DE102015220351A1 - Household refrigerator with a refrigerator and a freezer compartment and a pressure balance valve - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a domestic refrigerator (1) with a housing (2) in which a freezer compartment (3) is formed, and with a pressure compensation valve (13a, 13b), which is designed to compensate for a negative pressure in the freezer compartment (3), wherein in the Housing (2) a cooling chamber (4) is formed, which is closable by a on the housing (2) arranged door (6), and on the door (6) the at least one pressure compensating valve (13a, 13b) is formed, wherein the Refrigerator (4) is air-conductively connected to the freezer compartment (3) for taking place by means of the pressure compensation valve (13a, 13b) compensation of the negative pressure in the freezer compartment (3).

Description

The invention relates to a household refrigerator with a housing in which a freezer compartment is formed. The household refrigerator comprises a pressure compensation valve, which is designed for pressure equalization in the freezer compartment.

When you open a door of the household refrigerator warm air penetrates into the interior and thus in the storage room for the food. The subsequent closing of this door creates a negative pressure in this interior. Due to this negative pressure, the door is therefore pulled harder. On the other hand, this results in larger forces that are required for a user to re-open this door.

From the DE 10 2008 054 417 A1 a household freezer is known in which a pressure equalization in the region of a seal of the door and a groove in which the seal is arranged on the door, a permanently open column is formed. This allows air to flow under the seal and thus between the seal and the groove from outside the refrigerator into the interior. In such an embodiment, however, the problem arises that can permanently flow through the permanently open column and warmer air, resulting in a higher energy consumption of the household freezer. In particular, a higher energy consumption is required to be able to maintain the low temperature level in the freezer compartment also by the permanently flowing in warmer air from the outside.

In addition, from the DE 20 2006 013 229 U1 a refrigerator known, which has a freezer compartment as a single interior. This refrigeration device includes a pressure compensation valve. This pressure compensating valve is a specific separate component disposed between a door outside and a door inner wall of a sleeve. In this sleeve, a membrane is biased and held by an intermediate wall. In the event of a negative pressure in the interior, air flows between the edges of the membrane and the sleeve. In addition to this specific pressure compensation valve, the local arrangement also includes a passage in the region of a seal of the door. This air exchange between the environment of the refrigerator and the interior, bypassing the pressure compensation valve is possible, and here too often changes its direction changing course of this passage in the manner of a labyrinth seal prevents free air exchange between the interior and the environment. Also in this embodiment, the passage is open in two directions, so that targeted air can escape from the environment into the interior, but also air from the interior into the environment. This also affects the energy-efficient operation of the refrigerator.

Furthermore, from the DE 30 00 202 A1 a freezer with a pressure compensation device known. In this embodiment, the pressure compensation device is formed in the region between a seal of the door and a groove in which the seal extends. For this purpose, at specific spaced-apart locations of the groove expansions of the groove are formed so that it can move in the extending part of the seal and then depending on the movement in turn air can be passed to the environment inward. Again, then the negative pressure in the only existing freezer in the freezer compartment can be compensated.

In the known embodiments in the freezer, however, the problem may arise that due to the large temperature differences between the temperatures in the freezer compartment and the incoming air then condensation can occur and consequently a freezing of this pressure compensation device can occur. As a result, the functionality is at least inhibited or completely disabled.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a household refrigerator, in which a negative pressure occurring in a freezer compartment can be rapidly reduced and the functionality of the pressure equalization point is high.

This object is achieved by a household refrigerator, which has the features of claim 1.

An inventive household refrigerator comprises a housing in which a freezer compartment is formed. The freezer compartment forms an area in which food, in particular food, can be stored in a first temperature range in the domestic refrigerator. The household refrigerator comprises a pressure compensation valve, which is designed for pressure equalization in the freezer compartment. An essential idea of the invention is the fact that a cooling space is formed in the housing in addition to the freezer compartment. The refrigerated space represents an area in the household refrigerating appliance in which foodstuffs can be stored in a temperature range different from the freezer space, this temperature range comprising higher temperature values, such as this first temperature range of the freezer space. In particular, the temperature range of the cold room is between +4 ° C and +10 ° C. The first temperature range in the freezer compartment includes temperature values preferably less than -10 ° C.

The cooling space can be closed by a door arranged on the housing. That's at the door Pressure compensation valve formed. The refrigerator is connected in an air-conducting manner to the freezer compartment for equalizing the pressure in the freezer compartment in the condition closed by the door. According to the invention, it is thus provided that, in principle, a household refrigerating appliance is to be considered, which not only has a space for storing and preserving food, but also two separate rooms with different temperature zones, namely with a freezer compartment and a cold room. The pressure compensation valve, with which a pressure equalization is achieved at least in the freezer compartment, in particular in the freezer compartment and the refrigerator compartment, is located far away from the freezer compartment and formed in the cold compartment, namely in the door which closes the cold storage compartment. Due to the air-conducting connection between the cooling chamber and the freezer compartment, it is still possible that the negative pressure in the freezer compartment can be compensated via the pressure compensation valve on the door for closing the cold room. By this configuration, it is also achieved that the pressure compensation valve can no longer freeze or freeze. It is therefore permanently reliable. In addition, this configuration also ensures that both rooms, namely the freezer compartment and the refrigerator compartment, can be reliably and permanently reliably compensated for with regard to possible negative pressure that occurs. Also, the opening of the door can then be done with reduced force.

In particular, the freezer compartment is closable by a door which is formed separately from the door, which is designed to close the refrigerator compartment. It can be provided that these two doors each form front ends of the household refrigerating appliance and thus these doors are positioned on the visible side and not overlapping each other. However, it can also be provided that the freezer compartment is closed with a door and this freezer compartment and the door are arranged in the volume of the cold room, so that the door of the freezer compartment is again covered by the door of the refrigerator again. In order to then be able to reach the freezer, the door of the refrigerator, which then also represents the front outer door of the household refrigerating appliance is to open.

In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the pressure compensation valve is a one-way valve. This therefore means that the pressure compensation valve allows air flow in only one direction, namely from the environment of the domestic refrigerator in the interior. Preferably, this is then done in the refrigerator and from the refrigerator in the freezer compartment. By such a particularly advantageous embodiment, a very energy-efficient operation of the household refrigerator is also possible, since it is prevented that a leakage of cool air from the freezer compartment or refrigerator via the pressure equalization valve from the household refrigerator out.

It is preferably provided that the air-conducting connection is formed by an air duct system, which is designed for air exchange between the freezer compartment and the refrigerator compartment. Such, already existing air duct system can thus be used multifunctional, so that in addition to the intended by the basic technology of domestic refrigeration unit function of the desired air equalization between the freezer compartment and the refrigerator in addition then also when a negative pressure in the freezer compartment occurs from the outside via the pressure equalization valve incoming air to the freezer room leads.

As a result, in such an embodiment, it is not necessary to provide additional air passages in order, in the event of an occurring negative pressure, to direct this air flowing in from the outside via the pressure equalization valve to the freezer space in a targeted manner. As a result, components are saved and the household refrigerator can continue to be made compact without the volume of the refrigerator and the freezer would be limited.

It can also be provided that the air-conducting connection is formed at least in sections along a seal arranged on the at least one door. By such an alternative embodiment, a customized flow path for the incoming air can be achieved. It can be realized in the context of a very hidden and space-saving arrangement. A relatively short flow path can also be defined defined.

It is preferably provided that a seal is arranged on the door, which extends into a groove in an inner side of the door. The pressure compensating valve is formed by a widening region of the groove and a sealing region extending in the widening region, wherein the sealing region is movable in the cross-cutting direction of the widening region in the widening region. This means that in the direction of rotation around the groove, it has a larger groove cross-section at a specific point, namely in the broadening region, than outside this broadening region. Since the seal with its sealing region, with which it is arranged in the groove and held therein, is preferably not widened at this point of the broadening region, this sealing region in the broadening area, unlike outside the broadening area, not accurately pressed into it. The arrangement or retention of the sealing area in this broadening area is such that air is permanently inserted into the broadening area can flow out and the sealing area is positioned in such a way that the pressure compensation valve is permanently open at this point and pressure-independent in both flow directions.

In particular, it is provided that this widening region of the groove is designed as a trough-shaped groove section which, viewed in the direction of the extent of the groove, is tapered at opposite ends of the widening region. Such a boot-shaped groove section favors the functionality of the pressure compensation valve, in particular the one-way valve.

It is preferably provided that, viewed in the cross-cutting direction of the broadening region, the sealing region has sealing wings on opposite sides.

It can be provided that the sealing region, which extends into the widening region, is designed as a hollow region, so that the weight can be reduced.

In particular, a seal is arranged on the door, which extends into a groove in an inner side of the door. The pressure compensation valve comprises a widening region of the groove and a sealing region extending into the widening region. In addition, it is provided that the sealing region is arranged in the cross-sectional direction of the broadening region in the broadening region flow-permeable. This means that this sealing region in this widening region is not sealed thereto, in particular spaced apart and thus arranged contactlessly to the inside of this widening region. As a result, the passage of air can take place at this point.

The pressure compensation valve further comprises outside the groove a sealing lip, which rests in the sealing state of the pressure compensating valve at an upper end of a protruding from the groove and extending a groove leg of the groove leg. As a result of this lengthening leg, the groove-like configuration of the groove is quasi asymmetrically extended upwards (when the design is viewed in a plane perpendicular to the extension direction of the groove). By such a configuration of the pressure compensation valve, the opening and closing of the pressure compensation valve is thus performed outside the groove. The release and closing is thus possible more precisely and thus also the safe closure and the quick release allows. By exposing this sealing lip at the opposite side of the end of this extending leg, the mobility for opening and closing is not restricted. A sealing region, which, for example, is not desired to move in the groove due to, for example, environmental influences or other conditions, and which in the prior art represents a pressure compensation device in this respect, is thus avoided here. Complex movements of the sealing area, which extends into the groove, are therefore no longer necessary in the present embodiment, since the local geometry and position of the sealing area is anyway designed such that a permanent gap for the flow between the sealing area and the inside Broadening of the groove in both directions (viewed in the plane perpendicular to the extension direction of the groove) is formed.

In addition, the sealing lip can also be designed very filigree by the above advantageous embodiment, so that it is highly flexible and the mobility is favored with respect to the opening and closing.

In particular, it is provided that the sealing lip formed on a base element of the seal outside the groove on a base element of the seal shoots the flow path through the widening region outside the widening region when an air pressure in the freezer compartment is less than a negative pressure threshold value. This embodiment is designed to release the flow path for the inflow of air from the environment of the household refrigerating appliance into the refrigerator compartment and from there into the freezer compartment when the air pressure in the freezer compartment is less than the negative pressure threshold value. The sealing lip can therefore be easily lifted by their high flexibility and filigree and thus also very thin design by the negative pressure that occurs, so that an undesirable negative pressure can also be reacted immediately and the pressure compensation valve can be opened in this one direction.

In particular, the household refrigerator is a no-frost domestic refrigeration appliance. A no-frost household refrigerator is equipped with a no-frost technology. As a no-frost technique, a technical process is referred to, in which the humidity is reduced in a designed as a freezer compartment interior. As a result, the food does not frost or significantly reduced and a defrosting of the freezer compartment can be omitted or only needs to be carried out in significantly reduced time cycles. In such a no-frost technique, for example, cooling elements designed as cooling fins, and thus a heat exchanger of a secondary refrigeration cycle, lie in a separated area in the interior space. During the cooling phase, the cold air is then introduced from this separated area in the interior and thus the freezer compartment by a fan. These Devices are designed so that air circulates through all compartments of the interior and enters the circuit again in the separated area. Since cold air holds less moisture, it precipitates as frost primarily only at the heat exchanger of the secondary refrigeration cycle which is in the separated area and is the coldest point in the no-frost home appliance having contact with air. It may then be provided that a defrost mode is performed at specific time intervals, in which this first heat exchanger is defrosted in the separated area. For this purpose, in particular a heating device is provided in the no-frost domestic refrigeration appliance, by which a heating of this heat exchanger is performed. The resulting then from the thawing ice layer water can run out of the interior and thus also from the device via a gutter and can be collected in a collecting bowl, which can also serve as an evaporation tank. In particular, the fan is deactivated in the defrost mode, so that the freezer compartment remains cooled. Thanks to the no-frost technology, the freezing of cooling fins is significantly reduced and the humidity in the entire domestic refrigeration unit drops, which also significantly reduces the formation of ice layers.

The terms "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", "depth direction", "width direction", "height direction", etc. are the intended use and intended arrangement of the device and at a then standing in front of the device and given in the direction of the device viewing observer given positions and orientations.

Further features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the figures and the description of the figures. The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respectively specified combination but also in other combinations without the scope of the invention leave. Thus, embodiments of the invention are to be regarded as encompassed and disclosed, which are not explicitly shown and explained in the figures, however, emerge and can be produced by separated combinations of features from the embodiments explained. Embodiments and combinations of features are also to be regarded as disclosed, which thus do not have all the features of an originally formulated independent claim. Moreover, embodiments and combinations of features, in particular by the embodiments set out above, are to be regarded as disclosed, which go beyond or deviate from the combinations of features set out in the back references of the claims.

Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. Show it:

1 a simplified perspective view of an embodiment of a household refrigerator;

2 a view of an inside of a door of the household refrigerator according to 1 ;

3 a sectional view through the door according to 2 ;

4 a view of a portion of the door according to 2 ;

5 a view of the partial section according to 4 with partially lifted sealing lip of a seal; and

6 a view of the partial section according to 4 and 5 with sealing area of the seal removed from a broadening area.

In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

In 1 is in a simplified representation of a household refrigerator 1 which is a refrigerated combined freezer and which is designed for receiving food. The household refrigerator 1 includes a body or a housing 2 , In the case 2 On the one hand there is a freezer room 3 and on the other hand, a refrigerator 4 arranged. In the fridge 4 For example, foods may be stored in a temperature range that is different from a temperature range in the freezer compartment with respect to food storage 3 is. As in the illustration in 2 It can be seen, is the refrigerator 4 from the freezer room 3 separated, and each through individual walls are the freezer compartment 3 and the fridge 4 limited.

In addition, it can also be seen that the freezer compartment 3 through a door 5 lockable, which pivotally attached to the housing 2 is arranged. In addition, the refrigerator is 4 through its own separate door 6 lockable, which is also pivotable on the housing 2 is arranged. The doors 5 and 6 are as front components of household refrigeration appliance 1 arranged and they cover the respective rooms, namely the freezer compartment 3 and the fridge 4 only on the respective front pages. In particular, thus, the door covers 6 not even the freezer 3 with off. Preferably, the doors 5 and 6 when closed, arranged in a common plane, and in the xy plane positioned without overlap, where x is the width direction and y the height direction of the household refrigerator 1 describes.

In an advantageous embodiment, the household refrigerator 1 designed as a no-frost household refrigeration appliance. For air exchange is the freezer compartment 3 with the fridge 4 formed by a not shown and required for this type of equipment air duct system.

The household refrigerator 1 In addition, also includes a pressure compensation device, which is to compensate for a negative pressure in particular at least in the freezer compartment 3 is trained.

In 2 is in this context the door 6 with a view on an inside 7 shown. The inside 7 is the fridge 4 in the closed state of the door 6 facing. Exemplary here are also door racks 8th . 9 and 10 shown on this inside 7 are arranged. The door 6 also includes on its inside 7 a circumferential seal 11 , This is in the closed state of the door 6 on a flange 12 ( 1 ) at.

A pressure compensation valve 13a as it is in 2 is indicated simplified by their local position and as one of, for example, two pressure compensation valves 13a and 13b is shown in the sectional view in 3 shown closer. The sectional view is shown in the context in the xz plane, and thus perpendicular to an extension direction of the groove 14 , where z is the depth direction of the household refrigerator 1 designated.

As can be seen, is on the inside 7 a groove 14 educated. The groove 14 indicates at the point where the pressure compensating valve 13a is formed, a broadening range 15 on. The broadening area 15 Therefore, with respect to a groove width which is measured perpendicular to the direction of rotation of the groove and in 3 In the x-direction is to be considered, thus a larger tub width than outside the point where the pressure compensation valve 13b is designed. The tub width is thus in a plane perpendicular to an extension direction of the groove 14 considered.

As in 3 can be seen, includes the seal 11 a base element 16 which is outside the groove 14 and also outside the broadening range 15 is arranged. To the base element 16 then there is a sealing area 17 the seal 11 formed, which is in the groove 14 and also the broadening area 15 extends into it. This sealing area 17 is outside the widening range 15 on the insides of the groove 14 and is quasi held in it. In this broadening area 15 however, this sealing area is 17 spaced from the walls or the inside of the widening area 15 arranged so that a permanently existing gap 18 is trained in the air 19 can flow in.

As can be seen, is a groove leg 20 also outside the groove 14 and especially outside the broadening range 15 by an extending thigh 21 extended. This extends in the closed state of the door 6 towards the fridge 4 out. This thigh 21 includes a widening area 15 opposite upper end 22 , At this upper end 22 lies a sealing lip 23 the seal 11 at. The sealing lip 23 is a thin lamella, or a wing, of the base element 16 is arranged projecting. Also this sealing lip 23 as part of the pressure compensation valve 13a is outside the widening range 15 arranged and opened or closed with regard to their passage. The pressure compensation valve 13a is a one-way valve, which means that only in one direction, namely from outside the household refrigerator 1 , Air in the refrigerator 4 and thus also in the freezer compartment 3 into the air. The sealing lip 23 is as shown in 3 also oriented so that they are from the base element 16 sloping towards this upper end 22 is inclined and this upper end 22 covering overlapping from above.

Is in the freezer room 3 an air pressure exists as a negative pressure, which is smaller than a negative pressure threshold value and thus a lower pressure is present, as the negative pressure threshold, then the sealing lip 23 automatically from the top 22 raised and into the fridge 4 pulled into it, so that at this point then the pressure compensation valve 13a opens.

Is the air pressure in the freezer room 3 greater than the negative pressure threshold and thus a higher pressure prevailing as the negative pressure threshold, so is the sealing lip 23 automatically closed and a flow of air from the environment into the household refrigerator 1 it is prevented as well as an outflow from the freezer compartment 3 or the refrigerator 4 from the household refrigerator 1 out.

In 4 is the door 6 in the area of the pressure compensation valve 13b shown. It can be seen that the sealing lip 23 from the inside 7 Look at this top end 22 On the visible side and thus also the gap between the base element 16 and the thigh 21 covering, which also makes the widening area 15 is covered.

In the illustration according to 5 is for better understanding the sealing lip 23 pushed away so that on the broadening area 15 and the upper end 22 of the thigh 21 can be looked. In addition, the basic element is also 16 then to realize how it is then with the sealing area 17 in the broadening area 15 extends into it.

In a further illustration according to 6 is the seal 11 in the broadening area 15 taken completely to the design and shaping of the widening area 15 to recognize. As shown in the context, this broadening range is 15 in plan view trough-like or boat-shaped. This means that in the extension direction of the groove 14 consider this broadening range 15 at its opposite ends 15a and 15b is formed tapered.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 Household refrigerator

2

 casing

3

 freezer

4

 refrigerator

5

 door

6

 door

7

 inner space

8th

 door racks

9

 door racks

10

 door racks

11

 poetry

12

 flange

13

 Pressure equalization valve

13b

 Pressure equalization valve

14

 groove

15

 broadening range

15a

 The End

15b

 The End

16

 base element

17

 sealing area

18

 gap

19

 air

20

 groove leg

21

 leg

22

 top end

23

 sealing lip

24

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 102008054417 A1 [0003]
• DE 202006013229 U1 [0004]
• DE 3000202 A1 [0005]

Claims (9)

Household refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) with a housing ( 2 ) in which a freezer compartment ( 3 ) is formed, and with a pressure compensation valve ( 13a . 13b ), which for balancing a negative pressure in the freezer compartment ( 3 ), characterized in that in the housing ( 2 ) a cold room ( 4 ) formed by a on the housing ( 2 ) arranged door ( 6 ) and on the door ( 6 ) the at least one pressure compensation valve ( 13a . 13b ), wherein the cooling space ( 4 ) air-conducting with the freezer compartment ( 3 ) by means of the pressure compensation valve ( 13a . 13b ) compensation of the negative pressure in the freezer compartment ( 3 ) connected is. Household refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressure compensation valve ( 13a . 13b ) is a one-way valve. Household refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the air-conducting connection is formed by an existing air duct system, which for the exchange of air between the freezer compartment ( 3 ) and the refrigerator ( 4 ) is trained. House neck refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the air-conducting connection at least in sections along one of the at least one door ( 6 ) arranged seal ( 11 ) is trained. Household refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the door ( 6 ) a seal ( 11 ) arranged in a groove ( 14 ) in an inside ( 7 ) the door ( 6 ), wherein the pressure compensation valve ( 13 . 13b ) by a broadening range ( 15 ) of the groove ( 14 ) and into the widening area ( 15 ) extending sealing area ( 17 ) is formed, and the sealing area ( 17 ) in the cross-sectional direction of the broadening area ( 15 ) in the broadening area ( 15 ) is arranged flow-permeable in both directions, and the pressure compensation valve ( 13a . 13b ) outside the groove ( 14 ) a sealing lip ( 23 ), which in the sealing state of the pressure compensation valve ( 13a . 13b ) at an upper end ( 22 ) one of the widening area ( 15 ) protruding and a groove leg ( 20 ) of the broadening area ( 15 ) extending thighs ( 21 ) is present. Household refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to claim 5, characterized in that at an outside of the broadening area ( 15 ) on a base element ( 16 ) of the seal ( 11 ) formed as a projecting wing sealing lip ( 23 ) the flow path through the widening area ( 15 ) outside the widening range ( 15 ) closes when an air pressure in the freezer compartment ( 3 ) is lower than a negative pressure threshold, and the flow path for the flow of air from the environment of the household refrigerator ( 1 ) in the cold room ( 4 ) and from there into the freezer compartment ( 3 ) releases when the air pressure in the freezer compartment ( 3 ) is higher than the negative pressure threshold. Household refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the broadening area ( 15 ) as a trough-shaped and in the direction of extension of the groove ( 14 ) viewed at opposite ends ( 15a . 15b ) is formed tapered groove portion. Household refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the sealing lip ( 23 ) when looking at the inside ( 7 ) the door ( 6 ) the broadening range ( 15 ) on the visible side. Household refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is a no-frost household refrigeration appliance.

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