EP2238395A2

EP2238395A2 - Refrigeration device having a seal element in the form of a hollow profile

Info

Publication number: EP2238395A2
Application number: EP09705224A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Peter Eckartsberg
Original assignee: Miele und Cie KG; BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
Current assignee: Miele und Cie KG; BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Priority date: 2008-02-01
Filing date: 2009-01-19
Publication date: 2010-10-13
Anticipated expiration: 2029-01-19
Also published as: US9528750B2; RU2484394C2; EP2238395B1; RU2010135406A; DE102008007244A1; US20100307065A1; WO2009095329A3; WO2009095329A2; DE202008017403U1; DE102008007244B4

Abstract

A refrigeration device (KG) has a first component (TW), which is thermally sealed relative to a second component (TR) using an elongated seal element (DE) in the form of a hollow profile. To this end, the seal element (DE) in the form of a hollow profile comprises an elongated materially-rigid seal base (HKD) and an elongated materially-elastic seal head (WKD) attached thereon. At least one open end of the seal element (DE) in the form of a hollow profile is closed by a terminus element (AE1), which also has a materially-rigid seal base (HKA) and a materially-elastic seal head (HKA) attached thereon. The materially-rigid seal bases of the terminus element (AE1) and the seal element (DE) are connected to one another.

Description

Refrigeration device with a hollow profile-shaped sealing element

The invention relates to a refrigeration device with a first component, which has an elongated hollow profile-shaped sealing element for thermal sealing against a second component, wherein the hollow profile-shaped sealing element has an elongated material-rigid sealing foot and an attached elongated material-elastic sealing head.

For refrigerators, such as Bottle storage cabinets, especially wine storage cabinets, usually at least two storage compartments with different cooling temperatures are available. The two receiving compartments are separated by an interior divider or a partition wall. In order to thermally seal any gap remaining between the front face of the partition and the door of the refrigeration device, an elongated, hollow profile-shaped sealing element is usually provided on the door-facing edge of the partition. uniform, i. in its entirety is made of the same soft elastic plastic material. The sealing effect between the attached at the front edge of the partition sealing element and the inside of the door is in particular caused by the fact that the material elastic, deformable, soft hollow profile part of the sealing element is slightly compressed when the door is closed. As a result, any marginal gap between the inner wall of the door and the partition wall is closed and thus provided for a thermal seal between the separately cooled storage compartments.

If such a hollow profile-shaped sealing element has open ends, this often has an aesthetically unsatisfactory effect, especially if the door comprises a transparent window. If the ends of the elongated hollow profile-shaped sealing element welded shut, so this is also aesthetically unsatisfactory. In addition, air can not escape from the hollow profile of such a sealing element, which can affect a sufficient compression of the hollow profile of the sealing element by the closed door. The sealing of the marginal gap between partition wall and door can in particular in the longitudinal edge region, ie in the vicinity of the ends of the hollow profile, ie where the door strikes or suspended on the body of the refrigeration device, due to different pressure forces of the door and / or due to different inner contour shapes of the marginal gap be critical. Thus, for example, the hollow profile-shaped sealing element facing inner door surface over the entire length of the sealing element uneven, in particular curved or curved, run. Especially in the vicinity of the ends of the hollow profile-shaped sealing element, the inner surface of the door can usually be more or less strongly contoured. On the side edges of the door frame elements are often present, which may have a different contour from the window of the door. Such frame parts of the door can sometimes even jump inwards on the partition to something opposite the plane of the window of the door. Due to concomitant changes in the contour of the gap between the edge of the partition wall and the door in the respective longitudinal side area, and / or different pressure forces of the door along the longitudinal extent of the edge of the partition viewed in practice, the ends of the sealing element so far either gap to the respective side edge of the Door set, whereby there in the edge region, the sealing effect is reduced; or the free, open ends of the hollow profile-shaped sealing element are closed in the stop area of the door and7or in the suspension area of the door by means of glued-on elastic end flaps whose outer contour or profile shape are adapted to the prevailing gap conditions in the edge region, ie in the region of the two longitudinal edges of the door can. In practice, however, the sticking of such a soft, flexible end cap to the respective open ends of the hollow profile-shaped sealing element can be made more difficult since the plastic material of sealing element and end cap is soft and yielding and thus their handling during manufacture or assembly of the seal is difficult.

The invention has for its object to provide a refrigeration device with an elongated, hollow profile-shaped sealing element for thermal sealing between a first component relative to a second component, the respective open end can be provided in a simple manner aesthetically pleasing with a closing element with sufficient sealing effect. According to the invention, this object is achieved in a refrigeration device of the type mentioned in that at least one open end of the hollow profile-shaped sealing element is closed by a closing element, which also has a material-resistant sealing foot and a material-elastic sealing head attached thereto, and that the material-resistant sealing feet of the closure element and the sealing element are interconnected.

By the connection or mutual coupling, in particular fixed connection or fixation, between the material-rigid sealing foot of each end element and the material-rigid sealing foot of the hollow profile-shaped sealing element in the region of its respective open end easier mounting a seal by hand is possible. The handling of sealing element and respective end element is now simplified in their assembly. It suffices to connect or join together from the non-visible rear side of the sealing element and the respective closing element only their material-resistant sealing feet in the Anfügebereich, while there in the Anfügebereich a fixed connection or Aneinanderfixierung between the open end faces of the material-elastic sealing heads of the sealing element and the end element can be omitted. Viewed in the longitudinal direction, there is no longer any need for fixing or fixing continuous between the open end faces of the elastic, ie flexible or deformable, sealing heads of the sealing element and the terminating element, via the contact or joining zone. It is particularly sufficient if the sealing head of the closing element with its open end side loosely adjacent to the open end side of the sealing element or abut the ends of the sealing heads of the sealing element and the closing element largely flush or abut each other. Because the consistently firmly connected, ie assembled, material-resistant or material-hard sealing feet of sealing element and respective attached end element form a mechanically stable support frame for the hollow profile, elastic sealing heads of the sealing element and the respective attached end element. As a result, mechanical stresses, in particular tensile forces, which possibly act on a seal composed of the sealing element and the respective end-side terminating element, can be sufficiently prevented by the elastically deformable sealing heads of the sealing element and the respective attached terminating element. Because they are of the coupled, material-stiff sealing feet of the sealing and End element intercepted so that they can not act inadmissible or not at their elastic sealing heads. An unintentional pulling apart of the elastic material of the sealing heads of closing element and sealing element at the end contact point or attachment point is thus largely avoided. It is thus largely avoided a gap formation at the Anfügung between the end faces of the sealing head of the sealing element and the sealing head of the respective end element. For the coupling of the terminating element on the sealing element a firm connection between the material-rigid sealing feet is sufficient, while the mutually facing end faces of the elongated sealing element and the respective terminating element loose, ie can remain unconnected. In particular, it is sufficient if the mutually facing end faces of sealing element and closing element are substantially flush with each other.

As a result of this mutual coupling of the material-resistant sealing feet of the sealing element and of the respective closing element, viewed from the longitudinal point of contact, an outer surface of the seal, which is viewed from the door of the refrigerating device, can be ensured over the respective starting point. Due to their substantially smooth or uninterrupted, i. largely continuously closed outer surface over the Anfügestelle across a seal thus prepared can be kept clean in a simple and reliable manner. In addition, results in a uniform and therefore aesthetically favorable

Overall geometry for the finished seal consisting of the sealing element and the respective end-mounted end element.

An adhesion of the material-elastic sealing heads of the sealing element and the respective end element at the end faces is not necessary, whereby a possible

Contamination of the visible outer surfaces of the sealing element and the respective end-side attached end element is avoided with adhesive.

The coupling of the closing element to the open, respectively to be closed end side of the sealing element by Aneinanderbefestigen the material-resistant sealing feet of

Sealing element and closing element is particularly favorable because these sealing feet are arranged on the back of the finished seal, ie on the side facing away from the hollow profile of the sealing heads facing away from the finished seal and partially or be completely covered by the sealing heads. This leaves the respective

Coupling of the sealing feet of sealing element and closing element when viewing the finished seal from the front largely invisible.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first component by a partition between two separately air-conditioned compartments of an inner container of the

Cooling device formed. The second component is then formed in particular by a door which closes the two compartments. For sealing purposes, the dividing wall extending between the compartments preferably carries the elongated hollow profile-shaped sealing element on a rim facing the door.

According to an expedient development of the invention, the material-resistant sealing feet of the closing element and the sealing element are coupled together in particular via a plug connection, clamping connection or another non-positive, positive and / or frictional connection. Additionally or independently thereof, they may also be firmly connected to each other via an adhesive compound.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the material-rigid sealing foot of the respective end element in particular a web element which protrudes from the attachment opening of the closing element in the direction of the closed, open end of the hollow profile-shaped sealing element. Conveniently, corresponding to this web element of the material-rigid sealing foot of the elongated hollow profile-shaped sealing element at its respective open end or continuously along its entire longitudinal extension considered in cross-section clip-like, material-rigid or hard receiving rail. In this way, between the material-stiff web element of the closing element and the material-rigid, clip-like receiving rail of the sealing element advantageously a mechanically stable plug coupling allows, which is also wiederlösbar.

According to a further development of the invention, the sealing head of the closing element in the region of its attachment opening on a protruding inner sleeve part of a soft elastic material. This inner sleeve part is formed in particular on the inner wall of the hollow profile-shaped sealing head of the closure element. Is the end element completely in the associated open end of the sealing element inserted, its inner sleeve part is in the hollow profile-like sealing head of the sealing element preferably such that its inner wall rests on it. By this inner sleeve part, an additional, internal screen is provided in an advantageous manner. At the same time, the inner sleeve part stabilizes the elastic, hollow profile-shaped sealing head of the sealing element from the inside, so that in the region of the abutting end faces of elastic and thus yielding

Made of plastic material profile elements of the sealing heads of the sealing element and the closing element is a substantially flush attachment is possible. Any remaining gap between the hollow profile-shaped sealing heads of the sealing element and the respective closing element is thus covered from the inside by this inner sleeve part in the manner of a screen. For a user of the refrigerator who faces the gasket, e.g. looks at the edge of a partition, so even then no hole in the respective Anfügebereich of closing element and sealing element visible, but only the outer wall of the inner sleeve part, when the closing element with its sealing head frontally not flush with the sealing head of the sealing element. Through the inner sleeve part can advantageously manufacturing tolerances in terms of

Sealing head geometries, and sealing head dimensions of the sealing element and the respective end member within a predetermined margin, which is limited by the axial Abstehlänge of the protruding from the Anhgeöffnung inner sleeve part, balanced and still provided a screen. It helps in an advantageous manner to a continuous closed front of the seal formed by sealing element and closing element. A look into the interior of this seal remains the operator of the refrigerator thus in practical use even blocked if the material-hard sealing foot of the closing element of the material-rigid sealing foot of the sealing element slightly loosen and move away from the end face of the sealing element in the axial direction. This results in an aesthetically uniform geometry shape along the entire longitudinal extent of the sealing element with the respective end-mounted end element.

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. Show it:

Figure 1 in a schematic vertical sectional view

Exemplary embodiment of a refrigeration device according to the invention,

Figure 2 in a schematic horizontal sectional view of the refrigeration device of

Figure 1 along the sectional plane N-II

Figure 3 is a front view of an elongated, profile-shaped sealing element in the refrigerator of Figures 1, 2, which is attached to the front edge of the partition wall and at its two ends

Having termination elements, which are attached according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the sealing element of FIG. 3 in the region of the plug connection of a terminating element,

Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of the elongated, hollow profile-shaped

Sealing element of Figure 3 with its two end plugged

Terminating elements

FIG. 6 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the plug connection between a closure element and an open end of the hollow profile-shaped sealing element of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the plug connection between the closing element and the open end section of the sealing element of FIG. 6,

FIGS. 8, 9, 10 show perspective schematics of a closure element at the respective end of the sealing element of FIGS. 1 to 7; FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the elongated, hollow profile-shaped sealing element of FIG. 3 in the region of its end-side termination point without an attached end element;

FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of a front view of a fully assembled plug connection between the end element of FIG

Figures 8 with 10 and the hollow profile-shaped sealing element of Figures 1 with 7, and

FIG. 13 shows a schematic perspective view of the fully assembled plug connection of FIG. 12 from the rear side thereof.

Elements with the same function and mode of operation are each provided with the same reference numerals in FIGS.

Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a vertical section through a refrigerator KG, which is constructed according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention. The refrigeration device KG is preferably designed as a bottle storage cabinet, in particular wine bottle storage cabinet. Its body KO has two independently air-conditioned inner compartments F1, F2, which are separated by a horizontal partition TW, in particular a so-called division plate. The

Partition TW thus forms an interior divider for the interior of the body KO. The body KO and the dividing wall TW between the two inner compartments F1, F2, which are to be thermally insulated from one another, are preferably filled with the aid of a heat-insulating material, such as polyurethane foam or some other heat-insulating material. The two differently tempered inner compartments F1, F2 can be closed by a common door. The door TR comprises a frame RA, in which preferably an insulating glass IG or other transparent window is enclosed. Through the insulating glass IG, the interior of the two inner compartments F1, F2 and also the partition wall TW between these two compartments is visible. In order to prevent air exchange between the compartments F1, F2 as possible in the gap area between the front edge RAT of the partition wall TW and the inner wall of the door TR in the closed state of the refrigeration device KG is a elongated sealing element DE between the inner wall of the door TR and the front edge or the front end face RAT of the partition TW is provided.

The horizontal sectional view of FIG. 2 through the refrigeration device of FIG. 1 along the sectional plane N-II shows that the door TR is in the region of the front longitudinal edges of the body KO at the two ends of the sealing element DE in the region of the respective stop zone and / or suspension zone in each case a closure element AE1, AE2 is attached. Figure 3 shows in front view, i. when looking towards the edge RAT of the partition TW the fully assembled seal comprising three parts, namely in detail an elongated, hollow profile-shaped sealing element DE and each a closing element AE1 and AE2, each along a

Gap portion between the partition TW and the respective longitudinal profile element of the door frame RA is attached to the open end of the sealing element DE there. FIG. 5 shows, viewed from above, a schematic plan view of the elongated, hollow profile-shaped sealing element of FIG. 3 with its two end elements plugged on at the end. The respective end element is arranged largely aligned with the axial longitudinal extent of the sealing element.

Figure 11 shows schematically in cross section, i. in a direction perpendicular to the axial longitudinal extent of the sealing element level, the profile shape of the elongated sealing element DE. Its sealing head WKD is formed by an approximately semicircular profiled element, which is integrally formed on radially inwardly extending webs ST1, ST2 on a sealing foot HKD, which is essentially planiform on its rear mounting side. The sealing foot HKD and the semicircular sealing head WKD enclose a hollow chamber HK between them. For the sealing head WKD is preferably an elastic, in particular plastically deformable or flexible, soft

In contrast, plastic material is chosen, while for the sealing foot HKD a stiffer, ie harder plastic material is used. Preferably, the hollow profile-shaped sealing element DE is made by extrusion of a harder thermoplastic elastomer for the sealing base and a softer thermoplastic elastomer for the sealing head. The sealing foot HKD comprises on its rear side a latching hook RH, which has the shape of a "1" in mirror-image in the cross-sectional image of Figure 4. The latching hook or latching web RH has a substantially planar rear surface which is substantially parallel to the plate-shaped Bottom element KBO of the sealing foot HKD runs, on which the semi-circular profile element of the sealing head WKD is flanged laterally over the radially extending webs ST1, ST2. With the aid of the latching hook RH, the hollow profile-shaped sealing element DE can be hooked into an associated, corresponding groove along the horizontal longitudinal course of the edge RAT. This has been omitted in the figures 1, 2 of the drawing simplicity. In this case, the sealing element DE is fastened along the horizontally extending edge RAT of the partition wall TW such that the essentially semicircularly oriented sealing head WKD faces the inner wall of the door TR. Due to the soft elastic or plastically deformable, in particular flexible plastic material for the sealing head WKD whose concave outwardly curved profile element can be resiliently deformed in battered, ie closed door TR inwardly on the sealing base HKD. When the door is open, this semi-circular profile element of the sealing head WKD deformed back into its original contour position due to its spring elasticity. Due to the material stiffness of the sealing foot HKD this can be fixed mechanically stable along the horizontal course of the edge RAT of the partition wall TW. This facilitates in particular the assembly by hand compared to a conventional sealing element, which has only a soft elastic sealing foot and a soft elastic sealing head formed thereon. The material-hard or material-rigid sealing foot HKD thus forms a stable support strip for the sealing element DE, so that it can be attached essentially in a straight line along the longitudinal course of the edge RAT. Due to the material rigidity of the sealing base HKD, a local sagging of the sealing element DE is avoided, in particular during assembly, which would otherwise make its mounting more difficult. After the attachment of the sealing element DE at the edge RAT of the partition TW, the material stiffness of the support rail of the sealing base HKD more generally ensures that a desired course for the sealing element DE, preferably a horizontal longitudinal course, along the edge RAT can be maintained largely stable.

The material-rigid support strip of the sealing foot HKD has on its side facing the cavity HK two opposing clamping or clamping arms SH1, SH2. The respective clamping arm, such as SH1 is made up of a perpendicular to

Base plate KBO of the sealing base HKD extending longitudinal portion and a horizontally, ie substantially parallel to the bottom plate KBO of the sealing base HKD extending end portion together. The two clamp arms SH1, SH2 are located approximately in same location level above the bottom plate KBO and stand out with a

Intermediate nip ZSP between their free ends opposite. In this way, an overall rectangular approximately retaining clip is formed by the bottom plate KBO and the two clamping arms SH1, SH2. Here in the exemplary embodiment, the sealing element DE along its entire longitudinal extension of this rectangular clip profile shape of its sealing foot HKD continuously. Alternatively, it may also be sufficient if only in one end portion in the region of the two open ends of the sealing element DE, the material-rigid carrier strip of the sealing foot HKD provides such a clip-like shaped receiving rail. In this bracket-like receiving rail, a correspondingly contoured web element SE1 of the respective end element is inserted. This is illustrated by the cross-sectional images of FIG. 4 and FIG. 7 and the longitudinal sectional image of FIG. 6 by way of example for the terminating element AE1. The spatial geometry of the end element AE1 is shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 in different perspectives viewed from the front and rear.

The respective end element such as AE1 (see Figures 8, 9, 10) is also formed as a hollow profile element. Like the elongated sealing element, it is composed of a material-stiff or material-bearing support element HKA as a sealing foot and a material-elastic sealing head WKA attached to it. For the support element HKA, therefore, a harder or stiffer plastic material is selected than for the sealing head WKA. This means, conversely, that a softer plastic material is used for the sealing head WKA of the end element AE1 than for the support element HKA. The support element HKA is essentially designed as a planar surface plate. This has a rectangular base part or bottom part HBP, on the longitudinal side edges with respect to the insertion of the receiving part AE1 flush mounted flange FL1, FL2 (see Figure 9) outwardly concave hollow profile element of the sealing head WKA is mounted. The geometry of the hollow profile body of the sealing head WKA can advantageously be variably adapted to the inner contour of the door TR or, more generally, to the gap between the edge RAT of the partition TW and the longitudinal side profile elements or frame RA of the door TR. As a result, in the area of the side profile elements of the door TR, any gap between the edge RAT of the partition wall TW and the door TR through the respective end element can fit exactly, ie to a large extent positively, covered and thus thermally sealed. In the present exemplary embodiment, the hollow profile element WKA of the end element AE1 has an approximately wedge-shaped geometry shape, which tapers or flattened toward its free end. This illustrates the schematic longitudinal sectional view of FIG. 6. The hollow profile element WKA facing the inner wall of the door TR has in particular such an outer contour that an acute angle to the edge RAT of the partition wall TW is enclosed. Viewed in simplified terms, the hollow profile element WKA is designed, in particular, as a truncated cone segment cut out perpendicular to the base surface of a truncated cone. It thus tapers, starting from its attachment opening AO1, which faces the open, respectively to be closed, end of the sealing head WKD of the elongated sealing element DE, towards its free end. The end element AE1 thus has a diameter tapering or material flattening with respect to its profile element WKA arched outwards, in particular concavely outwards, starting from its attachment opening AO1 (see FIG. 9) towards its free end. In the region of the attachment opening AO1, the inner and outer diameter of this profile element WKA essentially corresponds to the inner and outer diameter of the profile element of the sealing head WKD of the sealing element DE to be closed in the region of its respective open end. Generally speaking, in the joining region between the sealing element and the closing element, the geometry shape of the sealing heads expediently largely coincides.

In addition, the profile element WKA of the end element AE1 has an inner sleeve part IH, which is formed substantially concentrically on the inner wall of its curved part and protrudes from its attachment opening AO1 with a predeterminable axial length (relative to the axial longitudinal extension of the sealing element). This inner sub-sleeve is also formed of a resilient or flexible, soft plastic material. In particular, the same elastic, flexible plastic material is used for them as for the hollow profile-like sealing head WKA. Here, in the exemplary embodiment, the inner sleeve part IH has an approximately semicircular contour viewed in cross-section. Possibly. it may also have another part-circular contour (viewed in cross-section). Its outer radius is chosen in particular such that it substantially corresponds to the inner radius of the semicircular sealing head WKD of the sealing element DE. The wall thickness of the profile element WKA of Termination element AE1 is preferably selected in the region of the attachment opening A01 such that it substantially corresponds to the wall thickness of the profile element of the sealing head WKD of the sealing element DE at its end face to be closed.

The support plate HBP of the end element AE1 has a flat block-shaped web element SE1 that protrudes from its attachment opening AO1 in the insertion direction on the associated, to be closed, open end of the sealing element DE or protrudes. The web element SE1 corresponds with respect to its outer contour to the inner contour of the clip-like receiving rail or guide rail AS of the sealing element DE in the region of its front end to be closed end. It is in relation to the rectangular in cross-section rectangular support member or bottom part HBP of the closing element AE1 inside the cavity of the profile element WKA in height offset mounted on this bottom part HBP. The thickness of the bottom part HBP in the radial direction with respect to the semicircular inner contour of the profile element WKA considered, i. Viewed perpendicular to the flat surface of the bottom part, the receiving rail AS of the sealing element DE is preferably chosen according to the thickness or wall thickness of the bottom part KBO. For the web element SE1, preferably the same rigid or hard plastic material is selected as for the bottom plate HBP of the end element AE1.

If the closing element AE1 with its web element SE1 is now inserted into the clip-like receiving rail AS of the elongate carrying part HKD of the sealing element DE, it is held there by the spring-elastic clamping arms or clamping levers SH1, SH2. The clamping lever SH 1, SH2 press while on the cavity HK of the sealing head WKD facing top of the web element SE1. They exert at their respective free end in each case on the web element SE1 a contact force in the direction of the bottom part KBO of the clip-like receiving rail AS approximately perpendicular to the planar surface top side of the web element SE1. To increase the contact pressure while the ends of the clamping lever SA1, SA2 gedged, shaped in particular Knubbelartig. The web element SE1 is largely retained in this way in the clip-like receiving rail AS passively or positively, frictionally and / or frictionally. To increase the frictional engagement in the exemplary embodiment, the inner surface of the bottom part KBO of the receiving rail AS is provided in particular with a corrugation RIF. FIGS. 4, 6, 7 and 12 illustrate that the inserted end element AE1 whose

Inner sleeve part IH dips into the hollow profile of the sealing head WKD of the sealing element DE and rests there as an inner layer on the inner wall of the sealing head WKD. Conversely, the inner wall of the sealing head WKD sits on the outer wall of the inner sleeve part IH substantially concentric. The inner sleeve part IH thus forms a thin wall along the inner curvature of the profile part of the sealing head WKD. It thus serves the outwardly curved profile part of the sealing head WKD as a kind of stabilizer. Furthermore, a viewer who looks at the sealing element DE in the region of the respective termination point, not in a "hole", ie look in the respective open end of the sealing element DE, but he looks at the inner sleeve, the cavity between the inserted end element and even if the closing element AE1 is not completely pushed into the clip-like receiving rail with its web element SE1, even if the respective closing element does not abut completely, ie flush with its front-side abutting edge on the front-side abutting edge of the open end of the sealing element DE, Thus, the connection or termination region is covered by the inner sleeve part IH along its protruding length the associated open end of the sealing element are always reliably laminated. This is possible even if the closing element is not inserted or inserted completely into the clip-like receiving rail over the entire projecting length of its rod element, so that a largely closed outer surface between the respective closing element and the respective end region of the sealing element still remains for a viewer results. This also applies to the case that by loosening the end faces of the sealing heads of sealing element and end element have again moved away from each other.

Since in the end region of the end element AE1 the geometry of its outwardly curved profile part WKA and its support part HBP is adapted to the final geometry shape of the outwardly curved profile part of the sealing head WKD and the bottom plate of the clip-like receiving rail AS of the sealing element DE, is a largely flush termination between the respective end face of the sealing element DE and there largely aligned with respect to the axial Longitudinal extent of the sealing element inserted end element AE1 causes.

In this case, the end face of the outer wall of the sealing head WKD of the sealing element DE and the end face of the outer wall of the sealing head WKA of the end element AE1 abut one another.

Of course, in addition to this clip-like connector between the web element SE1 and the receiving rail AS, other types of releasable mechanical connections and / or adhesive bonds between the material-resistant sealing feet of the sealing element and the end element are possible, the non-destructive coupling or decoupling of the respective end element to the assigned or allowed by the associated end of the sealing element. Thus, instead of a plug-in or clamping connection, another non-positive, positive and / or frictional connection between the sealing feet can be provided as hard components of the sealing element and of the closing element. Additionally or independently thereof, it may also be expedient to fix only the material-resistant sealing feet of the sealing element and the respective closing element by an adhesive bond with each other. The bonding of these hard components of sealing element and closing element remains invisible, because they are covered by the sealing heads of the sealing element and closing element. An adhesion of the visible in the visual field soft components, i. soft-elastic sealing heads of sealing element and closing element is not required. As a result, contamination of those outer surfaces of the finished seal is avoided with adhesive, which is visible to an observer when looking at the front of the seal. Possibly. The material-resistant sealing feet of the sealing element and the closing element can also be firmly connected to each other by a non-detachable, mechanical and / or adhesive fixation or permanent connection.

In the assembled state here in the embodiment of the material-hard support member of the sealing end of each end member with the material-hard support member of the sealing foot of the sealing element is firmly connected, since both support parts - in the embodiment in particular by the clamp-like connector - are firmly coupled together. In general terms, therefore, the sealing feet designed as hard components of the respective end element and of the sealing element are connected to one another. In order for a stable, interconnected support member is formed, so that the elastic, in particular material soft profile parts of the respective

Closing element and the sealing element can be brought together largely flush. In particular, the protruding inner sleeve part of the respective end element fits under the inner wall of the profile part of the sealing head of the sealing element as a lower layer. As a result, a privacy screen or an inner panel is always effected along the longitudinal extent of the inner sleeve IH, even if the closing element is not completely inserted along the length of the rod element into the receiving rail of the sealing element or has loosened in the longitudinal direction. Even if, therefore, a terminating element - as in the exemplary embodiment, e.g. from its connector - would loosen, so a sufficient privacy would be largely retained by the cover of the inner sleeve part along its protruding length.

In the exemplary embodiment (see, for example, FIG. 9), an elongate latching hook is missing on the base plate HBT of the carrier element HKA of the terminating element AE1, as in the case of the sealing element DE of FIG. 11. It may also be expedient to provide such a latching hook on the baseplate HBp as well. As a result, the closing element on the edge RAT of the partition can be hooked in a corresponding manner as the sealing element DE in a corresponding locking groove.

Of course, it is also possible to omit the elongated locking hook on the sealing element and the respective end element and to attach their sealing feet by other fastening means on the edge RAT the partition. For example, the respective sealing foot can also be provided with an adhesive layer and glued along the edge RAT.

Since both the respective end element and the sealing element in the sealing base have a hard component and these hard components of closing element and sealing element can be locked together by a plug connection or by means of another force, form, and / or frictional and / or sticky connection with each other, It is now no longer necessary to glue together the elastic profile parts of the sealing heads, ie the soft components of the respective end element and the sealing element. As a result, in the visible, the door facing the end region between the sealing heads of the respective end element and the to be closed open end of the sealing element contamination by adhesives during assembly no longer possible. The visible surfaces of closing element and sealing element can thereby be kept clean. In particular, allows a plug or clamp connection between the hard, rigid sealing feet of closing element and sealing element advantageously a simple installation of the desired seal. The open profile ends of the sealing element can be closed by simply plugging or clamping the respective end element, ie covered. The respective end element can be adapted in terms of its geometry in a simple manner to the given inner contour conditions between the edge of the partition wall and the inner wall of the door. By a seal thus produced, a variable tolerance compensation between the door and partition (division plate) can be provided. As a result, droplet formation / condensation is prevented by different temperatures in the two different temperature zones of the inner compartments of the refrigerator. In addition, the seal is easy to clean. Because it is possible to produce a largely flush termination between the end element and the associated sealing element end in the sealing head area. These advantages also result for alternative joining techniques, such as for non-positive, frictional, positive and / or adhesive couplings or fixations.

Now, if the door of the refrigerator is closed and presses against the seal thus produced, the outwardly curved, round profile-shaped sealing head of the sealing element and the respective end element is compressed. So that the air present in the cavity of its profile elements can escape, in the present exemplary embodiment an outlet opening EO (see eg FIGS. 10, 13) is provided at the free end of the end element AE1 between the support plate HBP of the sealing base HKA and the hollow profile-shaped sealing head WKA. Of course, it is also possible to provide one or more further outlet openings in the sealing foot along the longitudinal extent of the sealing element. Optionally, an opening may also be provided in the support plate of the respective end element in order to allow air to escape towards the edge of the partition wall.

Here, in the exemplary embodiment, the web element SE1 of the end element AE1 forms a type of plug element that fits into a corresponding socket-like receptacle in the End region of the respective end to be sealed open end of the sealing element can be inserted. Of course, it is also possible to produce such a connector in that in the reverse manner at the end of the sealing foot of the sealing element, such a web element is formed and then the respective end member to be attached has a corresponding receiving socket at its sealing base. Instead, the inner sleeve part in the region of the attachment opening of the

Provide terminating element, in addition or independently thereof, a corresponding inner sleeve part may be formed at the respective open end of the sealing head.

The finished seal thus preferably has three parts: An elongated sealing element and two end caps as end elements. The

End caps are preferably formed in a common part, i. they can be inserted either at the left or at the right end of the sealing element without the risk of confusion. It is therefore sufficient to nest these three parts preferably and to fix them by a plug connection, in particular press fit. Both the respective end cap and the sealing element has a sealing foot

Hard component and as the actual hollow chamber profile element on a soft component. In the finished assembled state, the hard components in the sealing base and the soft components in the respective hollow chamber profile of the sealing element and of the respective terminating element are connected to one another continuously.

The sealing element DE can be produced in particular by extrusion or injection molding. The same applies to the respective final element.

In summary, a simpler assembly of a gasket by hand is made possible by the connection or Aneinanderkopplung, especially solid compound or fixation between the material-rigid sealing foot of each end member and the material-rigid sealing foot of the hollow profile-shaped sealing element in the region of its respective open end. The handling of sealing element and respective end element is now simplified in their assembly. It suffices to connect or join together from the non-visible rear side of the sealing element and the respective terminating element merely their material-resistant sealing feet in the joining region, while there in the Anfügebereich a firm connection or Aneinanderfixierung between the open End faces of the material-elastic sealing heads of the sealing element and the

Termination element can be omitted. Viewed longitudinally, there is no attachment or fixation continuous between the open end faces of the elastic, i.e., the contact or appendage zone. flexible or deformable sealing heads of the sealing element and the closing element longer required. It is particularly sufficient if the sealing head of the closing element with its open end side loosely adjacent to the open end side of the sealing element or abut the ends of the sealing heads of the sealing element and the closing element largely flush or abut each other. Because the consistently interconnected, i. assembled, material-rigid or material-hard sealing feet of sealing element and respective attached end element form a mechanically stable support frame or support structure for the hollow profile-shaped, elastic sealing heads of the sealing element and the respective attached end element. As a result, mechanical stresses, in particular tensile forces, which possibly act on a seal composed of the sealing element and the respective end-side terminating element, can be sufficiently prevented by the elastically deformable sealing heads of the sealing element and the respective attached terminating element. Because they are intercepted by the mutually coupled, material-stiff sealing feet of the sealing and closing element so that they can not act inadmissible or not at all on the elastic sealing heads. An unintentional pulling apart of the elastic material of the sealing heads of closing element and sealing element at the end contact point or attachment point is thus largely avoided. It is thus largely avoided a gap formation at the Anfügung between the end faces of the sealing head of the sealing element and the sealing head of the respective end element. For the coupling of the terminating element on the sealing element a connection or Aneinanderkopplung between the material-rigid sealing feet is sufficient, while the mutually facing end faces of the elongated sealing element and the respective terminating element loose, i. can remain disconnected. In particular, it is sufficient if the mutually facing end faces of the sealing heads of sealing element and closing element are substantially flush with each other.

By this mutual coupling of the material-resistant sealing feet of the sealing element and the respective end element can viewed in the longitudinal direction over the respective At the time of attachment, a largely continuously closed outer surface of the seal, as viewed from the door of the refrigerator, is ensured. Due to their substantially smooth or uninterrupted, ie largely continuously closed outer surface over the attachment point, a seal produced in this way can also be kept clean in a simple and reliable manner. In addition, results in a uniform and therefore aesthetically favorable

Sealing element and closing element is particularly favorable, since these sealing feet on the back of the finished seal, i. are arranged on the outwardly curved hollow profile of the sealing heads side facing away from the finished seal and are partially or completely covered by the sealing heads. Thus, the respective coupling of the sealing feet of sealing element and end element remains largely invisible when looking at the finished seal from the front.

In particular, it may be expedient to connect the material-resistant sealing feet of the closing element and the sealing element via a plug connection, clamping connection or another non-positive, positive and / or frictional connection. Additionally or independently thereof, they may also be firmly connected to each other via an adhesive compound.

Preferably, the materia I stiff sealing foot of the respective end member in particular a web member which protrudes from the attachment opening of the closing element in the direction of the closed, open end of the hollow profile-shaped sealing element. Conveniently, corresponding to this web element of the material-rigid sealing foot of the elongated hollow profile-shaped sealing element at its respective open end or continuously along its entire longitudinal extension considered in cross-section clip-like, material-rigid or hard receiving rail. In this way, between the material-stiff web element of the closing element and the material-rigid, clip-like receiving rail of the sealing element advantageously a mechanically stable plug coupling allows, which is also wiederlösbar.

It can be advantageous, in particular, when the sealing head of the closing element has a protruding inner sleeve part made of a flexible material in the region of its attachment opening. This inner sleeve part is formed in particular on the inner wall of the hollow profile-shaped sealing head of the closure element. If the closing element is completely inserted into the associated open end of the sealing element, then its inner sleeve part in the hollow profile-like sealing head of the sealing element is preferably such that its inner wall rests on it. By this inner sleeve part, an additional, internal screen is provided in an advantageous manner. At the same time, the inner sleeve part stabilizes the elastic, hollow profile-shaped sealing head of the sealing element from the inside, ie it causes a support from the inside against the outside wall of the sealing head of the sealing element, so that in the region of abutting end faces made of elastic and thus compliant plastic material profile elements Sealing heads of the sealing element and the closing element is a substantially flush attachment is possible. Any remaining gap between the hollow profile-shaped sealing heads of the sealing element and the respective closing element is thus covered from the inside by this inner sleeve part in the manner of a screen. For a user of the refrigerator, the front of the seal looks like the edge of a partition, so even then no hole in the respective Anfügebereich of closing element and sealing element is visible, but only the outer wall of the inner sleeve part, if the closing element with its sealing head frontally not flush on Sealing head of the sealing element rests. By the inner sleeve part manufacturing tolerances with respect to the sealing head geometries, and sealing head dimensions of the sealing element and the respective terminating element within a predetermined clearance, which is limited by the axial Abstehlänge of the protruding from the Anhänggeöffnung inner sleeve part, compensated and still provide a visual protection in an advantageous manner. It helps in an advantageous way to one continuous closed front of the total by sealing element and

End element formed seal. A look into the interior of this seal remains the operator of the refrigerator thus in practical use even blocked if the material-hard sealing foot of the closing element of the material-rigid sealing foot of the sealing element slightly loosen and move away from the end face of the sealing element in the axial direction. This results in an aesthetically uniform geometry shape along the entire longitudinal extent of the sealing element with the respective end-mounted end element.

Claims

1. Refrigerating appliance (KG) with a first component (TW) having an elongated hollow profile-shaped sealing element (DE) for thermal sealing against a second component (TR), wherein the hollow profile-shaped sealing element (DE) an elongated material-resistant sealing foot (HKD) and a has attached thereto elongated material-elastic sealing head (WKD), characterized in that at least one open end of the hollow profile-shaped sealing element (DE) is closed by a closure element (AE1), which also has a material-resistant sealing foot (HKA) and a material-elastic sealing head (HKA) attached thereto and that the material-resistant sealing feet (HKD ₁ HKA) of the closing element (AE1) and of the sealing element (DE) are connected to one another.

2. Refrigerating appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that the first component is formed by a partition wall (TW) between two separately air-conditioned compartments (F1, F2) of an inner container (KO).

3. Refrigerating appliance according to claim 2, characterized in that the second component by a door (TR) is formed, which closes the two compartments (F1, F2).

4. Refrigerating appliance according to claim 3, characterized in that between the compartments (F1, F2) extending partition (TW) on one of the door (TR) facing edge (RA) carries the elongated hollow profile-shaped sealing element (DE).

5. Refrigerating appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing head (WKA) of the closing element (AE1) in the region of its attachment opening (AO1) has a protruding inner sleeve part (IH) made of a soft elastic material.

6. Refrigerating appliance according to claim 5, characterized in that the inner sleeve part (IH) on the inner wall of the hollow profile-shaped sealing head (WKA) of the closure element (AE 1) is integrally formed.

7. Refrigerating appliance according to one claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the inner sleeve part (IH) in the hollow profile-shaped sealing head (WKD) of the sealing element (DE) is inserted such that the inner wall rests on her.

8. Refrigerating appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material-resistant sealing feet (HKD, HKA) of the sealing element (DE) and the

End element (AE1) via a plug connection, clamp connection or other frictional, positive and / or frictional connection are coupled together.

9. Refrigerating appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material-resistant sealing feet (HKD, HKA) of the closing element (AE1) and the sealing element (DE) are coupled together via an adhesive connection.

10. Refrigerating appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material-elastic sealing heads (WKD, WKA) of the sealing element (DE) and the

Closing element (AE1) loosely border each other at their open end faces.

11. Refrigerating appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material-rigid sealing foot (HKA) of the closing element (AE1) has a web element (SE1), from the attachment opening (AO1) of the closing element (AE1) in the direction of the open, to be closed End of the hollow profile-shaped sealing element (DE) protrudes.

12. Refrigerating appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material-rigid sealing foot (HKD) of the elongated hollow profile-shaped

Sealing element (DE) at its respective open end or continuously along the entire longitudinal extent considered a cross-sectional clip-like receiving rail (AS).

13. Refrigerating appliance according to claim 1 1 and 12, characterized in that the clip-like receiving rail (AS) has two opposite, resilient clamping strap (SH1, SH2), which on the top of the inserted Press bar members (SE1), which faces the cavity of the hollow profile-shaped sealing head (WKD) of the sealing element (DE).

14. Refrigerating appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer contour of the end element (AE1) tapers from its attachment opening (AO1) to its free end.

15. Refrigerating appliance according to claim 14, characterized in that the closing element (AE1) spatially formed is formed substantially wedge-shaped flattened.

16. Refrigerating appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the assembled state of the closing element (AE1) and sealing element (DE) of the inner cavity of the sealing head (WKA) of the end element (AE1) with an inner cavity of the sealing head (WKD) of the hollow profile-shaped Sealing element (DE) communicates.

17. Refrigerating appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the assembled state of closing element (AE1) and sealing element (DE) whose material-elastic sealing heads (WKD, WKA) abut against each other at their open ends largely flush.

18. Refrigerating appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at the free end face of the end element (AE1) between the material-hard sealing base (HKA) and the material-elastic sealing head (WKA) an air outlet (EO) is provided by the air during compression of the Sealing element (DE) and / or the closing element (AE1) can escape.

19. Refrigerating appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the design as a bottle storage cabinet.