EP0603752B1 - 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 one 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 everyone Household encountered. One of the compressor motor is increasing outgoing noise as annoying felt. In addition, in the course of the development of more environmentally friendly cooling units the noise level the cooling units tend to be increasing.

It is already widely known in the prior art Noise sources with a sound absorbing Surrounding material. E.g. be on CH-PS 439 569 pointed out. According to this document is for a centrifugal fan suggested the walls of the blower housing thick-walled with a sound-absorbing material like lining polyurethane foam. Furthermore it is known per se, soundproofing panels in Capsule construction, with multiple superimposed Layers that are staggered to each other must be provided. For this is, for example, on the registered documents of the DE-GM 84 17 883 also referred to DE-OS 27 58 041 and the registered documents of DE-GM 89 09 961. For the sound insulation on a circulation pump is against again, a complete encapsulation has been proposed by means of a double-layer, immediately adjacent To make foam part, for which purpose on DE-OS 31 09 624 is to be referenced. These known noise reduction measures can, however, be the case with a refrigerator The type in question is only subject to certain Realize disadvantages. So that's enough not enough space to absorb sound in a suitable thickness To be able to bring in material. It would be completely new designs required. Farther is also with such a lining with sound absorbing Material a not insignificant thermal insulation each connected. This could lead to temperature problems lead or would lead additional with regard to the cooling unit Cooling measures, such as a fan, are required do. Overall, this would also reduce energy consumption of the refrigerator is increasing rather than decreasing.

A refrigerator of the type specified at the outset is, for example EP-A-0 127 791. A compressor motor is under Formation of a compressor engine compartment in a die Engine compartment wall forming pan part arranged. It the noise problems given above result.

Based on the state of the art described above the invention is based on the aim of providing a refrigerator, especially a refrigerator in a suitable manner to train with reduced noise.

This object is achieved in the subject matter of claim 1, it is based on the fact that a thin-walled Capsule element made of closed-cell foam Sound absorption is provided, which corresponds to a Shell surrounds the compressor motor, essentially each at a distance from the compressor motor and the engine compartment wall, wherein the capsule element to a back the refrigerator, which also includes the compressor motor exposed, open. According to the invention is therefore recognized been that limited, available Space can be advantageously used in that as it were on the principle of a suspended wall Intermediate shell between the compressor motor and the Engine compartment wall is provided, which is characterized in that they are made of closed-cell, thin-walled foam is, due to their ability to vibrate, disturbing Dampen sound waves. Because the capsule element is open towards the back, and therefore also the compressor motor is exposed to the rear nevertheless surprisingly favorable thermal conditions a without significantly affecting sound absorption would. This is because the Exploited the fact that such refrigeration units with the Compressor motor must be set up against the wall. The generally reverberant wall reflects on the exposed side from the compressor motor Sound waves in the capsule element, which is also open to the wall back so that these sound waves too a substantial part in turn by the capsule element be dampened.

In suitable training is provided that the capsule element Has gradations that differ to one Keep a distance to the engine compartment wall. It can be so the effects caused by the enclosed air cushion between the flexible, thin wall of the capsule element and the engine compartment wall can be achieved, optimize. A special training also provides that the capsule element itself with comparatively less Depth to the side of the compressor motor, however, still open to the back of the refrigerator, preferred integral design, extended. this has meaning in particular that lateral Radiations from the compressor motor, to the side, in which he essentially exposes in reflection of one Wall, in front of which, for example, the refrigeration unit is located hit the capsule element and thus suitably absorbed or be steamed. In further training is also provided that the capsule element is perforated. It results a perforated wall of a flexible nature. Another preferred training course is this provided that in cooperation in the capsule element with the engine compartment wall by bulging or the like in essentially closed chambers are formed, which several times through hole-like openings with the Environment in immediate connection. Let it be a plurality of Helmholtz resonator-like rooms between the engine compartment wall and the capsule element to reach. In contrast to the "classic" Helmholtz resonator however, are the walls of the capsule element enclosed air space is flexible and Airspace through a plurality of openings to the environment tied up. This also becomes an independent one seen acoustic noise reduction principle, that for itself Has meaning. In a further preferred embodiment also provided that the capsule element is dome-shaped is such that a above the compressor motor substantial distance between the capsule element and the Compressor motor is designed and that in the area of greatest distance openings in the capsule element are trained to create a certain chimney effect. In the event that - at least with special Applications - a certain thermal load still is to be dissipated, is described by the dome-like Training a chimney draft effect achievable. It can be so thus creates an essential natural convection which can optimize heat dissipation. Possibly chimney training can also be relative extend far up in the refrigerator, then in the environment open into it, causing the chimney draft is only improved. Another special configuration which also has independent meaning, is seen in that integrated into the capsule element a condensation drip tray is formed. At Refrigerated furniture of the type in question arises due to the essential temperature differences in the refrigerator always a certain amount of condensed water, for example can drip down the inside of the refrigerator. According to the invention is - with a suitable opening of the engine compartment wall in this area - provided that integrated into the capsule element created a tub-like design in which this condensed water is collected can be. By a comparatively large and flat extension results at the same time, not least also due to a certain tempering the wall of the capsule element, a large one Evaporation surface and a great evaporation effect, so that an overflow of this sump practically not can occur. In addition, the evaporating condensate due to the essentials in the phase change Heat absorption also to a certain cooling effect of the Capsule element just in this area. Prefers extends the water sump 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 Figure 1, taken along the line VI-VI.

Fig. 7

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

Is shown and described initially with reference to 1 a - only partially drawn - refrigerator 1 with a compressor motor 2 and one between one Engine compartment wall 3 (see. Fig. 3) and the compressor motor 2 trained compressor engine compartment 4 (see, for example, Fig. 2).

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

As is apparent from Fig. 1, but also Figs. 2 to 4 in particular results, the capsule element 5 is to a rear of the refrigerator is open towards the back also the compressor motor 2 is free-standing the capsule element 5 is located.

In particular, the capsule element has 5 steps 5 ', 5 '', 5 '' ', 5' '' 'etc., which lead to a different Lead distance to the engine compartment wall 3. How to 5 results from the illustration according to FIG a distance a rear of the compressor motor 2 larger selected as a distance b on top of the compressor motor 2. The distance a corresponds approximately to the distance c underside of the compressor motor 2, with respect to the clear distance to an engine compartment capsule itself, regardless the still below the compressor motor 2 arranged Vibration damper 6 and the mounting rails 7. As can be seen from FIG. 6, the distance a is at the rear of the compressor motor 2, however, selected differently, namely in such a way that it is in corner areas 8, 9 the compressor motor 2 itself up to a system the compressor motor 2 downsized. During a page 10 of the compressor motor 2, where in particular cable connections and the like. Are the capsule element 5 very close - at 11 - past the compressor motor 2, and roughly rectangular in shape, is opposite one with respect to the rear opening plane E angular extension given at an angle alpha of the capsule elements 5 is provided. This leads to a suitable absorption not only that directly from the Compressor engine 2 emitted sound waves, but also to such sound waves, which on a - not shown - reverberant wall, against which the refrigerator is in the installed state, be reflected. In this context is also of particular importance nor the lateral extension, the total with the Reference numeral 12 is provided over the actual Compressor engine compartment 4 goes out. For one thing is also in the area 12 again by appropriate design of the Capsule element 5 a different wall distance d or e created to the engine compartment wall 3. On the other hand this configuration is optimized in that a suitable absorption also reflected in this direction Sound waves can occur.

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

With regard to area 12, how is important in particular also from the cross section according to FIG. 7 shows that a depth t is much smaller here as a depth t 'in the area of the actual compressor engine compartment 4th

As in particular in FIG. 5, but also in FIGS. 2 to 4 can be seen, is on the top of the compressor motor 2, integrated into the capsule element 5, a water collecting trough 16 trained. This is done simply Bead formation, a circumferential U-bead 17, in the capsule element 5. In the water sump 16, for example. through an opening 18 in the engine compartment wall 3 condensate or the like from above. The extension the water sump 16 can be much larger be as shown in the drawing.

Claims (8)

1. Refrigerating furniture, in particular refrigerator (1) with a compressor motor (2) and a compressor motor chamber (4) which comprises a motor chamber wall (3), characterised by a separate thin-walled enclosure element (5) made of closed-cell foam for sound absorption which, corresponding to a shell, surrounds the compressor motor (2) and which is arranged between the motor chamber wall (3) and the compressor motor (2) within the compressor motor chamber (4), essentially in each case at a distance (a, b, c, d) from the compressor motor (2) and the motor chamber wall (3), wherein the enclosure element (5) opens towards a rear side of the refrigerating furniture (1) to which the compressor motor (2) is also exposed.
2. Refrigerating furniture according to claim 1, characterised in that the enclosure element (5) comprises steps (5', 5", 5"', 5'") which lead at different distances to the motor chamber wall (3).
3. Refrigerating furniture according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the enclosure element (5) with an integral construction continues with a comparatively small depth (t) laterally to the compressor motor (2), but still opening towards the rear side.
4. Refrigerating furniture according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the enclosure element (5) is perforated.
5. Refrigerating furniture according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the refrigerating furniture is dome-shaped, such that above the compressor motor (2) is formed a substantial gap between the enclosure element (5) and the compressor motor (2), and in that in the region of the largest gap are formed openings (13) in the enclosure element, to create a certain flue effect.
6. Refrigerating furniture according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that integrated in the enclosure element (5) is formed a water collecting trough (16).
7. Refrigerating furniture according to claim 6, characterised in that the water collecting trough (16) is located essentially above the compressor motor (2).
8. Refrigerating furniture according to claim 6 or 7, characterised in that in the enclosure element (5) in cooperation with the motor chamber wall (3) are formed, by bead formation or the like, essentially closed chambers which each communicate several times with the environment through the openings (13).

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