Two speed control circuit for a refrigerator fan
US5657638A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 2, 1995 |
| Grant date | Aug 19, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 2, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25B2600/112
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An apparatus for driving a fan as part of a refrigerator is disclosed. The refrigerator has a compartment, a compressor, an evaporator and a condenser. A temperature sensor is positioned in association with the compartment and outputs a sensed temperature signal as a function of the temperature in the compartment. The apparatus includes a reference circuit which provides a desired temperature signal representative of a desired temperature. A comparator compares the desired temperature signal and the sensed temperature signal and generates a cool signal when the compartment temperature is above the desired temperature. A timer times out an elapsed period of time commencing when the cool signal is generated. A motor includes a rotatable assembly in driving relation to the fan. A control circuit controls operation of the motor as a function of the sensed temperature signal and the elapsed period. Related apparatus and methods are also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.