EP2176605A2

EP2176605A2 - Refrigeration device and method for maintaining a constant predefined temperature in a refrigeration compartment of the refrigeration device

Info

Publication number: EP2176605A2
Application number: EP08774288A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Juan Antonio Calvillo; Salvador Manuel Garcia Santamaria; José GONZALEZ VIAN; David Astrain Ulibarrena; Francisco Javier Aleman Ezcaray
Original assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
Current assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Priority date: 2007-06-29
Filing date: 2008-06-25
Publication date: 2010-04-21
Also published as: CN101720416A; ES2330493A1; RU2465523C2; WO2009003893A2; RU2010101737A; WO2009003893A3; ES2330493B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a refrigeration device (10) comprising: at least one first refrigeration compartment (22) and at least one second refrigeration compartment (24), separated by a heat insulating partition (26); at least one refrigeration machine (34) comprising a heat dissipation system that is connected to the exterior of the refrigeration device (10) for cooling the first refrigeration compartment (22) to a first temperature (T1) by the dissipation of a first main heat flow (QH1) from the first refrigeration compartment (22) to the exterior of the refrigeration device (10); a refrigeration device for cooling the second refrigeration compartment (24) to a second temperature (T2) by the dissipation of a second main heat flow (QH2); and a heat transport unit (36; 40) for the controlled transport of an auxiliary heat flow (QAux) from the second refrigeration compartment (24) to the first refrigeration compartment (22), or vice versa, in order to maintain the second temperature (T2) at a predefined target temperature (T2SOLL).

Description

Refrigeration apparatus and method for keeping constant a predetermined temperature in a cold room of the refrigerator

The present invention relates to a refrigerator and to a method for keeping a predetermined temperature in a cooling space of the refrigerator constant.

Cooling machines for refrigerators, especially for household refrigerators, are usually compression refrigerators with a compressor. Due to the required in this type of refrigerating machine shutdown and switch-on of the

Compressor are temperature changes inside the refrigerator, i. in its cold rooms, generated by up to +/- 8K. There is thus no constant temperature in the cold rooms. The said temperature fluctuations can lead to damage to the respective stored in the refrigerator products, such as drugs or food. For example, these damages can damage the internal structure of foods and adversely affect the quality of food. Especially for sensitive

Foods such as fish, meat, fruits are detrimental to such temperature changes, so that the shelf life of foods can be significantly shortened.

There are known household refrigeration appliances which have a refrigerated compartment in which the compression refrigerating machine cools the refrigerator compartment to a temperature of approximately 0 ⁰ C to improve the preservation of certain foods. However, it has been found that in these household refrigerators, the temperature in this compartment varies by about +/- 2.5 K, which is also not suitable for the storage of sensitive food. In addition, thermoelectric chillers are known which allow a good temperature control inside. However, these chillers have a very low coefficient of performance or a low efficiency, which results in a high power consumption and therefore brings disadvantages from an environmental point of view.

The object of the invention is to provide a refrigeration device and a method which makes it possible to combine the advantages of the good coefficient of performance of the compression refrigeration machines with the advantages of better temperature control of the thermoelectric refrigerators, without increasing the total energy consumption compared to conventional refrigerators or methods To keep a predetermined cooling temperature as accurately as possible, and to ensure the longest possible and reliable storage of stored products.

This object is achieved by a refrigeration device having the features of patent claim 1.

This refrigeration device according to the invention is provided with: at least one first cooling space and at least one second cooling space, which are separated from each other by a heat-insulating partition wall; at least one refrigerator having a heat dissipation system connected to the outside environment of the refrigerator for cooling the first refrigerator to a first temperature by deriving a first main heat flow from the first refrigerator to the outside of the refrigerator; a refrigerator for cooling the second refrigerator to a second temperature by deriving a second main heat flow; and a heat transport means for controllably transporting an auxiliary heat flow from the second cooling space into the first cooling space, or vice versa, for keeping the second temperature at a predetermined set temperature constant. The refrigeration device according to the invention, which is a kind of hybrid refrigeration device, makes it possible to combine the advantages of the good coefficient of performance of conventional refrigerating machines, in particular compression refrigeration machines, with the advantages of better temperature control of the thermoelekthschen refrigerating machines, without the total energy consumption compared to conventional refrigerators or methods to increase. Furthermore, the refrigeration device according to the invention allows to comply with predetermined cooling temperatures very accurately, ie to keep constant, and thus to ensure a longer and more reliable shelf life of stored products.

The (auxiliary) heat transport device is preferably an active, thermoelekthsche heat transport device, but is not limited to these. The thermoelectric heat transport device is either in or on the partition, penetrating it, or placed anywhere on or in the refrigerator, such as a side wall, rear wall or door, and allows targeted heat transfer of auxiliary heat flow between the respective cooling chambers. Targeted or controlled heat transfer of an auxiliary heat flow means here that the amount of heat, the duration and the direction of the heat transport of the auxiliary heat flow can be controlled exactly. The partition, as well as the other walls defining the refrigerator, are preferably made of heat-insulating material.

The refrigerator having the heat dissipation system connected to the outside of the refrigerator is preferably a compression refrigerator. However, the invention is not limited to this type of refrigerator. The refrigerator is connected to a heat dissipation system in communication with the outside environment, so that the first refrigerator compartment can be cooled to a first predetermined temperature by dissipating a heat flow into the outside environment. Preferably, this chiller and the second cooling chamber to the second predetermined Cool the temperature. The cooling machine and the thermoelectric heat transport device can, preferably in cooperation, cool the respective cooling chambers to predetermined different or identical temperatures and keep these temperatures constant. This is done with the aid of the (thermoelectric) heat transport device which controls an auxiliary heat flow from the corresponding cooling space in which the temperature is to be kept constant. In addition, the chiller and the thermoelectric heat transport device can be operated in interaction with each other, so that the one of the two chillers can dissipate the additional heat generated by the operation of the other chiller. As a result, the temperature rise is minimized when switching off one of the two chillers. Through a thermal bridge between the individual cold rooms also the heat flow between the cold rooms is controlled so that temperature fluctuations are minimized.

Advantageously, the thermoelectric heat transport device has at least one Peltier element and at least one heat exchanger system, which can be provided, for example, with two heat sinks as heat exchanger elements per Peltier element. As a result, a lower temperature can be generated in at least one of the cooling chambers than in the other cooling chamber.

Advantageously, the Peltier element is mounted directly on one of the heat exchanger elements and is connected via a heat-conducting layer or a heat-conducting element with the other heat exchanger elements. In this way, the Peltier element is located in the bulkhead or sidewall, allowing for heat transfer between the cold rooms. Thermal conduction here means that the thermal conductivity of the element is significantly higher than that of the surrounding material or insulating material. Advantageously, the chiller is adapted to dissipate the additional heat generated by the operation of the (thermoelectric) heat transport means, thereby preventing a rise in temperature in the chilled space into which the heat is transported by the thermoelectric heat transport means.

Advantageously, the refrigerator according to the invention has a control device for controlling the heat transport device and / or the chiller. In this way, the refrigerating machine and the heat transporting device may be e.g. be controlled so that the chiller is in operation when the heat transport device is in operation, thereby making it possible to keep the predetermined temperatures, especially in the second cooling chambers constant. Moreover, by means of the control device, e.g. the temperatures in the cooling compartments are predetermined or preselected, and the transport direction and the size of the auxiliary heat flow are controlled. The control device can interact with sensors, in particular temperature sensors in the cooling compartments.

The object underlying the invention is further solved by a

Method with the features of claim 16.

This method of keeping a predetermined temperature constant in one

Refrigerator of a refrigerator, which refrigeration device has at least two separate cooling chambers, comprises the following steps, but not necessarily in the following order: a) cooling of the first cooling chamber to a first temperature T1 through

Deriving a first main heat flow from the first cooling space in the

B) cooling the second cooling space to a second temperature 12, and c) keeping at least the second temperature T 2 in the second cooling space 24 at a predetermined desired temperature by controlled Transporting an auxiliary heat flow, which is preferably considerably smaller than at least the first main heat flow, from the first cooling chamber via a predetermined transport path in the second cooling space, and / or vice versa, when the second temperature deviates from the target temperature, until the second temperature T2 corresponds to the target temperature.

Essentially the same advantages can be achieved with the method according to the invention that have already been explained above in connection with the refrigerating appliance according to the invention.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims, which find their support in the following description and the drawings.

Further features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings. It shows:

Fig. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to a first

Embodiment of the invention, comprising a device for keeping a predetermined temperature constant;

Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the changes in temperature over time in a cold room of a conventional household refrigerator equipped with a compression refrigerating machine and the temperature behavior over time of an inventive

Refrigerating device represents; and

Fig. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to a second

Embodiment of the invention, with essential components of the device for keeping a predetermined temperature constant. 1 shows a cross-sectional partial view of a refrigeration device 10 according to the invention according to a first embodiment, which is, for example, a household refrigerator and / or a freezer. The refrigeration device 10 has a housing 12. The housing 12 has an outer panel 14, a heat insulating layer 16 and an inner panel 18. In the housing 12 cooling chambers are formed, of which in Fig. 1, only a first cooling chamber 22 and a second cooling chamber 24 (constant temperature cooling chamber 24) to see are. The first and the second cooling chamber 22, 24 are separated by a heat-insulating partition 26 from each other. The partition wall 26 extends between side walls 28 of the refrigeration device 10. The partition wall 26 likewise has the insulation layer 16. The partition wall 26 has a first side 30 which faces the first cooling space 22, and a second side 32 which faces the second cooling space 24. The partition wall 26 can also close tightly via sealing lips (not shown) with a door of the refrigeration device 10. In this case, the cooling chambers can be arranged such that cooling chambers are arranged at a slightly higher temperature above the cooling chambers at a slightly lower temperature, so that an unavoidable heat flow from bottom to top has no effect on the durability of the stored products. The second cooling space 24 preferably has a smaller volume than the first cooling space 22.

The refrigerator 10 further includes a refrigerator 34, which in this case is a compression refrigerator, but the invention is not limited to this type of refrigerator. The refrigerator 34 has a heat dissipation system connected to the outside environment of the refrigerator 10 for cooling the first refrigerator compartment 22 to a first temperature T1 by diverting a first main heat flow Qm from the first refrigerator compartment 22 to the external environment of the refrigerator 10 only an evaporator 38 is shown in the drawing. The evaporator 38 is arranged in one of the side walls 28 of the refrigeration device 12 in the region of the first cooling space 22. Further, the refrigeration device 10 is equipped with a refrigerator for cooling the second cooling chamber 24 to a second temperature T2 by deriving a second main heat flow Q _H2 . In this embodiment, the chiller 34 for cooling the first cooling chamber 22 to the first temperature T1 and the chiller for cooling the second cooling chamber 24 to the second temperature T2 separate chillers. In at least one embodiment of the invention, the chiller (here: 34) for cooling the first cooling space 22 to the first temperature T1 and the chiller for cooling the second cooling space 24 to the second temperature T2 but also the same chiller (eg the chiller 34) be.

In addition, the refrigeration device 10 is equipped with an (auxiliary) heat transport device 36 for the controlled transporting of an auxiliary heat flow CW from the second cooling space 24 into the first cooling space 22, or vice versa, for _keeping the second temperature T2 at a predetermined set temperature T2 _Sθ ιι- The heat transport device 36 is a thermoelekthsche in the present embodiment

Heat transport device 36.

The thermoelectric heat transport device 36 has at least one Peltier element 40. A Peltier element is a component that generates a temperature difference when current flows through, or a current flow at temperature difference. Two metals with different energy of the conduction bands are in contact. If electricity is passed through two contact points lying one behind the other, heat energy is absorbed on one contact point. Consequently, it comes at this contact point to cool. At the other contact point, the heat energy is released. Consequently, there is a heat increase at this contact point. If the warm side, for example, via a heat exchanger elements, cooled, the cooling side is even colder. Any other heat transport system can be used instead of the Peltier element which performs the same function or is suitable to transport heat from one place to another.

The transport direction of the heat transport device 36 is reversible, which can be done in the case of the Peltier element 40 by simply reversing an electrical current, which supplies the Peltier element 40 with electrical energy.

The heat transport device 36 has a heat exchanger system for exchanging heat energy between the first cooling space 22 and the second cooling space 24. The heat exchange system here has at least two heat exchanger elements 42, 44, of which the first (42) the first cooling space 22 and the second (44) associated with the second cooling space 24. More specifically, the first heat exchanger element 42 is disposed on the first side 30 of the partition wall 26 while the second heat exchanger element 44 is disposed on the second side 32 of the partition wall 26. As a result, the first and the second heat exchanger element 42, 44 are thus arranged on both sides of the partition wall 26.

As shown in Fig. 1, in the partition wall 26, a heat conductor 46 is provided with a relation to the partition wall 26 high thermal conductivity, which forms a predetermined, localized thermal bridge 46 in the partition 26 or at least a substantial portion of the thermal bridge 46. And the thermoelectric heat transport device 36, 40 is disposed in the region of the thermal bridge 46. The auxiliary heat flow CW can be transported across the thermal bridge 46 by means of the heat transport device 36, 40. The Peltier element 40 is arranged on the first heat exchanger element 42 such that the Peltier element 40 is located in the partition wall 26. The first heat exchanger element 42 is arranged on the warm side of the Peltier element 40. Between the Peltier element 40 and the second heat exchanger element 44, the heat conductor 46 is arranged in the partition 26. The heat conductor 46 extends from the second Heat exchanger element 44, extending in the partition wall 26, to the Peltier element 40. The Peltier element 40 is thus disposed between or on the heat exchanger elements 42, 44 and within the partition wall 26 and thermally conductively connected via the heat conductor 46 with the heat exchanger elements 42, 44 , In this way, the heat conductor 46 serves as a kind of extension of the cooling side of the Peltier element 40. The heat conductor 46 has in its relative to the thickness of the partition wall 26 defined heat passage direction on a cross-sectional area, preferably smaller or considerably smaller than a respective Cross-sectional area of the first and second heat exchanger element 42, 44 in the same direction. As a thermal conductor can serve as a small aluminum block or the like, for example.

In the present example, the heat transport device 36, 40 arranged in the region of the thermal bridge 46 is at the same time the chiller for cooling the second cooling chamber 24 to the second temperature T2 (or can at least act as such a chiller), as will be described in more detail below. The cooling machine 34 has a heat removal device for discharging at least part of a waste heat generated during operation of the heat transport device 36.

The refrigeration device 10 has a control device for controlling the heat transport device 36 and / or the chiller 34. Temperature sensors (not shown) for detecting a temperature in the respective chilling chambers 22, 24 are connected to the control device. With the help of the control device and the temperatures in the respective cooling chambers 22, 24 can be set or adjusted and regulated. Next, the refrigerator 10, not shown, electrical connections for the power supply of the refrigerator, the thermoelectric heat transport device 36, the control device and other electrical components of the refrigerator 10 on. In the refrigeration device 10, the number of components can be based on the need for cooling rooms and the performance of the refrigerator. Thus, a further chiller for cooling the second cooling chamber 24 may be provided. A plurality of multiple compartment thermoelectric heat transport means 36 may be provided to produce a plurality of different temperatures in the respective cold rooms. The components of the thermoelectric heat transport device 36 may be arranged such that they allow a heat transfer into a cooling chamber with a lower temperature than the other cooling chambers, such as a freezer compartment. In this way it is possible to specifically promote heat in this refrigerator, so that frost formation can be prevented in this refrigerator. Alternatively, the components of the thermoelectric heat transport device can be arranged such that they allow a heat transfer in each refrigerator or the direction of heat transfer can be changed, so that the cooling chambers can also be supplied with heat as needed. This can be used not only to keep constant the respective temperature in the respective refrigerator, but also eg for defrost functions or to avoid frost formation.

The operation of the refrigerator 10 according to the invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. By means of this refrigeration device 10, an inventive method for keeping constant a predetermined temperature in at least one cooling chamber of a refrigerator 10 executable, which has at least two separate cooling chambers 22, 24.

2 shows a diagram illustrating the changes in temperature with time in a cold room of a conventional domestic refrigeration appliance equipped with a compression refrigeration machine and the temperature behavior over time of a refrigeration appliance 10 according to the invention. By means of the compression refrigerating machine 34, the refrigerating chambers 22, 24 are cooled to a predetermined temperature T1 (where food can be kept refrigerated). For this purpose, the heat in the first cooling space 22 is removed by the compression refrigeration machine 34 in a main heat flow Qm via the evaporator 38 and the heat dissipation system into the outside environment of the refrigeration device 10. Due to the cyclical shutdown and turn on of the compressor of the compression refrigerator 34, temperature changes, as shown in Fig. 2 arise. That is, the compression refrigerating machine 34 ensures that the temperature T1 is "coarse" by regulating the first main heat flow Qm, that is, with respect to a first set temperature (T1 _Sθ ιι) in a predetermined temperature fluctuation range of about +/- 8 K varying can be held.

If the second cooling space 24 is to be cooled to a temperature T2 which, for example, is lower than the temperature T1 in the first cooling space 22, a corresponding temperature T2 _Sθ ιι is set via the control device. Then, an electric voltage is applied to the Peltier element 40, or a power supply circuit of the Peltier element 40 is closed. The first heat exchanger element 42 ensures that the cooling side of the Peltier element 40 is even cooler. In this way, the temperature in the second cooling _chamber 24 is lowered to the temperature T2 = T2 _Sθ ιι. In this case, heat is first removed from the second cooling space 24 by a second main heat flow Q _H2 via the heat conductor 46 in the direction of the first cooling space 22. In this case, a heat flow from the second cooling space 24 in the direction of the first cooling space 22 occurs. The heat generated on the warm side of the Peltier element 40 and the heat contained in the first cooling space 22 is dissipated via the evaporator 38 and the heat dissipation system of the compression refrigerating machine 34. Due to the heat dissipation is in the second cooling _chamber 24, the predetermined temperature T2 _Sθ ιι a. Although, in the present example, the compression chiller 34 has been used to cool down the second refrigeration compartment to the temperature T1, it is the same It is also possible to cool the second cooling space 24 "roughly" to the temperature T2 by means of the compression cooling machine 34. Also, if required, only the thermoelectric heat transporting device 36 can be used for cooling down to the temperature T2, this variant is particularly preferred when the second cooling space 24 The compression refrigerating machine 34 and the heat transporting device 36 may also be used together to cool to the temperature T2.

The second temperature T2 in the second cooling _chamber 24 is now kept constant at the predetermined target temperature T2 _Sθι by using the heat transport device 36 or its Peltier element 40 an auxiliary heat flow Q _Au χ, which is preferably considerably smaller than the first Main heat flow Qm and / or the second main heat flow Q _H2 , controlled by the first cooling chamber 22 via a predetermined transport path 46 (ie here the thermal bridge 46) is transported into the second cooling space 24, and / or vice versa. This is of course only necessary if the second temperature T2 (substantially) deviates from the setpoint temperature T2 _Sθ ιι, and is carried out until the second temperature T2 within a very narrow tolerance width of preferably about +/- 0.2 K. the setpoint temperature T2 _Sθ ιι corresponds. The temperature control takes place here by means of said control device.

Since the second cooling space 24 in the present example should be colder than the first cooling space 22 (ie T2 <T1), the auxiliary heat flow Q _AUX for cooling the cooling space 24 will therefore generally flow in the direction of the first cooling space 22.

If the temperature in the second cooling chamber 24 is lowered to the predetermined temperature T2, ie T2 = T2 _Sθ ιι, the Peltier element 40 must first no longer be supplied with electric current. As a result, the evaporator 38 only has to dissipate the heat from the first cooling space 22. For the said constant maintenance of at least the temperature T2 at the setpoint temperature T2 _Sθ ιι the thermoelectric heat transport means 36 allows on the one hand a supply of a certain (here: thermoelectric) auxiliary heat energy (quantity) We by the auxiliary heat flow Q _Aux from the second cooling chamber 24th in the first cooling _chamber 22, when the temperature T2 is greater than T2 _Sθ ιι, whereby a temperature rise in the second cooling chamber 24 is attenuated. The auxiliary power We will therefore be supplied on the side of the first cooling chamber 22 when the second temperature T2 is higher than the setpoint temperature T2 _Sθ ιι.

On the other hand, however, the thermoelectric heat transport device 36 also allows a targeted heat transfer by the auxiliary heat flow Q _Aux from the first cooling chamber 22 into the second cooling _chamber 24, if the temperature T2 should be less than T2 _Sθ ιι. The auxiliary power We is then supplied to the side of the second cooling space 24. This is too strong

Lowering the temperature in the second cooling chamber 24 damped. This can be done by controlled reversal of the electrical current which causes the Peltier

Element 40 supplies, and by controlling the power and / or

Duty cycle of the Peltier element 40.

The power and the control of the compression refrigerating machine 34 are designed so that the heat generated in operation of the Peltier element 40 and the heat in the first cooling chamber 22 are dissipated together.

As a result, the temperature T1 is also kept constant in the first cooling space 22, that is to say preferably in a temperature fluctuation range of

+/- 0.2 K based on the predetermined temperature T1 _Sθ ιι- In this way, there is a constant temperature difference between the first cooling chamber 22 and the second cooling chamber 24. Also, the chiller 34 is adapted to the first and the second main heat flow Q _H i and Q _H2 together in the

Dissipate outside environment of the refrigerator, for example, if the temperature T2 _Sθ ιι is already set on cooling to the temperature T1. The auxiliary heat flow Q _Aux transported into the first cooling space 22 is diverted partially or completely through the first main heat flow Q _H i into the outside environment of the refrigeration appliance 10, so that the first temperature T1 is substantially unchanged by the auxiliary heat flow Q _Au χ remains.

The performance and control of the thermoelekthschen heat transport device and the chiller and the heat transport device can be designed as needed. For example, the performance of the chiller may be designed to be permanently in operation. The performance of the chiller may also be designed such that the temperature in the cold rooms is identical. By means of a temperature difference between the cooling chambers, electric current can also be generated by means of the thermoelectric heat transport device. This electrical current can in turn be used for certain components of the thermoelectric heat transport device and / or the refrigeration device.

3 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a refrigerator 10 according to the invention, which is a household refrigerator and / or freezer, wherein the same reference numerals are used for the same components as in FIG. Only the differences from the first embodiment will be described.

In the refrigerator 10 according to the second embodiment, the thermoelekthsche heat transport device 36 is disposed in the side wall 28 so that the first heat exchanger element 42 is located in a region of the second cooling chamber 24 in the side wall 28, and the second heat exchanger element 44 in a region of the first cooling space 22 in the side wall 28. As a result, the first and the second heat exchanger element 42, 44 are arranged above or below the partition wall 26 in the side wall 28. The first heat exchanger element 42 is arranged on the warm side of the Peltier element 40 such that the Peltier element 40 in the side wall 28 located. Between the Peltier element 40 and the second heat exchanger element 44, an elongated heat conductor 46 is arranged as a thermal bridge in the side wall 28. The heat conductor 46 extends from the second heat exchanger element 44, extending in the side wall 28, to the Peltier element 40. In this way, the heat conductor 46 serves as a kind of extension of the cooling side of the Peltier element 40. Also in this embodiment is provided in that the temperature T2 in the second cooling space 24 is set lower than the temperature T1 in the first cooling space 22. The second cooling space 24 may even serve as a freezer compartment, while the first cooling room 22 merely serves as a cooling compartment. For this purpose, the evaporator 38 may be arranged in the second cooling space 24, as can be seen in FIG. 3.

The operation of the second embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment. If necessary, heat may also be applied from the first cooling space 22 by means of the auxiliary heat flow CW. the refrigerating compartment, into the second refrigerator compartment 24, i. in the freezer compartment, to be transported. In this way it is possible to promote a targeted heat energy (quantity) We in the second cooling chamber 24, so that a frost formation in this freezer compartment 24 can be prevented. It should be noted that the heat transfer by means of the thermoelekthschen heat transport means 36 are preferably only small amounts of heat, which serve to keep the temperature constant, so that the temperature T2 in the freezer compartment 24, if heat is transported into this , but can be kept lower overall than in the cooling space 22, from which heat is removed in this case.

Alternatively, the components of the (thermoelectric) chiller 36 can be arranged and controlled such that they allow a heat transfer, in particular by means of the auxiliary heat flow CW in each cooling chamber 22, 24 or the direction of this heat transfer can be changed, so that the cooling chambers 22, 24 can be supplied specifically with cold or heat. In particular, the components can be arranged such that they have a Heat transfer as in the first embodiment allow, ie preferably from the second cooling chamber 24 in the first cooling chamber 22. In this case, the heat flow does not pass through the separation 26, but via the heat conductor 46 in the side wall 28. Alternatively, the components of the thermoelekthschen heat transport device 36 also be arranged in a rear wall or in a door of the refrigerator.

In the refrigerator of Fig. 3, the number of components may also be based on the need for cold rooms and the performance of the refrigerator. Thus, a plurality of thermoelectric heat transport devices may be provided for multiple compartments, e.g. to produce several different temperatures in the respective cold rooms.

The performance and control of the (thermoelectric) heat transport device and the chiller can be designed as needed. For example, the performance of the chiller may be designed to be permanently in operation. The performance of the chiller may also be designed such that the temperature in the cold rooms is identical. Due to the temperature difference between the cooling chambers thermoelectrically and electric current can be generated. This electrical current can in turn be used for certain components of the thermoelectric heat transport device.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Within the scope of the claims, the refrigeration device according to the invention and the method according to the invention may, on the contrary, also assume embodiments other than those specifically described above. In particular, the first temperature T1 and second temperature T2 may be the same or different. The derivation of the first main heat flow Qm and / or the second main heat flow Q _H2 can in particular be intermittent respectively. The controlled transport of the auxiliary heat flow CW can be performed permanently or intermittently.

Reference signs in the claims, the description and the drawings are only for the better understanding of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10 refrigerators

12 housing

14 outer lining

16 insulation layer

18 interior paneling

22 First refrigerator

24 Second refrigerator

26 partition

28 side walls

30 First page

32 Second page

34 chiller

36 heat transport device

38 evaporator

40 peltier element

42 First heat exchanger element

44 second heat exchanger element

46 heat conductor

Qm First main heat flow

QH ₂ Second main heat flow

QAUX auxiliary heat flow

We heat energy

Claims

claims

1. refrigeration device (10) having at least a first cooling space (22) and at least one second cooling space (24), which are separated by a heat-insulating partition (26) from each other; at least one chiller (34) with a connected to the outside of the refrigerator (10)

Heat removal system, for cooling the first cooling chamber (22) to a first temperature (T1) by deriving a first main heat flow

(Qm) from the first cooling room (22) in the outside of the refrigerator (10); a chiller for cooling the second cooling space (24) to a second temperature (T2) by deriving a second main heat flow (QH2); and heat transfer means (36, 40) for controllably transporting an auxiliary heat flow (Q _AUX ) from the second cooling space (24) into the first cooling space (22), or vice versa, for keeping the second temperature (T2) at a predetermined set temperature ( T2 _Sθ ιι) -

2. Refrigerating appliance (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the chiller (34) for cooling the first cooling space (22) to the first temperature (T1) and the chiller for cooling the second cooling space (24) to the second temperature ( T2) is the same chiller (34).

3. Refrigerating appliance (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cooling machine (34) for cooling the first cooling space (22) to the first temperature (T1) and the chiller for cooling the second Refrigerator (24) to the second temperature (T2) are separate chillers.

4. Refrigerating appliance (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a predetermined, localized thermal bridge (46) in the partition wall (26) is provided; the heat transport device (36; 40) is arranged in the region of the thermal bridge (46) and the auxiliary heat flow (Q _AUX ) can be transported by the heat transport device (36; 40) via the thermal bridge (46).

5. Refrigerating appliance (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the cooling machine for cooling the second cooling space (24) to the second temperature (T2) in the region of the thermal bridge (46) arranged heat transport means (36; 40).

6. Refrigerating appliance (10) according to one of the aforementioned claims, characterized in that the transport direction of the heat transport device (36) is reversible.

7. Refrigerating appliance (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heat transport device (36) is a thermoelekthsche heat transport device (36).

8. Refrigerating appliance (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the thermoelectric heat transport device (36) at least one Peltier

Element (40).

9. Refrigerating appliance (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heat transport device (36) has a heat exchanger system (42, 44) for exchanging Heat energy between the first and second cooling space (22, 24).

10. Refrigerating appliance (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the heat exchanger system has at least two heat exchanger elements (42, 44), of which the first (42) the first cooling space (22) and the second (44) the second cooling space (24 ) assigned.

11. Refrigerating appliance (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that the Peltier element (40) between or on the heat exchanger elements (42, 44) and within the partition wall (26) and thermally conductively connected to the heat exchanger elements (42, 44) is.

12. Refrigerating appliance (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that within the partition wall (26) a heat conductor (46) with a relative to the partition wall (26) is arranged high thermal conductivity, which

Thermal conductor (46) forms a substantial part of the thermal bridge between the first and second cooling chambers (42, 44); and the Peltier element (40) is connected to the heat exchanger elements (42, 44) via this heat conductor (46).

13. Refrigerating appliance (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that the heat conductor (46) in its relation to the thickness of the partition wall (26) defined heat passage direction has a cross-sectional area which is smaller or substantially smaller than a respective cross-sectional area of the first and second heat exchanger element (42, 44) in the same direction.

14. Refrigerating appliance (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cooling machine (34) has a heat dissipation device for discharging at least one part a waste heat generated during operation of the heat transport device (36).

15. Refrigerating appliance (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the refrigeration device (10) has a control device for controlling the heat transport device (36) and / or the refrigerator (34).

16. A method for keeping constant a predetermined temperature in a cooling space (24) of a refrigeration device (10), which refrigeration device (10) at least two separate cooling chambers (22, 24), comprising the following steps: a) cooling the first cooling chamber (22) to a first temperature (T1) by diverting a first main heat flow (Qm) from the first cooling space (22) to the outside environment of the refrigeration device (10), b) cooling the second cooling space (24) to a second temperature

(T2), and c) maintaining constant at least the second temperature (T2) in the second cooling chamber (24) at a predetermined desired temperature (T2soiι) by controlled transporting an auxiliary heat flow (Q _AUX ), which is preferably considerably smaller than that first main

Heat flow (QH1) is, from the first cooling chamber (22) via a predetermined transport path (46) in the second cooling chamber (24), and / or vice versa, when the second temperature (T2) from the setpoint temperature (T2 _Sθ ιι), until the second temperature (T2) corresponds to the setpoint temperature (T2 _Sθ ιι).

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that in step b), the cooling of the second cooling space (24) to the second temperature (T2) by means of the first main heat flow (Qm).

18. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that in step b) the cooling of the second cooling space (24) to the second temperature (T2) by deriving a second main heat flow (Q _H2 ) from the second cooling space (24) in the Outside environment of the refrigerator (10) takes place.

19. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that at least a part of the second main heat flow (Q _H2 ) is merged with the first main heat flow (Qm) and then together with this in the outside of the refrigerator (10) is passed.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that in step b) the cooling of the second cooling space (24) to the second temperature (T2) by deriving a second main heat flow (Q _H2 ) from the second cooling space (24) in the first cooling space (22) takes place.

21. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 20, characterized by maintaining the first temperature (T1) in a predetermined coarse temperature fluctuation range by regulating the first main heat flow (Qm).

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that the controlled transporting of the auxiliary heat flow (Q _AUX ) by means of a by supplying an auxiliary energy (We) generated temperature difference between the first and second cooling chamber (22, 24) over the predetermined transport path (46) takes place, wherein the auxiliary power (We) on the part of the second cooling chamber (24) is supplied when the second temperature (T2) is lower than the set temperature (T2 _Sθ ιι), and / or the auxiliary power (We) Side of the first cooling chamber (22) is supplied when the second temperature (T2) is higher than the set temperature (T2 _Sθ ιι).

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that the supplied auxiliary energy (We) is thermoelekthsche energy.

24. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 23, characterized in that the first (T1) and second temperature (T2) are the same.

25. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 23, characterized in that the first (T1) and second temperature (T2) are different.

26. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 25, characterized in that the derivation of the first main heat flow (Qm) and / or second main heat flow (Q _H2 ) takes place intermittently.

27. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 26, characterized in that the controlled transporting of the auxiliary heat flow (CW) takes place permanently.

28. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 26, characterized in that the controlled transporting of the auxiliary heat flow (CW) takes place intermittently.

29. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 28, characterized in that in the first cooling chamber (22) transported auxiliary heat flow (Q _AUX ) partially or completely by the first main heat flow (Q _H i) in the external environment of the refrigerator (10), so that the first temperature (T1) remains substantially unchanged by the auxiliary heat flow (CW).