EP2751505B1 - Refrigerator having a folding tray - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a refrigeration device with a folding compartment.

In storage chambers of refrigerators compartments are provided for receiving refrigerated goods. These compartments are arranged, for example, for receiving butter or the like on the door of the refrigerator. The compartments can be closed by means of a hinged lid in order to protect the refrigerated goods from contamination or to prevent drying of the refrigerated goods.

One problem is that, depending on the environmental conditions, e.g. Humidity, and the nature of the goods to be cooled, e.g. Moisture content, the ventilation of the folding roof is not optimal. Thus, inadequate ventilation waterlogging in the folding roof cause moldiness of the chilled goods, while insufficient humidity in the folding roof can lead to unwanted drying out of the chilled goods. At the same time a transparency of the hinged lid of the folding caddy for a good view of the refrigerated goods is advantageous. Furthermore, the hinged lid should be easy for ease of use and inexpensive to produce.

The GB 700,590 discloses a refrigerator according to the preamble of claim 1.

The JP 03-099181 A discloses a refrigerator.

The US 6,085,542 discloses refrigerator door storage system.

The US 40850,206 discloses a refrigerated drawer humidity control.

The DE 89 09 403 U1 discloses a lid for a container for storing moisture-sensitive goods.

The EP 1 591 733 A1 discloses a food container with an odor filter means.

The JP 2000-065458 A discloses a refrigerator.

Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved refrigeration device with a folding compartment, in which in particular the ventilation of the folding caddy is adjustable.

The object is achieved by a refrigeration device with the features of independent claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

Accordingly, a refrigerator according to the invention has at least one storage chamber for receiving refrigerated goods and a folding compartment arranged in the storage chamber. The folding compartment is provided on the door of the refrigerator and can serve to receive food, especially butter. Such a tray is commonly referred to as butter compartment.

The folding compartment has a housing which, together with an openable hinged lid, encloses an interior of the folding compartment. The interior serves to accommodate the food, as previously described. The lid is pivotally mounted, for example. It can be pivotable about an axis or guided along a backdrop, whereby more complex pivoting kinematics can be realized. The lid can be made transparent, for example, so that there is a good view of the refrigerated goods for the operator. The housing may be at least partially integrally formed with other parts of the refrigerator and, for. be formed as part of the refrigerator door. The hinged lid is made for example of plastic, in particular polyethylene, polypropylene or polycarbonate.

At least one venting element is provided on the hinged roof, by means of which the air exchange between the interior of the hinged roof and the storage chamber is adjustable by at least one opening. The air exchange between the interior of the folding caddy and the storage chamber makes it possible, for example, the temperature in the interior of the folding caddy and the temperature of the storage chamber to match each other by an air flow from the storage chamber is made possible in the interior of the folding caches. Likewise, an air flow from the interior of the folding caddy in the storage chamber in Interior of the folding loft in the air existing moisture that has formed, for example, by evaporation of moisture from the refrigerated goods, transport to the outside in the storage chamber. Moisture accumulation in the interior of the folding roof can be prevented in this way. By the ventilation element, the moisture content in the air in the interior of the folding loft can be adjusted and, for example, prevent mold growth. The flap can have one or more openings. Conceivable, for example, two openings, one of which is provided for an air inlet into the interior of the folding caches and the other for the air outlet from the interior of the folding caddy. In this way, a particularly good exchange of air at the folding roof can be achieved. The openings can be provided both on the housing and on the hinged lid. The hinged lid offers the advantage that it rests in the closed position usually at the top of the folding roof and therefore is particularly accessible.

The ventilation element has a filter for filtering the air passing through the opening. The filter is largely impermeable to water vapor, for example. This can be realized with a corresponding filter membrane, for example of a hydrophobic material. If such a water vapor impermeable filter attached to the air outlet from the interior of the folding roof, leakage of moisture from the interior of the folding top can be prevented. This makes it possible to obtain a desired humidity in the interior of the folding roof. Thus, drying out of the chilled goods can be prevented. However, the filter can also be equipped, for example, antibacterial or with a mold prevention and thus prevent odor or mildew. It is also conceivable the use of an activated carbon filter, as this can remove odors particularly effective.

The filter is provided on the slider. This can be arranged so that when the slide is closed, the air flowing through the opening between the interior of the folding top and the storage chamber, is completely guided by the filter. When partially or fully open slide the air then partially flows past the filter. In this way, optionally, a filtering of the air can be performed. If the filter retains moisture, the air humidity in the interior of the folding roof can be adjusted by means of such an arrangement at the air outlet.

The refrigeration device preferably has its own refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant circuit comprises, for example, a compressor for compressing refrigerant vapor, a condenser downstream of the compressor for condensing the refrigerant vapor, and an evaporator downstream of the condenser and upstream of the compressor for vaporizing the liquefied refrigerant. Compressor and evaporator are then preferably each provided with a heat exchanger for heat transfer between the supplied air and the fluid.

A refrigeration appliance is understood in particular to be a household refrigeration appliance, that is to say a refrigeration appliance used for household purposes or possibly even in the gastronomy sector, and in particular for storing food and / or beverages in household quantities at specific temperatures, such as, for example, a refrigerator, a freezer , a fridge freezer or a wine storage cabinet.

According to one aspect, the ventilation element has at least one slide, by means of which the opening is more or less closable. The slider allows easy, accurate adjustment of the area of the opening to be left open for air passage. A slider can be structurally simple and therefore cost-effective. Furthermore, a slider allows a simple self-locking, so that it stops moving after setting to a position. An undesirable automatic change in the ventilation of the folding roof is therefore less likely.

In one aspect, the filter is releasably attached. This makes it possible for the operator to easily replace the filter. This allows easy adaptation of the folding roof to specific environmental conditions. Furthermore, can be produced inexpensively in this way variants of the folding roof. Furthermore, the filter can be renewed even when dirty.

According to one aspect, at least two different filters are provided for filtering air passing through an opening associated with one of the filters. In this case, for example, an opening for supplying air from the storage chamber to the interior of the folding caches and a further opening for the discharge of air from the interior of the folding caddy be provided in the storage chamber. The filter at the discharge opening is then, for example, a filter which is impermeable to liquid in order to obtain the moisture in the interior of the folding roof.

According to one aspect, the ventilation element can be latched in at least two positions. The lockability allows quick setting of a desired ventilation position. Furthermore, accidental adjustment of the ventilation element is prevented.

In one aspect, the flip cover is releasably attached to the housing. As a result, the lid can be removed, allowing easy cleaning of the hinged lid and of the housing allows. Furthermore, the hinged lid can be easily replaced if damaged.

According to one aspect, the slider on a projection which extends away from the flap of the slide from. This projection allows the operator to move the slider particularly good to find hold on the projection.

Further possible implementations of the invention also include not explicitly mentioned combinations of features described above or below with regard to the exemplary embodiments. The expert will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the refrigeration device.

Figur 1:

eine schematische Darstellung eines Kältegerätes gemäß einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel; und

Figur 2:

eine schematische Darstellung eines Lüftungselements des Kältegerätes gemäß dem Ausführungsbeispiel von Figur 1.

Further advantageous embodiments and aspects of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and the embodiments of the invention described below. Furthermore, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures. Show it:

FIG. 1:

a schematic representation of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment; and

FIG. 2:

a schematic representation of a ventilation element of the refrigeration device according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 ,

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a refrigerator 1 according to a first embodiment. The refrigeration device 1 has a storage chamber 3 for receiving refrigerated goods, which can be closed with a refrigeration appliance door 5 shown in the cutout. The refrigeration device 1 has a folding roof 7 in the storage chamber 3, in which special refrigerated goods, such as butter, preferably can be stored. The folding roof 7 has an inner space 13, which is enclosed by a housing 9 and a hinged lid 11. The hinged lid 11 is arranged drehschwenkbar in this embodiment. Of course, the folding movement can also be realized differently, for example by means of a guide link. The hinged lid 11 is made transparent in this embodiment and made of polycarbonate. On the hinged lid 11, a ventilation element 15 is arranged that allows ventilation of the interior 13 of the folding roof 7. The venting element 15 is based in this embodiment on openings 17 which on the upper side of the hinged lid 11 in a row lying are provided, and a slide 19 which also has a series of openings 25.

If the slide 19 is moved so that the openings 17 on the hinged lid and the openings 25 on the slider 25 at least partially come to cover, an exchange of air through the openings 17 between the interior 13 and the storage chamber 3 is possible. Further, a filter 21 is provided at an opening 25 on the slider, which allows filtering of air during passage. The associated opening 17 remains open, for example, at a position of the slide 19, in which the other openings 17 are already closed. As a result, the air can then be exchanged only through the filter 21 between the storage chamber 3 and the interior 13. The filter 21 is largely impermeable to water vapor in this embodiment. This can be realized with a corresponding filter membrane. A leakage of moisture from the interior 13 of the folding roof 7 can be prevented. This makes it possible to obtain a desired humidity in the interior 13 of the folding roof 7. Thus, drying out of the chilled goods can be prevented.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of a ventilation element 15 of the refrigeration device 1 according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 , Here are now very well to recognize the openings 25 on the slide 19, which serve the exchange of air. The linear adjustment of the slider for ventilation control of the interior 13 is indicated by a double arrow. On the slide 19, a projection 23 is provided, which faces away from the folding roof extending from the slide 19 from. This projection allows the operator to be able to handle the slide 19 particularly well for adjustment.

Used reference signs:

1

The refrigerator

3

storage chamber

5

Refrigerator door

7

folding compartment

9

casing

11

hinged lid

13

inner space

15

ventilation element

17

opening

19

pusher

21

filter

23

head Start

Claims (13)

1. Refrigerator (1) having a door, at least one storage compartment (3) for receiving refrigerated goods, a folding tray (7) which is arranged on the door of the refrigerator in the storage compartment (3) and has a housing (9) which together with an openable fold-down lid (11) encloses an interior (13) of the folding tray (7), wherein there is provided on the folding tray (7) at least one ventilation element (15), by means of which the exchange of air between the interior (13) of the folding tray (7) and the storage compartment (3) can be adjusted through at least one opening (17), characterised in that the ventilation element (15) has at least one slide (19), by means of which the opening (17) can be closed to a greater or lesser extent, and in that the ventilation element (15) has a filter (21) for filtering the air penetrating through the opening (17), wherein the filter (21) is provided on the slide (19).
2. Refrigerator (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the slide (19) has at least one opening (25) which by displacing the slide (19) can be at least approximately aligned with one of the openings (17), so that air can flow through the opening (17).
3. Refrigerator (1) according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterised in that the opening (17) is provided on the housing (9) and/or on the fold-down lid (11).
4. Refrigerator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the filter (21) is largely impermeable for water vapour.
5. Refrigerator (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the filter (21) is configured to be antibacterial.
6. Refrigerator (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the filter (21) is releasably attached.
7. Refrigerator (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that at least two different filters (21) are provided for filtering air penetrating in each case though an opening (17) associated with one of the filters (21).
8. Refrigerator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the ventilation element (15) can be locked in at least two positions.
9. Refrigerator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the fold-down lid (11) is essentially transparent.
10. Refrigerator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the fold-down lid (11) is made of plastic, in particular polyethylene, polypropylene or polycarbonate.
11. Refrigerator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the fold-down lid (11) is releasably attached to the housing (9).
12. Refrigerator (1) according to one of claims 2 to 11, characterised in that the slide (19) has a projection (23) which extends out of the slide (19) facing away from the folding tray (7).
13. Refrigerator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the folding tray (7) performs a decorative function movement when folded out.

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