Anti-fog refrigeration door and method of making the same

Abstract

The energy-free refrigeration door of the present application provides a way to control condensation when the door of a refrigeration unit is opened by providing thermal insulation to the door with glass panels which have a low emissivity coating. The door includes a door frame housing and an insulating glass unit comprising inner, middle and outer sheets of glass. A first sealant assembly disposed around the periphery of the inner and middle sheets of glass forms a first chamber between the inner and middle sheets of glass. A second sealant assembly disposed around the periphery of the middle and outer sheets of glass forms a second chamber between the middle and outer sheets of glass. A gas, such as krypton, air, or argon is held in the first and second chambers. The outer sheet of glass and inner sheet of glass each have an unexposed surface that faces the middle sheet of glass. A low emissivity coating is disposed on the unexposed surfaces of the inner and outer sheets of glass so that the glass door as a whole avoids formation of condensation on the outer surface of the outer sheet of the glass door, without the application of electricity to heat the door, while also providing the desired evaporation rate of condensation from the inner side of the inner sheet of the glass door. An anti-fog or anti-frost coating is included on a surface of one of the sheets of glass.

Description

[0001] This application is US Patent Application 11 filed September 20, 2005 claiming priority to US Provisional Application 60 / 610964, filed September 20, 2004, and US Provisional Application 60 / 700308, filed July 19, 2005 / 229835, all of which are incorporated in this application in their entirety. technical field [0002] The present invention relates generally to refrigerated doors, insulating glass units and refrigeration systems, and more particularly to anti-fog or anti-frost energy-free refrigerated doors which provide condensation control, insulation and desired levels of visibility. More specifically, the refrigerated door of the present invention achieves these desired characteristics by applying a low emissivity coating without requiring an electrically heated door and by applying an anti-fog / anti-frost coating or film. Throughout the present application the term "refrigeration door" means doors for freezers, refrigerators and similar appliances and cabinets. In a...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

In order to achieve the required precise control of the door heating system, an electronic control system is required, which will increase design and manufacturing costs, as well as significant operating and maintenance costs

[0013] Fourth, these electrically heated glass doors are a safety hazard to consumers, as well as a potential hazard to the reliability and reputation of retailers and manufacturers of refrigeration systems

Also, anti-fog properties are often lost after brief blistering or repeated cleaning

In addition, known anti-fog products that work by absorbing condensation can also saturate and fail under very humid conditions, at least in part because of their high state of expansion

Also, these products can scratch or stain easily and do not conform or resist common solvents well

Also, typical anti-fog products suffer from common coating issues such as water dripping, flow, dust entrapment, and chemical microcracking

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