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 ).

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)