DE102014226087A1 - REFRIGERATOR WITH FRESH POCKET - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a refrigeration device (100) having an interior space (103) and a fresh food compartment (105) arranged in the interior space (103) for storing refrigerated goods, wherein the fresh food compartment (105) has a wall (106), characterized in that the wall (106) comprises at least one capillary opening (109), which is provided to convey moisture from the fresh food compartment (105) into the interior space (103).

Description

The invention relates to a refrigerator with a fresh food compartment.

The storage quality of fruit and vegetables is mainly influenced by the temperature and moisture content of a refrigerator. The storage moisture is of particular importance in the area of a fresh food compartment, such as a vegetable dish, of the refrigeration device, since the goods are stored here mostly unpacked.

The publication EP 1 124 439 B1 describes a vegetable compartment in a refrigerator comprising a partition for forming a vegetable storage room in a cold storage room, a container accommodated in the vegetable storage room, and a cover over the container, the cover having on a bottom side a water collecting means for collecting water. However, the capacity of this collector is limited, so that hygienically harmful water can be accumulated in the event of a major accumulation of moisture.

The invention is therefore based on the object to provide a refrigerator with an improved fresh food compartment, which sets optimal conditions for the storage moisture and still dissipates excess moisture from the fresh food compartment.

This object is achieved by the subject matter having the features of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the figures, the description and the dependent claims.

According to one aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a refrigeration device having an interior space and a fresh food compartment arranged in the interior for storing refrigerated goods, wherein the fresh food compartment has a wall, in which the wall comprises at least one capillary opening, which is provided, moisture to transport the fresh food compartment into the interior. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that accumulates in the fresh food compartment accumulating moisture until an air humidity of close to 100% has formed. Most of the remaining moisture is removed through the capillary from the fresh food compartment so that no hygienically harmful moisture accumulates. The fresh food compartment thus has a system of self-regulation of humidity and offers a cost-reduced alternative to complex mechanical solutions for moisture control. As a result, the total amount of condensate is reduced overall and produces an improved storage quality by a constant high humidity in the fresh food compartment. This also results in a lower amount of condensate and thus less cleaning effort for a user or an end customer. The wall may be a floor, a side wall, a rear wall, a front, a lid or a cover of the fresh food compartment. Furthermore, the capillary opening can be formed by a capillary bore.

A refrigeration appliance is understood in particular to mean a domestic refrigeration appliance, that is to say a refrigeration appliance that is used for household management or in the gastronomy sector, and in particular for storing food and / or drinks at specific temperatures, such as, for example, a refrigerator, a freezer, a refrigerated freezer combination, a freezer or a wine fridge.

In an advantageous embodiment, the wall comprises a plurality of capillary openings, which penetrate the wall and connect the interior with the fresh food compartment. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that more moisture can be removed from the fresh food compartment.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the fresh-food compartment has a mechanism for closing and opening the capillary openings as well as partial areas of the capillary opening. As a result, the technical advantage is achieved, for example, that a control according to the amount and the type of compartment loading is possible.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the mechanism comprises an electric drive. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that opening or closing is very convenient and easy for a user to handle. This can be done for example by pressing a button.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the fresh-food compartment has a sensor in order to detect a refrigerated property, in particular refrigerated goods, refrigerated goods, transpiration properties or emitted heat, and a diameter of the at least one capillary opening can be changed as a function of the detected refrigerated-product property. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that a manual input of quantity and type of shed loading can be omitted by a user of the refrigerator. The sensor automatically detects the relevant cooling properties and changes the diameter of the capillary opening. This can also be done, for example, by activating the mechanism for closing and opening the capillary openings.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the fresh food compartment is removably formed from the interior of the refrigerator. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that repair measures or cleaning measures are facilitated.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the fresh food compartment consists of a glass or a plastic material. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that the hygienic conditions optimized in the fresh food compartment and the conditions for microbial growth can be minimized.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the wall has a surface coating which is designed to influence a wetting angle. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that the capillary effect can be promoted and improved. Here, the inner side of the wall can be an inner surface of the fresh food compartment and the outer side of the wall can be an outer surface of the fresh food compartment.

In a further advantageous embodiment, an inner side of the wall has a first surface coating and an outer side of the wall has a second surface coating, wherein the first surface coating differs from the second surface coating, and wherein the respective surface coating is designed to influence the wetting angle of the water. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that the capillary effect can be further promoted and improved. For example, the inside of the wall has a hydrophobic coating, which helps to remove liquid water from the fresh food compartment, and the outside of the wall and the capillary openings are made hydrophilic in order to more easily absorb the water displaced from the fresh food compartment.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the wall on an inner side or an outer side comprises a structuring for binding drops of moisture. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that drops of moisture can be bound to a desired condensation site in order to further improve the capillary effect.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the structuring of the inside or the outside of the wall is honeycomb-like, conical or grid-like. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that in addition to the improved capillary effect, a simplified cleaning of the cover can be achieved, which also aesthetic aspects can be taken into account.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the wall comprises a sponge or a nonwoven fabric. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that the capillary action can be additionally improved. The sponge or nonwoven fabric may optionally have microorganism-reducing properties. The microorganism-reducing properties can realize an extension of the useful life.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the sponge or the nonwoven fabric is in air contact with the interior of the refrigeration device. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that particular hygienic requirements are taken into account. The air contact of the sponge or nonwoven fabric with the interior of the refrigeration device substantially ensures that moisture escaping from the fish compartment does not accumulate permanently in the sponge or nonwoven fabric.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the fresh food compartment has an air duct for supplying air to the capillary opening. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that the capillary opening dry cold air can be supplied, whereby evaporation of emerging at the capillary moisture can be optimized.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the fresh food compartment has a further air channel for discharging air from the capillary opening. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that humid air can be derived from the capillary opening, whereby evaporation of moisture exiting at the capillary opening can be optimized. Further, the air passage and the further air passage may form an air passage for supplying and discharging air.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the wall is a rear wall or a bottom of the fresh food compartment. As a result, the technical advantage is achieved, for example, that in the case of a moisture surplus in the fresh food compartment efficient removal of excess moisture drops can be ensured.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the wall is formed by a cover which closes the fresh food compartment. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that Frischhaltefächer different volumes Particularly simple with the capillary opening having wall can be equipped, which further the production costs for such fresh food compartments can be reduced.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the covering the fresh food compartment cover is completely removable. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that repair measures or cleaning measures of the cover can be facilitated. In addition, the flexibility of the usability of the fresh food compartment and / or the refrigeration device is thereby increased.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the cover closing the fresh food compartment comprises a seal, which is designed to close the fresh food compartment airtight. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that limits the moisture exchange only on the capillary. Thus, the moisture content in the crisper shelf can be more precisely controlled as alternative moisture paths through the seal are blocked.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the cover comprises wedge-shaped side sections. As a result, the technical advantage is achieved, for example, that in the case of a moisture surplus in the fresh food compartment, a controlled discharge of the excess moisture drops can take place via the wedge-shaped side sections.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and will be described in more detail below.

Show it:

1 a schematic representation of a refrigerator with a fresh food compartment;

2a a schematic representation of a cover of a fresh food compartment;

2 B a further schematic representation of a cover of a fresh food compartment;

3 a cross-sectional view of the fresh food compartment according to another embodiment;

4a a schematic representation of a capillary opening of a wall of a fresh food compartment; and

4b a further schematic representation of a capillary opening of a wall of a fresh food compartment.

The 1 shows a schematic representation of a refrigerator 100 with a fresh food compartment 105 , The refrigeration device 100 includes an interior 103 in which a fresh food compartment 105 is arranged for storing refrigerated goods. In the front there is the fresh food compartment 105 at a lower portion of the interior 103 However, it may as well be in a middle or an upper section of the interior 103 to be ordered. The fresh food compartment 105 has a wall 106 on, which in this case by a fresh food compartment 105 occlusive cover 107 is formed. Further, the cover has 107 an outside 111 and an inside 113 on, with the cover 107 over a variety of capillary openings 109 which is intended to moisture from the fresh food compartment 105 in the interior 103 to transport. The capillary openings 109 For example, they may be closed or opened by an electrically driven mechanism (not shown). The fresh food compartment 105 includes a sensor 115 , which can detect refrigerated goods properties such as Kühlgutart or Kühlgutgröße. The sensor 115 can then the diameter of the capillary 109 Change depending on the detected refrigeration property by controlling the electrically driven mechanism. For example, the variation or change in the diameter of the capillary openings 109 by two mutually displaceable arranged with diamond-shaped capillary 109 provided levels occur.

The the fresh food compartment 105 occlusive cover 107 comprises a seal (not shown) which is adapted to the fresh food compartment 105 airtight to close. Thus, the moisture content in the fresh food compartment can be 105 precisely over the capillary openings 109 control, as alternative moisture exchange paths between fresh food compartment 105 and interior 103 of the refrigeration device 100 are blocked by the seal. Additionally or alternatively, the cover comprises 107 a sponge or a nonwoven fabric. This will affect the capillary openings 109 additionally improved. However, it is recommended to use the sponge or the nonwoven fabric with the interior 103 of the refrigeration device 100 in air contact.

The refrigeration device 100 can further with the interior 103 and in the interior 103 arranged fresh food compartment 105 be designed for storing refrigerated goods, wherein the fresh food compartment 105 the wall 106 and wherein the wall 106 at least one capillary opening 109 which is provided, moisture from the fresh food compartment 105 in the interior 103 to transport. This can be achieved that in the fresh food compartment 105 Accumulating moisture accumulates until an air humidity of close to 100% has formed. The majority of further resulting moisture is through the capillary 109 from the fresh food compartment 105 discharged so that no hygienically harmful moisture accumulates. The fresh food compartment 105 has a system of self-regulation of humidity and offers a cost-reduced alternative to complex mechanical solutions for humidity control. As a result, the total amount of condensate is reduced overall and produces an improved storage quality by a constant high humidity in the fresh food compartment. This also results in a lower amount of condensate and thus less cleaning effort for a user or an end customer. The wall 106 may be a floor, a side wall, a back wall, a front, a lid or a cover 107 of the fresh food compartment 105 be. Furthermore, the capillary opening 109 be formed by a capillary.

A refrigeration appliance is understood in particular to mean a domestic refrigeration appliance, that is to say a refrigeration appliance that is used for household management or in the gastronomy sector, and in particular for storing food and / or drinks at specific temperatures, such as, for example, a refrigerator, a freezer, a refrigerated freezer combination, a freezer or a wine fridge.

The 2a and 2 B show schematic representations of a cover 107 a fresh food compartment 105 , The cover 107 has a surface coating that affects the wetting angle so that the capillary effect can be promoted and improved. In addition, the cover 107 on the outside 111 or the inside 113 the cover 107 honeycomb, conical or grid-like structured in order to additionally improve the capillary effect and possibly a simplified cleaning of the cover 107 to enable. The capillary openings 109 are on a surface of the cover 107 arranged in about two-thirds of the area of the entire outside 111 the cover 107 accounts. However, the division may also differ from this exemplary breakdown. Further, the cover has 107 wedge-shaped laterally on the cover 107 arranged side sections 201 by means of which, in the case of a moisture surplus in the fresh food compartment 105 , a controlled removal of excess moisture drops over the wedge-shaped side sections 201 can be effected.

The 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the fresh food compartment 105 according to a further embodiment. The fresh food compartment 105 has a wall 106 , which in this case a floor 301 of the fresh food compartment 105 is, and an air duct 303 passing through a recess in the ground 301 is formed on. The floor 301 also has the outside 111 , the inside 113 and a plurality of capillary openings 109 on. Further, the sensor 115 in the fresh food compartment 105 arranged.

By means of the air duct 303 may be the majority of the capillary openings 109 Air is supplied and / or air from the plurality of capillary openings 109 be derived. This can be achieved that the capillary openings 109 dry cold air is fed, causing evaporation of at the capillary 109 emerging moisture can be optimized. Furthermore, humid air from the capillary openings 109 be derived, causing evaporation of the capillary 109 emerging moisture can be further optimized.

The 4a shows a schematic representation of a capillary 109 a wall 106 a fresh food compartment 105 , The capillary opening 109 is in a dry state. This situation occurs, for example, in a first introduction of refrigerated goods in the fresh food compartment 105 on. The refrigerated goods are in the fresh food compartment 105 Water in a gaseous state, which is obtained as atmospheric moisture. This humidity can be through the capillary openings 109 in the interior 103 of the refrigeration device 105 diffuse. Since the opening area of the capillary opening is small, the amount of transport of air moisture by diffusion through the capillary opening 109 clearly below the amount of moisture released by the chilled goods. This accumulates humidity in the fresh food compartment 105 at. This happens until the air is saturated with moisture. At this moment, water vapor will condense to liquid, with the condensation preferably on the inside 113 the wall 106 occurs.

The 4b shows a further schematic representation of a capillary 109 a wall 106 a fresh food compartment 105 , When there is a large amount of moisture, a drop of moisture forms 401 on the inside 113 the wall 106 , The capillary effect becomes the moisture drop 401 sucked to the outside. On the outside 111 the wall 106 can the moisture drop 401 evaporate and into the interior 103 of the refrigeration device 100 be delivered. For the release of moisture, it is important that the surface of the moisture drop 401 forms a much larger exchange area than the diameter of the dry capillary opening 109 allows. This increases the effective area over which the moisture between the refrigeration compartment 105 and the interior 103 of the refrigeration device 100 can be exchanged, massive. On the surface of the moisture drop 401 Evaporates significantly more water than through the dry capillary opening 109 can diffuse. As a consequence, excess water is removed faster.

Should the wall 106 As a result, the discharged moisture drops again very sharply, so that in the fresh food compartment 105 a renewed enrichment of humidity takes place. This accumulation of moisture ensures a constant high humidity in the Frischfach 105 ,

The application of this principle of operation becomes a fresh-food compartment 105 realized with self-regulating humidity. The optimal capillary diameter, the exact shape of the capillary openings 109 in the wall 106 as well as the optimal adjustment of the surface properties are device-specific interpretable and customizable. The construction is characterized by the number, size and distribution of the capillary openings 109 adaptable to different refrigeration device types. For systems that are prone to low humidities, the number of capillary openings can be 109 be reduced. Static systems with high humidity are more likely to have a larger number of capillary openings 109 need.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100

 The refrigerator

103

 inner space

105

 Crisper

106

 wall

107

 cover

109

 capillary

111

 outside

113

 inside

115

 sensor

201

 Wedge-shaped side section

301

 ground

303

 air duct

401

 moisture drops

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

• EP 1124439 B1 [0003]

Claims (18)

Refrigeration appliance ( 100 ) with an interior ( 103 ) and one in the interior ( 103 ) arranged fresh food compartment ( 105 ) for storing refrigerated goods, wherein the fresh food compartment ( 105 ) a wall ( 106 ), characterized in that the wall ( 106 ) at least one capillary opening ( 109 ), which is provided moisture from the fresh food compartment ( 105 ) in the interior ( 103 ) to transport. Refrigeration appliance ( 100 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the wall ( 106 ) a plurality of capillary openings ( 109 ) comprising the wall ( 106 ) and the interior ( 103 ) with the fresh food compartment ( 105 ) connect. Refrigeration appliance ( 100 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fresh food compartment ( 105 ) a mechanism for closing and opening the capillary openings ( 109 ) having. Refrigeration appliance ( 100 ) according to claim 3, characterized in that the mechanism comprises an electric drive. Refrigeration appliance ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fresh food compartment ( 105 ) a sensor ( 115 ), in order to detect a property of a refrigerated product, in particular type of refrigerated goods or goods to be refrigerated, and in that a diameter of the at least one capillary opening ( 109 ) is variable depending on the detected refrigerated property. Refrigeration appliance ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fresh food compartment ( 105 ) from the interior ( 103 ) of the refrigeration device ( 100 ) is removable. Refrigeration appliance ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fresh food compartment ( 105 ) consists of a glass or a plastic material. Refrigeration appliance ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wall ( 106 ) has a surface coating adapted to affect a wetting angle. Refrigeration appliance ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wall ( 106 ) on an inside ( 113 ) or an outside ( 111 ) comprises a structuring for binding drops of moisture. Refrigeration appliance ( 100 ) according to claim 9, characterized in that the structuring of the inside ( 113 ) or the outside ( 111 ) of the wall ( 106 ) is honeycomb-like, conical or grid-like. Refrigeration appliance ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wall ( 106 ) comprises a sponge or a nonwoven fabric. Refrigeration appliance ( 100 ) according to claim 11, characterized in that the sponge or the nonwoven fabric with the interior ( 103 ) of the refrigeration device ( 100 ) is in contact with air. Refrigeration appliance ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fresh food compartment ( 105 ) an air duct ( 303 ) for supplying air to the capillary opening ( 109 ) having. Refrigeration appliance ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wall ( 106 ) a back wall or a floor ( 301 ) of the fresh food compartment ( 105 ). Refrigeration appliance ( 100 ) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the wall ( 106 ) through a cover ( 107 ) is formed, which the Frischhaltefach ( 105 ) closes. Refrigeration appliance ( 100 ) according to claim 15, characterized in that the fresh food compartment ( 105 ) occlusive cover ( 107 ) is formed completely removable. Refrigeration appliance ( 100 ) according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the fresh food compartment ( 105 ) occlusive cover ( 107 ) comprises a seal which is adapted to the fresh food compartment ( 105 ) to close airtight. Refrigeration appliance ( 100 ) according to one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the cover ( 107 ) wedge-shaped side sections ( 201 ).

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