초록 ▼

Thermal breakers and door seal arrangements for refrigerators and the like are described that provide a floating magnet within the breaker. The floating magnet is capable of lateral movement within a compartment in the breaker. In the case of a misaligned refrigerator or freezer door, the floating m

Thermal breakers and door seal arrangements for refrigerators and the like are described that provide a floating magnet within the breaker. The floating magnet is capable of lateral movement within a compartment in the breaker. In the case of a misaligned refrigerator or freezer door, the floating magnet will adjust its position within the breaker compartment to become properly aligned with the magnetic elements in the door gasket. Magnetic attraction will assist this adjustment in the breaker magnet. The floating magnet is asymmetrical so that it cannot be inadvertently installed in a reversed position. The breaker assembly provides a plastic extrusion that retains the floating magnet and a post condenser loop element in contact with the outward-facing wall of the breaker. The post condenser loop circulates heated condenser fluid from the refrigeration mechanism along the outward-facing wall of the breaker, thereby helping to evaporate excess condensation and reducing or eliminating "sweating" on the breaker. The extrusion is a single molded piece that engages the breaker assembly in a snap-fit manner.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A refrigerator comprising:a refrigerator cabinet body that encloses a compartment; a door operatively associated with the body to selectively enclose the compartment; a first magnetic element fixedly secured to a portion of the door; a thermal breaker assembly incorporated into the cabinet body,

1. A refrigerator comprising:a refrigerator cabinet body that encloses a compartment; a door operatively associated with the body to selectively enclose the compartment; a first magnetic element fixedly secured to a portion of the door; a thermal breaker assembly incorporated into the cabinet body, the thermal breaker assembly comprising: a non-metallic contact sealing surface to receive a sealing element associated with the door; a chamber defined behind the contact sealing surface for retaining a magnetic element therein; and an asymmetrical second magnetic element disposed within the chamber, the second magnetic element being laterally moveable within the chamber to become aligned with the first magnetic element.