ES2886611T3 - Refrigerating and/or freezing appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

Refrigerating and/or freezing appliance with a body, and an internal refrigerated space surrounded by the body, a mist generator (20) being arranged in the internal refrigerated space, which has a piezoelectric element (P), being in the space refrigerated interior a horizontal separation plate (10), which separates the refrigerated interior space into two compartments, preferably operated at different temperatures, and the mist generator (20) being integrated into the horizontal separation plate (10) in such a way that it does not protrude beyond the horizontal partition plate (10), characterized in that the mist generator (20) has a cover (30), on which a deflection element (90) is provided, which deflects the jet of water hitting it and generated by the piezoelectric element (P) in the direction of an outlet opening (60) of the fog generator (20), the fog generator (20) presenting at least one nebula chamber ization (V), which has several outlet openings (60) for the generated fog, decreasing the width of the nebulization chamber (V) as the distance from the piezoelectric element (P) increases, presenting the fog generator (20 ) at least one concentrator (K) to focus the sound waves emanating from the piezoelectric element (P), and the piezoelectric element (P) and/or the concentrator (K) being inclined towards the horizontal.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Refrigerating and/or freezing appliance

The present invention relates to a refrigeration and/or freezing appliance with at least one body and with at least one internal refrigerated space surrounded by the body, at least one mist generator being arranged in the internal refrigerated space, the generator having at least one piezoelectric element.

It is known from the state of the art to use a fog generator in the cooled interior of a refrigerating or freezing appliance, which, when the piezoelectric element is in operation, forms fog from a reservoir of water. By way of example, reference is made in this context to DE 102014 017 044 A1, which discloses such an apparatus.

Document JP 2009002590 A discloses a refrigeration and/or freezing appliance that has all the characteristics of the preamble of claim 1.

JP 2006 118825 A shows a refrigerator in which a removable shelf is supplied with high ambient humidity by means of an air humidification installation.

US 2010/223944 A1 discloses a refrigerator having a steam spray device. This is arranged on a vertically running rear wall of the refrigerator.

JP 2006046768 A shows a further example of the state of the art.

The present invention is based on the object of improving a refrigerating and/or freezing appliance of the type mentioned at the beginning in the sense that it has a particularly compact structure.

This objective is solved by means of a refrigeration and/or freezing apparatus with the characteristics of claim 1.

According to the invention, among other things, it is provided that there is at least one horizontal separation plate in the refrigerated interior space, which separates the refrigerated interior space into at least two compartments operated at different temperatures, the generator being integrated fog on the horizontal separation plate in such a way that it does not protrude beyond the horizontal separation plate. Therefore, the mist generator is integrated into the partition plate in such a way that it does not protrude beyond the partition plate on any side, thus resulting in a particularly compact type of construction as a whole and furthermore obtaining the advantage of a particularly attractive visual overall appearance.

However, in an embodiment not included in the presently claimed invention, a certain overhang of the mist generator on one or more sides beyond the surface of the partition plate is also comprised. Preferably, this protrusion is no more than 3 cm or no more than 2 cm, and particularly preferably no more than 1 cm.

If the mist generator protrudes at the top beyond the partition plate, the extension of the overhang is preferably smaller (preferably at most 1 cm) than in the case of an overhang on the underside of the partition plate due to the visibility of the cantilever by the user. Preferably, a maximum overhang of 2 cm is provided there.

If there is a removable drawer below the partition plate, provision is preferably made for the mist generator, if any, to extend on the underside only so far beyond the partition plate that the drawer can be removed completely from the device and the mist generator does not form a stop that prevents its withdrawal.

In a further design of the invention, provision is made for the mist generator to be constructed from several components assembled in a modular fashion. In the case of these components, it can be, for example, a tank and a lid, which can be displaceable, pivotable or removable relative to the tank.

By the term "component" other elements of the fog generator can also be understood, such as, for example, one or more concentrators, which have the purpose of grouping the sound waves or the water jets that emanate from the at least one element piezoelectric at a point or in an area, or one or several deflectors, which have the purpose of deflecting sound waves or water jets emanating from at least one piezoelectric element, or even components of electronic equipment, such as, for example, the piezoelectronic equipment for the control of the piezoelectric element.

An embodiment not included in the presently claimed invention further relates to a refrigerating and/or freezing appliance with at least one internal refrigerated space surrounded by the body, the internal refrigerated space being arranged at least one mist generator, the mist generator having at least one piezoelectric element. In this embodiment of the invention no concentrator is present to focus the acoustic waves emanating from the piezoelectric element. For this reason, it is a relatively simple and economic realization from the constructive point of view. Preferably, in this case, the piezoelectric element is inclined in such a way that the obliquely running water jet emanating from it breaks up into droplets outside the water surface, so that the concentrator can be dispensed with.

Furthermore, provision can be made for the mist generator to have at least one tank and at least one lid that closes the tank, as well as at least one housing for the tank, it being preferably provided that the lid is movable, preferably removable, relatively to the tank, and/or that the tank can be removed from the housing. As the tank can be removed, it can be cleaned particularly easily, for example in a dishwasher.

The housing may form a fixed or integrated component of the partition plate or some other element of the apparatus, or it may also be removably arranged in the apparatus.

According to the invention, the fog generator has at least one nebulization chamber, which has several outlet openings for the generated nebulization and which, as the distance from the piezoelectric element increases, the width of the nebulization chamber decreases. By means of this narrowing, a homogenization of the mist dispersion through the various outlet openings can be achieved.

In accordance with the present invention, the fog generator is preferably arranged such that the fog emanating from it "falls" into an area below the fog generator or is carried away by means of a fan or air stream. This area can be, for example, a drawer or any other arbitrary compartment that is preferably located below a horizontal partition plate. In a preferred design of the invention, this separates two compartments from one another, which are operated at different temperatures when the appliance is in operation, such as, for example, a cooling shelf and a cold storage shelf.

According to the invention, the fog generator has at least one concentrator for focusing the sound waves emanating from the piezoelectric element, the piezoelectric element and/or the concentrator being inclined towards the horizontal. In this way, it is possible to direct or direct the water jet or the sound waves in the desired direction and preferably in the direction of the at least one outlet opening of the fog generator.

The piezoelectric element may be tilted in such a way that the jet of water generated by the piezoelectric element is divided into droplets outside the water surface of the water located in the tank.

According to the invention, the mist generator has at least one cover, at least one deflection element being provided on the cover, which deflects the hitting water jet generated by the piezoelectric element in the direction of one or more openings of the fog generator outlet. In this case, a separate deflection element can be dispensed with, since this is a component of the lid and preferably an integrated component of the lid.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that the fog generator has at least one water tank, which is inclined in such a way that the water flows towards the piezoelectric element. In this way, it has been ensured that sufficient water is always present in the piezoelectric element when the tank is sufficiently filled.

Preferably, it is provided that the piezoelectric element is completely or mostly covered with water when the mist generator is in operation.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that the mist generator has at least one water tank comprising at least one opening to the piezoelectric element, this opening being closed by at least one vibration-transmitting sealing element. This has the advantage that, when the mist generator is removed from the tank, no residual water drips into the cooled interior space, since this is covered by the sealing element.

Additional details and advantages of the invention are explained in more detail by means of an exemplary embodiment shown in the drawing.

They show:

Fig. 1: A top perspective view of a partition plate obliquely from above with an integrated fog generator,

figure 2: perspective views of the cover, the tank and the housing,

Figure 3: A top perspective view of the fog generator obliquely from above,

Fig. 4: a longitudinal sectional view through the mist generator,

Fig. 5: a detailed sectional view through the fog generator in the area of the piezoelectric element in an inclined embodiment,

Fig. 6: a further longitudinal sectional view through the fog generator,

Fig. 7: a detailed sectional view through the mist generator in the area of the piezoelectric element, Fig. 8: a top perspective view of the tank with outlet openings and nebulizer unit, Fig. 9: a detailed sectional view through the fog generator in the area of the piezoelectric element, Fig. 10 a detailed sectional view through the fog generator in the area of the piezoelectric element with sealing element,

Figure 11 a top perspective view of the tank with outlet openings and nebulizer unit and an illustration of the water flow course, and

Figure 12 a schematic view of the amount of water that can be nebulized in the tank.

Figure 1 shows with the reference numeral 10 a horizontal partition plate, which separates two compartments of different temperatures within the refrigerated interior space of a refrigerating or freezing appliance from one another.

In the partition plate 10 there is the fog generator 20, which is integrated in such a way that it closes flush with the upper side of the partition plate 10. The fog generator does not protrude beyond the surface of the plate gap 10 on either side, ie not on the bottom side either. Preferably, the partition plate has a thickness of 30 mm or less.

The fog generator comprises the cover 30, the tank 40 and the housing 50, as can be deduced from figures 2 a), b) and c).

The cover 30 can be made in one or more parts. For the filling of the tank 40, it can be extracted completely or even only a part of it. A measuring cup can be arranged on the tank 30, preferably injection-moulded, which allows easier filling of the tank with water.

Instead of being completely removable, the lid 30 could also be arranged on the tank so that it can be folded or pivoted or moved.

Lid 30 may contain media or be marked in such a way that these media or markings serve as fill level markings.

The tank 40 is designed in such a way that its upper side can be completely covered by the lid 30. The tank has openings that prevent gas tightness, so that it is ensured that mist can escape through the outlet openings. of the tank 40. The tank has means for detecting the fill level, such as, for example, steps, colored markings, markings sprayed on the tank wall, float systems, etc.

Figure 2 c) shows the housing 50 for the tank 40 as well as the piezoelectric element, the piezoelectronic equipment for its control, cables, plugs, etc. The housing 50 preferably has all the elements necessary for the operation of the fog generator. This can be integrated into the horizontal partition plate 10, as is the case, for example, with an injection molded part, or it can also be inserted into the partition plate 10 as an additional, ie separate, part.

Figure 3 illustrates the design of the mist generator in an oblique top view without cover.

Reference number 100 shows the piezoelectronic equipment that controls the piezoelectric element P. The concentrator is characterized with the reference symbol K, which focuses the sound waves or water jets emanating from the piezoelectric element P like a lens on a point or area. From the concentrator K, the water or mist reaches the deflection element 90, which, according to figure 4, can represent an integrated component of the cover 30. From there, the mist is led to the misting chamber. V, in which the mist is directed through the outlet openings 60 into the drawer or the like below the partition plate.

Reference numeral 80 denotes media in the outlet openings that cause larger droplets to fall back into tank 40 and only fine droplets to pass through outlet openings 60. Reference numeral 70 is characterized by a wall or narrowing, which causes the mist to be evenly pressed through the outlet openings 60.

Figure 4 shows the fog generator in a longitudinal sectional view and illustrates the layout of the concentrator. K. This deflects the water jet or the sound waves that are excited by the piezoelectric element P. The shape of the concentrator can be parabolic, semicircular, circular or even just oblique.

The concentrator K preferably consists of aluminum or even another metal. Plastic or coated plastic or plastic equipped with metal or with a metallized foil is also conceivable. Preferably, the concentrator K is dimensioned in such a way that only the water jet or the sound wave from the piezoelectric element P is accommodated. The advantage of the small size and the adequate dimension is that water can easily enter from all sides into the the piston between the piezoelectric element and the hub K.

According to the invention, the concentrator K and/or the piezoelectric element P are inclined towards the horizontal, so that the water jet either points in the direction of the outlet openings or so that the water jet is directed in the direction of the outlet openings.

In particular, a design is conceivable, which is not included in the presently claimed subject matter, in which the piezoelectric element P is tilted so that the obliquely aligned jet breaks up into droplets outside the water surface, so that you can do without the hub. Also encompassed by the invention is a non-planar embodiment of the piezoelectric element, such as, for example, a parabolic shape, by means of which the distance between the piezoelectric element and the nebulization unit could be shortened.

Figure 6 shows a further sectional view and illustrates that the outlet openings 60 for mist can have different heights. At the front, that is, towards the piezoelectric element, high channels can be used, which delimit the outlet openings 60 and their height can be decreased as the distance from the piezoelectric element P increases, as deduced from the figure 6.

By means of the inclined surface S at the bottom of the water tank 40, which can also be seen from figure 6, it is achieved that the water is always directed towards the piezoelectric element. Therefore, in the case of this embodiment, no valve is necessary.

The water tank 40 and the nebulizer unit can form a common unit.

It is thus conceivable to fill the water tank 40 up to a maximum fill level and then start nebulization, whereby the water level decreases. Preferably, the piezoelectric element P is designed in such a way that it is not damaged when it runs dry. The fog generator can be operated until the water has been used up or is no longer sufficient for fog generation.

An embodiment is also conceivable in which the water flows into the tank 40 through a valve as required and thus a constant level of water in the tank 40 is ensured.

Preferably, the nebulizer unit shown in Figure 7 can be separated into individual parts, i.e., the tank 40, the concentrator K and the bypass 90 can be removed without having to remove electrical components, such as the piezoelectric element P or piezoelectronic equipment. Reference symbol O identifies an opening in the tank 40 in the area of the piezoelectric element P.

Figure 8 shows the nebulizer unit, which is an integrated component of the tank 40, in an oblique top view. The nebulizer unit consists of the nebulizer chamber V, the outlet openings 60, the concentrator K, which is optional, and the piezoelectric element P, as well as its control.

Figure 9 illustrates that, in the case of removal of the tank 40 for cleaning, for example, through twisting, tilting up or pushing, an opening is created, characterized by the arrow, from which the oil can exit. residual water located in the tank 40. Preferably, all components below this point are designed in such a way that a container can be placed underneath, so that the water can be drained.

From figure 10 an embodiment is evident in which the opening O according to figure 7 is closed by a component B, which has the property of transmitting the vibrations generated by the piezoelectric element P to the water in the tank 40 In the case of withdrawal from the tank 40, this part B prevents, at least for a short period of time, the residual water from being able to leave the tank 40 at this point. As component B, a membrane can be used, which allows a very small amount of water to be placed between the piezoelectric element P and the membrane, so that vibrations can be transmitted but, in the case of extraction from the tank, leakage is avoided. of water. The drop between the piezoelectric element and the membrane then drips, for example, into a drawer or the like, which is located below the fog generator, and evaporates there. As an alternative to an arrangement on the tank, the component B can be arranged directly on the piezoelectric element P.

Instead of a membrane, a porous material, such as a sponge, can also be used as component B. This absorbs water and makes it possible to transmit the vibrations of the piezoelectric element, but prevents a quick exit from the tank.

Figure 11 illustrates through arrows the path of the water inside the tank to the nebulizer unit.

From figure 12 it can be seen schematically that the amount of water W that can be nebulized is preferably 9 to 14 mm above the bottom of the tank.

Claims (6)

1. Refrigerating and/or freezing appliance with a body, and a refrigerated interior space surrounded by the body, a mist generator (20) being arranged in the cooled interior space, which has a piezoelectric element (P), being in the refrigerated interior space a horizontal separation plate (10), which separates the refrigerated interior space into two compartments, preferably operated at different temperatures, and the mist generator (20) being integrated in the separation plate (10) horizontal in such a way that it does not protrude beyond the horizontal separation plate (10), characterized by what The mist generator (20) has a cover (30), on which a deflection element (90) is provided, which deflects the jet of water that hits it and is generated by the piezoelectric element (P) in the direction of a outlet opening (60) of the mist generator (20), the mist generator (20) presenting at least one nebulization chamber (V), which has several outlet openings (60) for the generated mist, reducing the width of the nebulization chamber (V) as the distance from the piezoelectric element (P) increases, the fog generator (20) presenting at least one concentrator (K) to focus the sound waves emanating from the piezoelectric element (P), and the piezoelectric element (P) and/or the concentrator (K) being inclined towards the horizontal. 2. Refrigerating and/or freezing appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that the mist generator (20) has at least one tank (40) and at least one lid (30) that closes the tank (40), thus as at least one housing for the tank (40), preferably being provided that the lid (30) can be moved, preferably removable, relative to the tank (40), and/or that the tank (40) can be removed of the accommodation. 3. Refrigerating and/or freezing appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that the piezoelectric element (P) is inclined in such a way that the jet of water generated by the piezoelectric element (P) is divided into droplets outside the surface of the water from the water located in the tank (40). Cooling and/or freezing appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mist generator (20) has at least one water tank (40), which is inclined in such a way that the water runs towards the piezoelectric element (P). 5. Refrigerating and/or freezing appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mist generator (20) has at least one water tank (40), comprising at least one opening (O) towards the element piezoelectric (P), this opening (O) being closed by at least one sealing element that transmits vibrations. Refrigerating and/or freezing appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mist generator (20) is constructed from several components assembled in a modular fashion.