EP1954993B1 - Refrigeration device and method of assembling the device - Google Patents

Refrigeration device and method of assembling the device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1954993B1
EP1954993B1 EP06819842.3A EP06819842A EP1954993B1 EP 1954993 B1 EP1954993 B1 EP 1954993B1 EP 06819842 A EP06819842 A EP 06819842A EP 1954993 B1 EP1954993 B1 EP 1954993B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
circuit
thermal insulator
cabinet
evaporation
stage
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP06819842.3A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1954993A1 (en
Inventor
Francis Cambronero
Patrick Ruiz
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Tecumseh Europe Sales and Logistics SAS
Original Assignee
Tecumseh Europe Sales and Logistics SAS
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Publication date
Application filed by Tecumseh Europe Sales and Logistics SAS filed Critical Tecumseh Europe Sales and Logistics SAS
Priority to SI200632336T priority Critical patent/SI1954993T1/en
Publication of EP1954993A1 publication Critical patent/EP1954993A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1954993B1 publication Critical patent/EP1954993B1/en
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Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D19/00—Arrangement or mounting of refrigeration units with respect to devices or objects to be refrigerated, e.g. infrared detectors
    • F25D19/02—Arrangement or mounting of refrigeration units with respect to devices or objects to be refrigerated, e.g. infrared detectors plug-in type
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B49/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
    • F25B49/005—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices of safety devices
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D23/00—General constructional features
    • F25D23/006—General constructional features for mounting refrigerating machinery components
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2201/00—Insulation
    • F25D2201/10—Insulation with respect to heat
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2317/00—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • F25D2317/06—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation
    • F25D2317/065—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation characterised by the air return
    • F25D2317/0651—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation characterised by the air return through the bottom
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2317/00—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • F25D2317/06—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation
    • F25D2317/066—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation characterised by the air supply
    • F25D2317/0661—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass with forced air circulation characterised by the air supply from the bottom
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2323/00—General constructional features not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • F25D2323/002—Details for cooling refrigerating machinery
    • F25D2323/0026—Details for cooling refrigerating machinery characterised by the incoming air flow
    • F25D2323/00264—Details for cooling refrigerating machinery characterised by the incoming air flow through the front bottom part
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2323/00—General constructional features not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • F25D2323/002—Details for cooling refrigerating machinery
    • F25D2323/0027—Details for cooling refrigerating machinery characterised by the out-flowing air
    • F25D2323/00271—Details for cooling refrigerating machinery characterised by the out-flowing air from the back bottom

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a refrigeration device and a method of assembling the device.
  • the invention is advantageously used in the field of commercial refrigeration and more particularly for the cooling of beverages packaged in bottles and cans arranged inside a thermally insulated enclosure having, for example, the shape of a cabinet .
  • the invention is not limited to the cooling of beverages or the field of commercial cold. Nevertheless, to facilitate the understanding of the invention, it will be described in connection with a beverage packaging cabinet.
  • This type of cabinet is located mainly in public places such as airports, hotels, shopping centers and is intended for the sale of drinks.
  • the cabinet has a rigid box closed by a door, usually glass, allowing access to the products arranged in the cabinet.
  • a refrigeration device, arranged in the cabinet makes it autonomous. Specifically, to ensure its operation, the cabinet needs only an external power supply.
  • the refrigerator refrigeration device consists of a drawer located at the bottom of the cabinet.
  • This arrangement has the advantage of allowing easy extraction of the refrigeration device for maintenance operations.
  • Such an embodiment is for example described in the French patent application FR 2,855,871 filed in the name of the plaintiff.
  • the drawer described in this patent application comprises a large number of mechanical parts forming the drawer structure. This constitution does not allow quick access to the various components of the refrigerant circuit of the device. It is indeed necessary to disassemble several mechanical parts before accessing certain components such as for example a fan of the condensation stage.
  • the invention aims to facilitate the assembly of a refrigeration device where access to all components of the refrigeration circuit is facilitated without increasing the cost of production.
  • the subject of the invention is a method for assembling a refrigeration device according to claim 1.
  • Rigid pipes for example made of copper pipes, are much cheaper to implement than flexible pipes.
  • the assembly of the pipes can be done by soldering, that is to say without removable connection.
  • the refrigerant circuit is filled with refrigerant and sealed before being placed in the insulation. It is thus possible to change the thermal insulation, for example in case of breakage of the latter during transport of the device, without opening the refrigerant circuit. Indeed, an opening of the circuit is always delicate and must be performed by qualified personnel.
  • the invention also relates to a refrigeration device and a thermally insulated cabinet assembled according to the method of claim 1.
  • a device according to the invention also reduces its cost of implementation by reducing the number of mechanical parts forming it. The cost of purchasing the parts and the mounting time of the device are reduced.
  • a device according to the invention is lighter, which facilitates its handling.
  • the figure 1 represents a cabinet 1 forming a thermally insulated enclosure containing in a useful compartment 2 products 3, here beverages, to cool or maintain a temperature below room temperature. Otherwise, the cabinet 1 has a useful compartment 2 for receiving products 3 to refrigerate.
  • the cabinet 1 comprises a door 4 to access the products 3.
  • the cabinet 1 comprises, in addition, a location 5 where can be plugged a refrigeration device 6 comprising an evaporation stage 7 and a condensation stage 8.
  • the device is removable from the cabinet 1 without intervening on the useful compartment 2. It is necessary to open or even empty the useful compartment 2 to operate on the refrigeration device 6 or to replace it. The operation of the two stages 7 and 8 will be explained in detail using the figure 2 .
  • the refrigeration device 6 is intended to cool the interior of the cabinet 1, and more precisely its useful compartment 2, by means of a cooled air circulation in the evaporation stage 7.
  • the circulation of air in the cabinet 1 is materialized on the figure 1 by arrows 9.
  • An outlet 10 of the evaporation stage 7 allows the air to exit the evaporation stage 7 to circulate in the useful compartment 2.
  • An inlet port 11 of the evaporation stage 7 allows air from the useful compartment 2 to enter the evaporation stage 7 to be cooled.
  • the outlet orifice 10 is situated in the vicinity of the bottom of the useful compartment 2.
  • the inlet orifice 11 is situated in the vicinity of the door 4.
  • the bottom of the useful compartment 2 is defined as the zone furthest from the door 4.
  • the flow of air in the useful compartment 2 is essentially from the bottom to the door 4.
  • the walls of the useful compartment 2 comprise a cap 27 preventing the flow of air from the orifice outlet 10 to mix in the useful compartment 2 with the flow of air entering the inlet port 11.
  • a second air circulation represented on the figure 1 by the arrows 12, passes through the condensation stage.
  • the second air flow enters the refrigerating device 6 by a grid 13 closing the location 5.
  • the gate 13 is located under the door 4.
  • the second air flow out of the refrigeration device by a gate 14 closing an orifice 15 of slot 5, port 15 located on the bottom of the cabinet 1.
  • the refrigeration device 6 comprises a frame 16 carrying the two stages 7 and 8.
  • the frame 16 serves to support the various components constituting each of the two stages 7 and 8.
  • the frame 16 is pluggable in the cabinet 1 and, more specifically, in the location 5.
  • the mounting of the frame 16 in the slot 5 is by translation in a direction substantially perpendicular to the door 4 when the latter is closed.
  • the direction of translation is materialized on the figure 1 by the arrow 17.
  • the assembly and disassembly of the refrigeration device 6 is done after removal of the grid 13 from the front of the cabinet 1, that is to say by the face of the cabinet 1 containing the door 4.
  • the figure 2 schematically represents an example of operation of the refrigeration device 6.
  • the two stages 7 and 8 are each represented in a dashed frame.
  • the evaporation stage 7 comprises an evaporator 20 in which the air circulating in the cabinet 1 cools.
  • the air is driven by a fan 21 arranged downstream of the evaporator 20.
  • the fan 21 belongs to the Evaporation stage 7.
  • the evaporation stage 7 comprises a fan 21 providing forced air circulation in the evaporation stage 7.
  • a refrigerant circulates in an expansion member 22 and then in the evaporator 20. Downstream of the evaporator 20, the refrigerant in the gaseous state sees its pressure increase in a compressor 23 belonging to the stage of 8. The refrigerant is then cooled in a condenser 24 by thermal contact with the second air circulation forced by a fan 25 shown downstream of the condenser 24. At the outlet of the condenser 24, the refrigerant flows towards the organ in the evaporation stage 7.
  • the functional diagram of the refrigeration device 6 has been deliberately simplified. It is, of course, possible to add other components to improve its operation.
  • the figure 3 represents in perspective the relative position of the various elements described using the figure 2 . These elements are represented in their final position in the refrigeration device. It contains, fixed to the frame 16, the compressor 23, the condenser 24 and the fan 25. the frame 16 has the shape of a plate which once in place in the cabinet 1 is placed on a floor of the cabinet . The guiding of the frame 16 on the floor can be provided by slides allowing the translation of the frame 16 in the slot 5. On the frame 16 can also fix a housing 30 enclosing different electrical components allow the operation of the electrical appliances of the refrigeration device such as the fans 21 and 25 and the compressor 23.
  • a tray 31 for recovering condensates from the useful compartment 2 and the evaporation stage 7 In order to allow evaporation in the ambient air of the condensates, a hot pipe 32 in which the cooling fluid circulates can meander in the bottom of the tank 31.
  • a thermal insulation 33 On the figure 3 we also see the final position of the evaporator 20 and the fan 21. These two elements are carried by a thermal insulation 33 not shown in this figure.
  • the figure 4 and 5 represent in perspective the thermal insulation 33 intended to thermally isolate the evaporation stages 7 and condensation 8.
  • the thermal insulation 33 is monobloc and forms a carrier structure of the evaporation stage 7.
  • the thermal insulation 33 isolates the evaporation stage 7 in five directions of an orthogonal reference. More specifically, an Oxyz orthogonal coordinate system is defined in which the two directions x and y represent a horizontal plane of the cabinet 1 and the direction z is a vertical direction of the cabinet.
  • the second flow of air through the condensing stage 8 is in the x direction.
  • Each direction has a positive direction and a negative direction noted for example + x and -x for the direction x.
  • the thermal insulator 33 isolates the evaporation stage 7 in the directions + x, -x, + y, -y and -z.
  • the thermal insulation is open only in the + z direction allowing air circulating in the cabinet 1 to flow through the orifices 10 and 11 of the evaporation stage 7.
  • the thermal insulation 33 is substantially parallelepipedic. It has at its base, located in a plane parallel to the plane defined by the x and y directions, positioning zones 34 with respect to the frame 16.
  • the frame 16 is for example made of a sheet whose largest surface forms the base of the refrigeration device and on which are fixed the elements of the condensation stage 8.
  • the chassis comprises folds 35 for stiffening the frame 16 and on which the zones 34 come to bear.
  • the thermal insulation 33 is formed of a piece of expanded polystyrene produced by molding.
  • This embodiment makes it possible to use the insulation to fulfill many functions in addition to its main function which is the thermal insulation.
  • the insulation directly guides the two air flows in the refrigeration device.
  • the thermal insulation 33 has an inclined face 36 on which the first air flow rests after passing through the orifice 11.
  • the second air flow (the one that passes through the condensation stage 8 ) is in turn guided by the top of the inclined face 36.
  • the inclined face is supported in its lower part on a bottom 37 guiding the first flow of air downstream of the inclined face 36.
  • the first air flow is also guided by vertical walls 38, 39 and 40 of the thermal insulation 33. These walls also form the vertical walls of the refrigeration device.
  • the thermal insulation 33 advantageously comprises means for positioning the evaporator 20 and the fan 21. Indeed, grooves 41, 42 and 43 are formed in the vertical walls and in the inclined section 36 for positioning the evaporator 20 and the fan 21.
  • the thermal insulation 33 is advantageously used to maintain the upper part of the condenser 24 for example under the highest part of the inclined face 36.
  • the lower part of the condenser 24 is also attached to the frame 16.
  • the insulator may be used to guide and protect the various pipes in which the refrigerant, the electric cable supplying the fan 21 and a thermostat measuring the temperature of the first air flow and the connection of the thermostat to the housing 30. To do this, grooves are made in thermal insulation 33.
  • the surface of the polystyrene is ice-cold. It is a fusion of the surface that makes it waterproof.
  • the glazing allows in particular the washing of the thermal insulation 33 during maintenance operations.
  • the frosting also allows directing the condensates directly into the polystyrene without the need to add a pipe provided for this purpose.
  • the thermal insulation 33 has handles 45 and 46 for handling the refrigeration device to facilitate its transport.
  • the handles are for example formed by openings directly made in the vertical walls 38 and 40. It is also possible to chamfer the angles between the openings 45 and 46 and the walls. corresponding verticals, respectively 40 and 38. These chamfers facilitate the production by molding of the thermal insulation 33 and improve ergonomics in the grip by an operator.
  • the thermal insulation 33 has a groove 50 allowing the positioning and the maintenance of a seal between the refrigeration device and the useful compartment 2 of the cabinet 1.
  • the refrigeration device comprises means for enabling the refrigeration circuit to be tested before the thermal insulation 33 is put in place. More specifically, a pipe 51 connecting the condensation and evaporation stages is deformable from In order to be able to carry out the circuit test without thermal insulation 33.
  • a gas detector often called a sniffer, is placed near the circuit in order to detect any leakage of refrigerant.
  • the expanded polystyrene degasses slightly after molding which would disturb this test if the thermal insulation 33 was mounted before the test. Consequently, by implementing the invention, it is possible to use polystyrene as insulating material, which makes it possible to reduce the cost of the insulator.
  • the path of the refrigerant circuit is entirely external to the thermal insulation 33.
  • the thermal insulation 33 has no closed opening through which a channel of the refrigerant circuit would pass. It is thus possible to seal the refrigerant circuit before putting it into place in the thermal insulation 33.
  • the figure 6 represents the various elements of the refrigerant circuit before mounting the thermal insulation 33 after sealing the circuit.
  • the evaporator 20 is substantially oriented at 90 ° from its final position around the y axis. It is in this position that the circuit is tested.
  • the Figures 7 and 8 represent the establishment of the thermal insulation 33 from the circuit tested in the position it occupies on the figure 6 . Insulation is close to the circuit by the top of the tank 31 so that the evaporator 20 is positioned in its grooves 41 to 43.
  • the figure 9 represents the final position of the insulator and the evaporator 20 in the refrigeration device.
  • the exchanger 20 is placed in its final position by deforming the pipe 51.
  • the deformation of the circuit consists in a torsion of a cross section of the circuit, the pipe 51, around a main axis of this cross section.
  • This axis is the y axis represented on the figure 5 .
  • the flange 55 makes it possible to counteract the elasticity of the pipe 1 which tends to lift the thermal insulation of the frame 16.
  • the flange 55 has a shape U whose ends are fixed to the frame 16 and whose bottom encloses the thermal insulation 33. There may be two flanges 55, one located under the door of the cabinet 1 and the other located under the bottom of the cabinet .

Description

L'invention concerne un dispositif de réfrigération et un procédé d'assemblage du dispositif. L'invention est avantageusement mise en oeuvre dans le domaine du froid commercial et plus particulièrement pour le refroidissement de boissons conditionnées en bouteilles et en canettes disposées à l'intérieur d'une enceinte thermiquement isolée ayant, par exemple, la forme d'une armoire. Il est bien entendu que l'invention n'est pas limitée au refroidissement de boissons ni au domaine du froid commercial. Néanmoins, afin de faciliter la compréhension de l'invention, celle-ci sera décrite en rapport à une armoire de conditionnement de boisson. Ce type d'armoire est disposé principalement dans des lieux publics tels que des aéroports, hôtels, centres commerciaux et est destiné à la vente des boissons. L'armoire comporte un caisson rigide fermé par une porte, généralement vitrée, permettant l'accès aux produits disposés dans l'armoire. Un dispositif de réfrigération, disposé dans l'armoire, rend celle-ci autonome. Plus précisément, pour assurer son fonctionnement, l'armoire n'a besoin que d'une alimentation électrique extérieure.The invention relates to a refrigeration device and a method of assembling the device. The invention is advantageously used in the field of commercial refrigeration and more particularly for the cooling of beverages packaged in bottles and cans arranged inside a thermally insulated enclosure having, for example, the shape of a cabinet . It is understood that the invention is not limited to the cooling of beverages or the field of commercial cold. Nevertheless, to facilitate the understanding of the invention, it will be described in connection with a beverage packaging cabinet. This type of cabinet is located mainly in public places such as airports, hotels, shopping centers and is intended for the sale of drinks. The cabinet has a rigid box closed by a door, usually glass, allowing access to the products arranged in the cabinet. A refrigeration device, arranged in the cabinet, makes it autonomous. Specifically, to ensure its operation, the cabinet needs only an external power supply.

De façon connue, le dispositif de réfrigération d'armoires frigorifiques est constitué d'un tiroir situé en partie basse de l'armoire. Cette disposition présente l'avantage de permettre une extraction facile du dispositif de réfrigération pour des opérations de maintenance. Une telle réalisation est par exemple décrite dans la demande de brevet française FR 2 855 871 déposé au nom de la demanderesse. Le tiroir décrit dans cette demande de brevet comporte un grand nombre de pièces mécaniques formant la structure du tiroir. Cette constitution ne permet pas l'accès rapide aux différents composants du circuit frigorifique du dispositif. Il est en effet nécessaire de démonter plusieurs pièces mécaniques avant d'accéder à certains composants tels que par exemple un ventilateur de l'étage de condensation.In a known manner, the refrigerator refrigeration device consists of a drawer located at the bottom of the cabinet. This arrangement has the advantage of allowing easy extraction of the refrigeration device for maintenance operations. Such an embodiment is for example described in the French patent application FR 2,855,871 filed in the name of the plaintiff. The drawer described in this patent application comprises a large number of mechanical parts forming the drawer structure. This constitution does not allow quick access to the various components of the refrigerant circuit of the device. It is indeed necessary to disassemble several mechanical parts before accessing certain components such as for example a fan of the condensation stage.

On connaît également un dispositif de réfrigération dans lequel le circuit frigorifique est réalisé à partir de canalisations souples reliant de façon démontable les différents composants du dispositif. Ce dispositif est onéreux du fait des canalisations souples et de la présence de raccords permettant l'ouverture du circuit frigorifique.Also known is a refrigeration device in which the refrigerant circuit is made from flexible pipes removably connecting the various components of the device. This device is expensive because of the flexible pipes and the presence of connections allowing the opening of the refrigerant circuit.

Les documents GB 835190 A , US-A-3 433 031 , FR-A-2 206 485 et JP 2003 222452 décrivent des dispositifs de réfrigération dans lesquels un étage d'évaporation est séparé d'un étage de condensation par un isolant thermique. Des canalisations du dispositif de réfrigération, canalisation véhiculant du fluide frigorigène, traversent l'isalant thremique imposant le montage des composants du circuit frigorifique et de l'isolant avant remplissage du circuit par le fluide.The documents GB 835190 A , US-A-3,433,031 , FR-A-2,206,485 and JP 2003 222452 describe refrigeration devices in which an evaporation stage is separated from a condensation stage by a thermal insulator. Pipes of the refrigeration device, pipe carrying refrigerant, through the thremical isalant imposing the assembly of the components of the refrigerant circuit and the insulation before filling the circuit with the fluid.

L'invention vise à faciliter l'assemblage d'un dispositif de réfrigération où l'accès à tous les composants du circuit de réfrigération est facilité sans augmenter le coût de réalisation.The invention aims to facilitate the assembly of a refrigeration device where access to all components of the refrigeration circuit is facilitated without increasing the cost of production.

A cet effet, l'invention a pour objet un procédé d'assemblage d'un dispositif de réfrigération selon la revendication 1.For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a method for assembling a refrigeration device according to claim 1.

Les canalisations rigides, par exemple réalisées en tuyaux de cuivre, sont bien moins chères à mettre en oeuvre que des canalisations souples. L'assemblage des canalisations peut se faire par brasage, c'est à dire sans raccord démontable. Le circuit frigorifique est rempli de fluide frigorigène puis scellé avant d'être mis en place dans l'isolant. On peut ainsi changer l'isolant thermique, par exemple en cas de rupture de celui ci lors d'un transport du dispositif, sans ouvrir le circuit frigorifique. En effet, une ouverture du circuit est toujours délicate et doit être effectuée par du personnel qualifié.Rigid pipes, for example made of copper pipes, are much cheaper to implement than flexible pipes. The assembly of the pipes can be done by soldering, that is to say without removable connection. The refrigerant circuit is filled with refrigerant and sealed before being placed in the insulation. It is thus possible to change the thermal insulation, for example in case of breakage of the latter during transport of the device, without opening the refrigerant circuit. Indeed, an opening of the circuit is always delicate and must be performed by qualified personnel.

L'invention a également pour objet une dispositif de réfrigération et une armoire thermiquement isolée assemblés selon le procédé de la revendication 1.The invention also relates to a refrigeration device and a thermally insulated cabinet assembled according to the method of claim 1.

Outre la facilité d'accès aux différents composants, un dispositif conforme à l'invention permet également de réduire son coût de réalisation grâce à une diminution du nombre de pièces mécanique le formant. Le coût d'achat des pièces et le temps de montage du dispositif sont réduits.In addition to the ease of access to the various components, a device according to the invention also reduces its cost of implementation by reducing the number of mechanical parts forming it. The cost of purchasing the parts and the mounting time of the device are reduced.

Par rapport au dispositif connu constitué de nombreuses pièces mécaniques, un dispositif conforme à l'invention est plus léger, ce qui facilite sa manutention.Compared to the known device consisting of many mechanical parts, a device according to the invention is lighter, which facilitates its handling.

De plus, les nombreuses pièces mécaniques du dispositif connu, généralement réalisées à partir de tôles métalliques, ont tendance à vibrer à cause du fonctionnement du compresseur. Le fait de remplacer la plupart de ces tôles par l'isolant thermique limite les vibrations et permet même d'atténuer les vibrations basses fréquence d'où une diminution du niveau sonore de l'armoire.In addition, the many mechanical parts of the known device, generally made from metal sheets, tend to vibrate because of the operation of the compressor. Replacing most of these sheets with thermal insulation limits the vibrations and even makes it possible to attenuate the low frequency vibrations, thus reducing the sound level of the cabinet.

L'invention sera mieux comprise et d'autres avantages apparaîtront à la lecture de la description détaillée d'un mode de réalisation donné à titre d'exemple, description illustrée par le dessin joint dans lequel :

  • la figure 1 représente une armoire comportant un dispositif de réfrigération conforme à l'invention,
  • la figure 2 représente schématiquement le fonctionnement d'un dispositif de réfrigération,
  • la figure 3 représente en perspective la position définitive des différents éléments fonctionnels décrits sur la figure 2,
  • les figures 4 et 5 représentent en perspective un isolant thermique séparant les étages de condensation et d'évaporation,
  • la figure 6 représente les différents éléments du circuit frigorifique avant montage de l'isolant,
  • les figures 7 et 8 représentent la mise en place de l'isolant,
  • la figure 9 représente le dispositif de réfrigération complètement assemblé.
The invention will be better understood and other advantages will appear on reading the detailed description of an embodiment given by way of example, a description illustrated by the attached drawing in which:
  • the figure 1 represents a cabinet comprising a refrigeration device according to the invention,
  • the figure 2 schematically represents the operation of a refrigeration device,
  • the figure 3 represents in perspective the final position of the different functional elements described on the figure 2 ,
  • the Figures 4 and 5 represent in perspective a thermal insulator separating the condensation and evaporation stages,
  • the figure 6 represents the various elements of the refrigerant circuit before mounting the insulation,
  • the Figures 7 and 8 represent the placement of the insulation,
  • the figure 9 represents the completely assembled refrigeration device.

Par souci de clarté, les mêmes éléments porteront les mêmes repères dans les différentes figures.For the sake of clarity, the same elements will bear the same references in the different figures.

La figure 1 représente une armoire 1 formant une enceinte thermiquement isolée contenant dans un compartiment utile 2 des produits 3, ici des boissons, à refroidir ou à maintenir à une température inférieure à la température ambiante. Autrement, l'armoire 1 comporte un compartiment utile 2 destiné à recevoir de produits 3 à réfrigérer. L'armoire 1 comporte une porte 4 permettant d'accéder aux produits 3. L'armoire 1 comporte, en outre, un emplacement 5 où peut s'enficher un dispositif de réfrigération 6 comprenant un étage d'évaporation 7 et un étage de condensation 8. Avantageusement, le dispositif est démontable de l'armoire 1 sans intervenir sur le compartiment utile 2. Il n'est nécessaire d'ouvrir ou même de vider le compartiment utile 2 pour intervenir sur le dispositif de réfrigération 6 ou pour le remplacer. Le fonctionnement des deux étages 7 et 8 sera expliqué en détail à l'aide de la figure 2. Le dispositif de réfrigération 6 est destiné à refroidir l'intérieur de l'armoire 1, et plus précisément de son compartiment utile 2, au moyen d'une circulation d'air refroidie dans l'étage d'évaporation 7. La circulation d'air dans l'armoire 1 est matérialisée sur la figure 1 par des flèches 9. Un orifice de sortie 10 de l'étage d'évaporation 7 permet à l'air de sortir de l'étage d'évaporation 7 pour circuler dans le compartiment utile 2. Un orifice d'entrée 11 de l'étage d'évaporation 7 permet à l'air provenant du compartiment utile 2 de pénétrer dans l'étage d'évaporation 7 pour y être refroidi. Préférentiellement, l'orifice de sortie 10 est situé au voisinage du fond du compartiment utile 2. L'orifice d'entrée 11 est situé au voisinage de la porte 4. On définit le fond du compartiment utile 2 comme la zone la plus éloignée de la porte 4. Ainsi, la circulation de l'air dans le compartiment utile 2 se fait essentiellement du fond vers la porte 4. Avantageusement, les parois du compartiment utile 2 comportent une casquette 27 empêchant le flux d'air issu de l'orifice de sortie 10 de se mélanger dans le compartiment utile 2 avec le flux d'air entrant dans l'orifice d'entrée 11.The figure 1 represents a cabinet 1 forming a thermally insulated enclosure containing in a useful compartment 2 products 3, here beverages, to cool or maintain a temperature below room temperature. Otherwise, the cabinet 1 has a useful compartment 2 for receiving products 3 to refrigerate. The cabinet 1 comprises a door 4 to access the products 3. The cabinet 1 comprises, in addition, a location 5 where can be plugged a refrigeration device 6 comprising an evaporation stage 7 and a condensation stage 8. Advantageously, the device is removable from the cabinet 1 without intervening on the useful compartment 2. It is necessary to open or even empty the useful compartment 2 to operate on the refrigeration device 6 or to replace it. The operation of the two stages 7 and 8 will be explained in detail using the figure 2 . The refrigeration device 6 is intended to cool the interior of the cabinet 1, and more precisely its useful compartment 2, by means of a cooled air circulation in the evaporation stage 7. The circulation of air in the cabinet 1 is materialized on the figure 1 by arrows 9. An outlet 10 of the evaporation stage 7 allows the air to exit the evaporation stage 7 to circulate in the useful compartment 2. An inlet port 11 of the evaporation stage 7 allows air from the useful compartment 2 to enter the evaporation stage 7 to be cooled. Preferably, the outlet orifice 10 is situated in the vicinity of the bottom of the useful compartment 2. The inlet orifice 11 is situated in the vicinity of the door 4. The bottom of the useful compartment 2 is defined as the zone furthest from the door 4. Thus, the flow of air in the useful compartment 2 is essentially from the bottom to the door 4. Advantageously, the walls of the useful compartment 2 comprise a cap 27 preventing the flow of air from the orifice outlet 10 to mix in the useful compartment 2 with the flow of air entering the inlet port 11.

Par ailleurs, une seconde circulation d'air, représentée sur la figure 1 par les flèches 12, traverse l'étage de condensation. La seconde circulation d'air pénètre le dispositif de réfrigération 6 par une grille 13 fermant l'emplacement 5. La grille 13 est située sous la porte 4. La seconde circulation d'air sort du dispositif de réfrigération par une grille 14 fermant un orifice 15 de l'emplacement 5, orifice 15 situé sur le fond de l'armoire 1.In addition, a second air circulation, represented on the figure 1 by the arrows 12, passes through the condensation stage. The second air flow enters the refrigerating device 6 by a grid 13 closing the location 5. The gate 13 is located under the door 4. The second air flow out of the refrigeration device by a gate 14 closing an orifice 15 of slot 5, port 15 located on the bottom of the cabinet 1.

Le dispositif de réfrigération 6 comporte un châssis 16 portant les deux étages 7 et 8. Autrement dit, le châssis 16 sert de support aux différents composants constituant chacun des deux étages 7 et 8. Le châssis 16 est enfichable dans l'armoire 1 et, plus précisément, dans l'emplacement 5. Avantageusement, le montage du châssis 16, dans l'emplacement 5, se fait par translation dans une direction sensiblement perpendiculaire à la porte 4 lorsque celle-ci est fermée. Le sens de la translation est matérialisé sur la figure 1 par la flèche 17. Ainsi, on peut monter ou démonter le dispositif de refroidissement 6 dans l'armoire 1 même lorsqu'au moins une face latérale de l'armoire 1 (face perpendiculaire à la porte 4) n'est pas accessible car positionnée contre une autre armoire ou contre un mur. Le montage et le démontage du dispositif de réfrigération 6 se fait après dépose de la grille 13 par l'avant de l'armoire 1, c'est à dire par la face de l'armoire 1 contenant la porte 4.The refrigeration device 6 comprises a frame 16 carrying the two stages 7 and 8. In other words, the frame 16 serves to support the various components constituting each of the two stages 7 and 8. The frame 16 is pluggable in the cabinet 1 and, more specifically, in the location 5. Advantageously, the mounting of the frame 16 in the slot 5 is by translation in a direction substantially perpendicular to the door 4 when the latter is closed. The direction of translation is materialized on the figure 1 by the arrow 17. Thus, one can mount or dismount the cooling device 6 in the cabinet 1 even when at least one side face of the cabinet 1 (face perpendicular to the door 4) is not accessible because positioned against another cabinet or against a wall. The assembly and disassembly of the refrigeration device 6 is done after removal of the grid 13 from the front of the cabinet 1, that is to say by the face of the cabinet 1 containing the door 4.

La figure 2 représente schématiquement un exemple de fonctionnement du dispositif de réfrigération 6. Les deux étages 7 et 8 sont représentés chacun dans un cadre en trait interrompu. L'étage d'évaporation 7 comporte un évaporateur 20 dans lequel se refroidit l'air circulant dans l'armoire 1. L'air est entraîné par un ventilateur 21 disposé en aval de l'évaporateur 20. Le ventilateur 21 appartient à l'étage d'évaporation 7. Autrement dit, l'étage d'évaporation 7 comporte un ventilateur 21 assurant une circulation d'air forcée dans l'étage d'évaporation 7.The figure 2 schematically represents an example of operation of the refrigeration device 6. The two stages 7 and 8 are each represented in a dashed frame. The evaporation stage 7 comprises an evaporator 20 in which the air circulating in the cabinet 1 cools. The air is driven by a fan 21 arranged downstream of the evaporator 20. The fan 21 belongs to the Evaporation stage 7. In other words, the evaporation stage 7 comprises a fan 21 providing forced air circulation in the evaporation stage 7.

Par ailleurs, un fluide frigorigène circule dans un organe de détente 22 puis dans l'évaporateur 20. En aval de l'évaporateur 20, le fluide frigorigène à l'état gazeux voit sa pression augmenter dans un compresseur 23 appartenant à l'étage de condensation 8. Le fluide frigorigène est ensuite refroidi dans un condenseur 24 par contact thermique avec la seconde circulation d'air forcé par un ventilateur 25 représenté en aval du condenseur 24. En sortie du condenseur 24, le fluide frigorigène se dirige vers l'organe de détente 22 situé dans l'étage d'évaporation 7. Le schéma fonctionnel du dispositif de réfrigération 6 a volontairement été simplifié. Il est, bien entendu, possible d'y adjoindre d'autres composants permettant d'améliorer son fonctionnement.Moreover, a refrigerant circulates in an expansion member 22 and then in the evaporator 20. Downstream of the evaporator 20, the refrigerant in the gaseous state sees its pressure increase in a compressor 23 belonging to the stage of 8. The refrigerant is then cooled in a condenser 24 by thermal contact with the second air circulation forced by a fan 25 shown downstream of the condenser 24. At the outlet of the condenser 24, the refrigerant flows towards the organ in the evaporation stage 7. The functional diagram of the refrigeration device 6 has been deliberately simplified. It is, of course, possible to add other components to improve its operation.

La figure 3 représente en perspective la position relative des différents éléments décrits à l'aide de la figure 2. Ces éléments sont représentés dans leur position définitive dans le dispositif de réfrigération. On y retrouve, fixé au châssis 16, le compresseur 23, le condenseur 24 et le ventilateur 25. le châssis 16 a la forme d'une plaque qui une fois en place dans l'armoire 1 est posée sur un plancher de l'armoire. Le guidage du châssis 16 sur le plancher peut être assuré par des glissières permettant la translation du châssis 16 dans l'emplacement 5. Sur le châssis 16 on peut également fixer un boîtier 30 enfermant différents composants électriques permettent le fonctionnement des appareils électriques du dispositif de réfrigération tels que les ventilateurs 21 et 25 ainsi que le compresseur 23. On peut également fixer au châssis un bac 31 de récupération de condensats issus du compartiment utile 2 et de l'étage d'évaporation 7. Afin de permettre l'évaporation dans l'air ambiant des condensats, une canalisation chaude 32 dans laquelle circule le fluide de refroidissement peut serpenter dans le fond du bac 31. Sur la figure 3 on voit également la position définitive de l'évaporateur 20 et du ventilateur 21. Ces deux éléments sont portés par un isolant thermique 33 non représenté sur cette figure.The figure 3 represents in perspective the relative position of the various elements described using the figure 2 . These elements are represented in their final position in the refrigeration device. It contains, fixed to the frame 16, the compressor 23, the condenser 24 and the fan 25. the frame 16 has the shape of a plate which once in place in the cabinet 1 is placed on a floor of the cabinet . The guiding of the frame 16 on the floor can be provided by slides allowing the translation of the frame 16 in the slot 5. On the frame 16 can also fix a housing 30 enclosing different electrical components allow the operation of the electrical appliances of the refrigeration device such as the fans 21 and 25 and the compressor 23. It is also possible to attach to the frame a tray 31 for recovering condensates from the useful compartment 2 and the evaporation stage 7 In order to allow evaporation in the ambient air of the condensates, a hot pipe 32 in which the cooling fluid circulates can meander in the bottom of the tank 31. On the figure 3 we also see the final position of the evaporator 20 and the fan 21. These two elements are carried by a thermal insulation 33 not shown in this figure.

Les figure 4 et 5 représentent en perspective l'isolant thermique 33 destiné à isoler thermiquement les étages d'évaporation 7 et de condensation 8. L'isolant thermique 33 est monobloc et forme une structure porteuse de l'étage d'évaporation 7. Avantageusement, l'isolant thermique 33 isole l'étage d'évaporation 7 dans cinq sens d'un repère orthogonal. Plus précisément, on définit un repère orthogonal Oxyz dans lequel les deux directions x et y représentent un plan horizontal de l'armoire 1 et la direction z une direction verticale de l'armoire. La seconde circulation de l'air au travers de l'étage de condensation 8 se fait suivant la direction x. Chaque direction comporte un sens positif et un sens négatif notés par exemple +x et -x pour la direction x. l'isolant thermique 33 isole l'étage d'évaporation 7 dans les directions +x, -x, +y, -y et -z. L'isolant thermique n'est ouvert que dans le sens +z permettant à l'air circulant dans l'armoire 1 de circuler au travers des orifices 10 et 11 de l'étage d'évaporation 7.The figure 4 and 5 represent in perspective the thermal insulation 33 intended to thermally isolate the evaporation stages 7 and condensation 8. The thermal insulation 33 is monobloc and forms a carrier structure of the evaporation stage 7. Advantageously, the thermal insulation 33 isolates the evaporation stage 7 in five directions of an orthogonal reference. More specifically, an Oxyz orthogonal coordinate system is defined in which the two directions x and y represent a horizontal plane of the cabinet 1 and the direction z is a vertical direction of the cabinet. The second flow of air through the condensing stage 8 is in the x direction. Each direction has a positive direction and a negative direction noted for example + x and -x for the direction x. the thermal insulator 33 isolates the evaporation stage 7 in the directions + x, -x, + y, -y and -z. The thermal insulation is open only in the + z direction allowing air circulating in the cabinet 1 to flow through the orifices 10 and 11 of the evaporation stage 7.

L'isolant thermique 33 est sensiblement parallélépipédique. Il présente à sa base, située dans un plan parallèle au plan défini par les directions x et y, des zones de positionnement 34 par rapport au châssis 16. Le châssis 16 est par exemple réalisé dans une tôle dont la plus grande surface forme la base du dispositif de réfrigération et sur laquelle sont fixés les éléments de l'étage de condensation 8. Le châssis comporte des plis 35 permettant de rigidifier le châssis 16 et sur lesquels les zones 34 viennent prendre appui.The thermal insulation 33 is substantially parallelepipedic. It has at its base, located in a plane parallel to the plane defined by the x and y directions, positioning zones 34 with respect to the frame 16. The frame 16 is for example made of a sheet whose largest surface forms the base of the refrigeration device and on which are fixed the elements of the condensation stage 8. The chassis comprises folds 35 for stiffening the frame 16 and on which the zones 34 come to bear.

Avantageusement, l'isolant thermique 33 est formé d'une pièce en polystyrène expansé réalisé par moulage. Ce mode de réalisation permet d'utiliser l'isolant pour remplir de nombreuses fonctions en complément de sa fonction principale qui est l'isolation thermique. L'isolant guide directement les deux circulations d'air dans le dispositif de réfrigération. A cet effet, l'isolant thermique 33 comporte un pan incliné 36 sur lequel s'appuie la première circulation d'air après son passage dans l'orifice 11. La deuxième circulation d'air (celle qui traverse l'étage de condensation 8) est quant à elle guidée par le dessus du pan incliné 36. Le pan incliné prend appui dans sa partie basse sur un fond 37 guidant la première circulation d'air en aval du pan incliné 36. La première circulation d'air est également guidée par des parois verticales 38, 39 et 40 de l'isolant thermique 33. Ces parois forment également les parois verticales du dispositif de réfrigération. On peut prévoir dans le fond 37 un orifice de guidage de condensats se formant dans l'armoire 1 vers le bac de récupération 31. L'isolant thermique 33 comporte avantageusement des moyens de positionnement de l'évaporateur 20 et du ventilateur 21. A cet effet, des rainures 41, 42 et 43 sont ménagées dans les parois verticales et dans le pan incliné 36 permettant la mise en position de l'évaporateur 20 et du ventilateur 21. L'isolant thermique 33 est avantageusement utilisé pour maintenir la partie haute du condenseur 24 par exemple sous la partie la plus haute du pan incliné 36. La partie basse du condenseur 24 est par ailleurs fixée sur le châssis 16. On peut utiliser l'isolant pour réaliser le guidage et la protection des différentes canalisations dans lesquels circule le fluide réfrigérant, du câble électrique alimentant le ventilateur 21 ainsi que d'un thermostat mesurant la température de la première circulation d'air et de la liaison du thermostat vers le boîtier 30. Pour ce faire des gorges sont réalisées dans l'isolant thermique 33.Advantageously, the thermal insulation 33 is formed of a piece of expanded polystyrene produced by molding. This embodiment makes it possible to use the insulation to fulfill many functions in addition to its main function which is the thermal insulation. The insulation directly guides the two air flows in the refrigeration device. For this purpose, the thermal insulation 33 has an inclined face 36 on which the first air flow rests after passing through the orifice 11. The second air flow (the one that passes through the condensation stage 8 ) is in turn guided by the top of the inclined face 36. The inclined face is supported in its lower part on a bottom 37 guiding the first flow of air downstream of the inclined face 36. The first air flow is also guided by vertical walls 38, 39 and 40 of the thermal insulation 33. These walls also form the vertical walls of the refrigeration device. It is possible to provide in the bottom 37 a condensate guide orifice forming in the cabinet 1 towards the recovery tank 31. The thermal insulation 33 advantageously comprises means for positioning the evaporator 20 and the fan 21. Indeed, grooves 41, 42 and 43 are formed in the vertical walls and in the inclined section 36 for positioning the evaporator 20 and the fan 21. The thermal insulation 33 is advantageously used to maintain the upper part of the condenser 24 for example under the highest part of the inclined face 36. The lower part of the condenser 24 is also attached to the frame 16. The insulator may be used to guide and protect the various pipes in which the refrigerant, the electric cable supplying the fan 21 and a thermostat measuring the temperature of the first air flow and the connection of the thermostat to the housing 30. To do this, grooves are made in thermal insulation 33.

Avantageusement, la surface du polystyrène est glacée. Il s'agit d'une fusion de la surface qui la rend étanche. Le glaçage autorise notamment le lavage de l'isolant thermique 33 lors d'opérations de maintenance. Le glaçage permet également le guidage des condensats directement dans le polystyrène sans la nécessité d'ajouter une canalisation prévue à cet effet.Advantageously, the surface of the polystyrene is ice-cold. It is a fusion of the surface that makes it waterproof. The glazing allows in particular the washing of the thermal insulation 33 during maintenance operations. The frosting also allows directing the condensates directly into the polystyrene without the need to add a pipe provided for this purpose.

Avantageusement, l'isolant thermique 33 comporte des poignées 45 et 46 de manutention du dispositif de réfrigération pour faciliter son transport. Les poignées sont par exemple formées par des ouvertures directement réalisées dans les parois verticales 38 et 40. On peut également prévoir de chanfreiner les angles entre les ouvertures 45 et 46 et les parois verticales correspondantes, respectivement 40 et 38. Ces chanfreins facilitent la réalisation par moulage de l'isolant thermique 33 et améliorent l'ergonomie dans la prise en main par un opérateur.Advantageously, the thermal insulation 33 has handles 45 and 46 for handling the refrigeration device to facilitate its transport. The handles are for example formed by openings directly made in the vertical walls 38 and 40. It is also possible to chamfer the angles between the openings 45 and 46 and the walls. corresponding verticals, respectively 40 and 38. These chamfers facilitate the production by molding of the thermal insulation 33 and improve ergonomics in the grip by an operator.

Avantageusement, l'isolant thermique 33 comporte une gorge 50 permettant la mise en position et le maintien d'un joint d'étanchéité entre le dispositif de réfrigération et le compartiment utile 2 de l'armoire 1.Advantageously, the thermal insulation 33 has a groove 50 allowing the positioning and the maintenance of a seal between the refrigeration device and the useful compartment 2 of the cabinet 1.

Selon l'invention, le dispositif de réfrigération comporte des moyens pour permettre le test du circuit de réfrigération avant la mise en place de l'isolant thermique 33. Plus précisément, une canalisation 51 reliant les étages de condensation et d 'évaporation est déformable de façon à pouvoir réaliser le test du circuit sans l'isolant thermique 33. Parmi les tests à réaliser, on place à proximité du circuit un détecteur de gaz, souvent appelé renifleur, afin de déceler une éventuelle fuite de fluide frigorigène. Or le polystyrène expansé dégaze légèrement après son moulage ce qui perturberait ce test si l'isolant thermique 33 était monté avant le test. En conséquence, en mettant en oeuvre l'invention, on peut utiliser le polystyrène comme matériau isolant ce qui permet de réduire le coût de l'isolant.According to the invention, the refrigeration device comprises means for enabling the refrigeration circuit to be tested before the thermal insulation 33 is put in place. More specifically, a pipe 51 connecting the condensation and evaporation stages is deformable from In order to be able to carry out the circuit test without thermal insulation 33. Among the tests to be carried out, a gas detector, often called a sniffer, is placed near the circuit in order to detect any leakage of refrigerant. However, the expanded polystyrene degasses slightly after molding which would disturb this test if the thermal insulation 33 was mounted before the test. Consequently, by implementing the invention, it is possible to use polystyrene as insulating material, which makes it possible to reduce the cost of the insulator.

Selon l'invention, le cheminement du circuit frigorifique est en totalité extérieur à l'isolant thermique 33. Autrement dit, l'isolant thermique 33 ne comporte aucune ouverture fermée par laquelle passerait une canalisation du circuit frigorifique. On peut ainsi sceller le circuit frigorifique avant de le mettre en place dans l'isolant thermique 33.According to the invention, the path of the refrigerant circuit is entirely external to the thermal insulation 33. In other words, the thermal insulation 33 has no closed opening through which a channel of the refrigerant circuit would pass. It is thus possible to seal the refrigerant circuit before putting it into place in the thermal insulation 33.

Pour assembler le dispositif de réfrigération, on enchaîne les opérations suivantes :

  • remplir le circuit de fluide,
  • sceller le circuit,
  • tester le circuit,
  • mettre en place l'isolant.
To assemble the refrigeration device, the following operations are carried out:
  • fill the fluid circuit,
  • seal the circuit,
  • test the circuit,
  • put in place the insulation.

la figure 6 représente les différents éléments du circuit frigorifique avant montage de l'isolant thermique 33 après scellement du circuit. L'évaporateur 20 est sensiblement orienté à 90° de sa position définitive autour de l'axe y. C'est dans cette position que le circuit est testé. Les figures 7 et 8 représentent la mise en place de l'isolant thermique 33 à partir du circuit testé dans la position qu'il occupe sur la figure 6. L'isolant est rapproché du circuit par le dessus du bac 31 de façon à ce que l'évaporateur 20 se positionne dans ses rainures 41 à 43.the figure 6 represents the various elements of the refrigerant circuit before mounting the thermal insulation 33 after sealing the circuit. The evaporator 20 is substantially oriented at 90 ° from its final position around the y axis. It is in this position that the circuit is tested. The Figures 7 and 8 represent the establishment of the thermal insulation 33 from the circuit tested in the position it occupies on the figure 6 . Insulation is close to the circuit by the top of the tank 31 so that the evaporator 20 is positioned in its grooves 41 to 43.

La figure 9 représente la position définitive de l'isolant et de l'évaporateur 20 dans le dispositif de réfrigération. L'échangeur 20 est placé dans sa position définitive en déformant la canalisation 51.The figure 9 represents the final position of the insulator and the evaporator 20 in the refrigeration device. The exchanger 20 is placed in its final position by deforming the pipe 51.

Selon l'invention, la déformation du circuit consiste en une torsion d'une section droite du circuit, la canalisation 51, autour d'un axe principal de cette section droite. Cet axe est l'axe y représenté sur la figure 5.According to the invention, the deformation of the circuit consists in a torsion of a cross section of the circuit, the pipe 51, around a main axis of this cross section. This axis is the y axis represented on the figure 5 .

Pour maintenir l'isolant thermique 33 dans sa position définitive, celle de la figure 9, on peut prévoir au moins une bride 55 maintenant l'isolant thermique 33 sur le châssis 16. La bride permet de contrarier l'élasticité de la canalisation 1 qui tendrait à soulever l'isolant thermique du châssis 16. La bride 55 a une forme de U dont les extrémités sont fixées au châssis 16 et dont le fond enserre l'isolant thermique 33. On peut prévoir deux brides 55, une située sous la porte de l'armoire 1 et l'autre située sous le fond de l'armoire.To maintain the thermal insulation 33 in its final position, that of the figure 9 at least one flange 55 holding the thermal insulation 33 on the frame 16 can be provided. The flange makes it possible to counteract the elasticity of the pipe 1 which tends to lift the thermal insulation of the frame 16. The flange 55 has a shape U whose ends are fixed to the frame 16 and whose bottom encloses the thermal insulation 33. There may be two flanges 55, one located under the door of the cabinet 1 and the other located under the bottom of the cabinet .

Claims (10)

  1. A method for assembling a refrigeration device comprising a condensation stage (8), an evaporation stage (7), through which stages a refrigerant circulates that is contained in a circuit, the device being intended to refrigerate the inside of a thermally insulated cabinet (1), the device comprising a thermal insulator (33) separating the evaporation (7) and condensation (8) stages, the thermal insulator (33) being one-piece and forming a support structure for the evaporation stage (7), the circuit being formed by rigid pipes, which are entirely outside the thermal insulator (33) and at least one pipe (51) of which, connecting the condensation (8) and evaporation (7) stages and having a straight section, is deformable in order to allow the circuit containing the refrigerant and which has been sealed to be installed in the thermal insulator (33),
    the method being characterised in that it comprises sequencing the following operations:
    • filling the circuit with refrigerant;
    • sealing the circuit;
    • testing the circuit;
    • installing the thermal insulator (33);
    • installing an exchanger (20) of the evaporation stage (7) in its definitive position by deforming the deformable pipe (51) of the circuit, said deformation involving twisting its straight section around its main axis (y).
  2. A device assembled according to the assembly method of claim 1, characterised in that the thermal insulator (33) insulates the evaporation stage (7) in five directions of an orthogonal coordinate system (Oxyz).
  3. The device as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that the thermal insulator (33) is only open in a direction (+z) allowing air to circulate through a communication orifice (10, 11) between the inside of the cabinet (1) and the refrigeration device.
  4. The device as claimed in any of claims 2 or 3, characterised in that the thermal insulator (33) is formed by an expanded polystyrene part produced by moulding.
  5. The device as claimed in claim 4, characterised in that the surface of the polystyrene is glazed.
  6. The device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, characterised in that the thermal insulator (33) comprises handles for handling the refrigeration device.
  7. The device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6, characterised in that it comprises a frame (16) in the form of a plate, on which the elements of the condensation stage are fixed, and in that the thermal insulator (33) is positioned on the frame (16).
  8. The device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 7, characterised in that the evaporation stage (7) comprises a fan (21) providing forced air circulation in the evaporation stage (7).
  9. The device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 8, characterised in that the thermal insulator (33) does not comprise any closed opening for the passage of a pipe of the circuit.
  10. A thermally insulated cabinet comprising a useful compartment (2) intended to receive products (3) to be refrigerated and a device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 9, characterised in that the device can be removed from the cabinet (1) without affecting the useful compartment (2).
EP06819842.3A 2005-11-29 2006-11-29 Refrigeration device and method of assembling the device Active EP1954993B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

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SI200632336T SI1954993T1 (en) 2005-11-29 2006-11-29 Refrigeration device and method of assembling the device

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FR0512085A FR2894019B1 (en) 2005-11-29 2005-11-29 REFRIGERATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING THE DEVICE
PCT/EP2006/069071 WO2007063078A1 (en) 2005-11-29 2006-11-29 Refrigeration device and method of assembling the device

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EP1954993A1 EP1954993A1 (en) 2008-08-13
EP1954993B1 true EP1954993B1 (en) 2019-05-08

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ES (1) ES2735523T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2894019B1 (en)
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BRPI0703622A2 (en) 2007-09-12 2009-04-28 Whirlpool Sa cooling module and cooling system
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
SI1954993T1 (en) 2019-09-30
FR2894019A1 (en) 2007-06-01
WO2007063078A1 (en) 2007-06-07
FR2894019B1 (en) 2014-08-15
EP1954993A1 (en) 2008-08-13
ES2735523T3 (en) 2019-12-19

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