DE102007029185A1 - The refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a refrigeration appliance having a housing (7) enclosing an interior space (71) and a ventilator unit (1) mounted in the interior space (71), comprising a frame (2), a fan (3) mounted on the frame and a lining shell (3). 4), which is arranged to separate the fan unit (1) from a usable area of an interior (71) of the refrigeration device, wherein the frame (2) has at least one guide element (21, 21 ') and the lining shell (4) by means of Guide element (21, 21 ') on the frame (2) can be plugged.

Description

The The present invention relates to a refrigerator such as a fridge or freezer with a Interior enclosing housing and with a Fan unit wherein the fan unit in the Interior is mounted. Such a fan unit can z. B. serve to a flow of air over one Heat exchanger surface to intensify so to improve the cooling effect of the heat exchanger, or by mixing the air of the interior of the temperature distribution to even in this.

It are fan units for refrigeration appliances known, which consist of a compact component and in the interior the refrigerator are firmly attached. The fan unit may include an air filter, which in regular Intervals must be exchanged. To the air filter too change, depending on the design of the fan unit either the entire fan unit to be removed, or it must be on the housing of the fan unit an opening be provided, for example, with an openable Cover that accesses the air filter for replacement power. Both alternatives are disadvantageous. To expand the entire fan assembly requires tools, and it There is a need for expertise in order to develop to be able to make. An opening with an associated Cover on the housing of the fan unit requires design effort and increases the number of components.

Further are fan units for refrigerators known, where the fan unit is an interior lighting is extended to a fan-light combination, the mounted as a pre-assembled assembly in the interior can be. In such a fan-light combination must at least the slot of the bulb from outside be accessible to the housing for a broken Bulb can be replaced. The above mentioned Problem of replacing the air filter for the fan can exist here as well.

Such a device is for example from the patent ES 2 054 570 A2 known. The solution disclosed there provides a recess in the housing of the fan unit at the slot of the lamp, which is normally closed with a removable cover. The housing is firmly mounted on the interior of the refrigerator. A disadvantage of this solution is also the high design effort to provide the opening on the housing of the fan unit and a corresponding cover for this.

It is therefore the object of the present invention, a refrigeration device specify with a fan unit, in which interchangeable Parts easily accessible inside the fan unit are, and the number of components is minimized, so that the constructive effort is not increased.

The Task is solved in that in a refrigeration device with a fan unit, which a frame, an comprising the rack-mounted fan and a cowl shell, which is set up, the fan unit of a Nutzbereich to separate an interior of the refrigerator, the Frame has at least one guide rail and the Cladding shell along the guide rail on the Frame is attachable. The frame and the panel shell the fan unit are designed as separate components, with replaceable wear parts of the fan unit on Can be mounted on the frame or on the cladding shell. The panel shell can completely cover the frame and separate it from the interior. An attachment of the panel shell on the guide rail can be made without tools become. Since the cladding shell as a whole detached from the frame can be in the cladding shell neither special openings for concealed wear parts, still Covers for these openings necessary, so that the design effort can be reduced.

Preferably has the fairing shell in the locked state along a range of motion the guide rail on. A pulling on the panel shell thus does not cause the cladding shell from the frame can solve, but the cladding shell can in the direction give way to the guide rail slightly. Even so can accidental release of the lining shell excluded become

For the optical design of the cladding shell, it is advantageous if the frame comprises a locking element which from the inside into the Cladding shell engages. As a result, the underlying the latching Construction completely covered by the cladding shell become.

Preferably the locking element is exposed outside of the cladding shell. As a result, the locking element is also visible when the panel shell mounted is and immediately gives its function to a user, without that the user needs to consult documentation. Especially if the fairing shell as mentioned above a range of motion has a movement of the panel shell leads to one Movement of the externally visible locking elements, thereby a user is intuitively advised of their function.

Preferably, the locking element is gleichzei tig an actuating element for releasing the locking. As a result, the locking can be easily solved again, and a removal of the lining shell can also be done very easily without tools.

In An advantageous embodiment of the invention is the frame in several parts from a fan frame carrying the fan and one attached to an outside of the fan frame, an additional functional element carrying additional part composed. The fan unit, which is always a basic element Fan frame and includes a fan, can through a component be extended, which has an additional function, for example, a lamp. This allows more complex fan units be assembled very easily modular, with different Device types can be realized, which themselves each in the additional functional element and a correspondingly adapted Distinguish variant of the cladding shell.

Preferably In this case, the guide rail is through the fan frame and formed by the additional part. The panel shell, which can be plugged onto the guide rail receives thus an additional bracket on the additional part, so that also an enlarged due to the additional functional element Cover shell can be securely held on the frame.

in this connection the guide rail is particularly in the longitudinal direction divided, with a first part of the guide rail through the fan frame and a second part of the guide rail is formed by the additional part. The additional part can thus the Extend guide rail.

moreover It is particularly in a multi-part composite frame advantageous if the locking element is formed by the fan frame. Due to the fact that the fan unit in all different Modular composite variants of the fan frame as a basic element includes, the locking element on the fan frame in all variants ensure the locking of the panel shell.

Especially it is advantageous if in a refrigeration device with a housing enclosing an interior and a fan unit mounted in the interior, the cladding shell on Housing is held over the frame. Then you have to in the interior of the refrigerator no additional Mounting devices for the lining shell provided because only the frame is the fairing shell wearing. Overall, this minimizes the design effort.

Further Features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following Description of embodiments with reference on the attached figures. Show it:

1 a schematic section through a refrigerator, in which a fan unit is mounted, according to the invention;

2 a perspective view of a fan assembly without a fairing shell, seen obliquely from the front;

3 a view of the fan unit 2 seen from above;

4 a side view of a cladding shell according to the invention;

5 a schematic section through the cladding shell along a line B in 4 ;

6 a perspective view of an extended with an additional functional element fan unit, without cladding shell, viewed obliquely from the front.

1 shows a schematic section through a refrigerator, such as a refrigerator, in which a fan unit 1 at an upper rear corner of an interior 71 is installed.

The fan unit 1 includes a fan frame 2 , a fan 3 which is in the frame 2 mounted, and a fairing shell 4 , The panel shell 4 and the frame 2 form a housing for the fan 4 , The ventilator 4 is preferably designed as an axial fan, which its air flow to a rear wall 73 of the interior 71 directed. The fan frame 2 is in any suitable manner, for example by latching in a solid inner skin of a housing 7 of the refrigerator cut openings, fixed in the position shown. The panel shell 4 which the fan frame 2 tightly encloses, is on the fan frame 2 attached.

An evaporator 74 is in the back wall 73 of the interior 71 arranged so that the fan unit 1 ejected air stream sweeps over a wall surface cooled by it. A compressor 75 is housed in a conventional manner in a rear niche of the refrigerator housing.

2 shows a perspective view of a fan unit 1 without covering shell, seen diagonally from the front. Shown is a fan frame 2 in which a fan 3 is mounted.

At a front of the fan 3 is located on the frame 2 a filter carrier 23 in the form of a grate. On the filter carrier 23 are several locking tongues 24 molded, which serve as a holder for an air filter (not shown here), which, if necessary, on the filter carrier 23 is plugged.

At a top of the rack 2 extend on both sides from a front edge of the frame 2 forth to about the middle of the top two upwardly open grooves, which two guide rails 21 and 21 ' are arranged and parallel to each other. The interior of the frame 2 facing flanks 25 . 25 ' the guide rails 21 . 21 ' are each higher than the outside of the frame 2 facing flanks 26 . 26 ' , An upper edge of the flanks 25 . 25 ' Aligns with the top of the frame 2 ,

On one side of the frame 2 is a locking element 22 formed, which has the shape of a square plate, parallel to the side of the frame 2 is arranged and protrudes from this. Also on an opposite side of the frame 2 is a detent element 22 formed in the form and position corresponding latching element, which is hidden in this view, and also with respect to all other parts on its side of the frame 2 protrudes.

In 3 is a view showing which the fan unit 1 out 2 from above shows. From the fan 3 is a housing visible, which is a fan of the fan 3 surrounds. The guide rails 21 and 21 ' extend on both sides along a front part of the top of the frame 2 and are parallel to each other.

The locking elements 22 . 22 ' take opposite the guide rails 21 . 21 ' a slightly oblique position, wherein the distance between two front edges of the locking elements 22 . 22 ' which the guide rails 21 . 21 ' is smaller than the distance between two rear edges. The front edges protrude from the frame 2 above levels A, A ', which is a lateral boundary of the frame 2 represent, by a distance, which is substantially a wall thickness of the cladding shell 4 equivalent. The rear edges protrude a greater distance beyond the planes A, A '.

The locking elements 22 . 22 ' are about suspensions 27 . 27 ' with the frame 2 connected. The suspensions 27 . 27 ' are each formed by a pair of legs, of which one leg on the front and one leg on the rear edge of the locking elements 22 . 22 ' is formed. Each of the legs is divided into three sections, which merge into each other at transition points with very small wall thickness, so that the legs are flexible overall.

The pairs of legs have seen from above a substantially X-shaped shape, with the legs do not touch at the crossing point of the X. By this form of the suspensions 27 . 27 ' give the locking elements 22 . 22 ' a pressure on the same from the outside towards the frame 2 after, and return to the starting position as soon as the pressure subsides. In addition, they can yield elastically to a force acting parallel to the lines A, A '.

The representation in 4 shows a side view of a panel shell 4 , The panel shell 4 has two side walls 41 of which only one is visible in this view, and one front wall 45 , An upper edge 43 the side wall 41 goes in a continuous rounding in a rear edge 44 the side wall 41 above. This rounding is complementary to a rounding on the ceiling 72 and back wall 73 of the interior 71 merge. The shape of the panel shell 4 may vary, but is the cladding shell 4 always shaped to fit the frame 2 tightly encloses.

The side wall 41 has a recess 42 which has a substantially square shape and in an upper half of the side wall 41 is arranged. The size and shape of the recess 42 corresponds to the outer contours of the locking element 22 which from the inside into the recess 42 engages and passes through it when the cladding shell 4 on the frame 2 is plugged.

5 now shows a schematic section through the cladding shell 4 along a line B in 4 , At the top 43 . 43 ' the side walls 41 . 41 ' are cross straps 46 . 46 ' molded, which differ from the side walls 41 . 41 ' in an interior of the panel shell 4 extend into it, and which in each case a rail 47 . 47 ' keep that from the cross straps 46 . 46 ' essentially vertically downwards into the interior of the cladding shell 4 protrudes.

The rails 47 . 47 ' are shaped to be a counterpart to the guide rails 21 . 21 ' of the frame 2 can reach into these. If the panel shell 4 on the frame 2 is mounted, so reach the crossbar 46 . 46 ' over the outer flanks 26 . 26 ' the guide rails 21 . 21 ' away, and the rails 47 . 47 ' are from the guide rails 21 . 21 ' and their outer and inner flanks 26 . 26 ' . 25 . 25 ' tightly enclosed. The length of the crossbar 46 . 46 ' and the rails 47 . 47 ' essentially corresponds to the length of the guide rails 21 . 21 ' on the frame 2 ,

If the frame 2 in the back upper corner of the interior 71 the cooling unit is mounted, the panel shell 4 from the front on the frame 2 deferred, leaving the rails 47 . 47 ' in the guide rails 21 . 21 ' intervention. When sliding the back edge 44 the panel shell 4 to the locking element 22 This differs due to its flexible suspension 27 on the one hand to the rear and on the other hand to the center of the frame 2 out. At the latest when the rear edge 44 the panel shell 4 to the back wall 73 strikes, the detent element moves 22 due to the preload of the suspension 27 in the recess 42 and it locks in like that. If the panel shell 4 is released, the suspension relaxes 27 also in the depth direction of the interior 71 and push the panel shell 4 slightly before.

The inclination of the locking element 22 facilitates one hand when sliding the panel shell 4 the retraction of the locking element 22 on the other hand, the panel shell 4 in the assembled state by the protruding rear edge of the locking element 22 securely held.

The same applies to the second side wall, which is the cladding shell 4 Limited on the opposite side, wherein the locking element 22 ' there with the recess 42 ' interacts.

In the assembled state of the lining shell 4 on the frame 2 are upper sides of the crossbar 46 . 46 ' as well as the upper edges of the inner flanks 25 . 25 ' of the frame 2 on the ceiling 72 of the interior 71 on, leaving the cladding shell 4 from above through the ceiling 72 in the guide rails 21 . 21 ' is fixed. The panel shell 4 but only by the on the frame 2 arranged guide rails 21 . 21 ' and the locking elements 22 . 22 ' held and is not additionally attached to the housing of the refrigerator.

To release the panel shell 4 from the frame 2 is from both sides of the panel shell 4 forth pressure on the locking elements 22 and 22 ' exercised. The locking elements 22 . 22 ' soft in the recesses 42 . 42 ' back inside and release the latch. Thus, the fairing shell 4 again, through the guide rails 21 . 21 ' led, forward from the frame 2 subtracted from. On the one hand the locking elements 22 . 22 ' in the recesses 42 . 42 ' the panel shell 4 are visible and on the other hand, putting themselves in the recesses 42 . 42 ' move when a user clicks on the panel shell 4 pulls without the locking elements 22 . 22 ' the user is immediately alerted to the way in which the locking can be solved. Thus, this arrangement facilitates the locking elements 22 . 22 ' intuitive handling without first having to consult a manual.

The representation in 6 shows a perspective view of an extended with an additional functional element fan unit 1 without cover shell 4 , seen diagonally from the front. The illustrated fan unit 1 includes a fan frame 5 with a fan 3 and an additional part 6 which is a light source 67 wearing. The fan unit 1 in 6 is thus a fan-light combination.

The fan frame 5 essentially corresponds to the frame 2 out 2 and includes a guide rail 51 whose inner and outer flanks 55 and 56 , and a locking element 52 , On the opposite side of the frame, the same elements are arranged, of which, however, in this illustration only an inner edge 55 ' is visible. On a filter carrier 53 An air filter (not shown) may be attached.

The additional part 6 is on the fan frame 5 attached, for example by plugging and locking. On the exact nature of the attachment will not be discussed here.

At the additional part 6 extend on an upper side on both sides of a rear edge of the attachment 6 forth two upwardly open grooves, which two guide rails 61 and 61 ' are arranged and parallel to each other. The guide rails 61 . 61 ' are sideways by inner flanks 65 . 65 ' and outer flanks 66 . 66 ' limited. The guide rail 61 closes with their flanks 65 . 66 directly to the guide rail 51 of the fan frame 5 and their flanks 55 . 56 and continues their cross-section so that the guide rails 51 and 61 together form an elongated guide rail, with a first part through the guide rail 51 and a second part through the guide rail 61 is formed. Analog is on the opposite side of the fan unit 1 a parallel guide rail through a first part (not visible in this illustration) on the fan frame 5 and a second part 61 ' on the additional part 6 educated. The inner flank 55 ' on the fan frame 5 forms here with the inner flank 65 ' on the additional part 6 an escape, as well as an outer edge of the guide rail (not shown) on the fan frame 5 with an outer flank 66 ' on the additional part 6 flees.

The panel shell 4 (not shown) of the in 6 shown fan unit 1 has opposite the representation in 4 an elongated shape, which also covers the additional functional element. Along the upper edges of the side walls 41 . 41 ' have the molded there temple 46 . 46 ' and rails 47 . 47 ' also an extended one Shape, which extends over the length of the composite guide rails 51 . 61 and 51 ' . 61 ' extends so that the extended rails 47 . 47 ' essentially along its entire length in the assembled guide rails 51 . 61 and 51 ' . 61 ' intervene and the panel shell 4 on the extended fan unit 1 hold tight.

The cutouts 42 . 42 ' at the extended panel shell 4 are arranged in the same position as in 4 shown as the locking element 52 and a latching element opposite it (not visible) on the fan frame 5 also in the extended fan unit 1 the same position opposite the cladding shell 4 retained as the locking elements 22 . 22 ' on the fan frame 2 ,

Also with the extended fan unit 1 needs the panel shell 4 no further attachment to the housing of the refrigerator, but only from the fan frame 5 and the additional part 6 held.

If the panel shell 4 is removable, are replaceable parts of the fan unit 1 such as B. on the filter carrier 23 . 53 attached air filter or a bulb 67 easily accessible and can be exchanged if necessary. The air filter is optional in the versions shown and may also be missing. However, the invention is also applicable to such fan units in which no air filter is provided from the outset.

The device according to the invention not only has the advantage that the lining shell 4 can be easily attached and removed, but offers by the uniform structural design of the bracket for the cladding shell 4 on the fan frame 2 . 5 the possibility of cladding shells 4 to use in different versions for different refrigeration unit models, without the fan frame 2 . 5 and without having to adapt the housing of the refrigerator.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - ES 2054570 A2 [0004]

Claims (11)

Refrigerating appliance with an an interior ( 71 ) enclosing housing ( 7 ) and one in the interior ( 71 ) mounted fan unit ( 1 ), which is a frame ( 2 ), a fan mounted on the rack ( 3 ), and a fairing shell ( 4 ), which is set up, the fan unit ( 1 ) of a useful area of an interior ( 71 ) of the refrigerator, characterized in that the frame ( 2 ) at least one guide element ( 21 . 21 ' ) and the cladding shell ( 4 ) using the guide element ( 21 . 21 ' ) on the frame ( 2 ) can be plugged. Refrigerating appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide element ( 21 . 21 ' ) is designed as a guide rail. Refrigerating appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that the lining shell ( 4 ) in the latched state a range of motion along the guide rail ( 21 . 21 ' ) having. Refrigerating appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame ( 2 ) a latching element ( 22 . 22 ' ), which from the inside into the cladding shell ( 4 ) intervenes. Refrigerating appliance according to claim 4, characterized in that the latching element ( 22 . 22 ' ) on the outside of the cladding shell ( 4 ) is exposed. Refrigerating appliance according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the latching element ( 22 . 22 ' ) is at the same time an actuating element for releasing the locking. Refrigerating appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame ( 2 ) in several parts from a fan ( 3 ) carrying fan frame ( 5 ) and one on an outside of the fan frame ( 5 ), an additional functional element carrying additional part ( 6 ) is composed. Refrigerating appliance according to claim 7, characterized in that the guide rail ( 21 . 21 ' ) through the fan frame ( 5 ) and by the additional part ( 6 ) is formed. Refrigerating appliance according to claim 8, characterized in that the guide rail ( 21 . 21 ' ) is divided longitudinally, wherein a first part ( 51 . 51 ' ) of the guide rail ( 21 . 21 ' ) through the fan frame ( 5 ) and a second part ( 61 . 61 ' ) of the guide rail ( 21 . 21 ' ) through the additional part ( 6 ) is formed. Refrigerating appliance according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the latching element ( 22 . 22 ' ) through the fan frame ( 5 ) is formed. Refrigerating appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lining shell ( 4 ) on the housing ( 7 ) over the frame ( 2 ) is held.