US 7,320,226 B2
Freezer with defrost function and method for operating the freezer
Georg Strauss, Giengen (Germany)
Assigned to BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH, Munich (Germany)
Filed on Nov. 04, 2004, as Appl. No. 10/980,968.
Application 10/980968 is a continuation of application No. PCT/EP03/05004, filed on May 13, 2003.
Claims priority of application No. 102 21 904 (DE), filed on May 16, 2002.
Prior Publication US 2005/0066667 A1, Mar. 31, 2005
Int. Cl. F25D 21/06 (2006.01); F25D 29/00 (2006.01)
U.S. Cl. 62—155  [62/151; 62/162] 1 Claim
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of controlling a freezer having a cooling surface, and a heating device for heating and defrosting the cooling surface, a compressor for cooling the freezer, a door providing access to the freezer, a control circuit connected to the heating device, a timer, and a manual defrost button, the method comprising the acts of:
detecting a start time indicating when the compressor is turned on;
detecting an end time indicating when the compressor is turned off;
comparing the start time and end time and calculating an operating time indicating the duration of time the compressor is being operated;
initiating a defrost program if the operating time is greater than a pre-determined value;
initiating the defrost program if the operating time is less than the pre-determined value and the manual defrost button is actuated;
the defrost program comprising:
determining the time of day;
preventing operation of the heating device if the time of day is within a prohibited time interval;
operating the heating device to defrost the freezer if the time of day is within a permitted time interval; and
stopping operation of the heating device and ending the defrost program when the temperature within the freezer is greater than 0 degrees Celsius.