DE102011077367A1 - Cooling appliance e.g. domestic refrigerator used in catering industry, has cleaning apparatus which is provided for cleaning water line using cleaning agent - Google Patents

Abstract

The cooling appliance (1) has a heat-insulated inner container which is provided with a coolable storage space for storing refrigerated goods. A water-bearing device component (4) is connected with water supply terminal (9) through a water line (5). The cleaning agent is introduced into the water line. The cleaning apparatus (12) connected with ports is provided for cleaning the water line using the cleaning agent.

Description

The invention relates to a refrigerator, in particular domestic refrigeration appliance, comprising a heat-insulated inner container, which forms a coolable storage space for refrigerated goods, at least one water-leading device component, a water supply network connection, and at least one water line which connects the water supply network connection with the water-leading device component. The invention also relates to an associated cleaning device and a method for cleaning a water pipe of the refrigerating appliance, in particular household refrigerating appliance, by means of the cleaning device.

The DE 10 2005 021 551 A1 describes a refrigerator with a water pipe. The refrigeration device comprises a body and a door, which enclose a cooling space, and a water pipe extending in the body and the door. Between a running in the body piece of the water pipe and running in the door piece of the water pipe is a separate door open and connected with the door closed coupling arranged.

The DE 10 2007 044 391 A1 describes a refrigerator with an insulated interior for storage of refrigerated and / or frozen, with a chiller for cooling the insulated interior, with an electronic control, with a water inlet and a water-carrying system.

The object of the invention is to provide a refrigeration device, in particular domestic refrigeration appliance, a cleaning device and a related method to be able to clean at least a water pipe of a refrigerator, in particular domestic refrigeration appliance in a simple manner.

A refrigeration appliance is understood in particular to be a household refrigeration appliance, that is to say a refrigeration appliance used for household purposes or possibly even in the gastronomy sector, and in particular for storing food and / or beverages in household quantities at specific temperatures, such as, for example, a refrigerator, a freezer , a fridge freezer or a wine storage cabinet.

The object is achieved by a refrigerator, in particular domestic refrigeration appliance, comprising a thermally insulated inner container, which forms a coolable storage space for refrigerated goods, at least one water-conducting device component, a water supply network connection, and at least one water pipe which connects the water supply network connection with the water-leading device component, further comprising a connection adapted to connect to the water pipe a cleaning device arranged to introduce a cleaning agent into the water pipe.

A water pipe can serve in a refrigerator, for example, to provide cooled drinking water at a corresponding tapping point of the refrigerator. The water pipe of the refrigerator can be connected by means of a water supply network connection to a domestic water network installation. Within the refrigerator, a suitable cooling device for cooling the drinking water can be arranged. On the refrigerator can be located on a door leaf, for example, a removal point for the cooled drinking water. By means of an actuator, e.g. a switch and / or a solenoid valve, the sampling point can be opened to remove the cooled drinking water.

Alternatively or additionally, a water pipe in a refrigeration appliance, for example, also serve to supply tap water to an ice cube maker, so that ice pieces can be generated from the tap water supplied by freezing and output to the refrigeration appliance.

Both the tapping point for chilled drinking water and the ice cube maker represent exemplary water-leading device components of the refrigeration device.

A cleaning of the water pipes of the refrigerator according to the invention can be done without customer service by a cleaning device according to the invention is connected to a terminal of a refrigerator temporarily for the duration of a cleaning process. By means of the cleaning device according to the invention either a chemical additive and / or a washing substance can be flushed as a cleaning agent in the water pipes of the refrigerator. For example, a descaling agent such as citric acid may be flushed in to decalcify the water pipes. Alternatively or additionally, however, cleaning surfactants or disinfectants can also be rinsed in. In a further embodiment of the invention, a cleaning of the water pipes of the refrigerator can be carried out solely by the fact that by means of a compressed gas, the water pipes are freed from liquids located in the water pipes. These liquids to be discharged can be, for example, the drinking water used in the operation of the water supply network, but also the mentioned cleaning agents, such as chemical additives and / or washing substances and / or descaling agents to be removed.

In other words, the water line can be cleaned by the cleaning device so that all water residues are removed from the water line. The cleaning can take place in that the water line is supplied with fluid from the pressure vessel and flushed through with it.

The connection can be designed to subsequently connect the cleaning device in the flow direction to the water supply network connection.

The port may be configured to selectively connect the purifier or a replaceable water filter cartridge. The water pipe of the refrigerator can be connected via a replaceable filter, which may be, for example, a water filter cartridge, and / or a shut-off device, such as a shut-off valve to a domestic water network. The filter is used for separating solids and / or mineral substances, such as lime, and is to be changed at regular intervals. In this case, a filter insert can be exchanged for the at least one pressure vessel and / or cleaning agent, so that no additional housing is necessary.

The connection can be integrated in a shut-off valve of the refrigeration device.

The object is also achieved by a cleaning device, which is designed for connection to a connection to a water pipe of a refrigerator, in particular domestic refrigeration appliance, as described, comprising a housing with an opening, a lid-like container head for pressure-tight sealing of the housing, one in the housing over insertable pressure vessel, a pressure vessel connecting piece, which is adapted to introduce propellant gas from the pressure vessel in its connected state in the housing, and a mating terminal piece, which is designed for coupling to the terminal and is arranged in the housing to bring befindliches cleaning agent by means of flowing out of the housing propellant gas in the water pipe.

The housing of the cleaning device may have a receiving space for receiving tablet-shaped, powdery and / or liquid, in particular chemical cleaning agents.

The pressure vessel of the cleaning device may be a pressurized propellant, in particular compressed air, nitrogen or carbon dioxide containing gas capsule.

The cover-like container head of the cleaning device may have the mating connector piece, which is designed for coupling to the connection, in particular to the water line.

The container head may comprise a mixer housing comprising a first pipe section for connection to the water pipe and a second pipe section for connection of the pressure vessel.

• – Anschließen einer Reinigungsvorrichtung, insbesondere einer Reinigungsvorrichtung wie beschrieben, an einen Anschluss eines Kältegeräts, der mit einer zu reinigenden Wasserleitung des Kältegeräts verbunden ist;
• – Entlassen eines Treibgases, insbesondere Druckluft, Stickstoff oder Kohlendioxid aus einem Druckbehälter, insbesondere einer Gaskapsel der Reinigungsvorrichtung in ein Gehäuse der Reinigungsvorrichtung, um ein in einem Aufnahmeraum des Gehäuses befindliches Reinigungsmitteln, insbesondere tablettenförmiges, pulverförmiges und/oder flüssiges, insbesondere chemisches Reinigungsmitteln über den Anschluss in die zu reinigende Wasserleitung des Kältegeräts einzufördern, insbesondere einzublasen.

The object is also achieved by a method for cleaning a water pipe, in particular a water pipe of a refrigerating appliance, in particular household refrigerating appliance, as described, with the following steps:

• - Connecting a cleaning device, in particular a cleaning device as described, to a connection of a refrigerator, which is connected to a water line to be cleaned of the refrigerator;
• - Discharging a propellant gas, in particular compressed air, nitrogen or carbon dioxide from a pressure vessel, in particular a gas capsule of the cleaning device in a housing of the cleaning device to a befindliches in a receiving space of the housing cleaning agents, in particular tablet-shaped, powdered and / or liquid, in particular chemical cleaning agents on the Encourage connection in the water pipe to be cleaned of the refrigerator, in particular to blow.

In summary and sometimes shown differently, the invention thus provides, inter alia, a refrigeration device in which a water pipe is flushed through a cleaning device not only with detergent or water, but can be cleaned so that all water residues and / or detergent residues are removed from the water pipe. This is a prerequisite for improved hygiene, especially when a user wishes to shut down his refrigerator, e.g. if the device should be shut down for some time.

The user can clean his refrigeration device or its water-carrying parts, in particular the water pipes with a designed as an adapter cleaning device. The adapter may comprise a capsule filled with carbon dioxide, nitrogen, compressed air or other suitable gas, a container and a lid-like container head. The adapter can be connected to a faucet and / or a shut-off valve or inside the refrigerator, in particular at the point of the water filter.

The cleaning can be carried out as follows. The user can be cleaning agent, For example, in the form of tablets, powder or liquid, bring in the container of the adapter and screw the container upside down again. Then he can start and execute the cleaning process. Thus, the water pipe of the refrigerator can be cleaned, but it can still remain water residues with detergent in the water pipe. For hygiene reasons, the water must be removed with or without cleaning agent.

The removal of the residual water, with or without detergent, can be carried out as follows. The container is unscrewed, the CO ₂ capsule is fitted to the container and screwed back on the container until the CO ₂ capsule is tightly connected to the water supply system. As a result, a pressure in the water pipes of the water pipe can be established. Then the water pipe can be operated accordingly until all water residues are removed with or without detergent from the water pipe of the refrigerator.

The user can clean his refrigeration device with water pipe with an alternative designed as an adapter cleaning device. The adapter may include a capsule filled with carbon dioxide, nitrogen, compressed air or other suitable gas, a mixer housing and a lid. The adapter can be connected after a tap or shut-off valve.

The cleaning can be carried out as follows. The user may use his detergent, for example in the form of tablets, powders or a liquid, in the mixer, i. in a receiving chamber of the adapter and screw the lid back onto the mixer. Then he can start and execute the cleaning process. Thus, the water pipe of the refrigerator can be cleaned, but it can still remain water residues with detergent in the water pipe. For hygiene reasons, the water must be removed with or without cleaning agent.

The removal of the residual water, with or without detergent, can be carried out as follows. Unscrew the lid, insert the CO ₂ capsule into the mixer or the receiving chamber and screw the receiving chamber back with the lid until the CO ₂ capsule is tightly connected to the water supply system. As a result, a pressure in the water pipes of the water pipe can be established. Then the water pipe can be operated accordingly until all water residues are removed with or without detergent from the water pipe of the refrigerator.

There may be the following advantages. The user may be alone, in particular without customer service, his refrigeration device, i. clean the water pipe of its refrigeration unit and remove any remaining water, with or without cleaning agent. The removal of the residual water, with and without detergent, is also a prerequisite for better hygiene, especially in the case in which the user wants to put his refrigerator in a standstill, e.g. if device is to be shut down for some time.

Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures. Concrete features of these embodiments may represent general features of the invention.

Show it:

1 a perspective view of a household refrigerator,

2 a schematic pipe plan of a first embodiment of water pipes with a cleaning device,

3 a schematic pipe plan of a second embodiment of water pipes with a cleaning devices,

4 a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a cleaning device, and

5 a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the cleaning device.

1 shows a perspective view of a refrigerator in the form of a household refrigerator 1 with a water pipe 5 ,

The household refrigerator 1 has a cabinet-like body in this embodiment 2 with side walls and a door leaf 3 on which an inner container not shown in detail with an interior of the household refrigerator 1 circumscribe.

The cabinet-like body 2 and the door leaf 3 are provided with insulation for thermal insulation purposes. The insulation forms a thermal insulation of the inner container, which is cooled by means of a cooling device, not shown.

In this embodiment is in the door leaf 3 a water-bearing device component 4 arranged. This is located in a lined recess of the door panel 3 and has a water dispenser 7 in the form of a pipe section, under which, for example, a drinking vessel for receiving drinking water from the water dispenser 7 positioned can be. An actuating device 6 Used for controlled water output from in the household refrigerator 1 in a manner not described in detail cooled drinking water from the water dispenser. It will be explained further below. The water-bearing device component 4 but can also elsewhere on the household refrigerator 1 to be appropriate.

The water dispenser 7 is about one in the 1 dashed lines indicated water pipe 5 and a water supply 8th connected to a water supply network. The water supply network can be, for example, a domestic water installation.

The water supply 8th has in this embodiment a water supply network connection 9 , a shut-off valve 10 and a water filter cartridge 11 on. In addition, the water supply 8th via a cleaning device 12 with the water pipe 5 of the household refrigerator 1 connected.

The water supply network connection 9 is a common pipe or water hose connection. The shut-off valve 10 is designed as a faucet (slide or ball valve) and serves to shut off the water pipe 5 of the household refrigerator 1 from the water supply network, eg when changing filters. The water filter cartridge 11 is equipped with a replaceable filter element that is regularly renewed or regenerated.

The cleaning device 12 serves to clean the water pipe 5 of the household refrigerator 1 and will be described in detail below.

2 and 3 show schematic pipe plans of water pipes with cleaning devices 12 ,

The water pipe 5 is indicated in this first embodiment as a dashed frame and part of the household refrigerator 1 , The water supply network connection 9 is outside the household refrigerator 1 and is via a supply line 13 , eg a hose, with the shut-off valve 10 connected. The shut-off valve 10 can, for example, on the back wall of the household refrigerator 1 or in an accessible position for a user.

The shut-off valve 10 is with the water filter cartridge 11 Being here on or in the household refrigerator 1 is also arranged easily accessible to the user to replace a filter element, via a filter feed line 13b connected. This can also be a hose or in or on the household refrigerator 1 be permanently installed pipeline.

The water filter cartridge 11 in turn, with its outlet through a filter discharge with the cleaning device 12 connected via a dispenser valve line to a dispensing valve 14 connected. An outlet of the dispensing valve 14 is with the water cooler 7 finally about a donor feed 13d connected.

The dispenser valve 14 is in this embodiment, a solenoid valve and is by means of the actuator 6 , which is designed as an electrical button, switched on and off. An associated electrical power supply is not shown. The dispenser valve 14 is formed normally closed, ie it is closed when the actuator 6 is unactuated, and it is open when the actuator 6 is pressed.

Upon actuation of the actuator 6 and thus opened donor valve 14 water flows from the water supply network connection 9 in the flow direction through the open shut-off valve 10 , the water filter cartridge 11 , the cleaning device 12 and the donor valve 14 from the water cooler 7 out into the provided drinking vessel.

In 2 is the cleaning device 12 in the flow direction behind the water filter cartridge 11 arranged.

For cleaning the water pipe 5 , eg before a shutdown, recommissioning or regular cleaning of the household refrigerator 1 , first, the shut-off valve 10 closed and then the cleaning device 12 in a first step, first filled with a cleaning agent. After a suitable, large vessel or other drainage with the water dispenser 7 is connected, the shut-off valve 10 opened again and the actuator 6 operated for a certain, predetermined cleaning time. The dispenser valve 14 is opened and the water of the water supply network flushes the detergent from the cleaning device 12 through the water pipe 5 and cleanse them with it.

After consumption of the cleaning agent 12 becomes the water pipe 5 several more times by pressing the actuator 6 rinsed.

Then in a second step, the shut-off valve 10 closed and now a pressure vessel 19 in the cleaning device 12 used. The shut-off valve 10 remains closed. The pressure vessel 19 Eg is a gas storage element with nitrogen gas or CO ₂ gas and is after insertion into the cleaning device 12 opened by closing it. The previously stored gas flows into the water pipe 5 and builds up a pressure. By pressing the actuator 6 the gas flows through the open dispenser valve 14 and the water cooler 7 into the open. The actuating device 6 is operated accordingly, until all water and cleaning agent residues in the water pipe 5 are removed. The water pipe is thereby completely cleaned and dried.

Even without the use of cleaning agents, eg rinsing only with water, the cleaning device 12 with the pressure vessel 19 as described above.

The cleaning device 12 can also, as in 3 shown, instead of the water filter cartridge 11 be used. For this purpose, the water filter cartridge 11 an inlet port 11a and an outlet port 11b on. These connections 11a . 11b can be designed as snap closures. The cleaning device 12 has corresponding to these quick-release connections formed connections (inlet 12a and outlet 12b ) on which it instead of the water filter cartridge 11 in the water pipe 5 can be used to clean the same.

4 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a cleaning device 12 ,

The cleaning device 12 is designed as a kind of adapter and has a housing 15 with a recording room 16 on. The recording room 16 is with a container head 17 closable. The container head 17 is with a tank connection 18 provided with which he to the water pipe 5 can be connected via appropriate lines.

The recording room 16 serves to accommodate the detergent and / or the pressure vessel 19 , In the container head 17 There is a suitable device for connecting the pressure vessel 19 ,

It is also possible in a variant that the recording room 16 is provided for receiving a filter element. In this case, the cleaning device 12 in the water filter cartridge 11 integrated. Of course, the shut-off valve can 10 at the container head 17 with attached. So an extremely compact unit is formed.

In a variant, not shown, the cleaning agent and the pressure vessel 19 instead of a filter element in the water filter cartridge 11 used.

In 5 is a second embodiment of the cleaning device 12 ' shown.

The cleaning device 12 ' can also be referred to as an adapter and has a mixer housing 20 on. The mixer housing 20 is with a mixer chamber 21 and a receiving chamber 22 educated. A first pipe section 20a with a union nut 23 at an inlet end and a threaded portion 24 at an outlet end is to install the water pipe 5 in the flow direction 27 intended. From this first pipe section 20a branches a second pipe section 20b at an angle in the direction of flow 27 from. The mixer chamber 21 is located in the area of the branch between the first pipe section 20a and the second pipe section 20b , The second pipe section 20b has at its free end a threaded portion 25 for screwing on a lid 26 for closing the receiving chamber 22 in the second pipe section 20b is arranged.

The reception chamber 22 serves to accommodate the detergent and / or the pressure vessel 19 , A suitable holder for connecting the pressure vessel 19 or of the cleaning agent is in the receiving chamber 22 or mixer chamber 21 arranged but not shown.

During the cleaning process, the water flows in the direction of flow 27 through the first pipe section 20a , mixes with the detergent from the receiving chamber 22 in the mixer chamber 21 and take it with you into the water pipe 5 (please refer 2 and 3 ).

The gas from the pressure vessel 19 flows when the shut-off valve is closed 10 into the mixer chamber 21 and in the water pipe 5 ,

The mixer housing 20 may be a so-called Y-pipe piece, which with a suitable connection for the pressure vessel 19 and / or provided for receiving the cleaning agent.

The water pipe 5 may also have other facilities in the household refrigerator 1 supply, such as an ice cube unit.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 Household refrigerator

2

 corpus

3

 door leaf

4

 Water leading device component

5

 water pipe

6

 actuator

7

 water dispenser

8th

 water supply

9

 Water supply mains

10

 shut-off valve

11

 Water filter cartridge

11a

 inlet port

11b

 outlet

12, 12 '

 cleaning device

12a

 inlet

12b

 outlet

13

 supply

13a

 filter feeder

13b

 filter derivation

13c

 Dispensing valve line

13d

 donor inflow

14

 dispensing valve

15

 casing

16

 accommodation space

17

 container head

18

 container terminal

19

 pressure vessel

20

 mixer housing

20a, 20b

 pipe section

21

 mixing chamber

22

 receiving chamber

23

 Nut

24, 25

 threaded portion

26

 cover

27

 flow direction

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102005021551 A1 [0002]
• DE 102007044391 A1 [0003]

Claims (10)

Refrigerating appliance, in particular household refrigerating appliance, comprising a heat-insulated inner container which forms a coolable storage space for refrigerated goods, at least one water-carrying device component ( 4 ), a water supply network connection ( 9 ), and at least one water pipe ( 5 ) connecting the water supply network ( 9 ) with the water-carrying device component ( 4 ), characterized by a connection ( 11a . 11b ), which is designed to the water line ( 5 ) a cleaning device ( 12 . 12 ' ), which is set up, a cleaning agent in the water pipe ( 5 ). Refrigerating appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that the connection ( 11a . 11b ), the cleaning device ( 12 . 12 ' ) in the flow direction the water supply network connection ( 9 ) below. Refrigerating appliance according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connection ( 11a . 11b ), optionally the cleaning device ( 12 . 12 ' ) or a replaceable water filter cartridge ( 11 ). Refrigerating appliance according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the connection ( 11a . 11b ) in a shut-off valve ( 10 ) of the refrigeration device ( 1 ) is integrated. Cleaning device ( 12 . 12 ' ), which can be connected to a connection ( 11a . 11b ) to a water pipe ( 5 ) of a refrigeration device, in particular a refrigeration device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a housing ( 15 . 20 ) with an opening, a lid-like container head ( 17 . 26 ) for pressure-tight sealing of the housing ( 15 . 20 ), one in the housing ( 15 . 20 ) can be inserted over the opening ( 19 ), a pressure vessel connection piece, which is formed, propellant gas from the pressure vessel ( 19 ) in its connected state in the housing ( 15 . 20 ), as well as a mating connection piece, which can be connected to the connection ( 11a . 11b ) and is arranged, in the housing ( 15 . 20 ) cleaning agent by means of the in the housing ( 15 . 20 ) escaping propellant gas into the water line ( 5 ). Cleaning device according to claim 5, characterized in that the housing ( 15 . 20 ) a recording room ( 16 ) for receiving tablet-shaped, powdered and / or liquid, in particular chemical cleaning agents. Cleaning device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the pressure vessel ( 19 ) is a pressurized propellant, in particular compressed air, nitrogen or carbon dioxide containing gas capsule. Cleaning device according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the cover-like container head ( 17 . 26 ) has the mating connector piece for coupling to the connector ( 11a . 11b ), in particular to the water line ( 5 ) is trained. Cleaning device according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the container head ( 17 . 26 ) a mixer housing ( 20 ) having a first pipe section ( 20a ) for connection to the water pipe ( 5 ) and a second pipe section ( 20b ) for connecting the pressure vessel ( 19 ). Method for cleaning a water pipe ( 5 ), in particular a water pipe ( 5 ) of a refrigerator ( 1 ), in particular a refrigeration device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 4, comprising the following steps: - connecting a cleaning device ( 12 . 12 ' ), in particular a cleaning device ( 12 . 12 ' ) according to one of claims 5 to 9 to a terminal ( 11a . 11b ) of the refrigeration device ( 1 ), which is to be cleaned with a water pipe ( 5 ) of the refrigeration device ( 1 ) connected is; Discharge of a propellant gas, in particular compressed air, nitrogen or carbon dioxide from a pressure vessel ( 19 ), in particular a gas capsule of the cleaning device ( 12 . 12 ' ) in a housing ( 15 . 20 ) of the cleaning device ( 12 . 12 ' ) to one in a recording room ( 16 ) of the housing ( 15 . 20 ) befindliches cleaning agents, in particular tablet-shaped, powdery and / or liquid, in particular chemical cleaning agents on the connection ( 11a . 11b ) into the water pipe to be cleaned ( 5 ) of the refrigeration device ( 1 ) to promote, in particular to blow.

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