EP1141639B1 - Device for mounting a finned type evaporator in a household refrigeration appliance having circulating air - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for mounting a finned type evaporator (16) which is arranged in a household circulating air refrigeration appliance (10). The inventive device comprises at least one tube (17) which runs in an approximately meander-like manner, which is arranged at least in two rows, and which is provided with fins (22). The device also has a defrost heater for defrosting the finned type evaporator (16) to which a drain pan unit (37) is assigned. Said drain pan unit is provided with a melt water drain (42) and collects melt water that results during defrosting. The drain pan unit (37) serves as a device for mounting the finned type evaporator (16) and is provided with means which can be placed on supporting means provided in an area (12) of the refrigeration device (10), and which, with the melt water drain (42) thereof, interacts with a melt water line (12, 1) that leads melt water out of said area (12), whereby the device is positioned, at least to a large extent, inside the area (12).

Description

The invention relates to a device for holding a in a domestic convection refrigerator arranged finned evaporator with a finned Pipeline and with a defrost heater for defrosting the finned evaporator, which is provided with a condensate drain device assigned to collect the melt water generated during defrosting is.

Such a device for holding a finned evaporator is from the DE OS 43 11 160 known. The device shown and described therein is made up of a relatively large number of individual parts, which means that not only the Assembly effort of the device but also because of the many items whose manufacturing costs are relatively high. It also brings out one such a variety of parts composite device with the disadvantage that the Logistical management of the variety of parts on the one hand in warehousing and on the other hand with regard to the timely provision of the parts on the production lines caused considerable effort.

Building on this prior art, the invention is based on the object a device for holding a finned evaporator with simple improve constructive measures.

This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1 solved.

The solution according to the invention has a small number of individual parts both a position-specific assignment of the finned evaporator to the condensation water collection device and thus created for the safe disposal of the melt water as well as with a small constructive and production engineering wall an at least largely accurate position allocation of the device within of the receiving space for the finned evaporator. In particular, can for positioning the device within the receiving space for the finned evaporator on costly holding measures, such as one Tongue and groove connection to mount the device can be dispensed with. By the intervention of the defrost water drain of the defrost water collection device in the defrost water pipe is for the device inside the to accommodate the finned evaporator serving space, without additional measures, only with the existing means, creates a preposition that already allows fix the device with appropriate fasteners. By the minimization of the number of parts for the device and the clearly limited Manufacturing effort to assemble the device within the housing of the evaporating space is a considerable cost reduction brought about without loss of function.

According to a preferred embodiment of the subject matter of the invention, that the condensate collector on its the finned evaporator facing melt water collecting side with provided on supports as a holding means Serving locking means for detachable mounting of the finned evaporator Is provided.

Such a mounting of the finned evaporator not only allows this particularly quickly without the use of additional aids on the condensate collecting device holder, but at the same time largely in the correct position arrange to their condensate catchment area.

The latching means are particularly simple if, after a next advantageous one Embodiment of the subject of the invention is provided that the Latching means are designed in the manner of a clamp, which is the lamella evaporator on the pipe used to guide refrigerants, form and / or hold firmly. In addition, such locking means allow a particular energy-saving assembly of the finned evaporator on the bracket serving device, the clip-like locking means sufficient Holding force for holding the lamella evaporator on the device are able to exercise.

According to a next preferred embodiment of the subject of the invention it is provided that the condensation water collecting device on its melt water collecting side as far as possible with a material that is a good heat conductor Formed lining is provided, which is at least largely in the Defrost water outlet passes over and which can be heated with a heating device.

By such a lining of the condensation water collecting device, for example with good heat-conducting metallic materials, such as aluminum or copper sheet or the like, is not in combination with the heating of the lining only in the collection area of the defrost water collection device, but also the defrost water drain Prevent the melt water from flowing freely Ice formation protected.

Particularly space-saving and inconspicuous within a cold room of the refrigerator The condensation water collecting device can be accommodated if according to a next one advantageous embodiment of the subject matter of the invention is provided, that the defrosting device is designed as a condensation water gutter, which the fin evaporator in a vertical format.

According to a next preferred embodiment of the subject of Invention is provided that the condensate collecting channel on the the channel bed opposite underside with support elements serving as set-up means is provided for storage on an installation level in the cold room.

Through the support elements, which, for example, as evenly over the bottom Distributed support feet can be formed is largely Defined and stable support of the condensation water gutter on the installation level created and at the same time an at least approximately uniform Force transmission distributed over the dimensions of the condensate collecting channel on a plastic inner container formed, for example, without cutting by deep drawing a refrigerator or freezer. It is also through the Training and arrangement of the adjustable feet a certain unevenness of the support level compensable, so that a largely stable position for the condensation water gutter carrying the finned evaporator at the installation level is effected.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the subject of the invention it is envisaged that the condensation water gutter at the edge of its gutter bed is equipped with fixing elements, at least a heat transfer device in the area of their action on them, in heat-conducting contact with the slats of the slat evaporator.

As a result, the heat conduction device is inevitably in a simple manner brought heat-conducting contact with the fins of the finned evaporator, so that this function is not solely due to the care of the manufacturing personnel depends.

A particularly precise assignment of the heat conduction device with regard on the heat-conducting contact with the fins of the finned evaporator, if after a next advantageous embodiment of the object the invention provides that the heat conduction device in the manner of a U-profile is formed, the legs of which at least approximately over the height of the lamella evaporator extend and the base connecting the legs to the end of the finned evaporator facing away from the condensation water gutter supported. In addition, such a heat conduction device is special assemble quickly and easily into a unit with the finned evaporator, with a dimensional adjustment of the clear width of the U-profile leg to the corresponding external dimension of the slats inevitably with these the assembly process a thermally conductive contact with the heat conduction device manufactured. It is also supported by the base on the finned evaporator in a simple manner the assembly personnel the correct position of the heat-conducting device to the finned evaporator.

A particularly favorable ventilation for example using a fan forced-vented finned evaporator arises if after a next advantageous Embodiment of the subject of the invention is provided that the at least one heat conducting device designed as a U-profile at its base Breakthrough for ventilation of the finned evaporator.

A particularly large one, which is essentially unaffected by the heat conduction device Air flow through the forced-vented finned evaporator results himself, if according to a further preferred embodiment of the object the invention provides that the breakthrough at the base of the U-profile in Distance ends in front of the side edges of the base, creating riser-like webs are formed, on the basis of which the thermal conduction on the finned evaporator supported.

Arranged particularly expediently and at the same time held particularly inexpensively is a temperature sensor if according to a next advantageous embodiment the subject of the invention is provided that in the breakthrough of the heat conduction device one in heat-conducting contact with the finned evaporator Supporting element for holding a temperature sensor protrudes.

The heat-conducting device can be produced particularly cost-effectively for large-scale production, if according to a further preferred embodiment of the object the invention provides that the heat conduction device in one piece made of board-like metallic materials with good thermal conductivity is made.

Among metallic materials with good thermal conductivity properties should be in this Context of metals such as aluminum, copper or the like should be understood. In addition, the one-piece heat conduction device can be particularly quickly and thus combine with the fin evaporator to save costs.

According to a next preferred embodiment of the subject of The invention provides that the breakthrough on the heat-conducting device of fixing parts is bridged, which are releasably attached to the finned evaporator and which recordings have, in which those limiting the opening on the leg side Edge sections of the legs are inserted.

Due to the fixing parts, the legs serving as heat exchange boards are U-shaped molded thermal conduction device not only at the base of the U-profile in one the air flow through the finned evaporator is essentially unaffected Way stiffened and fixed but at the same time also in heat-conducting Contact with the fins of the finned evaporator. Furthermore cause the fixing parts to hold the heat conduction device on Lamellar evaporator, which in turn is based on the clamp-like design Latching means with the condensate collecting device for arrangement in the cold room is connected, which is composed of only a few individual components very compact preassembled unit results.

According to a next preferred embodiment of the subject of the invention it is provided that the fixing parts are designed like clip-like holding sections have, in which the inflow and the outflow end of the pipeline are releasably fixed.

Fixing the ends of the pipeline in this way is particularly space-saving Storage of the pre-assembled unit in an intermediate storage possible. In addition, the fixation is the correct position of the ends of the pipeline inevitably given.

This is particularly targeted when defrosting the finned evaporator resulting melt water is fed to the condensation water gutter if after a last preferred embodiment of the subject of the invention provided is that the legs of the heat conduction device with its free end in the channel bed of the condensation water gutter and with molded drip edges for the melt water is provided.

The invention is in the following description with reference to one in the drawing illustrated illustrated simplified embodiment.

Fig. 1

ausschnittsweise ein Umluft-Haushalt-Kältegerät im Bereich eines seiner Kühlfächer, an dessen Rückwand ein mit einer Wärmeleitvorrichtung versehener und von einer Tauwasser-auffangrinne getragener Lamellenverdampfer angeordnet ist, in Schnittdarstellung von der Seite,

Fig. 2

das Kältegerät gemäß Figur 1 in Ansicht von vorne,

Fig. 3

den Lamellenverdampfer mit der an Hand von Fixierelementen daran gehalterten Wärmeleitvorrichtung und der Tauwasserauffangrinne in einer Explosionsdarstellung,

Fig. 4

den Lamellenverdampfer mit der Wärmeleitungsvorrichtung und der Tauwasserauffangrinne teilweise aufgebrochen dargestellt, in Ansischt von vorne und

Fig. 5

den Lamellenverdampfer mit der Wärmeleitvorrichtung und der Tauwasserauffangrinne in Schnittdarstellung gemäß der Schnittlinie V-V.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a section of a circulating air household refrigerator in the area of one of its cooling compartments, on the rear wall of which a lamella evaporator provided with a heat-conducting device and carried by a condensate collecting channel is arranged, in a sectional representation from the side,

Fig. 2

the refrigerator according to Figure 1 in front view,

Fig. 3

the lamella evaporator with the heat-conducting device held on it with the aid of fixing elements and the condensation water gutter in an exploded view,

Fig. 4

the lamella evaporator with the heat conduction device and the condensation water gutter shown partially broken away, in front and front view

Fig. 5

the finned evaporator with the heat conduction device and the condensate collecting channel in a sectional view according to the section line VV.

According to FIG. 1, a section is shown in a simplified schematic representation Household convection refrigerator and freezer combination 10 with a heat insulating Housing 11 shown, inside which a cooling compartment, not shown, and a heat insulating separate freezer compartment 12 is provided. The freezer compartment 12 is near its rear wall on the freezer shelf with a condensate drain pipe 12.1 equipped and has a substantially in its rear area on its width arranged air guide device 13, which in the close range the freezer compartment ceiling has an air inlet opening 14. Behind this one sits on the rear wall of the freezer compartment fan 15, which holds the cooling air sucks in the freezer compartment 12 through the air inlet opening 14 and via one at the Rear wall of the freezer compartment and from the air duct to Freezer compartment 12 covered fins evaporator 16 promotes. This has one for the supply of refrigerant, arranged in two rows, meandering Pipeline 17 with two approximately in the area below the fan horizontally extending pipe end sections, of which a pipe end section 18 at its free end with a throttle tube 19 for feeding Refrigerant is provided, while the other pipe end section 20 to one Suction line 21 is connected.

As FIG. 3 in particular also shows FIG. 4, the meandering, formed from straight pipe sections and associated connecting bends Pipeline 17 up to close to the connecting bends with fins 22 to give the fin evaporator 16 the largest possible heat exchange surface. The lamella evaporator 16, which has a cuboid shape, is on its two largest rectangular areas with one essentially as a U-profile trained heat conduction device 23 belonging, formed by the legs Thermally conductive surfaces 24 covered, which are in thermally conductive contact with them facing edges of the slats 22 and which are at their free Thigh edges are equipped with drip edges 25. The two heat conducting surfaces 24 are at their opposite the drip edges 25, the base of the U-profile forming side with a breakthrough arranged on its lateral edges 26 connected between free-saving shoulder strap-like webs 27. In the Opening 26, which together with the webs 27 forms the base of the U-profile, protrudes one formed on the Wärmeleitfiächen 24, serving as a stop Angling 28. A support element 29 also projects into the opening 26 holds a temperature sensor 30 in thermally conductive contact and which at on the fins 16 pushed heat-conducting device 23 in heat-conducting Contact with the free edges of the lamella 22 facing him. Im on the Lamellar evaporator 16 postponed, support the webs 27 in Positionally correct end position of the heat-conducting device 23 on the side opposite the slats 22 projecting, connected to each other with the connecting bends Pipe sections of the pipeline 17. To hold and fix the Heat-conducting device 23 on the finned evaporator 16 are arranged on the breakthrough side, Fixing parts 31 made in one piece from plastic injection molding are provided, which overlap the opening 26 and equipped with holding receptacles 32 are in which in the attached state of the fixing parts 31 on the finned evaporator 16 the free edges of the heat-conducting surfaces 24 provided with the bend 28 inserted and fixed. To hold the fixing parts 31 and thus the heat conduction device 23 on the finned evaporator 16 are between the holding receptacles 32 Fastening elements 33 are provided, which for the purpose of a clear Assembly assignment are arranged asymmetrically to the holding receptacles 32 and which are equipped with clamp-like receptacles 34 Hand which the fixing parts 31 due to the resilient properties of the free Clamp ends releasably on the adjacent sections of the pipeline 17 are set. In addition to the fasteners 33, the fixing parts 31 further on their side opposite the fastening elements 33 Fasteners 35 with clamp-like receptacles 36, which for detachable mounting of the pipe end sections 18 and 20 of the finned evaporator 16 serve.

As can be seen in particular from FIGS. 3 to 5, serves as a carrier and holder of the evaporator 16 in its upright arrangement, one as a condensation water collecting device trained condensate gutter 37, which for the purpose of standing bracket of the finned evaporator 16 with within their channel bed 38 arranged support elements 39 is equipped. The support members 39 are each in pairs side by side on the narrower sides of the rectangle in a plan view, a condensate drainage channel 37 is provided, the clear distance between the two opposing to each other in pairs Support elements 39 is determined such that this between them by the individual fins 22 of fins evaporator 16 formed able to absorb between themselves. The support members 39 are on their from Channel bed 37 facing away from the free end with clamp-like shaped holding elements 40 provided, in which the opposite of the plate pack of the plate evaporator 16 laterally projecting and connected by pipe bends End sections of the pipeline sections forming the pipeline 17 are detachable insertable for holding the finned evaporator 16 on the condensate collecting channel 17 and can be locked.

The channel bed 38 is on its channel sole 41 with a condensation drain opening serving drain pipe socket 42, on which the slope of the Channel sole 41 is aligned. This is to prevent ice formation with a Thermally conductive sheet 43, for example made of aluminum or copper or the like equipped which has a passage 44 serving as a drain opening, which with its free end for positioning the heat conducting plate 43 dips into the drain pipe socket 42 on the channel bottom 41. The heat conducting plate 43 has retaining tabs 45 on its lateral edges, which are used to hold one arranged in a thermally conductive protective tube, as an electrical resistance heater trained channel heater 46, which are used by the in the angled Fixing state arranged holding tab 45 in heat-conductive Contact with the heat conducting plate 43 is. This is on its narrower rectangle sides provided with raised tabs 47, which with the channel bed 38th cooperate with molded locking lugs 48, whereby the heat conducting plate 43rd in connection with that arranged within the drain pipe socket 42, to the Heating serving passage 44, positioned on the channel bottom 41 and is fixed. The channel sole 41 is on its long sides through side walls 49 limited, which together with the channel sole 41 form the channel bed 38 and which are provided at their free end with fixing elements 50, which are in one piece molded onto the condensate collecting channel 37 made of plastic injection molding are. The condensation water gutter 37 has the gutter sole 41 opposite it Bottom serving as feet, across the width of the Channel sole 41 extending support elements 51, one of which each the end face of the condensation water channel 37 provided with the locking lug 48 is provided are, while further support elements 51 between them for uniform Support the condensation water gutter 37 serve.

As can be seen in particular from FIGS. 3 to 5, the condensation water gutter is 37, after which it on its channel sole 41 with the heat conducting plate 43 and the Channel heater 46 is equipped, releasably connected to the finned evaporator 16. For this purpose, the condensate drain channel 37 is based on the Free ends of the support elements 39 provided clip-like holding elements with the straight, laterally opposite the slats 22, ends of Pipe sections of the pipeline 17 locked. Following this, the im essentially U-shaped heat-conducting device 23 with the free end of their legs serving as heat-conducting surfaces 24 leading over the fins 22 of the finned evaporator 16. The correct position of the heat conducting device 23 is signaled by their supporting webs 27, which on the higher, projecting straight ends laterally opposite the slats 22 Pipe sections of the pipeline 17 in the correct position of the heat conduction device 23 rest. The free ends of the heat-conducting surfaces are in this position 24 on its outside facing away from the slats 22 through the fixing elements 50 led. As a result, they are also immersed in the channel bed 38 free ends of the heat-conducting surfaces 24 on the condensation water gutter 37 held and fixed. For holding the heat conduction device 23 on the finned evaporator 16 serve the two fixing parts 31 arranged at a distance from one another (see see Figure 4 and Figure 5), which with their holding receptacles 32 the side Take edges of the opening 26 and with the on their fasteners 33 provided bracket-like receptacles 34 releasably on the between the slats 22 extending sections of the pipe 17 fixed and are supported. Furthermore, the fixing parts 31, as already described, are used with the on their fastening parts 35 provided receptacles 36 for releasable locking or pipe end sections 18 and 20. The pre-assembled in this way As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the structural unit is in the vicinity of the rear wall the freezer compartment 12 set. For this purpose, those on the condensate drainage channel 37 provided support elements 51 on a through the floor of the freezer compartment 12 formed storage level, during the settling process the free end of the drain projecting opposite the support elements 51 pipe socket 42 in the provided at the bottom of the freezer compartment 12 as a drain line serving pipe socket 12.1 is inserted, whereby the pre-assembled Unit within the freezer compartment 12 largely fixed is. To further fix the from the finned evaporator 16 with the Heat conduction device 23 and the condensate collecting channel 37 formed unit are elastic fixing bodies 52, in the form of foamed elastic fastening elements provided on the basis of which the preassembled unit to the pipe bends of the pipeline 17 projecting laterally with respect to the fins 22 be braced with the side walls of the freezer compartment 12. After completing this Assembly work is the pre-assembled unit, the air duct 13 upstream, which also serves as a cladding of this unit.

To set up the condensate drainage channel 37 are suitable in addition to the as feet serving support elements 51 also, for example, on the side walls 49 provided support ribs or the like, which are located in the freezer compartment 12 provided support ribs are able to support.

Claims (15)

1. Domestic, circulation-air refrigerating appliance (10) with a device for mounting a plate evaporator (16) which is arranged in a refrigerating space, such as a cooling or freezing compartment (12), and which has at least one pipe duct provided with plates (22), wherein a defrosting heater (46) for defrosting the plate evaporator (16) is provided, which is associated with a condensation water collecting device (37), which is provided with a condensation water drain (42) and which serves for mounting the plate evaporator (16), for collecting the melt water arising during defrosting, wherein the condensation water collecting device (37) is provided with holding means (40) for fixing the plate evaporator (16) and is equipped with placement means (51), by way of which it can be placed at support means provided in the refrigerating space (12) of the refrigerating appliance (10), characterised in that the condensation water collecting device (37) is constructed as a support and mount of the plate evaporator (16) in upright arrangement and that the condensation water collecting device (37) together with the condensation water drain (42) thereof is disposed in engagement with a condensation water duct (12.1), which conducts melt water out of the refrigerating space (12), in such a manner that the device is substantially positioned within the refrigerating space (12).
2. Domestic, air-circulation refrigerating appliance according to claim 1, characterised in that the condensation water collecting device (37) is equipped on its melt water collecting side facing the plate evaporator (16) with detent means (40), which are provided at supports (39) and serve as holding means, for detachable retention of the plate evaporator (16).
3. Domestic, air-circulation refrigerating appliance according to claim 2, characterised in that the detent means (40) are constructed in the manner of a clip which retains the plate evaporator (16) at the pipe duct (17) thereof, which serves for conducting refrigerant, in shape-locking and/or force-locking manner.
4. Domestic, air-circulation refrigerating appliance according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the melt water collecting device (37) is provided at its melt water collecting side substantially with a lining (43) which is formed from material with good thermal conductivity and which goes over at least substantially into the condensation water drain (42) and is heatable by a heating device (46).
5. Domestic, air-circulation refrigerating appliance according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the condensation water collecting device (37) is formed as a condensation water collecting channel (37) which supports the plate evaporator (16) in upright-format arrangement.
6. Domestic, air-circulation refrigerating appliance according to claim 5, characterised in that the condensation water collecting channel (37) is provided on its lower side opposite the channel bed (38) with support elements (51), which serve as placement means, for setting down on a support plane in the refrigerating space (12).
7. Domestic, air-circulation refrigerating appliance according to one of claims 5 and 6, characterised in that the condensation water collecting channel (37) is equipped at the edge of the channel bed (38) thereof with fixing elements (50) which keep a heat conducting device (23), at least in the region of its action on this, in heat-conducting contact with the plates (22) of the plate evaporator (16).
8. Domestic, air-circulation refrigerating appliance according to claim 7, characterised in that the heat conducting device (23) is constructed in the manner of a U-shaped profile, the limb (24) of which extends at least approximately over the height of the plate evaporator (16) and the base, which collects the limb (24), of which is supported at the end face, which is remote from the condensation water collecting channel (37), of the plate evaporator (16).
9. Domestic, air-circulation refrigerating appliance according to claim 8, characterised in that the heat conducting device (23) constructed as a U-shaped profile has at the base thereof at least one passage (26) for ventilation of the plate evaporator (16).
10. Domestic, air-circulation refrigerating appliance according to claim 9, characterised in that the passage (26) at the base of the U-shaped profile ends at a spacing in front of the lateral edges of the base, whereby strap-shaped webs (27) are formed, by way of which the heat conducting device (23) is supported at the plate evaporator (16).
11. Domestic, air-circulation refrigerating appliance according to claim 9 or 10, characterised in that a support element (29), which stands in heat-conducting contact with the plate evaporator (16), for mounting a temperature sensor (30) projects into the passages (26) of the heat-conducting device (23).
12. Domestic, air-circulation refrigerating appliance according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterised in that the heat-conducting device (23) is made integrally from plate-like metallic materials with good thermal conductivity properties.
13. Domestic, air-circulation refrigerating appliance according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterised in that the passage (26) at the heat-conducting device (23) is bridged over by fixing parts (31) which are detachably fixed to the plate evaporator (16) and which have receptacles (32) in which the edge portions, which bound the passages (26) at the limb side, of the limbs (24) are inserted.
14. Domestic, air-circulation refrigerating appliance according to claim 13, characterised in that the fixing parts (31) have retaining portions (36) which are constructed to be similar to clips and in which the inflow end and outflow end of the pipe duct (17) are detachably fixed.
15. Domestic, air-circulation refrigerating appliance according to one of claims 8 to 13, characterised in that the limbs (24) of the heat-conducting device (23) project by the free end thereof into the channel bed (38) of the condensation water collecting channel (37) and are provided with integrally formed drip edges (25) for the melt water.

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