EP2792982A1 - Refrigeration device with a mounting shaft for an electronic module - Google Patents

Abstract

In a refrigerator with at least one housing part (TU1), which has at least one outer wall (FP), behind the outer wall (FP) in the housing part (TU1) at least one receiving shaft (AT1) for receiving an electronic module (EM) is provided, whose input port ( SO) is accessible from an outer edge (AR) of the housing part (TU1) ago.

Description

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

Refrigeration appliances such as Refrigerators, freezers, fridge-freezers, etc. usually have an electronics module behind the front panel of a housing part. The electronic module in particular comprises a display device, operating elements such as e.g. Buttons or control knobs, and a control device for controlling various functions of the respective refrigeration device. In practice, the electronics module is covered by the front panel of the housing part, i. not freely accessible. In order to come to the electronics module, for example in case of repair or in case of replacement, usually the front panel is removed from the housing part, which can be too complicated and too complicated under a variety of practical circumstances. In addition, in the production of the respective household appliance due to this known construction of the assembly process is mandatory. The electronics module is pre-mounted at its predetermined mounting location in the housing part before then the front panel is mounted on the housing part with the pre-mounted electronics module from the outside. Any desired electrical function test or electrical testing of the built-in housing part electronics module is no longer possible after attaching the front panel on the housing part without disassembly of the front panel, but only in advance before attaching the front panel. This can impair the manufacturing security, as the finished assembled refrigerator itself no verification of the electronic module is possible. If it subsequently emerges that the electronic module is faulty, it is necessary to completely dismantle the front panel in order to make the electronic module freely accessible for testing, repair or replacement.

The invention has for its object to provide a refrigerator, in which a simple access to the electronic module in a housing part without dismantling the outer wall is made possible. According to the invention, this object is achieved in a refrigeration device of the type mentioned in that at least one receiving shaft for receiving an electronic module is provided behind the outer wall in the housing part, the input opening of which is accessible from an outer edge of the housing part.

Since the receiving shaft extends from an outer edge of the housing part into its interior behind the outer wall, in particular front panel, the electronics module always remains freely accessible from the outer boundary of the housing part, without it being necessary for the outer wall, in particular the front panel, to be detached from the housing part disassemble. As a result, it is advantageously possible on the one hand to insert the electronic module into the receiving shaft, if necessary, only after the complete production or completion of the respective refrigeration device. On the other hand, after completion of the final assembly of the respective refrigeration appliance with electronics module inserted before or after, its final functional test is readily possible. This increases the manufacturing reliability compared to a conventional mounted refrigeration device, in which the electronics module in the housing part from the front, i. is inserted from the front side into a predetermined mounting chamber and then covered by an externally applied outer wall, in particular front panel, on the housing part. In contrast, it is advantageously ensured by the laterally accessible receiving shaft in case of repair that the electronic module in the receiving shaft through its input opening at the outer edge of the housing part, for. remains freely accessible for testing or test purposes, without disassembly of the outer wall, in particular front panel, would be required. In addition, the free accessibility of the receiving shaft from the outer edge of the housing part allows that the electronic module at any time, for example. can be pulled out of the receiving shaft to exchange for a new electronics module.

According to an expedient development of the invention, the housing part is formed in particular by a door or by a body of the refrigeration device.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the outer wall of the housing part is partially or completely formed by a glass plate. Preferably, the front wall of a door of the refrigerator may be partially or entirely formed only by a glass plate, which is integrated into the structural design of the door as a composite component.

According to a further advantageous development of the invention, the outer wall, in particular glass plate, of the housing part can have at least one viewing window which is more transparent than its remaining covering surface. The transparent window of the outer wall is preferably provided in the mounting end of the receiving shaft. Behind the viewing window, the electronic module can advantageously be arranged with a control panel and / or a display unit in the mounting shaft.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the outer wall is permanently attached to the housing part permanently. Behind the outer wall of the housing part, a heat-insulating insulating material layer is attached according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. In particular, it may be advantageous if the heat-insulating insulating material layer is selbstadhäsiv connected to the inner wall of the glass plate and / or the frame of the housing part.

In addition or independently thereof, it may be expedient to firmly connect the outer wall to the housing part, in particular the frame of a door, by additional adhesives, in particular adhesives and / or one or more adhesive tapes.

According to a further expedient development of the invention, the inner contour of the receiving shaft substantially corresponds to the outer contour of the electronic module to be introduced in its assembly end position. Preferably, the electronic module is inserted in such a way fit in the receiving shaft, that the front wall of the electronic module rests against the inside of the outer wall. According to an expedient development of the invention, therefore, the internal geometry shape of the receiving shaft is adapted to the outer geometry shape of the electronic module such that the electronic module sits in its insertion end position or assembly end position largely passively in the receiving shaft, in particular infected. This largely ensures that the front side of the electronic module rests as flush as possible on the inner wall of the outer wall, in particular front panel, of the housing part. This is particularly advantageous in order to be able to read and / or operate a display device of the electronic module and / or operating elements of the electronic module through a largely transparent viewing window in the front panel from the outside. In particular, when the electronic module has one or more sensor keys, it is advantageous if the electronic module in the receiving pocket in his Einsteckendposition is pressed against the inner wall of the front panel in the area of the viewing window, in order to achieve the widest possible surface there.

According to a further expedient development of the invention, the receiving shaft is expediently partially or completely integrated into the heat-insulating material of the housing part of the refrigeration device.

According to an advantageous embodiment variant, it extends from its input opening at an outer edge of the housing part to the assembly end position of the electronic module. The respective receiving shaft may preferably be formed by a receiving pocket or a receiving sleeve. It may be expedient if the internal height of the receiving shaft viewed transversely, in particular perpendicular, to the front wall of the electronic module is reduced to the inner base of the receiving shaft. In particular, it may be expedient if the receiving shaft provides a flat wedge-shaped receiving chamber for the electronic module, which tapers from the outer edge of the housing part to the inner base of the receiving shaft. As a result, a simple clamping effect or arresting for the electronic module against the inner wall of the externally applied outer wall, in particular front panel, can be achieved in an advantageous manner.

If the entrance opening of the receiving shaft is provided at the upper edge or lower edge of the outer wall, in particular glass plate, of the respective housing part, it expediently extends substantially vertically, i. parallel to the longitudinal sides of the outer wall, in particular the glass plate, of the housing part. If the entrance opening of the receiving shaft is provided on the left or right longitudinal side of the outer wall, in particular the glass plate, of the housing part, it expediently extends substantially horizontally, i. parallel to the upper edge or lower edge of the outer wall, in particular the glass plate.

At least one sealing element, in particular a sealing frame, can expediently be inserted into the inner edge of the entry opening of the receiving shaft. The inlet opening of the receiving shaft can preferably be closed by at least one cover element.

According to a further expedient development of the invention, in particular the front panel of a door of the refrigeration device has an opaque covering surface into which a transparent viewing window is embedded. It is particularly expedient if the front surface of the electronic module in the receiving shaft in a Einsteckendposition is arranged behind this transparent viewing window as completely as possible or as possible gap-free. In other words, the inner wall of the transparent viewing window expediently rests on the front surface of the electronic module and contacts it. This may be particularly useful if the electronic module comprises one or more sensor buttons and / or a so-called "touch screen". The transparent viewing window then forms a layer on the one or more sensor keys and / or the "touchscreen" of the electronic module.

According to a further expedient development of the invention, one or more pull-out means for withdrawing the electronic module from the receiving shaft can be provided on the front side of the electronic module facing the input opening of the receiving shaft. In particular, a tab or a handle can be provided in the region of the part of the electronic module facing the input opening of the receiving shaft. Possibly. It may also be expedient to provide as extraction means specifically a disassembly tool which has latching means which cooperate with at least one groove or the like on the electronic module.

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

Figur 1

schematisch in perspektivischer Darstellung eine Tür für ein vorteilhaftes Kältegerät, das in seiner Tür ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines Aufnahmeschachts für ein Elektronikmodul nach dem erfindungsgemäßen Konstruktionsprinzip aufweist,

Figur 2

schematisch im Längsschnitt die Tür von Figur 1 im Bereich ihres Aufnahmeschachts für das Elektronikmodul,

Figur 3

schematisch in perspektivischer Darstellung ein vorteilhaft ausgebildetes Kältegerät mit der Tür gemäß den Figuren 1, 2, und

Figur 4

schematisch in perspektivischer Darstellung alternative Anbringungsmöglichkeiten des Aufnahmeschachts für das Elektronikmodul in einer Tür des Kühlgeräts von Figur 3.

Show it:

FIG. 1

schematically a perspective view of a door for an advantageous refrigeration appliance having in its door an embodiment of a receiving slot for an electronic module according to the inventive design principle,

FIG. 2

schematically in longitudinal section the door of FIG. 1 in the area of its mounting slot for the electronics module,

FIG. 3

schematically in perspective an advantageously designed refrigeration device with the door according to the FIGS. 1 . 2 , and

FIG. 4

schematically in perspective alternative attachment possibilities of the receiving shaft for the electronic module in a door of the refrigerator of FIG. 3 ,

Elements with the same function and mode of action are in the FIG. 1 4 each provided with the same reference numerals.

FIG. 1 schematically shows a perspective view of a door TU1 as a housing part of a refrigeration device KG. The refrigeration device KG is schematically in the FIG. 3 shown. It has, for example, two inner containers arranged one above the other. The door TU1 closes the upper, first inner container IB1 of the refrigeration device KG, which in the FIG. 3 the drawing simplicity is indicated only by dash-dotted lines. In a corresponding manner, the lower, second inner container of the refrigeration device KG is assigned a second door TU2, which is designed like the first door TU1.

The door TU1 the FIG. 1 comprises a box-shaped frame IR, which has a substantially rectangular geometry shape when viewed from the front. The box-shaped frame IR is composed of four side parts which are each arranged transversely, in particular perpendicular, to the outer wall or front plate FP of the door TU1 in a lateral positional plane. The box-shaped frame IR is seated on its side facing the interior of the inner container IB1, ie on its rear side on a plate-shaped, in particular plane-shaped inner wall IW and is fixedly connected to this. In other words, the box-shaped frame IR is closed on its rear side by the inner wall IW. On the front end side or border of the box-shaped frame IR, the front panel FP rests on the outer wall of the door TU1. This front panel FP is preferably fixedly connected to the rectangular frame IR along its frontal border zone. In particular, the border zone is designed largely planar surface and extends in a plane perpendicular to the lateral positional plane of the side parts of the frame IR. Here in the embodiment of FIG. 1 it is essentially parallel to the largely planar inner wall of the front panel FP. In the FIG. 1 is the front panel FP before being assembled with the Rectangular frame IR drawn at a height distance from the frame IR to better illustrate the internal structure of the door TU1. The front panel FP and the inner wall IW are formed here in the embodiment substantially planar surface. The frame part RA is thus formed as a substantially rectangular formwork box, the four side walls are transverse in one plane, in particular perpendicular to the plane of the rear inner wall mounted IW and the position of the front mounted front panel FP. The positional plane of the four side walls of the frame part RA is thus generally expressed laterally with respect to the front plane of the front panel or the inner wall.

The inner wall IW and the front panel FP form shuttering parts on opposite sides of the frame IR and enclose a cavity between them. In this cavity, a heat-insulating material IM is introduced. For this purpose, in practice, e.g. the front open receiving chamber of the frame IR, which is closed at the rear with the inner wall IW filled with a liquid precursor of the insulating material, this insulating material IM foamed under compressed air and / or propellant and finally cured in an expanded state. The front panel is placed on the front side of the frame IR, which is filled with the insulating material IM, in the still uncured, hot-tacky state of the insulating material, e.g. with the help of a mold pressed or pressed. Since the still heat-sticky insulating material adheres to the inner wall of the front panel FP surface, an intimate, especially cohesive connection between the inner wall of the front panel and the insulation material layer IM is effected after curing. For the foaming insulation material preferably polyurethane or other intumescent material is selected with thermal insulation properties.

In general terms, the front plate FP can be firmly connected to the insulating material layer IM, in particular alone by adhesion properties of the insulating material. It is thus an intimate composite material between the front panel and the insulating material layer IM causes. At the same time, the insulating material also adheres to the frame IR and the inner wall IW, so that overall a composite construction or sandwich construction of the components of the door TU1, namely of the inner wall IW, frame IR and front panel FP is formed by the foaming insulation material IM.

Additionally or independently thereof, it may be appropriate to attach the front panel FP by means of one or more additional adhesives on the front-side contact zone of the box-shaped frame IR. For this purpose, in particular double-sided adhesive tape pieces can be provided in an advantageous manner throughout or along sections of the front border zone of the box-shaped frame, to which the rectangular front plate FP is glued with its rear wall. The one or more pieces of adhesive tape provide adhesion or fixation of the front panel FP on the front, strip-shaped contact zone of the frame IR. In the FIG. 1 are exemplary and representative of the fixation of the front panel FP by means of one or more tape strips on the frame IR two tape strips AH1, AH2 spaced apart on the back of the front panel FP in the region of the left (viewed from the front), vertically extending longitudinal side. They are glued with their sticky back on associated support portions of the front contact zone of the frame R.

If appropriate, it may of course also be expedient, instead of one or more adhesive tape strips, to apply adhesives, in particular adhesives, or some other adhesive to the rear wall surface of the front panel FP in order to produce a cohesive adhesion between the front panel FP and the frame IR.

Optionally, the respective adhesive may possibly also be formed by a hook-and-loop fastener, a magnetic connection or another adhesive element.

In addition or independently of the above embodiments, the front panel FP can possibly also be coupled to one another by means of one or more mechanical connecting elements with the frame IR. Thus, for example, in the vertically extending longitudinal sides of the frame grooves or slots may be embedded, in which the longitudinal side edges of the front panel are introduced. In particular, the longitudinal sides of the front panel in such a frame guide substantially form, force, and / or frictionally held. In particular, it may also be sufficient if the front panel is merely set in a lower frame element and prefixed with this at its lower end face, while the other frame parts are omitted. The actual fixing of the front plate to the insulating material coated inner wall is preferably effected in this case by the inherent adhesion of the insulating material.

Here in the embodiment, the front panel FP is formed by a glass plate. This has an opaque covering surface OP, in which a transparent viewing window TP is integrated. Generally speaking, the outer wall or front panel of the door preferably has at least one viewing window TP, which is more transparent than its remaining covering surface. The opaque covering surface OP can be read e.g. using one or more opaque or light-absorbing coatings or printing on the inner wall and / or outer wall of the front panel FP produce. The viewing window TP lies in the upper half of the glass plate approximately in the region of the center line whose broad side. It is arranged offset by a predetermined height distance from the upper edge of the glass plate down into the front surface of the glass plate. It is thus enclosed around the opaque covering area.

At the upper, lateral outer edge AR of the frame IR, a receiving shaft AT1 is embedded approximately in the middle of its broad side, which extends vertically downwards into the interior of the cavity of the door TU1 filled with insulating material IM up to the viewing window TP. The receiving shaft AT1 thus runs substantially parallel to the two vertical longitudinal sides of the glass plate. The receiving shaft AT1 has an approximately rectangular inlet opening SO in the upper, substantially horizontally extending, laterally arranged outer edge AR of the frame IR. He is therefore particularly easily accessible from the top of the refrigerator forth. The receiving shaft AT1 is formed in particular by a receiving pocket or receiving sleeve. This has on its front panel FP side facing an opening or an opening OF. Its outer contour corresponds substantially with the outer contour of the transparent viewing window TP in the front panel FP. Here in the embodiment, the viewing window TP is rectangular. In a corresponding manner, the opening OF in the receiving pocket AT1 is likewise rectangular in shape. The outer dimensions of the viewing window TP are expediently dimensioned somewhat smaller than the outer dimensions of the opening OF in the front wall of the receiving pocket AT1 to the edges of the rectangular Opening OF in the receiving pocket for a viewer with a frontal viewing direction, ie viewed from the front perpendicular to the front panel FP, to cover largely.

Alternatively, it may be particularly useful to use a transparent material, in particular plastic material for the receiving pocket. The receiving pocket is then advantageously closed in the front area, i. the opening OF is missing. An enclosed around sleeve or receiving pocket is particularly advantageous because an entry of insulating foam material is avoided during the expansion process of the insulating material in the interior of the receiving pocket into it.

For the internal geometry of this receiving shaft AT1 expediently corresponds to the outer geometry of the electronic module EM such that for the electronic module EM after insertion into the receiving slot AT1 in a plug-in end position a largely fit-shaped seat is effected.

Here in the exemplary embodiment, the receiving shaft AT1 is flat wedge-shaped with respect to its internal geometry. It tapers inward from its input opening SO at the upper, lateral outer edge AR of the frame IR towards its bottom. In other words, as viewed perpendicular to the inner wall IW, the clear height of the receiving shaft AT1 decreases from the entrance opening SO toward the bottom of the receiving part AT1. The electronic module EM has a flat wedge-shaped outer geometry shape, which corresponds to the geometry of the interior space of the receiving shaft AT1 in the bottom region. If the electronic module EM is inserted into this receiving slot AT1, in particular plugged in, what in the FIG. 1 is indicated by an arrow ER, so it clamps in this receptacle in a plug-in or assembly end position so firmly that its front wall is pressed or pressed largely flush against the inner wall of the transparent viewing window TP. The front wall of the electronic module EM then contacted largely flat the inner wall of the transparent viewing window TP. This is advantageous in order to be able to actuate one or more sensor keys of a control panel on the front side of the electronic module EM from the outside by pressing on the transparent surface of the viewing window TP. In particular, the region of the viewing window TP is designed so flexible that a compressive force can be exerted selectively on the one or more sensor keys of the control panel TF of the electronic module EM.

In addition to the control panel TF with the sensor keys, the electronic module EM has on its front wall a display DP as a display device. This also touches the inner wall of the viewing window TP, so that optical distortions or other visual impairments when reading display data on the display DP for a user of the refrigerator KG are largely avoided.

After insertion of the electronic module EM, finally, a sealing frame DH is inserted into the inlet opening SO of the receiving shaft AT1, which is sealed from the outside by a cover element DE. In this case, the sealing frame DH has an outer contour that substantially corresponds to the inner contour of the receiving shaft AT1 in the region of the inlet opening SO. Here in the embodiment, the sealing frame DH is formed substantially rectangular. With the help of the sealing frame DH and the lid DE is largely avoided that in particular liquid, such. Water, dirt and other contaminants can penetrate into the interior of the receiving shaft AT1 and damage or destroy sensitive electronic components of the electronics module. Possibly. can already satisfy the lid member alone to close the receiving slot.

Of course, it is also possible to reliably close the peripheral input opening SO of the receiving shaft by other covering means from the outside. For example, the cover element may also be formed by a part of a decorative panel.

Since the inlet opening SO of the receiving shaft AT1 is located in the region of the lateral outer boundary AR of the door TU1, it remains freely accessible from the side. As a result, the electronic module can now be introduced into the receiving shaft AT1 only at the very end of the production of the refrigeration device KG in an advantageous manner. In other words, this means that it is no longer necessary to insert the electronics module on the front into a receiving chamber in the insulating material layer and then complete the frame IR with the pre-mounted electronic module EM from the front to the front panel FP. Due to the free accessibility via the provided on the lateral outer edge AR input opening SO of the receiving shaft AT1, it is possible to the receiving shaft to the electronic module EM only after completion of the overall assembly of the door TU1 from the inner wall IW, the frame IR, the front panel FP and the insulation material layer IM to equip. The brought in its final assembly position electronic module EM can be tested via the shaft entrance SO from the outside by means of a test device finally to its electrical functionality at the end of the manufacturing process of the refrigerator. This increases manufacturing reliability in the production of refrigeration appliances. In addition, in the event of repair or replacement, the free accessibility to the electronic module EM is guaranteed at all times via the input opening on the lateral outer edge of the frame IR.

In order to be able to remove the electronic module EM clamped at the bottom of the receiving shaft AT1, it may be expedient to provide aids in the region of the part of the electronic module EM facing the input opening. Thus, for example, at the upper end edge of the electronic module EM a headband or handle provided that facilitates a fitter pulling out the electronics module from the shaft. Such a bracket is in the FIG. 1 additionally shown in phantom on the upper end face of the electronic module EM and designated HE. Also useful may be one or more draw bands or strips attached to the upper part of the electronic module EM. Such a tensile band is in the FIG. 1 additionally drawn in a dot-dash line and labeled ZS.

Alternatively, if appropriate, it may also be expedient to use detent means as a pull-out means which can engage in corresponding grooves or undercuts on the upper front surface or on the longitudinal sides of the electronic module EM. In the FIG. 1 For example, an anchor-shaped latching means MW is shown, which can be hooked into corresponding blind holes on the top of the electronic module EM. Alternatively, of course, other external coupling elements are suitable, which allow a latching with the inserted electronic module EM.

FIG. 2 shows schematically in longitudinal section the door TU1 of FIG. 1 in the area of the receiving shaft AT1. The receiving shaft AT1 is formed by an inner sleeve, whose front wall is formed substantially planar surface and in the longitudinal sectional view of FIG. 2 extends substantially straight in the vertical direction. It lies parallel to the inner wall IW of the front panel FP and sits on this. The back wall of the Receiving sleeve extends obliquely inclined to the vertical inner wall IW of the door TU1. The receiving sleeve thus has an inclined plane which is formed by its rear wall. Its front wall and its rear wall enclose at the bottom of the receiving sleeve substantially an acute angle between them. This results in a flat wedge-shaped geometry shape for the receiving sleeve, the clear height decreases towards its bottom. The electronics module EM can easily slide down from its edge-side input opening SO via its oblique rear wall surface, until it has lowered to the bottom of the receiving sleeve and remains stuck there by positive locking. In this case, the front surface of the electronic module EM contacted largely flush the inner wall of the viewing window TP of the front panel FP. It is thus avoided that too large, inadmissible gap or too large gap between the electronic module EM and the inner wall of the viewing window is formed. Since a contact is formed between the front surface of the electronic module EM and the inner wall of the viewing window TP of the front panel FP, can be selectively actuated by touching the viewing window TP from the outside every single sensor button in the control panel TF of the electronic module EM. Because the viewing window TP can be pressed locally in the area of the respective sensor key.

Generally speaking, it is expedient to largely adapt the internal geometry shape of the receiving shaft to the respective outer geometry shape of the electronic module to be introduced. If, for example, the electronic module is of cuboid shape, then the internal geometry of the receiving shaft is preferably likewise cuboid-shaped.

When refrigeration unit KG of FIG. 3 For example, the door TU2 for the lower, second inner container may optionally be provided in an analogous manner with a receiving shaft for an electronic module. For the sake of clarity of the drawing, this receiving shaft and the associated electronic module in the FIG. 3 been omitted.

In general terms, the receiving shaft for the electronic module can be provided on one of the four lateral outer boundary sides of the respective door of the refrigeration device. With lateral outer boundary is meant a zone around the door, which is located in each case in a vertical plane to the front panel FP, which is determined by the positions of the four corners. This outer boundary zone follows the lateral outer contour of the door and extends into the depth of the door. It consists of a straight longitudinal strip zone on the top, the two long sides and the bottom of the door together. In other words, the lateral outer peripheral zone of the door substantially corresponds to the lateral outer edge of the frame in the space between the front panel FP and the inner wall IW.

Alternatively, a receiving shaft may be provided which extends from an entrance opening in the lateral side edge of one of the two vertically extending longitudinal sides of the frame IR to the intended mounting end position of the electronic module EM parallel to the upper edge or lower edge of the glass plate. Such a receiving shaft in particular runs largely horizontally. In the FIG. 4 is at the door TU1 of the refrigeration device KG, for example, in the middle region of the left, vertically extending longitudinal side in the lateral edge of the frame IR, such a receiving pocket AT2 provided, which extends horizontally. Additionally or independently thereof, the input opening for a vertically upwardly extending receiving pocket AT3 for receiving an electronic module can also be provided on the bottom-side outer boundary of the frame IR. These positions of the receiving pockets AT2, AT3 are in the FIG. 4 each indicated by dash-dotted lines.

Generally speaking, for at least one housing part of a refrigerator having at least one outer wall, behind the outer wall, a receiving shaft for loading with an electronic module is provided such that it is accessible from one of the outer edges of the housing part, i. the receiving shaft has an input opening on an outer edge of the housing part. If the entrance opening of the receiving shaft is provided at the upper edge or lower edge of the glass plate, it expediently extends substantially vertically, i. parallel to the long sides of the glass plate. If the entrance opening of the receiving shaft is provided on the left or right longitudinal side of the glass plate, it expediently extends substantially horizontally, i. parallel to the upper edge or lower edge of the glass plate.

The housing part may in particular also be formed by the body of a refrigeration device. The receiving shaft can then be provided in particular in one of the walls of the body - in a manner analogous to that described above for the door of the refrigerating appliance.

Characterized in that at least a partial area or the total area of the outer wall of the respective housing part is formed according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention only by a glass plate, the visual appearance of the refrigerator can be improved for a variety of circumstances. Since the glass plate forms an integral part of the respective outer wall of the housing part, its construction is now simplified: It is no longer necessary, as before, to attach an additional opaque diaphragm or front panel on the outer wall of the housing part as a panel. For now, the outer wall of the housing part is partially or completely already alone, i. formed exclusively by the glass plate itself. As a result, in particular, a single-walled outer wall construction for the housing part can be made possible, which is material-saving, easy to produce in terms of production technology and aesthetically pleasing. Through the glass plate, in particular, the feel of the outer wall of the housing part when touching can be changed favorably. It advantageously allows an improved integrative connection to one or more adjacent components of the body of the refrigerator and / or any adjacent home furniture such. A particular advantage is further that the glass plate can form both a part of the actual outer wall or the entire outer wall of the housing part of the refrigerator and at the same time a decorative element for the refrigerator. An additional front panel or panel as in the conventional door construction can thus be omitted. In particular, it is advantageous that the glass plate can be integrated into the structural design of the housing part as a composite component.

In the space between the glass plate and the inner wall shell, a heat-insulating material is filled in soft elastic, especially largely liquid state, which expands by foaming. Preferably, the inner wall shell is coated with the insulating insulating material in still heat-tacky state and applied from the outside, the glass plate on the still uncured insulating material, in particular pressed. Possibly. can be provided in the manufacturing process molding tools for the inner wall shell and the glass plate, which are both mounted corresponding to each other from the front and rear of the frame part. By Selbstadhäsionskräfte of the insulating material can be advantageously advantageously already sufficient adhesion of the glass plate to the Achieve insulation material layer of the door. Thus, it is already possible to secure the glass plate as an outer wall of the door solely by means of a cohesive, intimate connection between the insulating material and the inner wall of the glass plate. As a result, an advantageous composite material construction or sandwich construction for the door is provided, which essentially has only four main components, namely glass plate, inner wall shell, insulating material layer and frame part. This simplifies and facilitates the production of the door in an advantageous manner. In particular, the cost of materials for the door production of a refrigeration device can be reduced. In this advantageous design variant, therefore, the glass plate also acts as an outer wall shell in the composite construction of the door and as a decorative element.

Additionally or independently thereof, one or more adhesives, in particular adhesives may be provided on the inside of the glass plate. In particular, a plurality of tape strips, e.g. be attached along a covering with the front side of the frame contact zone of the inner wall of the glass plate to connect them adhesively to the frame. In addition or independently thereof, such adhesives may also be applied in the opaque region of the glass plate on the rear side thereof, so that they are invisible from the outside.

Alternatively, it may also be expedient to attach an adhesive layer or adhesive tape strips along the front frontal contact zones of the frame part and thereby to effect an adhesive connection between the glass plate and the frame part. Of course, other connection means, in particular also mechanical connection techniques for fixing the glass plate to the insulating material layer and / or the frame part are also suitable.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the housing part is preferably formed by a door of the refrigerator. Their front is visible to the user of the refrigerator from the front. Advantageously, the front wall of the door is particularly partially or entirely formed only by a glass plate, which is integrated into the structural design of the door as a composite component.

In addition or independently thereof, the housing part may in particular also be provided by at least one outer wall of the body, preferably by one or both Longitudinal side walls, the ceiling element and / or the bottom element of the refrigerator, be formed. If at least a partial area or the total area of an outer wall of the body of the refrigeration device is replaced by a glass plate, in particular the advantages indicated above are effected for a body formed in this way. Advantageously, the respective outer wall of the body is in particular partially or completely formed only by a glass plate, which is integrated into the structural structure of the body as a composite component.

According to a further expedient development of the invention, a heat-insulating insulating material layer is advantageously self-adhesive and / or connected by additional adhesive to the inner wall of the glass plate and / or the outer frame of the respective housing part. In particular, the additional adhesives may be formed by one or more adhesive tapes or adhesives.

According to a further expedient development of the invention, the glass plate advantageously has a viewing window which is more transparent than its remaining surface. Behind the viewing window, it is expedient to arrange an electronic module with a control panel and / or a display unit for controlling the refrigeration device. As a result, in particular the control panel of the electronic module can be actuated from outside by a user in a simple manner and / or the display unit of the electronic module can be read clearly visible from the outside.

If, according to an advantageous specific development of the invention, the housing part is formed by a door, the intermediate space between the glass plate and the inner wall of the door is preferably filled with a heat-insulating material. The heat-insulating insulation material layer is preferably selbstadhäsiv or connected by additional adhesive to the inner wall of the glass plate and / or the frame of the door according to an expedient development of the invention. This provides an advantageous composite material construction for the door, which basically has only four main components, namely glass plate, door inner wall, frame part, and insulating material layer. This simplifies and facilitates the production of the door in an advantageous manner. In particular, the cost of materials for the door production of a refrigeration device can be reduced. In this advantageous Design variant thus acts as the glass plate at the same time as an outer wall shell in the composite construction of the door and as a decorative element.

According to a further advantageous development, a receiving shaft for introducing an electronic module is provided behind the glass plate, which is accessible from a substantially rectilinear side edge of the glass plate ago. It therefore extends from its input opening, which lies in particular in a lateral outer edge region of the respective outer wall of the housing part, in particular a door of the refrigeration device, up to the desired assembly end position of the electronic module. Preferably, a receiving pocket or receiving sleeve is provided as receiving shaft for receiving the electronic module, which extends from its input opening in an outer edge region of the outer wall of the housing part to the desired assembly end position of the electronic module. As a result, an always free access to the electronic module is ensured in an advantageous manner. It is not necessary to dismantle the glass plate in order, for example, to get to the electronic module in the event of repair or replacement. In addition, it is possible to completely or completely manufacture the cooling unit and only at the end of the manufacturing process to use the electronics module in the receiving shaft to perform only at the end of the manufacturing process of each refrigeration device an electrical function test for the sensitive electronic module. As a result, the manufacturing reliability for the refrigeration device is increased in an advantageous manner. Any damage to the mechanically and / or electrically sensitive electronic module, as might occur in a Vorabbestückung by subsequent steps of the manufacturing process, such as when attaching a door to the body of the refrigerator, are thus largely avoided. <B> LIST OF REFERENCES </ b> TU1 door KG The refrigerator IB1 inner container TU2 door IR frame FP front panel IW inner wall IN THE insulating material RA frame part AH1 adhesive tape strips AH2 adhesive tape strips R frame operating room coverage area TP window AT1 receiving shaft SO entrance opening AR outer edge OF breakthrough EM electronic module HE arrow TF Control panel DP display DH sealing frame DE cover element HE headband ZS Pull tapes MW latching means AT2 receiving pocket AT3 receiving pocket

Claims (15)

Refrigeration appliance (KG) with at least one housing part (TU1), which has at least one outer wall (FP), wherein behind the outer wall (FP) in the housing part (TU1) at least one receiving shaft (AT1) is provided for receiving an electronic module (EM) whose Entrance opening (SO) from an outer edge (AR) of the housing part (TU1) ago accessible, characterized in that the receiving shaft (AT1) substantially parallel to the upper edge or lower edge of the outer wall, in particular the glass plate (FP), the housing part (TU1) runs when the input opening (SO) of the receiving shaft (AT1) on a vertical longitudinal edge of the outer wall, in particular glass plate (FP), of the respective housing part (TU1) is provided. Refrigerating appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing part is formed by a door (TU1). Refrigerating appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing part is formed by a body (KO) of the refrigerating appliance. Refrigerating appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer wall (FP) is partially or completely formed by a glass plate. Refrigerating appliance according to claim 2 and 4, characterized in that the front wall of the door (TU1) is partially or completely formed only by the glass plate (FP), which is integrated into the structural design of the door (TU 1) as a composite component. Refrigerating appliance according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the outer wall (FP) has at least one viewing window (TP), which is more transparent than its remaining covering surface (OP), wherein in particular the transparent viewing window (TP) of the outer wall (FP) is provided in the mounting end of the receiving shaft (AT1), and that behind the viewing window (SF), the electronic module (EM) is arranged with a control panel and / or a display unit. Refrigerating appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer wall (FP) on the housing part (TU 1) is permanently fixed permanently. Refrigerating appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that behind the outer wall (FP) of the housing part (TU1) a heat-insulating insulating material layer (IM) is mounted, in particular the heat-insulating insulating material layer (IM) selbstadhäsiv with the inner wall of the glass plate (FP) and / or the frame (IR) of the housing part (TU1) is connected. Refrigerating appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer wall (FP) with the housing part (TU1) by additional adhesive (AH1, AH2), in particular adhesive and / or one or more adhesive tapes, is firmly connected. Refrigerating appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner contour of the receiving shaft (AT1) substantially corresponds to the outer contour of the electronic module (EM) to be inserted in its final assembly position and / or the electronic module (EM) in such a way fit into the receiving shaft (AT1 ) is introduced, that the front wall of the electronic module (EM) on the inside of the outer wall (FP) is applied. Refrigerating appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving shaft (AT1) in the heat-insulating material (IM) of the housing part (TU1) is partially or completely integrated and / or the receiving shaft (AT1) is formed by a receiving pocket or a receiving sleeve. Refrigerating appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving shaft (AT1) extends from its input opening (SO) on an outer edge (AR) of the housing part (TU1) to the assembly end position of the electronic module (EM). Refrigerating appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner height (IH) of the receiving shaft (AT1) viewed transversely, in particular perpendicular, to the front wall of the electronic module (EM) on the to reduce the internal base of the receiving shaft (AT1) and / or the receiving shaft (AT1) provides a flat wedge-shaped receiving chamber for the electronic module (EM), starting from the outer edge (AR) of the housing part (TU1) to the inner bottom of the receiving shaft (AT1). rejuvenated. Refrigerating appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving shaft (AT1) extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal sides of the outer wall, in particular the glass plate (FP), of the housing part (TU1), when the inlet opening (SO) of the receiving shaft (AT1) at the upper edge or lower edge of the outer wall, in particular glass plate, of the respective housing part (TU1) is provided. Refrigerating appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the inner edge of the inlet opening (SO) of the receiving shaft (AT1) at least one sealing element (DH), in particular a sealing frame, is inserted and / or the inlet opening (SO) of the receiving shaft (AT1) is closed by at least one cover element (DE).

Images