EP0603752A2 - Refrigerated cabinet - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a refrigerated cabinet, especially a refrigerator having a compressor motor and a compressor chamber which has a motor compartment wall. In order to design the latter so as to reduce noise levels in an appropriate fashion, the invention proposes to provide a thin-walled enclosure element made of a cellular material with closed cells for sound absorption, which element surrounds the compressor motor (2) like a shell, essentially at a distance (a, b, c, d) from the compressor motor (2) and the motor compartment wall (3) in each case, the enclosure element (5) being open at the rear of the refrigerated cabinet (1), at which point the compressor motor (2) is also exposed. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a refrigerator, in particular a refrigerator, with a compressor motor and a compressor motor compartment, which has an engine compartment wall.

Such refrigeration units are known to be found in almost every household. Noise emanating from the compressor motor is increasingly perceived as annoying. In addition, in the course of the development of more environmentally friendly cooling units, the noise level of the cooling units tends to increase.

It is now widely known in the prior art to surround noise sources with a sound-absorbing material. E.g. please refer to CH-PS 439 569. According to this publication, it is proposed for a centrifugal fan to line the walls of the fan housing with a thick-walled material with a sound-absorbing material such as polyurethane foam. Furthermore, it is known per se to provide sound-absorbing covers in a capsule construction, with layers which are arranged one above the other and which are stepped with respect to one another. For this purpose, reference is made, for example, to the registered documents of DE-GM 84 17 883, also to DE-OS 27 58 041 and the registered documents of DE-GM 89 09 961. On the other hand, one has again been proposed for soundproofing a circulation pump complete encapsulation by means of a double-layer, immediately adjacent foam part, for which reference is made to DE-OS 31 09 624. However, these known noise reduction measures can only be implemented in refrigerated cabinets of the type in question while accepting certain disadvantages. The space available is not sufficient to absorb sound in a suitable thickness To be able to bring in material. Completely new designs would be required. Furthermore, a not insignificant thermal insulation is also associated with such a lining with sound-absorbing material. This could lead to temperature problems with the cooling unit or would require additional cooling measures, such as a fan. Overall, the energy consumption of the refrigerated cabinet would increase rather than decrease.

On the basis of the above-described prior art, the invention is based on the objective of designing a piece of refrigerated furniture, in particular a refrigerator, in a suitable, sound-reduced manner.

This object is achieved in the subject matter of claim 1, which is based on the fact that a thin-walled capsule element made of closed-cell foam for sound absorption is provided, which surrounds the compressor motor according to a shell, essentially at a distance from the compressor motor and the engine compartment wall, the capsule element to a rear of the refrigerator, to which the compressor motor is also exposed. According to the invention, it has thus been recognized that the limited space available can be advantageously used in that, as it were, on the principle of a suspended wall, an intermediate shell is provided between the compressor motor and the engine compartment wall, which in that it consists of closed-cell, thin-walled foam , due to its ability to vibrate, is suitable for damping disturbing sound waves. Due to the fact that the capsule element is open towards the rear, and thus also the compressor motor is exposed towards the rear, there are nevertheless surprisingly favorable thermal conditions a without the sound absorption would be significantly affected. This is because the fact that refrigeration units of this type are placed with the compressor motor toward the wall is advantageously used. The generally reverberant wall reflects sound waves emanating from the compressor motor on the exposed side back into the capsule element, which is also open to the wall, so that these sound waves are in turn largely dampened by the capsule element. In addition, the above and below described subject is not limited to refrigerated cabinets. The concept according to the invention can also be applied to other floor-standing devices, in particular furniture-standing devices with an electric motor that is similarly exposed to the outside. In a suitable further development it is provided that the capsule element has steps which lead to a different distance from the engine compartment wall. In this way, the effects that can be achieved by the enclosed air cushion between the flexible, thin wall of the capsule element and the engine compartment wall can be optimized. A special further development also provides that the capsule element extends laterally with a comparatively shallow depth to the compressor motor, but continues to open towards the rear of the refrigerated cabinet, preferably with an integral design. This is particularly important in that lateral emissions of the compressor motor, towards the side in which it is essentially exposed, meet the capsule element in reflection from a wall, in front of which, for example, the refrigeration cabinet is located, and are suitably absorbed or damped . In a further development it is also provided that the capsule element is perforated. This results in a perforated wall of a flexible nature. Another preferred training course is this provided that in the capsule element in cooperation with the engine compartment wall by bulging or the like. Essentially closed chambers are formed, each of which is directly connected to the surroundings several times through hole-like openings. In this way, a plurality of Helmholtz resonator-like spaces can be reached between the engine compartment wall and the capsule element. In contrast to the "classic" Helmholtz resonator, however, the walls of the air space enclosed by the capsule element are flexible and the air space is connected to the surroundings via a plurality of openings. This is also seen as an independent acoustic noise reduction principle that is important in itself. In a further preferred embodiment it is also provided that the capsule element is dome-shaped in such a way that a substantial distance is formed between the capsule element and the compressor motor above the compressor motor and that an opening is formed in the capsule element in the region of the greatest distance to create a certain chimney effect. In the event that - at least in special applications - a certain thermal load is still to be dissipated, a chimney draft effect can be achieved through the dome-like design described. In this way, an essential natural convection can be generated, which can optimize the heat dissipation. If necessary, the chimney formation can also extend relatively far upwards in the refrigeration cabinet, in order then to open up into the surroundings, which only improves the chimney draft. Another special embodiment, which is also of independent importance, is seen in the fact that a condensate drip tray is formed integrated in the capsule element. In the case of refrigerated cabinets of the type in question, this results from the substantial temperature differences in the refrigerated cabinet always a certain amount of condensed water, which can drip down from the inside of the refrigerator, for example. According to the invention - with a suitable opening of the engine compartment wall in this area - it is provided that a trough-like design is created in the capsule element, in which this condensed water can be collected. Due to a comparatively large and flat extension, a large evaporation surface and a large evaporation effect result, not least also due to a certain temperature control of the wall of the capsule element, so that an overflow of this collecting trough can practically not occur. In addition, the evaporating condensation water also leads to a certain cooling effect of the capsule element, particularly in this area, due to the significant heat absorption during the phase change. The water collecting trough preferably extends essentially above the compressor motor.

Fig. 1

eine Rückansicht des Kühlmöbels mit eingebautem, zur Rückseite hin offenen Kapselelement und zu rückseitigen freistehendem Kompressormotors;

Fig. 2

eine perspektivische Darstellung der Motorraumwandung und des eingesetzten Kapselelements mit darin befindlichem Kompressormotor;

Fig. 3

die Motorraumwandung und das Kapselelement in auseinander gezogenem Zustand;

Fig. 4

eine Darstellung gemäß Fig. 3, wobei das Kapselelement mit durchlöcherter Wandung ausgebildet ist;

Fig. 5

einen Schnitt durch den Gegenstand gemäß Fig. 1, geschnitten entlang der Linie V-V;

Fig. 6

einen Schnitt durch den Gegenstand gemäß Fig. 1, geschnitten entlang der Linie VI-VI`

Fig. 7

einen Schnitt durch den Gegenstand gemäß Fig. 1, geschnitten entlang der Linie VII-VII.

The invention is further explained below with reference to the accompanying drawing, which, however, only represents an exemplary embodiment. Here shows:

Fig. 1

a rear view of the refrigerator with built-in, to the rear open capsule element and to the rear free-standing compressor motor;

Fig. 2

a perspective view of the engine compartment wall and the capsule element used with the compressor motor located therein;

Fig. 3

the engine compartment wall and the capsule element in an exploded state;

Fig. 4

a representation of Figure 3, wherein the capsule element is formed with perforated wall.

Fig. 5

a section through the object of Figure 1, taken along the line VV.

Fig. 6

a section through the object of FIG. 1, cut along the line VI-VI`

Fig. 7

a section through the object of FIG. 1, taken along the line VII-VII.

Shown and described is first of all with reference to FIG. 1 a - only partially drawn - refrigerated cabinet 1 with a compressor motor 2 and a compressor motor chamber 4 (see, for example, FIG. 2).

The compressor motor compartment 4 is divided by a capsule element 5, which consists of closed-cell polyethylene foam. The capsule element 5 is thin-walled, for example with a thickness of 2 mm. The capsule element surrounds the compressor motor 2, as it were, like a shell, but at different distances, as can be seen in detail from the sectional views in FIGS. 5 to 7. The distance to the engine compartment wall 3 is also different.

As can be seen from FIG. 1, but also FIGS. 2 to 4 in particular, the capsule element 5 is designed to be open to a rear side of the refrigerator, to which rear side the compressor motor 2 is also detached in the capsule element 5.

In particular, mostly the capsule element 5 steps 5 ', 5'',5''', 5 '''' etc., which lead to a different distance from the engine compartment wall 3. 5, a distance a on the back of the compressor motor 2 is chosen larger than a distance b on the top of the compressor motor 2. However, the distance a corresponds approximately to the distance c on the underside of the compressor motor 2 with respect to the clear one Distance to an engine compartment capsule itself, regardless of the vibration damper 6 still arranged below the compressor motor 2 and the mounting rails 7. As can be seen from FIG. 6, the distance a on the rear side of the compressor motor 2 is selected differently, specifically in such a way that it is in corner areas 8, 9 of the compressor motor 2 down to a system on the compressor motor 2. While one side 10 of the compressor motor 2, where in particular cable connections and the like are located, the capsule element 5 is guided very close - at 11 - past the compressor motor 2, and is approximately rectangular in shape, an opposite one is angled with respect to the rear opening plane E. , provided at an angle alpha given extension of the capsule elements 5. This leads to a suitable absorption not only of the sound waves radiated directly from the compressor motor 2, but also to those sound waves which are reflected on a - not shown - reverberant wall, against which the refrigerator is placed in the installed state. Of particular importance in this context is the lateral extension, which is provided overall with reference number 12, which extends beyond the actual compressor engine compartment 4. For one thing is also in the area 12 again created a different wall distance d or e to the engine compartment wall 3 by suitable design of the capsule element 5. On the other hand, this embodiment is optimized in such a way that suitable absorption of sound waves reflected in this direction can also take place.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 4, but also from FIGS. 1 and 5 to 7, the capsule element 5 is provided with holes 13 which provide a direct connection to air spaces 14, 15 between the capsule element 5 and the engine compartment wall 2. It is not shown in detail that these air spaces 14 can also be subdivided by suitable bead formation, but can each be provided with a plurality of holes 13, so that overall a modified Helmholtz resonator results, as has already been described in detail above .

With regard to the area 12, it is also important, as can be seen in particular from the cross section according to FIG. 7, that a depth t here is substantially less than a depth t 'in the area of the actual compressor motor space 4.

As can be seen in particular in FIG. 5, but also in FIGS. 2 to 4, a water collecting trough 16 is formed on the upper side of the compressor motor 2, integrated in the capsule element 5. This is done simply by forming a bead, a circumferential U-bead 17 in the capsule element 5. Condensation or the like can drip into the water collecting trough 16, for example, through an opening 18 in the engine compartment wall 3 from above. The extent of the water collecting trough 16 can be much larger than shown in the drawing.

The features of the invention disclosed in the above description, the drawing and the claims can be of importance both individually and in any combination for the implementation of the invention. All the features disclosed are essential to the invention. The disclosure content of the associated / attached priority documents (copy of the prior application) is hereby also included in full in the disclosure of the application.

Claims (8)

Refrigerated furniture, in particular a refrigerator (1) with a compressor motor (2) and a compressor motor compartment (4), which has an engine compartment wall (3), characterized by a thin-walled capsule element (5) made of closed-cell foam for sound absorption, which, according to a shell, the compressor motor (2 ) essentially surrounds each with a distance (a, b, c, d) to the compressor motor (2) and the engine compartment wall (3), the capsule element (5) to a rear of the refrigerator (1), to which the compressor motor (2) exposed, open. Refrigerated cabinet according to claim 1 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the capsule element (5) has steps (5 ', 5' ', 5' '', 5 '' '') which are at different distances from the engine compartment wall (3) to lead. Refrigerated cabinet according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the capsule element (5) extends with a comparatively shallow depth (t) to the side of the compressor motor (2), but still open towards the rear, with an integral design. Refrigerated cabinet according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the capsule element (5) is perforated. Refrigerated cabinet according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the refrigerated cabinet is dome-shaped, such that an essential one above the compressor motor (2) Distance between the capsule element (5) and the compressor motor (2) is formed, and that in the area of the greatest distance, an opening (13) is formed in the capsule element to create a certain chimney effect. Refrigerated cabinet according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that a water collecting trough (16) is formed integrated in the capsule element (5). Refrigerated cabinet according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the water collecting trough (16) is located essentially above the compressor motor (2). Refrigerated cabinet according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that in the capsule element (5) in cooperation with the engine compartment wall (3) are formed by bulging or the like. Essentially closed chambers which are each multiply through the openings (13 ) are connected to the environment.

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