In-the-door compact cooling system for domestic refrigerators

Abstract

A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment. A refrigerator door is operably coupled with the cabinet proximate the refrigerator compartment. A freezer door is operably coupled with the cabinet proximate the refrigerator compartment. A first cooling system is disposed in the refrigerator door. The first cooling system maintains a temperature of the refrigerator compartment at a first temperature. A second cooling system is disposed in the freezer door. The second cooling system maintains the freezer compartment at a second temperature that is different than the first temperature.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A refrigerator comprising:
 a cabinet defining a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment;   a refrigerator door operably coupled with the cabinet proximate the refrigerator compartment;   a freezer door operably coupled with the cabinet proximate the refrigerator compartment; and   a first cooling system disposed in the refrigerator door, wherein the first cooling system maintains a temperature of the refrigerator compartment at a first temperature; and   a second cooling system disposed in the freezer door, wherein the second cooling system maintains the freezer compartment at a second temperature that is different than the first temperature.   
     
     
         2 . The refrigerator of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second cooling systems include a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser, and a capillary tube. 
     
     
         3 . The refrigerator of  claim 2 , wherein the evaporator of the first and second cooling systems is at least partially exposed to the refrigerator cabinet. 
     
     
         4 . The refrigerator of  claim 2 , further comprising:
 a vacuum insulation panel disposed between the evaporator and the condenser.   
     
     
         5 . The refrigerator of  claim 1 , wherein the door includes an ice maker disposed above one of the first and second cooling systems. 
     
     
         6 . A refrigerator comprising:
 a cabinet defining a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment;   a door pivotally coupled with the cabinet;   a first cooling system disposed in the door and in fluid communication with the refrigerator compartment; and   a second cooling system disposed in the door and in fluid communication with the freezer compartment.   
     
     
         7 . The refrigerator of  claim 6 , wherein the first cooling system and the second cooling system include at least one common component. 
     
     
         8 . The refrigerator of  claim 6 , wherein an evaporator is at least partially exposed to at least one of the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment. 
     
     
         9 . The refrigerator of  claim 8 , wherein cool air proximate the evaporator is blown into at least one of the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment. 
     
     
         10 . The refrigerator of  claim 6 , wherein the door includes an ice dispenser disposed above the first and second cooling systems. 
     
     
         11 . The refrigerator of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 a vacuum insulation panel disposed between the evaporator and a condenser.   
     
     
         12 . The refrigerator of  claim 6 , further comprising:
 a cold air vent extending from an upper portion of the freezer compartment to the refrigerator compartment.   
     
     
         13 . A refrigerator comprising:
 a cabinet defining a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment;   a door assembly coupled with the cabinet;   a cooling system disposed in the door assembly and in fluid communication with the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment; and   an ice maker disposed in the door proximate the cooling system.   
     
     
         14 . The refrigerator of  claim 13 , wherein the cooling system includes a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser, and a capillary tube. 
     
     
         15 . The refrigerator of  claim 14 , wherein the evaporator is at least partially exposed to one of the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment. 
     
     
         16 . The refrigerator of  claim 15 , wherein cool air proximate the evaporator is blown into both the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment. 
     
     
         17 . The refrigerator of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 a warm air discharge disposed at an exterior portion of the door assembly proximate the bottom of the door.   
     
     
         18 . The refrigerator of  claim 13 , wherein the door assembly includes an ice dispenser disposed below the ice maker. 
     
     
         19 . The refrigerator of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 a vacuum insulation panel disposed between the evaporator and the condenser.   
     
     
         20 . The refrigerator of  claim 13 , wherein the door assembly includes first and second doors pivotally coupled with the cabinet.