EP2203700B1 - Refrigeration unit - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a refrigeration device having at least one housing part, which has at least one outer wall.

Refrigerators are now an integral part of every household. In the meantime, however, consumers do not only expect them to fulfill their functional properties, but also to have an appealing, visual appearance. To change the visual appearance are often additional panels made of different materials and in a variety of colors on the outer wall of the respective housing part such. applied to the door of a refrigerator. Such a panel, which is additionally applied externally on the outer wall of a household appliance for decoration purposes, can make the construction of a household appliance under some circumstances too complex and aesthetically inappropriate.

The publication WO 2007/011178 shows a refrigerator with a door, which consists of a rear insert and a transparent plate.

The publication US 2007/0188059 shows a fridge with a door. On the door is a glass plate attached.

JP H05 322436 discloses a door of a refrigerator.

The invention has for its object to provide a cooling device, which has improved properties over the prior art. According to the invention, this object is achieved by a refrigerator according to claim 1.

This results in a simpler construction for the refrigeration device. On the other hand, increased demands on the aesthetic appearance of the refrigeration device are better fulfilled.

In particular, the present invention relates to a refrigeration device comprising a housing part and a glass plate, which with the housing part a partial cutout or the Total area of the outer wall of the housing part such as a door replaced. Preferably, an adhesive for connection of the housing part is provided with the glass plate. The advantage of such an adhesion connection is that the mounting of the outer wall on the respective housing part is simpler, and therefore also the production of such a refrigeration device can be made simpler and therefore less expensive. In addition, in particular, a mechanical connection of the glass plate with the housing part, if necessary be waived. This has the consequence that act through the elimination of mechanical fasteners, such as guide rails and metal plates or metal brackets, and almost no mechanical stress, such as tensions, on the glass plate during assembly. Therefore, this adhesive connection technique also leads to a material and resource-saving production of the respective refrigeration device. In addition, an attractive design of the respective refrigeration device can be realized by the adhesive connection technology. This is achieved due to the omission of guide rails and metal plates, so that a frameless impression is created, which makes the refrigerator optically attractive to the consumer.

The inner container of a refrigeration device designed in this way can preferably be made of one piece, or possibly also of several parts. Basically, the respective housing part - such. a door or a side wall of the body of the refrigerator - have any shape, since corresponding glass plates can be advantageously produced in any form. Thus, the housing part can have both one or more straight as well as curved or curved outer surfaces, which are partially or completely replaced by a glass plate.

The housing part can in particular be a cabinet body with a receiving space of a refrigeration device, in particular a refrigerator or freezer, located therein. In addition, according to a further embodiment, it is provided that the housing part is formed by a door to which the respective glass plate can be attached as part of the outer wall or as an entire outer wall. It is thus conceivable to provide only in each case the door partially or completely with a glass plate, while the remaining surfaces of the housing part are not blinded.

To connect the glass plate to the housing part, this preferably has a shape similar to the outer surfaces of the housing part. If, for example, the outer surface of the housing part has a curvature, then a glass plate corresponding to the outer surface of the housing part is provided.

In a preferred embodiment, the glass plate is made of inorganic hard glass, which can be colored according to the respective requirements of the consumer in various colors.

For the connection of the glass plate to the housing part, an adhesive connection is preferably provided. This is effected in particular by an adhesive. An advantage of the adhesive over mechanical connections is on the one hand a simplified mounting of the glass plate and on the other hand a visually appealing designed housing part.

According to an advantageous development, the adhesive in particular has a chemical compound. In principle, any chemical compound which has adhesive or adhesive properties is suitable. Chemical compounds with appropriate adhesive properties are preferably in at least partially liquid state, and therefore can be easily and inexpensively dosed and processed in the context of manufacturing. Thus, for example, be provided that the housing part is positioned in the connection with the glass plate such that the respective side to be provided with an outer wall is aligned horizontally. By means of known metering devices, the corresponding chemical compound can be applied or sprayed onto the surface of the housing. The glass plate is then applied to the surface treated with the chemical compound. This has the advantage that the attachment of the glass plate is also carried out from above, so that in practice the glass plate is only deposited from above onto the previously treated housing surface. This simplified assembly significantly reduces or even avoids damage caused by the aforementioned mechanical loads.

In another embodiment, an adhesive is provided as an adhesive. As an adhesive, for example, a liquid adhesive can be used. Liquid adhesive has the advantage that it can also be easily metered in the context of production and thus can be applied to the housing part to be closed with an outer wall. As an adhesive, however, any other type of adhesive may be provided. Equally conceivable would be a combination of liquid and at least partially solid adhesives.

Preferably, the adhesive is designed as an adhesive tape, and in particular as a double-sided adhesive tape. The use of adhesive tape has the advantage that it is easy to work with. In particular, adhesive tape can be selectively attached to specific locations of the housing, for example, at the edge, so that a material-saving processing is guaranteed. In addition, the use of double-sided adhesive tape makes it possible to dispense with additional, additional adhesives and thus further processing steps.

According to a preferred embodiment, the chemical compound is in particular a foam-like compound. Basically, any foam-like compound is suitable, which has corresponding, adhesive properties. Foam-like compounds with the appropriate adhesive properties can also be easily and inexpensively dosed and processed in the context of manufacturing. Preferably, the foam-like compound has an adhesive component. This ensures that can be dispensed with the use of a foam on other adhesives.

If the chemical compound is a foam-like compound, it should preferably also have heat-insulating properties. The afflicted with these properties foam thus serves both for the connection of the glass plate to the housing part, as well as for thermal insulation of the respective refrigeration device. Advantage of the use of a foam-like compound with the aforementioned properties is the reduction of manufacturing steps and thus a more cost-effective production.

When using a foam-like compound, it is advantageous if the glass plate may have elevations on its back. These bumps increase the surface area of the glass plate and thus improve the bonding properties between the foam and the glass plate by contacting the foam with a larger surface area.

In a further embodiment it is provided that a hook-and-loop fastener is provided as the adhesive. A Velcro fastener consists in its typical form of two Nylon strips, one of which has barbs that have other loops. When compressed, they provide a durable quick release. In this case, for example, the nylon strip with the loops attached to the housing, and the other strip with the check mark on the glass plate. After appropriate positioning of the glass plate and the housing to be veneered, the glass plate is slightly compressed only with the housing, so that connect the loops with the hook. Since the Velcro is an almost arbitrarily often to be solved closure means, the glass plate can advantageously be easily replaced or replaced.

According to a further embodiment, the adhesive is formed as a magnetic means. For example, the magnetic means may be adhesively attached to a glass plate made of a non-magnetizable material. However, any other suitable attachment of the magnetic means may be used. The thus attached to the glass plate magnetic means is then combined with a housing or housing part, which often consists of metal, and thus is easily magnetized, and connected thereto. However, it is also conceivable that can be dispensed with the magnetic means when magnetizable material is introduced into the glass plate, and this can thus be connected directly to the housing or housing part. This would have the advantage that can be dispensed with any means for connecting the glass plate to the housing part.

In a further embodiment, a frame is provided between the housing and the glass plate. In this case, one side of the frame is connected to the refrigeration device, while on the other, ie the second side of the frame by means of the adhesive, the glass plate is attached. The use of a frame has the advantage that, for example, glass plate and housing need not have similar surfaces or similar shape. Thus, for example, a straight glass plate can be attached to a household appliance with a curved or arched outer surface. The frame, as an intermediate element for connecting the housing to the glass plate, thus serves as a compensation or adaptation means for connecting a glass plate to a housing outside with a different surface or shape. In addition to the purpose previously described, the function of the frame may be to add strength or stability to the housing. In addition, in the Cavity, which is formed by frame, glass plate and housing, an insulating material foam for thermal insulation are introduced.

The frame is preferably made of metallic material, such as stainless steel. However, any other material may be provided which has the desired characteristics or requirements.

In a further embodiment, an intermediate layer is provided between the glass plate and the housing part. The use of an intermediate layer has the advantage that, in particular for decorative purposes, no colored glass has to be used. Instead, a wide variety of optical effects can be realized purely through the use of differently colored intermediate layers.

In particular, at least one print or film can also be applied to the rear wall and / or front wall of the glass plate. The foil or printing can be made of any material that seems suitable for the purpose. Preferably, the films are made of plastic, which can be easily processed during manufacture. By means of different foils or printings different transparency levels for the glass plate and different decorations can be realized.

In a further embodiment, the aforementioned intermediate layer is formed as an adhesive for connecting the glass plate or cover to the housing part, in particular the refrigerator door. The intermediate layer can be designed, for example, as an adhesive film. This has the advantage that can be dispensed with additional or additional adhesive for connection of the glass plate or panel with the housing part.

Alternatively to a frameless glass plate as the outer wall of the door of a refrigerator, the glass plate according to an expedient development of the invention can be completed along at least one outer peripheral edge by a profile element. This gives the glass plate along the respective outer peripheral edge mechanical protection against damage. In particular, when the glass plate with the respective edge-closing profile element forms a composite construction, it helps an improved material stiffness, preferably torsional stiffness of the Overall construction of the door. In addition, can be achieved by different material combinations of glass plate and their respective, edge-closing profile element, a favorable aesthetic appearance.

Other developments of the invention are given in the dependent claims.

The invention and its developments are explained in more detail with reference to drawings.

Fig. 1

eine dreidimensionale Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines elektrischen Kältegeräts, das mindestens eine Tür nach dem erfindungsgemäßen Konstruktionsprinzip aufweist, und

Fig. 2

eine dreidimensionale Explosionsdarstellung einer Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäß aufgebauten Tür für das Kältegerät von Figur 1.

They show schematically:

Fig. 1

a three-dimensional representation of an embodiment of an electric refrigeration device having at least one door according to the inventive design principle, and

Fig. 2

a three-dimensional exploded view of an embodiment of a door constructed according to the invention for the refrigerator of FIG. 1 ,

In the following description of the figures, the same reference numerals designate the same or comparable components.

Fig. 1 FIG. 3 shows a perspective schematic view of an electric refrigerating appliance 1 as an embodiment of the present invention. It has a body 9 with three receiving spaces located therein, which are arranged one above the other. At the front of the body 9, three appliance doors 5 are provided, which are movably connected to the body and close the receiving spaces tight.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective schematic view of an embodiment of a door 5 of FIG. 1 , which is constructed according to the construction principle according to the invention. The door 5 is in the FIG. 2 represented with their disassembled individual components in an exploded view. The door 5 has an inner frame part 4, a glass plate 2 provided on the front side of the frame part 4, and an inner wall part 3 provided on the rear side of the frame part 4. The frame part 4 is formed here as a rectangular box element. It is behind the glass plate positioned. For attachment of the glass plate 2 with the frame part 4 are adhesive 7, formed as a double-sided adhesive tape provided. The adhesive 7 is applied to the front-side contact surface of the frame part 4. For thermal insulation foam material 6 is provided, which fills the cavity which is enclosed by the frame part 4, the glass plate 2 and the inner wall part 3. Possibly. can be dispensed with the double-sided adhesive tape when the adhesive 7 is formed as a foam-like compound with corresponding adhesive components. The foam-like compound then serves both as an adhesive 7 for fixing the glass plate 2 on the frame part 4, as well as for heat insulation of the entire door. The foam material is injected into the cavity, which is formed from the frame part 4, glass plate 5 and inner wall part 3, and filled after appropriate hardening of the cavity. The foam material is in direct contact with the above-mentioned glass plate 2 and insulates them from the rear thermally insulating. In addition, between the refrigerator door 5 and the glass plate 2 and between the frame part 4 and the glass plate 2 may be provided an intermediate layer (not in FIG. 2 shown). This intermediate layer may itself be configured as an adhesive 7, so that additional adhesive for fixing the glass plate to the frame part 4 or the door 5 can be dispensed with. The intermediate layer may be formed, for example, as a plastic film. The frame part 4 may have any constructions for receiving the adhesive 7. For example, recesses may be provided on the frame part 4, which receive the adhesive 7, in particular adhesive.

Viewed differently, the refrigeration unit 1 of FIG. 1 the respective door 5 an outer wall 2, which is partially or completely formed by a glass plate or cover 2. A partial surface or the total area of the outer wall of the door 5 is thus replaced by the glass plate 2 such that the glass plate 2 is integrated into the structural design of the door 5 as a composite component. For this purpose, a heat-insulating insulating material layer 6 is selbstadhäsiv and / or connected by additional adhesive 7 with the inner wall of the glass plate 2 and / or with the frame part 4. According to the invention, one or more structural elements 12 are foamed into the insulating material layer 6 in the region of the inner wall of the glass plate 2. The respective structural element is fixed to the inner wall of the glass plate 2 by adhesives, such as adhesive tapes or adhesives. It preferably has one or more indentations on its surface into which the foamed
Insulation material 6 can engage, so that a total of sandwich or composite material between glass plate 2, insulating material 6 and structural element 12 is formed. In particular, it is viewed in side view H-shaped. Additionally or independently thereof, the glass plate 2 is connected at its rear wall by adhesively acting adhesive 7 to the frame part 7 of the housing part 5. The adhesives are preferably formed by one or more adhesive tapes or adhesives. Due to the adhesive connection technology, which in particular can be effected solely with the aid of the insulating material 6, a more attractive design of the respective refrigeration device can be realized. This is achieved due to the omission of guide rails and metal plates, so that a frameless impression is created, which makes the refrigerator optically attractive to the consumer.

The glass plate 2 is here in the embodiment of FIG. 2 formed substantially rectangular. It has a transparent, in particular rectangular viewing window 8 within its opaque covering surface 9. Behind the viewing window 8, an electronic module 10 with a control panel and / or a display unit, in particular a display arranged. Preferably, the display unit, in particular a display, is positioned behind the transparent viewing window. The keys, preferably sensor keys or touch-screen keys, of the operating unit of the electronic module 10 may also be arranged laterally outside the transparent viewing window in the opaque field of the glass plate 2. In particular, therefore, the operating unit can also be accommodated behind the opaque cover surface 9. The electronic module is located behind the glass plate 2 in a receiving shaft 11, the input opening is in the outer edge region of the outer wall 2 of the housing part 5 and extends to the desired mounting end position of the electronic module. Alternatively, behind the window 8, a recess in the housing part 5 may be provided for viewing the interior of the body 9 of the refrigerator KG.

In summary, the glass plate forms according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a frameless outer wall of the door of a refrigerator. She is backfoamed with insulating insulation material.

In particular, it can be aesthetically advantageous if the upper edge of the glass plate has an outwardly slightly bent, i.e. has concave contour. This results in a harmonious, rounded overall impression of the refrigerator for the viewer.

Alternatively, according to a further advantageous embodiment, the glass plate 2 at its two vertically extending longitudinal side edges, be bordered by a randabschließendes frame profile element at its horizontally extending upper edge and / or horizontally extending edge, in particular by a mechanical connection, such as a tongue and groove connection held be. Preferably, the outer edge of the glass plate inserted in a longitudinal groove of the associated frame profile element. In the FIG. 2 surround four lateral frame profile elements all four side edges of the glass plate 2 as a rectangular outer frame. They are shown in phantom and provided with the reference numeral 13.

Optionally, the glass plate in the rectangular frame of the frame profile elements may also be inserted only largely flush, so that also formed as in the above enclosure a largely seamless exterior wall for the door. Profile elements and glass plate are preferably adhesively fixed to the insulating material layer.

In particular, it may also be expedient if the glass plate is integrated in the interior bounded by the four frame profile elements so that a substantially uniform, in particular smooth outer surface of the frame profile elements and glass plate is formed together. Forward protruding edges are thus largely avoided.

Alternatively, it may in particular already be sufficient if the glass plate is inserted only at its two vertically extending longitudinal side edges in each case a profile element in the manner of a spring / groove connection or is connected by another mechanical connection and / or adhesive connection with this profile element. Optionally, the two side profile elements and the glass plate can be loosely joined together largely flush and at their respective back to the Insulation material layer and / or an inner frame part such as 4 in FIG. 2 be attached.

In general terms, the glass plate can be terminated on at least one outer edge with a profile element. This can advantageously serve as a design element, as a holder element, and / or as a protective element of the glass plate against mechanical damage. The glass plate and its respective edge-side profile element are with respect to their outer contour substantially in a common position plane. This combination of components is preferably back-foamed from behind by the heat-insulating material and in particular fixed with this.

For the respective profile element, the side wall formed by the glass plate outside, i. Limited at the respective end edge, preferably a material is used which is different from glass. In particular, stainless steel, aluminum, plastic or Kevlar is selected for the particular profile element.

Possibly. It may also be expedient that arranged behind the outer wall of the door 5, in frontal view of the door interior, invisible frame part 4 of FIG. 2 omit. Then the glass plate, either alone or in combination with one or more lateral profile elements, is backfoamed with the insulating material 6 at least on its outer edge from its rear side. Preferably, as well as possibly its respective edge-terminating profile element is connected by self-adhesion of the insulating material with this. For this purpose, if necessary, additional adhesives such as adhesive tapes or adhesive may be used.
The inner wall part 3 may preferably be formed as a shuttering element, which receives the insulation material in soft elastic, heat-tacky state. It preferably has a trough-like shape or shell shape for this purpose.

The above-described construction of a door for a refrigeration device is of course applicable to any, further housing part of a refrigeration device in an advantageous manner. Thus, the housing part may e.g. be formed by a longitudinal side wall of the body of a refrigerator.

Claims (11)

1. Refrigeration unit (1) having at least one housing part (5), which has at least one outer wall (2), wherein the outer wall of the housing part (5) is formed partly or completely by a glass plate (2) and a layer of heat-proofing insulation material (6) is connected to at least one frame part (4) of the housing part (5), characterised in that one or more structure elements (12) separate from other components of the refrigeration unit (1) are fixed to the inner wall of the glass plate (2) by a means of adhesion, such as e.g. adhesive strips or adhesive, and are enclosed within the layer of insulation material (6) in the area of the inner wall of the glass plate (2).
2. Refrigeration unit according to claim 1, characterised in that the housing part (5) is formed by a door.
3. Refrigeration unit according to claim 2, characterised in that a part surface or the complete surface of the outer wall of the door (5) is formed by the glass plate (2) such that the glass plate (2) is integrated into the constructional structure of the door (5) as a composite component.
4. Refrigeration unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the layer of heat-proofing insulation material (6) is connected self-adhesively and/or by additional means of adhesion to the inner wall of the glass plate (2) and/or to the frame part (4) of the housing part (5).
5. Refrigeration unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the glass plate (2) is connected on its rear wall by a means of adhesion with an adhesive effect (7) to at least one frame part (7) of the housing part (5).
6. Refrigeration unit according to claim 5, characterised in that the means of adhesion is formed by one or more strips of adhesive tape or adhesive.
7. Refrigeration unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the glass plate (2) has a viewing window (8) which is more transparent than the rest of its surface (9).
8. Refrigeration unit according to claim 7, characterised in that a cutout in the housing part (5) is provided behind the viewing window (8) for viewing the interior of the carcass (9) of the refrigeration unit (KG).
9. Refrigeration unit according to claim 7, characterised in that an electronics module (10) with a control panel and/or an indicator unit is arranged behind the viewing window (8).
10. Refrigeration unit according to claim 9, characterised in that the electronics module (10) sits behind the glass plate (2) in a receiving shaft (11), of which the entry opening lies in the outer edge area of the outer wall (2) of the housing part (5) and extends up to the desired final installation position of the electronics module.
11. Refrigeration unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the glass plate (2) is closed off along at least one outer edge by a profile element (13).

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