EP3418660A1 - Cooling and/or freezing device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a refrigerator and / or freezer comprising a cooled interior and a closure element, through which the interior is closable, wherein the interior and / or the closure element has a layer of insulating material for the purpose of thermal insulation, wherein in the layer of insulating material is at least one component which has no firm connection to the insulating material.

Description

The present invention relates to a refrigerator and / or freezer comprising a cooled interior and a closure element, through which the interior is closable, wherein the interior and / or the closure element has a layer of insulating material for the purpose of thermal insulation.

Cooling or freezing devices known from the prior art usually have an inner container which, together with the inside of a closure element, such as a door, flap or lid, delimits the cooled interior. Between the side facing away from the cooled interior of the inner container and the outer housing of the device is for the purpose of thermal insulation, a layer of insulating material, such as polyurethane foam. From the prior art, it is also known to arrange one or more components in this layer of insulation material, for reasons of energy efficiency, noise reduction reasons or for manufacturing reasons. As an example, fluid collectors and connectors should be mentioned.

A disadvantage of the arrangement of such components in the layer of insulating material is that their replacement in case of failure is not possible or only with considerable damage to the device and in particular the foaming.

The present invention is therefore the object of developing a refrigerator and / or freezer of the type mentioned in that the replacement of such components is possible without damaging the device significantly.

This object is achieved by a refrigerator and / or freezer with the features of claim 1.

Thereafter, it is provided that in the layer of insulating material is at least one component which has no firm connection to the insulating material.

According to the invention, it is provided that the component does not make a firm connection to the insulating material, which entails the advantage that the component is e.g. can be easily replaced in case of customer service, without damaging the insulation material. Preferably, the component is not in contact with the insulating material at all. This not only allows the removal of a defective component, but also the use of a new component, without the insulation material and thus the thermal insulation properties are impaired.

The component according to the invention may be, for example, a plug connection, a pipeline, a capillary, a valve, a cable, a sensor, such as e.g. to act a temperature sensor, etc. This list is not exhaustive. Preferably, the component is an expansion valve of a refrigerant circuit of the device, which is arranged in front of the evaporator of the refrigerant circuit.

In order to ensure good accessibility to the component, it can be provided that in the layer of insulating material, a removable element with or is located without isolation effect, which is arranged so that after the removal of which there is access to the component. The removable element thus serves as a "lid" for the area in which the component is located. The removable element may consist of the same insulating material as the other areas of the insulating material or of another material. The removable element is preferably arranged so that it can be pulled and re-inserted by a user or technician preferably without tools from the inside or outside.

It is also conceivable that the removable element is a functional element that performs at least one function during operation. Considered, for example, a lighting unit that illuminates the cooled interior and serves as a "lid" for the area in which the component is arranged. Based on the cooled interior thus only the lighting unit, but not visible from this hidden component.

In principle, the component can be arranged at any position of the insulation layer.

In the case of devices with an evaporator arranged on the rear wall of the device, the component behind the inner container is preferably located in a corner in the upper region of the layer of insulating material and above the evaporator or in the ceiling or device ceiling.

This applies accordingly for devices with two evaporators, as they are present for example in a fridge freezer. In this case, the component may also be located between the evaporators. In this case, the first injection point can be in the freezer compartment, for example, and the injection of refrigerant into the refrigerator compartment evaporator can be passed on to the evaporator by a foamed-in tube. It is preferably provided that in the layer of insulating material is a Einschäumteil which is in solid communication with the foam and which defines a cavity in which the component is located.
According to the invention can thus also be provided that the component does not come into contact with the insulating material, but is disposed in a cavity which is bounded by a Einschäumteil. This is also to be understood by the formulation that the component is in the layer of insulating material.

As stated above, the component may be a valve and / or a sensor, preferably an expansion valve of the refrigerant circuit. Further examples are a liquid collector, a dryer, a connector, a light source, a siphon for condensed water, a sensor, e.g. a temperature sensor or a combination of several components. It is conceivable that a valve is accessible only after removal of a light cover.

The insulating layer and / or a foaming part arranged therein may comprise or comprise in part or in full or one or more of the following materials or elements: silicones, polyolefins, polystyrene, polystyrene, polyurethane foam, vacuum insulation panel, perlite.

In the case of the use of Styrofoam, it is conceivable, for example, that the Einschäumteil is formed of Styrofoam or has this and is foamed. In this case, the foaming binds with Styrofoam, but the component can be removed because it is not in contact with the foaming.

The Einschäumteil and / or the component may be glued or clamped or locked, etc., in order to fix this at the desired position.

It is conceivable if the component is covered gas-tight to the environment. Thus, condensate does not form in the area of the component, since no humidity can enter the area in which the component is located.

The invention also includes the case that the component is not covered gas-tight to the environment and that at least one condensate drain is provided, which is arranged so that this condensate discharges from the region in which the component is arranged.

The area in which the component is located may be separated from the cooled interior by a cover, the cover being partly made of insulating material and partly consisting of one or more areas of high thermal conductivity, so that they will frost and / or settle forms condensate at these areas. Areas of high thermal conductivity may be designed to form a logo (company name, snowflake, etc.) that forms when water condenses or forms a frost layer.

In areas of particularly high thermal conductivity or in subregions of these, it can be provided that condensate can be generated there in a targeted manner and can thus be removed in a targeted manner.

The component may at least partially consist of a material that has repellent properties with respect to the insulating material. The materials of the component, such as a valve, in the case of foaming can consist of or be coated with "foamy" materials, such as silicones, polyolefins. Thus, a kind of cavity is formed in the insulating material in which the component is located. This results in the advantage that the structure-borne noise is lower, for example in the case of a valve. Apart from that, the component can be more easily removed and reinserted. This can take place, for example, by the inner container being cut open or otherwise opened and, after the component has been replaced, sealed again or otherwise closed.

It is also conceivable that the material of the component or its coating partly with respect to the insulating material repellent properties and partially non-repellent properties. In the case of foaming, the component can thus have partially "foamy" and partly "foamy" properties. The non-repellent property can be used, for example, to expose sensitive areas or components, e.g. a plug connection to protect against condensation by the foam or other insulating material firmly connected to the area or component.

In a conceivable embodiment, the component is located in a Einschäumteil, e.g. in a polystyrene box. This box is foamed to e.g. to avoid condensation in a valve. From the box exit cables and / or pipes, which can be connected to the refrigeration circuit and the device electronics or other components. The component can thus be located in the foamed or filled with insulating foam part.

It should be noted at this point that the term "foaming part" is to be understood generally and denotes a part which is in contact with or accommodated in the insulating material. This may be foam, but also any other insulation material.

It is to be expected that air moisture can condense on the component, as e.g. when exposed to humidity expansion valve, it can be provided that the condensate that forms can drain, preferably in the condensation water outlet of the device.

As already stated above, a conceivable embodiment of the invention is that the component is not in direct contact with the insulating material.

If the component is located in a foam-in part, provision can be made for the area around the component to be stuffed or filled with noise-damping material.

The area around the Einschäumteil can be used to foam guide during the foaming process.

If the component is, for example, a valve, in particular an expansion valve through which refrigerant flows, it has the advantage that the refrigerant evaporates without contact with the environment, so that no heat is introduced into the refrigerant.

For noise causing components, such as in a valve or liquid collector is added as a further advantage that noises are generated in the insulation layer, without direct contact with the insulating material, resulting in a better noise attenuation to the outside.

Another advantage is that components can be changed easily in the event of a fault.

The component may be arranged in the insulating layer surrounding the inner container and / or in the insulating layer of a door, a lid, a drawer or other closure element.

It should be noted at this point that the terms "a" and "an" do not necessarily refer to exactly one of the elements, although this is one possible embodiment, but may also designate a plurality of the elements. Likewise, the use of the plural also includes the presence of the element in question in the singular, and vice versa, the singular also includes several of the elements in question.

Further details and advantages of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawing.

Figur 1:

eine Schnittansicht durch den oberen Eckbereich des Gerätekorpus mit einem in der Isolationsschicht angeordneten Bauteil,

Figur 2:

eine Anordnung gemäß Figur 1 mit einem entfernbaren Element auf der Außenseite,

Figur 3:

eine Anordnung gemäß Figur 1 mit einem entfernbaren Element auf der Außenseite und einer Isolation auf der Innenseite,

Figur 4:

eine Anordnung gemäß Figur 3 mit einem entfernbaren Element auf der Innenseite und einer Isolation auf der Außenseite,

Figur 5:

eine Schnittansicht durch den oberen Eckbereich des Gerätekorpus mit einem im Eckbereich der Isolationsschicht angeordneten Bauteil und mit einem entfernbaren Element auf der Innenseite,

Figur 6:

eine Anordnung gemäß Figur 1 mit einem funktionalen Element als Abdeckung auf der Innenseite und einer Isolation auf der Außenseite,

Figur 7:

eine Schnittansicht durch den oberen Eckbereich des Gerätekorpus mit einem Einschäumteil und aufzuschneidendem Innenbehälter und

Figur 8:

eine Anordnung gemäß Figur 7 mit durch eine Behälterausstanzung zugänglichem Einschäumteil.

Show it:

FIG. 1:

a sectional view through the upper corner region of the device body with a arranged in the insulating layer component,

FIG. 2:

an arrangement according to FIG. 1 with a removable element on the outside,

FIG. 3:

an arrangement according to FIG. 1 with a removable element on the outside and insulation on the inside,

FIG. 4:

an arrangement according to FIG. 3 with a removable element on the inside and insulation on the outside,

FIG. 5:

a sectional view through the upper corner region of the device body with a arranged in the corner region of the insulating layer component and with a removable element on the inside,

FIG. 6:

an arrangement according to FIG. 1 with a functional element as a cover on the inside and an insulation on the outside,

FIG. 7:

a sectional view through the upper corner region of the device body with a Einschäumteil and aufzuschneidendem inner container and

FIG. 8:

an arrangement according to FIG. 7 with Einschäumteil accessible by a container punching.

In the figures, identical or functionally identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals.

FIG. 1 shows the upper corner of a refrigerator and / or freezer in longitudinal section.

The reference symbol U denotes the external environment of the device, which is also designated by the term "outside". The reference I denotes the cooled interior of the device, which is also referred to by the term "inside".

The body is formed by the inner container 20, the outer housing 30 and the interposed insulation 40, which consists for example of PU foam.

Reference numeral 10 denotes a component such as a component. a valve characterized in that is located in the layer of insulating material 40. The clearance A between the component 10 and the insulating material 40 is intended to illustrate that the component 10 is not firmly connected to the foam. In fact, this clearance A thus does not exist, but symbolizes the non-fixed connection between the foam 40 and component 10. In order to replace the component 10, the inner container 10 is cut or is at the height of the component with a lid, flap, load, etc. provided that can be removed, pivoted, moved or pulled out. In the interior there is no insulation material 40 between the component 10 and the inner container 20.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment that is substantially according to FIG. 1 corresponds with the difference that the layer of insulating material 40 at the level of the component 10 has a non-destructively removable element 100 with insulation effect. This is removed in order to get to the component 10 and used again after replacement or repair of the component 10. Like this FIG. 2 shows the element 100 can be removed from the outside and reusable.

A removable element 100 is understood to mean an element that is preferably tool-free, but in any case non-destructive, i. without removing the insulation 40 can be removed and replaced.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment according to the FIG. 2 is similar, but with the difference that at the level of the component inside, ie the cooled interior, a non-removable area of insulation material 40 is located. That is, between the component 10 and the interior is in contrast to the embodiments of Figures 1 and 2 Insulation material 40. The component 10 is thus surrounded on all sides by insulating material 40.

Out FIG. 4 shows an embodiment in which the removable part 100 is located on the inside, ie away from the inner container 20 and the cooled interior I and can be used again and on the outside, ie between the component 10 and the outer wall 30, a range is arranged from non-removable insulating material 40.

Out FIG. 5 shows an embodiment in which the component 100 is located in the upper corner between the side or rear wall and ceiling of the body in the insulating material 40, resulting in an improved insulation effect. Between the component 100 and the outer wall of the device is in each case a layer of insulating material 40. The removable element is arranged inside, ie can be removed starting from the interior and reused. The removable element 100 can basically be used with or without insulation effect. For example, it may consist only of one piece of the wall of the inner container 20, of a plastic foam-in part, of a plastic plate, etc.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment according to FIG. 4 with the difference that the removable element is a functional element 200 in the form of a light unit. In this case, it can be a conventional lighting unit for illuminating the cooled interior can be used, which can be removed to gain access to the component 10.

Out FIG. 7 an embodiment with a Einschäumteil E can be seen, which is embedded in the foam 40 and is fixed or detachably connected to the foam and bonded to the outside of the inner container 20. In the hollow space H bounded by the foaming part and the inner container wall, I am located the component not shown here. The mark M shows the areas in which the inner container must be cut open to gain access to the component.

FIG. 8 shows one with FIG. 7 comparable embodiment, so that reference is made accordingly. However, in this case, a punched-out in the inner container 20 is provided, which may be closed by a lid D or the like. A cutting of the inner container 20 is not necessary in this case to gain access to the component.

Basically, the inner container 20 can be closed at the level of the component and must be cut open to gain access to the component, or open or by a detachable, slidable, pivotable, etc., lid, flap, drawer with or without insulation effect, i. Thermal insulation effect be closed, resulting in a facilitated access to the component, because the inner container does not have to be cut open.

Claims (13)

Refrigerator and / or freezer comprising a cooled interior and a closure element, through which the interior is closable, wherein the interior and / or the closure element has a layer of insulation material for the purpose of thermal insulation, characterized in that in the layer of insulating material at least one component is located, which has no firm connection to the insulating material. The refrigerator and / or freezer according to claim 1, characterized in that in the layer of insulating material is a removable element with or without insulating effect, which is arranged so that after the removal of which there is access to the component. Refrigerator and / or freezer according to claim 2, characterized in that the removable element is also made of insulating material or has this. The refrigerator and / or freezer according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the removable element is a functional element which performs at least a technical function in operation. Cooling and / or freezing appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the component is located in a corner region of the layer of insulating material or in the ceiling of the layer of insulating material. Refrigerating and / or freezing appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the layer of insulating material is a Einschäumteil which is in solid communication with the foam and which defines a cavity in which the component is located. Cooling and / or freezing appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is the component is a valve and / or a sensor, preferably an expansion valve of the refrigerant circuit. Cooling and / or freezing appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insulating layer and / or arranged in this Einschäumteil consists partially or completely of one or more of the following materials or elements: silicone, polyolefin, polystyrene, Styrofoam , Polyurethane, vacuum insulation panel, perlite. Cooling and / or freezing appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the component is gas-tightly covered to the environment. Cooling and / or freezing appliance according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the component is not covered gas-tight to the environment and that at least one condensation water outlet is provided, which is arranged so that this condensate discharges from the area in which the component is arranged. Refrigerator and / or freezer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the area in which the component is located opposite the cooled interior is separated by a cover, wherein the cover consists partly of insulating material and partly from one or more areas with In contrast, there is high thermal conductivity, so that these areas frost and / or forms condensate at these areas. The refrigerator and / or freezer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the component consists at least partially of a material that has repellent properties with respect to the insulating material. Cooling and / or freezing appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the component is not in direct contact with the insulating material.

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