space separately, keeping the chamber in Different temperatures, and the flow rate control of the first fan (106) enables the temperature to be reversed or changed between the refrigerated volumes, the first part (100) can be loaded into the refrigerable chamber through the fitting part (111), the part of the fitting part The cross-section is smaller than the largest cross-section of the second portion (200).

Images