Inventors:
Brian S. Kim - Carson CA, US
International Classification:
F25D 17/06, F25D 23/02
Abstract:
A refrigerator comprises an enclosure that is cooled below a predetermined temperature, a refrigeration circuit that keeps the temperature of the enclosure below the predetermined temperature, a door that provides access into the enclosure and a pressure equalizing device that equalizes the pressure inside the enclosure with the pressure outside the enclosure. The pressure equalizing device comprises a communication path that fluid-communicates the inside of the enclosure with the outside of the enclosure, and a valve device that opens or closes the communication path. The valve device opens the communication path when the air pressure outside the enclosure is greater than the air pressure inside the enclosure by a predetermined value. The valve device comprises a pivoting plate that is pivoted around a horizontal axis, and an opening that is open to air outside the enclosure. The pivoting plate covers the opening.