AU2009202865A1

AU2009202865A1 - Refrigerator and/or freezer

Info

Publication number: AU2009202865A1
Application number: AU2009202865A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Richard Simoner; Richard Stocker
Original assignee: Liebherr Hausgeraete Lienz GmbH
Current assignee: Liebherr Hausgeraete Lienz GmbH
Priority date: 2008-07-17
Filing date: 2009-07-15
Publication date: 2010-02-04
Also published as: CN101644517A; EP2146165A2; CN101644517B; DE202008012058U1

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Standard Patent Applicant(s): Liebherr-Hausgerste Lienz GmbH Invention Title: Refrigerator and/or freezer The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method for performing it known to me/us: P81582.AU PalSeF1Ung Applicatlon 2000-7-15.doc (M) -2 Refrigerator and/or Freezer The present invention relates to a refrigerator and/or freezer with at least one door, which includes a transparent and/or translucent pane, preferably a glass 5 pane. Such refrigerators and/or freezers are known in a number of different embodiments. In particular with high air humidity, dew may form on the doors or door panes, with such bedewing being most pronounced due to physical 10 reasons at the point of the coldest region of the appliance. Usually, this is the lower region of the door or door pane. In general, said bedewing occurs in particular in the lower third of the door or door pane. To prevent bedewing, it is known from the prior art 15 to use electric heaters which heat the critical region. Especially in glass doors with a frame, such heating on the one hand can be effected in the frame of the door, or surface heating of the glass pane itself is effected. Due to this introduction of heat, the condensation water 20 evaporates, so that no or only a reduced formation of water droplets on the glass pane will occur. A major disadvantage of this kind of heating is the additional introduction of heat by means of an electric heater, which has a negative influence on the energy balance of the 25 appliance. Therefore, it is the object underlying the present invention to develop a refrigerator and/or freezer as mentioned above such that bedewing is prevented or reduced efficiently and with comparatively simple means. 30 This object is solved by a refrigerator and/or freezer with the features of claim 1. Accordingly, it is provided that the appliance includes a source of warm air or is connected with a source of warm air, and that the appliance furthermore N:\Melboure\Case.\Patent\1000-81999\P81562.AU\Specie\PI1562.AU GH speI.doc 15/07/09 -3 includes air guiding means which are directly or indirectly connected with the source of warm air and are arranged such that the warm air is passed onto the pane and/or at least into the region of the pane by the air 5 guiding means. In accordance with the invention, it thus is provided that the door of the appliance or the pane, which can be configured for instance as a glass but also as a plastic pane, is not or not only heated by means of an electric heater, but by means of a stream of warm air. 10 In accordance with the invention, it thus is provided that heating the pane and hence preventing the formation of condensation water is effected exclusively or at least also by means of a stream of warm air. Particularly advantageously, the source of warm air 15 is formed by a component of the refrigerant circuit, preferably by the condenser and/or by the compressor of the appliance. These components produce waste heat, which can be used for producing the warm air. By means of suitable air guiding means, for instance by means of a 20 blower and an air duct or the like provided in the appliance and/or in the door, the air heated by the waste heat of these components then can be guided onto or into the region of the pane. Since in this case the warm air is produced by the waste heat of the condenser and/or 25 compressor or by other heat-producing components of the appliance, there is no additional negative influence on the energy balance of the appliance. In a further aspect of the invention it is provided that the air guiding means are arranged such that they are 30 at least partly formed by the frame of the door. Thus, the frame can for instance be configured as a hollow section through which the warm air is guided. In a further aspect of the invention it is provided that the door includes at least one warm-air inlet through 35 which the warm air can be introduced into at least one N:\Melboure\Ca.es\Patent\1000-81999\P1562.AU\Speci\P1562.AU GH epeci.doc 15/07/09 -4 cavity provided in the door. Furthermore, the door can include at least one warm-air outlet. The same preferably is connected with said warm-air inlet of the door. The function of the warm-air outlet is to guide the warm air 5 onto the pane or into the region of the pane, to thereby heat the pane or the air layer present in the vicinity of the pane, and hence prevent or reduce bedewing of the pane. The warm-air inlet of the door can be arranged such 10 that the warm air is guided from outside onto the pane or from outside into the region of the pane. In principle, however, it is also conceivable, for instance in the case of a double glazing, to introduce the warm air between the two panes of the double glazing. 15 In a further aspect of the invention it is provided that the warm-air inlet of the door and/or the warm-air outlet of the door are arranged in the frame of the door. In a preferred aspect of the invention, the warm-air outlet of the door is arranged in the lower region of the 20 door, since this is where bedewing of the pane must be expected first of all. The warm-air inlet can be arranged in the upper region of the door. In principle, however, different arrangements, for instance a lateral introduction of warm air into the door or into the door 25 frame or one or more laterally arranged warm-air outlets also are conceivable. The warm-air inlet of the door and the warm-air outlet of the door can be connected with each other via one or more hollow compartments of the frame of the door. 30 To be able to guide the air stream in the frame preferably on both sides from the air inlet to the air outlet, it can be provided that the door includes an upper part, a lower part and two side parts connecting the same, and that in one or in each of the side parts at least one N:\Melboure\Casee\Patent\81000-81999\P81562.AU\Specio\P81562.AU GH epeci.doc 15/07/09 -5 of the hollow compartments is provided. In such aspect of the invention, the warm air introduced into the air at the top is passed through the hollow compartments of the frame extending on both sides to the warm-air outlet preferably 5 arranged at the bottom, from where it suitably gets into the region of the pane. The appliance body can include at least one air outlet, which is arranged relative to the air inlet of the door when the door is closed such that the warm air flows 10 from the air outlet of the appliance body to the air inlet of the door. For instance via an air duct etc., the air outlet of the appliance body suitably is connected with the source of warm air, which as stated above can be formed for instance by the compressor, by the condenser, 15 etc., so that preferably by means of a blower the warm air formed there can be guided to the warm-air outlet of the appliance body and from there to the warm-air inlet of the door. To possibly prevent a loss of warm air, it can be 20 provided that a seal is arranged, which seals the transition between the air outlet of the appliance body and the air inlet of the door, at least when the door is closed. Since residual bedewing of the door possibly cannot 25 be excluded, the door can include a condensate drain. It is conceivable, for instance, to integrate a condensate drain in the form of a recess in the lower frame part of the door, in order to drain the condensate entering the frame section. 30 At this point, it should be noted that the term "door" is not restricted to a closure element pivotably mounted about a vertical, but likewise includes a closure element which is pivotably mounted about a horizontally extending axis, i.e. a flap etc. The term "door" hence 35 should be interpreted generally and includes doors N+\Melboumrr\Casea\Patent\1000-81999\P81562.AU\Specis\PB1562.AU GH specidoc 15/07/09 -6 pivotably mounted about a vertical swivel axis in the actual sense and also flaps, sliding lids etc. of chest refrigerators and/or freezers. Further details and advantages of the invention will 5 be explained in detail with reference to an embodiment illustrated in the drawing, in which: Figure 1:shows a representation of the door of the refrigerator and/or freezer of the invention in a front view, a top view, a side view, a bottom view and a 10 sectional representation. Figure 2:shows different views of the door of the refrigerator and/or freezer of the invention in a perspective representation and in a top view, Figure 3:shows a sectional representation of the 15 door frame and the glazing of the door of the refrigerator and/or freezer of the invention, and Figure 4:shows a schematic view of the air flow to the air inlet of the door and out of the air outlet of the door of the refrigerator and/or freezer of the invention. 20 Figure 1 shows the door 10 of the refrigerator and/or freezer of the invention in different views. Figure lb shows a view of the door 10 from the front. The door 10 comprises a door frame 12, in which a glass pane 20 is disposed. The pane 20 need not 25 necessarily be a glass pane. Other transparent or translucent panes, such as plastic panes etc., can also be used. In terms of manufacturing technique and costs, the frame 12 can for instance be constructed as an extruded 30 section. Useful materials include for instance aluminum or plastics. The use of other materials also is conceivable. As can be taken from Figure 1b, the individual frame N:\Melbourne\Cases\Patent\B1000-81999\Pg1562.AU\Speci.\PA1562.AU GH *peci doc 15/07/09 -7 parts of the embodiment shown here, i.e. the upper part 121, the lower part 122 and the side parts 123, 124, are mitred and connected to form a surrounding frame 12 by means of suitable corner connectors and possibly by means 5 of screws. As can be taken in particular from Figure ld, which shows the door in a view from above, the upper frame part 121 is configured such that the same includes a recess 14 into which the warm air can flow. This opening 14 10 preferably is covered by means of a protective grid, in order to avoid injuries by edges and contamination. The frame parts 121, 122, 123 and 124 are configured as hollow sections, as is shown by way of example in Figure 3 for the side part 123. Reference numeral 123' in 15 Figure 3 designates the cavity of the frame part 123. The further frame parts 121, 122 and 124 have a corresponding construction. As can furthermore be taken from Figure 3, the sealed glass pane 20 configured as a pack of insulating glass or double pane is accommodated in the 20 frame part 123. It consists of an exterior glazing 21 and of an interior glazing 22. On its side facing the body, the frame 12 is provided with a circumferential seal 13, as can also be taken from Figure 3. 25 Through the air inlet opening 14 provided in the upper, horizontal frame part 121, warm air flows into the frame 12, i.e. into the hollow section of the upper frame part 121 and then spreads over the hollow sections in the vertical side parts 123, 124 of the frame. From there, the 30 warm air flows into the lower, horizontal frame part 122. The same includes an air outlet 16, which is arranged such that the warm air, which exits the air outlet 16, is guided onto the outside of the exterior pane 21. The frame parts 121, 122, 123 and 124, which are N:\Melboune\Case\Patent\1000-81999\P1562.AU\Speci\P1562.AU GH opeci.doc 15/07/09 -8 configured as hollow sections, thus also serve as air ducts and in the example shown here guide the air flow downwards through the frame 12 on both sides. The lower part 122 of the frame 12 can for instance be constructed 5 as a multi-part or one-part injection-molded part. As can be taken from Figures 1c, id, le, which show the door in a side view, in a top view and in a sectional representation along line A-A of Figure 1b, the air outlet 16 is located before the door such that it protrudes with respect to the 10 pane 20 or the exterior pane 21 of the door. Thus, the air flows upwards out of the air outlet 16 onto or over the pane 20, as is indicated in Figure 4, in which both the entering and the exiting stream of warm air is designated with the reference numeral 100. 15 As can be taken from Figure la, which shows the door 10 in a view from below, the lower frame part 122 includes a condensate drain 19 in the form of one or more recesses. This applies for the case that residual bedewing of the door, especially of the glass pane 20, cannot be excluded. 20 As explained, the further construction of the door 10 includes an insulating glass pack 20, a seal 13 and non-illustrated hinges for mounting the door 10 on a refrigerator. Furthermore, the door includes a handle shown in Figures lb and ic as a separate component or as a 25 component integrated in the frame 12. Finally, a non illustrated lock can be integrated in the door 10. By suitably guiding the air in the refrigerator of the embodiment shown here, the waste heat of the condenser and/or of the compressor is blown into the air inlet 14 at 30 the upper end of the door. For better operation, a non illustrated sealing element can be used, which fully or partly encloses the air inlet 14 in the closed condition of the door. This seal can be arranged on the appliance body or be integrated in the appliance. 35 At least when the door is closed, the air inlet 14 N:\Melbourne\Cases\Patent\1000--81999\P81562.AU\Specio\P81562.AU GH epeci.doc 15/07/09 -9 is connected with a non-illustrated warm-air outlet of the appliance body or is arranged relative to the same such that the warm air from the outlet of the appliance body can enter the air inlet 14. 5 The air flow is blown into the door 10 preferably centrally, in order to obtain a bilaterally symmetric heating of the frame 12. However, a central air inlet and outlet in the door is not absolutely necessary, as it depends on the constructive constraints or the region 10 susceptible to bedewing. Thus, non-central openings for inlet and outlet also can be advantageous. Hence, it would also be conceivable, for instance, to alternatively or additionally arrange the air inlet 14 and/or the air outlet 16 in the further parts 121, 122, 123, 124 of the 15 frame 12. As explained above, the air is guided over a system of hollow compartments in the frame 12 in the direction of the air outlet 16, which is configured such that due to its shape the air is blown onto the glass rather flat and 20 possibly across the entire width of the pane. As shown in Figure 1, the air outlet 16 in the embodiment shown here is arranged at the bottom, since most of the bedewing must be expected there for physical reasons. If residual bedewing occurs with the formation of water droplets on 25 the glass, the same can flow through the air outlets into the lower frame part 122, where it is guided to a condensate drain 19, from which it can flow off. Figure 2 shows the door in accordance with the present invention in a perspective view and in a top view. 30 Figure 2 again shows the air inlet 14, the arrangement of the air outlet 16 located in front of the door or shifted to the front from the point of view of the user positioned before the door 10, and of the condensate drain 19. As shown, the air inlet 14 is arranged centrally in the 35 upper, horizontal frame part 121. The air outlet 16 is N:\Melbourne\Casee\Patent\81000-81999\P81562.AU\Speci.\PS1562.AU GH opec.doc 15/07/09 - 10 located in the lower, likewise horizontal frame part 122 and extends across an essential part of the pane width. The air outlet 16 can be arranged such that the air is distributed rather uniformly over an essential part or 5 preferably across the entire width of the pane 20. Figure 2a shows the door in a perspective view obliquely from above, Figure 2b obliquely from below, and Figure 2c in a top view. As can be taken in particular from Figure 2c, the warm-air outlet 16 is located in front 10 of the pane 20 such that the air flow is guided along the pane 20 on the outside. By way of example and indicated by the reference numerals 100, Figure 4 shows the inflow of warm air through the air inlet 14 into the frame 12 and the outflow 15 of warm air 100 from the air outlet 16 over the front-side region of the pane 20. In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary 20 implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. 25 It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. N:\Melbourne\Cave\Patent\81000-81999\P 1562.AU\Specia\P81562.AU GH *pecl.doc 15/07/09

Claims

1. A refrigerator and/or freezer with at least one door (10) which includes a transparent and/or translucent pane (20), preferably a glass pane (20), characterized in 5 that the appliance includes a source of warm air or is connected with a source of warm air and that the appliance furthermore includes air guiding means which are directly or indirectly connected with the source of warm air and which are arranged such that the warm air (100) is guided 10 onto the pane (20) and/or into the region of the pane (20) by the air guiding means.

2. The refrigerator and/or freezer according to claim 1, characterized in that the source of warm air is formed by a component of the refrigerant circuit of the 15 appliance.

3. The refrigerator and/or freezer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the source of warm air is formed by the condenser and/or by the compressor of the appliance. 20

4. The refrigerator and/or freezer according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air guiding means are arranged such that they are at least partly formed by the frame (12) of the door (10).

5. The refrigerator and/or freezer according to any 25 of the preceding claims, characterized in that the door (10) includes at least one warm-air inlet (14) through which the warm air (100) can be introduced into at least one cavity provided in the door (10).

6. The refrigerator and/or freezer according to any 30 of the preceding claims, characterized in that the door (10) includes at least one warm-air outlet (16) through which the warm air (100) is guided onto the pane (20) or into the region of the pane (20). N:\Melboune\Ca.ea\Patent\61000-61999\P81562.AU\Specs\P81562.AU G speci.doc 15/07/09 - 12

7. The refrigerator and/or freezer according to claim 6, characterized in that the warm-air outlet (16) of the door (10) is arranged such that the warm air (100) is guided from outside onto the pane (20) or from outside 5 into the region of the pane (20).

8. The refrigerator and/or freezer according to any of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the warm-air inlet (14) of the door (10) and/or the warm-air outlet (16) of the door (10) are arranged in the frame (12) of the door 10 (10).

9. The refrigerator and/or freezer according to any of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the warm-air outlet (16) of the door (10) is arranged in the lower region of the door (10) and/or that the warm-air inlet 15 (14) of the door (10) is arranged in the upper region of the door (10).

10. The refrigerator and/or freezer according to any of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the warm-air inlet (14) of the door (10) and the warm-air outlet (16) of the 20 door (10) are connected with each other via one or more hollow compartments (18) of the frame (12) of the door (10).

11. The refrigerator and/or freezer according to claim 10, characterized in that the frame (12) of the door 25 (10) includes an upper part (121), a lower part (122) and two side parts (123, 124) connecting the same and that in each of the side parts (123, 124) at least one of the hollow compartments is provided.

12. The refrigerator and/or freezer according to any 30 of claims 5 to 11, characterized in that the appliance body includes at least one air outlet which is arranged relative to the air inlet (14) of the door (10) when the door (10) is closed such that the warm air (100) flows from the air outlet of the appliance body to the air inlet N:\Melboume\Caoeo\Patent\81000-81999\PB1562.AU\Speci.\P81562.AU GH apeci.doc 15/07/09 - 13 (14) of the door (10).

13. The refrigerator and/or freezer according to claim 12, characterized in that a seal is provided, which seals the transition between the air outlet of the 5 appliance body and the air inlet (14) of the door (10) to the outside, at least when the door (10) is closed.

14. The refrigerator and/or freezer according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the door (10) includes a condensate drain (19). N:\Melbourne\C.e.\Patent\1000-1999\P1562.AU\Speci\PB1562.AU GH speci.doc 15/07/09