Modular Compressor Cooling Unit, Appliance, and Method Therefore

Abstract

Present embodiments relate to an appliance. More specifically, but without limitation, the present embodiments relate to a modular compressor cooling unit for a kitchen appliance, and a method therefore which allows a single cabinet to be utilized for two types of appliance cooling systems.

1 . A cooling appliance, comprising:
 a cabinet having a plurality of sides and defining an interior space for cooling of food;   an opening in a rear surface of the cabinet;   a molded duct sized to fit within said opening, said molded duct disposed within said opening;   an airflow pathway formed integrally through said molded duct;   at least one cooling mechanical connected to said molded duct;   wherein said cabinet is capable of use with both of a compression cooling system and an absorption cooling system.   
     
     
         2 . The cooling appliance of  claim 1 , further comprising an opening on a forward-facing side of said cabinet, and comprising at least one door for access to the interior space. 
     
     
         3 . The cooling appliance of  claim 2 , said at least one door being two doors. 
     
     
         4 . The cooling appliance of  claim 1 , said molded duct being formed of a foam material. 
     
     
         5 . The cooling appliance of  claim 4 , wherein said foam material is a polyurethane foam. 
     
     
         6 . The cooling appliance of  claim 5 , said molded duct further comprising a drain. 
     
     
         7 . The cooling appliance of  claim 1 , said at least one cooling mechanical comprising an evaporator. 
     
     
         8 . The cooling appliance of  claim 1 , said airflow pathway comprising a first airflow pathway and a second airflow pathway. 
     
     
         9 . The cooling appliance of  claim 8 , said cabinet having a fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment. 
     
     
         10 . The cooling appliance of  claim 9 , one of said first and second airflow pathways corresponding to said fresh food compartment and the other of said first and second airflow pathways corresponding to said freezer compartment. 
     
     
         11 . The cooling appliance of  claim 9 , wherein said at least one cooling mechanical serves both of said fresh food compartment and said freezer compartment. 
     
     
         12 . A plug for a cooling appliance, comprising:
 a foam body having a shape capable of fitting in an aperture of a cabinet of an appliance;   east one airflow pathway molded integrally in said foam body;   at least one edge of said foam body being tapered for an interference fit;   a cooling mechanical disposed on said foam body for interaction with airflow moving through said at least one airflow pathway.   
     
     
         13 . The plug of  claim 12 , further comprising a cut-out portion sized to receive at least a portion of an air exchanger. 
     
     
         14 . The plug of  claim 13 , said cut-out portion having angled surfaces to move condensation to a drain formed in said foam body. 
     
     
         15 . A method of forming an appliance, comprising:
 providing a cabinet for said appliance;   forming an opening in a rear area of said cabinet;   providing a plug defining an airflow ducting integrally formed in a molded duct and at least one cooling mechanical for said appliance, wherein the molded duct comprises either a compression system cooling mechanical or an absorption system cooling mechanical, and wherein the cabinet is capable of being used with both absorption and compression cooling systems;   positioning said molded duct in said opening to provide cooling function for an interior of said cabinet.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , forming a fresh food portion and a freezer portion in said cabinet. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , servicing both of said fresh food portion and said freezer portion with said at least one cooling mechanical.