WO2010006662A1

WO2010006662A1 - Channel closure means for a defrosting water channel of a refrigeration unit, defrosting water channel of a refrigeration unit, and refrigeration unit

Info

Publication number: WO2010006662A1
Application number: PCT/EP2008/067946
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas Bischofberger; Martin Buchstab; Hans Ihle
Original assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH
Priority date: 2008-07-15
Filing date: 2008-12-18
Publication date: 2010-01-21
Also published as: RU2499206C2; CN102099643A; EP2313719B1; EP2313719A2; DE102008040430A1; WO2010007044A2; RU2011101447A; EP2313720A1; US20110107783A1; WO2010007044A3; ES2394993T3

Abstract

The present invention relates to a channel closure means (1a - 1f) for a defrosting water channel (2) of a refrigeration unit, particularly a NoFrost refrigeration unit, wherein the channel closure means is water-soluble. The present invention further relates to a defrosting water channel (2) of a refrigeration unit, wherein the defrosting water channel comprises a channel closure means (1a - 1f) according to the invention. The present invention also relates to a refrigeration unit, particularly a NoFrost refrigeration unit, wherein the refrigeration unit comprises a defrosting water channel according to the invention.

Description

Ducting means for a defrost water channel of a cooling unit, defrost water duct of a cooling unit and cooling unit

The present invention relates to a channel closure means for a Abtauwasserkanal a cooling device, in particular a NoFrost cooling device, a Abtauwasserkanal a cooling device and a cooling device, in particular a NoFrost cooling device.

In a cooling device of the type mentioned, the air is supplied by means of a circulating air system in the cooling chamber to an evaporator which is arranged, in particular, outside the actual cooling space. Ice forms on the evaporator. The evaporator thaws regularly, the defrost water is discharged through a Abtauwasserkanal in an evaporation tray. In order to prevent an influx of ambient air through the Abtauwasserkanal in the cold room or in the case of a Nofrost device in the evaporator chamber is in the Abtauwasserkanal z. B. integrated a siphon.

The disadvantage is that in particular already before starting the cooling device or until the time until the siphon is filled with water, ambient air and moisture can flow through the Abtauwasserkanal in the refrigerator or to the evaporator and can freeze the evaporator.

The object of the invention is therefore to prevent an influx of ambient air through a Abtauwasserkanal to an evaporator of a refrigerator, in particular until the water siphon is filled with condensate and performs its function.

The object is achieved with a channel closure means for a defrost water channel of a cooling device, in particular a NoFrost cooling device, wherein the channel closure means is water-soluble.

A refrigerator according to the invention is in particular automatically defrostable and, for example, a refrigerator, a freezer or fridge-freezer or a freezer. A NoFrost cooling device in the context of the invention is a cooling device in which the evaporator is arranged outside of the cooling compartment in an evaporator compartment, and the cooling air via cooling air ducts by means of a fan between evaporator compartment and cooling is circulated. The evaporator of such a refrigerator can be defrosted by a defrost heater.

The Abtauwasserkanal of the cooling unit transported in the cooling unit in particular at the evaporator resulting defrosting water to the outside of the refrigerator, so that the waste water outside the refrigerator, in particular by utilizing the waste heat of a compressor, can evaporate. The Abtauwasserkanal is for example a pipe, a hose or a channel and preferably opens into an evaporation tray, which is advantageously arranged over the compressor.

In order to prevent an influx of ambient air through the Abtauwasserkanal in the cold room or in the case of a NoFrost device in the evaporator chamber, a siphon is preferably integrated in the Abtauwasserkanal, which fills with defrost water and then the entry of ambient air into the refrigerator or at NoFrost devices in the evaporator compartment prevented.

An inventive channel closure means dissolves by contact with water, in particular by the contact with defrost water of a cooling device. It therefore seals the Abtauwasserkanal a cooling device from time to time, so that no ambient air and moisture can flow through the Abtauwasserkanal, and that until it dissolves due to contact with water. With the channel closure means the Abtauwasserkanal is therefore at least temporarily closed.

The channel closure means is preferably formed as a film, in particular as a starch film. Alternatively, the film may contain any other water-soluble material, e.g. As organic materials such as sucrose and polysucrose, or inorganic materials such. As NaCl or other salts. The film need not be made entirely of the water-soluble material, it must only be ensured that the channel sealant is in contact with water for this permeable. It would therefore also be conceivable to have a net or fabric structure whose stitches are closed with a water-soluble material. It is therefore conceivable, although not preferred, that residues of the film remain in the Abtauwasserkanal, provided that they do not hinder the flow of Abtauwassers. But there are also any other channel closure means with which the Abtauwasserkanal is temporarily closed. For example, a plug or a plate whose geometry is adapted to the cross section of the Abtauwasserkanals so that the Abtauwasserkanal can be closed with them and are made of any water-soluble material are suitable. Suitable examples are the above-mentioned organic or inorganic water-soluble materials such. B. starch and salt. Such a plug is preferably held positively or non-positively in a portion of the defrost water by sealingly abuts the channel inner wall at its periphery.

According to a first preferred embodiment, the plug is formed as a tab, for example as a tablet or pill, which is at least substantially made of a water-soluble organic or inorganic material. The tab preferably has a peripheral shape adapted to the cross section of the defrosting water channel, more preferably it is rounded, e.g. B. approximately spherical or ellipsoidal, or annular or plate-shaped.

According to another embodiment, the plug is formed as a gas-filled bladder, whose outer skin is formed by a water-soluble film. The water-soluble film may be made of the above-mentioned materials, e.g. B. strength. The gas is preferably air or nitrogen. This embodiment has the advantage that the bladder can adapt to different cross-sectional shapes of Abtauwasserkanälen and easily introduced into this and can be held in form or in particular frictionally engaged.

Should the dissolving material of the channel sealant leave residues in the defrost water which may cause biological growth in the evaporation tray in which the defrost water is collected, a biological growth inhibiting substance may be placed as a countermeasure in the area of the defrost water evaporation. Salt or other suitable chemicals such as cationic surfactants or the like. The substance that prevents biological growth may also be a biocide, especially a bactericide or fungicide. For example, this substance can be fixed in a packet or as a tablet in the condensate bucket, so that the substance is buried on contact with the defrost water. However, it is particularly advantageous to integrate a substance which prevents the biological growth in the defrost water into the channel closure means.

Since the channel closure agent comprises the substance, the substance is activated only if the biological growth due to the dissolving channel closure agent actually has to be prevented. The channel closure means comprises the substance, for example in tablet form, wherein the tablets are, for example, sealed in the channel closure means, or it is integrated in the channel closure means in any other form. If the channel closure agent is a tab, the biological growth-inhibiting substance is preferably pressed together with the water-soluble material into a tablet.

The channel closure means may also have a composite structure, wherein, for example, the substance forms part of the channel closure means.

Alternatively, the substance can be provided separately from the channel closure means in the defrost water channel, for example in the flow direction of the defrost water before and / or behind the channel closure means. Further, the substance may also form the channel closure means or it may be an additional channel closure means temporarily occluding the defrost water channel.

The object is also achieved with a Abtauwasserkanal a cooling device, wherein the Abtauwasserkanal comprises a channel closure means according to the invention for closing the Abtauwasserkanals. Such a defrost water channel is closed with the channel closure means until it comes into contact with water and thereby dissolves. As soon as the channel closure agent dissolves, the defrost water channel can be flowed through by the defrost water and this can flow out to the outside of the cooling unit.

Preferably, the channel closure means in Abtauwasserkanal is arranged substantially transversely to the flow direction of the defrost water. The outer geometry of the channel closure means is substantially congruent to the internal geometry of the Abtauwasserkanals, so that the channel closure means reliably seals the defrost water channel, as long as it does not dissolve by contact with water. The size of the required channel Closing means is therefore essentially determined by the size of the Abtauwasserkanals, so that the channel closure means is small and inexpensive structurally. There are any cross-sections for the Abtauwasserkanal into consideration, but preferred are a round, square or oval cross-section.

Preferably, the Abtauwasserkanal comprises a siphon. Particularly preferably, the channel closure means is arranged in the flow direction of the defrost water behind the siphon. When defrosting the evaporator of the refrigerator, therefore, the siphon is first filled with defrost water. Only then does the channel closure come into contact with the water and dissolve. Since the siphon is already filled with defrost water, no ambient air can flow through the Abtauwasserkanal to the evaporator even after the dissolution of the channel closure means. Particularly preferably, the channel closure means is arranged in the Abtauwasserkanal that it dissolves completely, for example by it comes along its entire water-facing surface with the water in contact.

Furthermore, the substance for preventing the biological growth is preferably additionally arranged upstream of the siphon in the direction of flow of the defrosting water so that it also acts on the water held in the siphon. The substance can be arranged, for example, in tablet form or in any other form in the defrost water channel, for example as salt, gel or liquid. Alternatively or additionally, the channel closure means may also comprise the substance.

The siphon can z. B. be designed as a tube siphon, so have a U-shaped tube, the lower bend always remains filled with condensation and thus prevents the entry of ambient air into the evaporator chamber. This training is particularly easy to manufacture.

Alternatively, the siphon can also be designed as a bottle, cup, baffle or bell siphon. Particularly preferred is an arrangement in which the tube of the defrost water channel opens from above into a cup-shaped container, wherein the outlet opening of Abtauwasserkanals is arranged as far as possible below the cup rim, so that the accumulating in the cup defrost water closes the outlet opening. Such a configuration is called cup or bottle siphon. Particularly Preferably, the cup is placed in the evaporation tray so that the condensation from the cup flows directly into it.

According to the preferred embodiment, a cover is arranged above the siphon, which indeed allows the overflow of water, but slows down the drying of the siphon or the cup.

The channel closure means may be introduced at different positions and in different ways into the defrost water channel, of which some preferred embodiments are presented below:

According to a first preferred embodiment, the channel closure means is formed as a water-soluble film drawn over the outlet end of the defrost water channel. There, the film can be fixed by the end face is moistened at the outlet end of the tube, and then the film is pressed to the front side.

According to a second preferred embodiment, the channel closure means is formed as a water-soluble film in a channel section piece which forms a part of the Abtauwasserkanals as a separate component. The Abtauwasserkanal is therefore not in one piece, but has a separate Kanalabschnittsstück, z. B. a piece of pipe z. B. at the outlet of Abtauwasserkanals attached to this, or is used between the defrost water outlet of the refrigerator and the Abtauwasserkanal. In this channel section piece, the water-soluble film is already integrated, and it can also be drawn here over an end face of the channel section piece. This solution has the advantage that the Abtauwasserkanal can be prepared in a conventional manner.

According to a third embodiment, the channel closure means is formed as a plug, which is introduced into a tubular or tubular portion of the Abtauwasserkanals. To hold the plug frictionally here in Abtauwasserkanal, it is advantageous if the tubular or channel-shaped portion is at least slightly elastic, so z. B. a spherical tab or a gas-filled bladder can be pressed into it. According to a fourth embodiment, the channel closure means is preferably formed as a plug in a channel section piece which forms a part of the Abtauwasserkanals as a separate component. This solution has the advantage that the channel section piece can, for example, have an annular receptacle for the channel closure means, which is thus held in a form-fitting manner and therefore particularly firmly in the channel section piece. The channel section piece itself may be disposed in the same manner at the outlet or inlet end of the defrost water channel as described above with respect to the integrated water soluble film channel section piece.

According to a fifth preferred embodiment, the channel closure means is designed as a stopper provided with at least one flow opening in the defrost water channel, wherein the at least one flow opening is closed with a water-soluble film. Here, the channel closure z. B. may be formed as a perforated ring which is inserted into the Abtauwasserkanal. However, it is also conceivable a ball-like plug, provided that it has at least one corresponding flow opening.

In the case of a cup siphon, the plug may also be arranged in the manner of a sealing ring between the outlet end of the Abtauwasserkanals and the inner wall of the cup.

The object is also achieved with a cooling device, in particular a NoFrost cooling device, wherein the cooling device comprises a Abtauwasserkanal invention. In such a cooling device, even before the first defrosting of the evaporator no ambient air and no moisture can flow through the Abtauwasserkanal to the evaporator.

In the following the invention will be described by figures. The figures are merely exemplary and do not limit the general idea of the invention.

Fig. 1 shows schematically a section of a Abtauwasserkanal a

Cooling unit.

Fig. 2 shows schematically a Abtauwasserkanal a cooling device and connected to the Abtauwasserkanal evaporator. Fig. 3 shows schematically a arranged on the back of a refrigerator

Arrangement of Abtauwasserkanal, evaporation tray and compressor in cross section, with a channel closure means according to the above. first embodiment.

Fig. 4 shows schematically a arranged on the back of a refrigerator

Arrangement of Abtauwasserkanal, evaporation tray and compressor in cross section, with a channel closure means according to the above. second embodiment.

Fig. 5 shows schematically a arranged on the back of a refrigerator

Arrangement of Abtauwasserkanal, evaporation tray and compressor in cross section, with a channel closure means according to the above. third embodiment.

Fig. 6 shows an arrangement on the rear wall of a refrigerator with Abtauwasserkanal and evaporation tray in cross section, with a channel closure means according to the o. fourth embodiment.

7 shows an arrangement on the rear wall of a cooling device with defrost water channel and evaporation shell in cross section, with a channel closure means according to the above-mentioned. fifth embodiment.

Fig. 1 shows schematically a section of a Abtauwasserkanal 2 of a cooling device. In a particular separate pipe part 3 of the sewer 2 a Kanalver- closing means 1 is arranged, that closes the Abtauwasserkanal 2 against ingress of ambient air and moisture until it gets in contact with water and dissolves. The channel closure means 1 comprises a biological growth-preventing substance 4, here in tablet form, which integrates into the channel closure means 1. When the channel closure means 1 comes into contact with condensation water, the tablet 4 also dissolves, so that the biological growth-preventing substance is flushed together with the residues of the channel closure means 1 in the evaporation tray, where it prevents the residues to the substrate for bacteria or like that. The arrows show schematically the flow direction F of the defrost water. The defrosting water Channel 2 has a substantially oval cross-section, so that the channel closure means 1 has an oval cross-section and the outer periphery of the channel closure means 1 corresponds to the inner periphery of Abtauwasserkanals 2. Therefore, the channel closure means 1 seals the Abtauwasserkanal 2 against against the flow direction F in the Abtauwasserkanal inflowing Ambient air and moisture from, so that no ambient air or moisture through the Abtauwasserkanal 2 against the flow direction F to the evaporator 6 (see Fig. 2) and can freeze it.

Fig. 2 shows schematically a further embodiment of a Abtauwasserkanals 2 of a refrigerator and an evaporator 6 to which the Abtauwasserkanal 2 is connected. Such an evaporator 6 is arranged, for example, on the interior-side rear wall of a refrigerator, for example a refrigerator or freezer or a freezer, or for example below the compartments or drawers of a refrigerator or freezer. In particular, the evaporator 6 is arranged in a NoFrost device in a separately heatable evaporator chamber of the refrigerator. During operation of the refrigerator, the moisture condensed on the evaporator 6 freezes out of the refrigerator interior. By temporarily warming up the evaporator 6, the moisture thaws off and flows as defrost water through the Abtauwasserkanal 2 in the flow direction F in an evaporation tray outside the refrigerator. The Abtauwasserkanal 2 has a U-shaped siphon 5. In the flow direction F of the defrosting water behind the siphon 5, the channel closure means 1 is arranged so that it comes into contact with the defrost water only after filling of the siphon 5 and dissolves. Therefore, at no time ambient air or moisture through the Abtauwasserkanal 2 flow against the flow direction F to the evaporator 6 and freeze it. In addition, a tablet having a biological growth preventing substance 4 is disposed in the siphon.

In Fig. 3, the insulated wall 7 of a refrigerator is shown schematically. In defrosting the evaporator, condensation water is collected in the defrosting water guide 8 in the cooling device and discharged through a passage 9 out of the cooling device. The defrosting water then flows through a sewer pipe 2 designed as a pipe or hose, which has a U-shaped siphon 5. At the outlet end 12 of Abtauwasserkanals this opens into an evaporation tray 10, which is at least partially disposed above a compressor 1 1 to use its waste heat to evaporate the condensation water. According to the first embodiment, the channel closure means is formed as a water-soluble film 1 a, which is pulled over the end face of the tube at the outlet end 12 of the Abtauwasserkanals.

Fig. 4 shows a similar arrangement as Fig. 3, wherein the channel closure means is integrated here as a film 1 b in a separate channel section piece 3a, which is inserted between the siphon 5 and a tail pipe section 14 of Abtauwasserkanals. The channel section piece 3 a can in particular be attached to the pipe of the siphon and the pipe section 14 or screwed or glued to this.

According to the third embodiment, which is shown in Fig. 5, the channel closure means is formed as a plug in the form of a roundish tab 1c. The tab 1 c is inserted in a simple manner from the outlet end 12 of Abtauwasserkanals in this and frictionally held in this.

Alternatively, according to the fourth embodiment, a plug or tab 1d may also be inserted into a separate channel section piece 3b, as also shown in FIG. The channel section piece 3b shown in FIG. 5 is arranged upstream of the siphon 5 in the flow direction. Although this has the disadvantage that the plug 1 d u. U. already dissolves before the siphon is filled with water. This has an advantageous effect that a possibly contained in the plug biocide or salt passes into the water retained in the siphon and prevents biological growth there.

Fig. 6 shows an arrangement in which the Abtauwasserkanal 2 is provided with a cup siphon 15. Again, a defrost water 8 is passed through a passage 9 in the device insulation 7. This is followed by a Abtauwasserkanal 2, which opens at its outlet end 16 down into a cup-like container 17. The cup 17 is disposed in an evaporation tray 10 and covered at the top with a cap 18 which protects the siphon 15 from drying out.

According to FIG. 6, the channel closure means is in turn designed as a plug 1d, but here it is inserted in a separate channel section 3b, which has an annular channel section 3b. has shaped receptacle for the plug 1d. The passage section 3b is connected between the defrost water guide 8 and the defrost water passage 2.

In Fig. 7, an arrangement of the channel closing means according to the fifth embodiment is shown. Here, an annular plug 1e is inserted between the outlet end 16 of the defrost water channel 2 and the cup 17 of the siphon 15, but is provided with at least one passage opening 19. This is initially sealed with a water-soluble film, which dissolves on first contact with defrost water.

Alternatively, instead of the annular plug 1 e with passage openings, an annular plug 1f without passage openings can also be provided which dissolves in water as a whole.

It is understood that the embodiments of the channel closure means shown in connection with a tube siphon are also applicable to a cup siphon and vice versa.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

I channel closure means

1 a - 1f different embodiments of the channel closure means 2 Abtauwasserkanal

3 Pipe part of Abtauwasserkanals

4 substance for preventing biological growth

5 siphon

6 evaporator 7 device insulation

8 defrost water supply

9 passage through the device insulation

10 evaporation tray

I 1 Compressor 12 Outlet end of the defrost water channel

15 cup siphon

16 outlet end of the defrost water channel

17 cup-shaped containers

18 Cover 19 Passage opening

F flow direction of defrost water

Claims

1. channel closure means (1) for a defrost water channel (2) of a cooling device, in particular a NoFrost cooling device, characterized in that the channel closure means (1) is water-soluble.

Second channel closure means (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the channel closure means (1) is formed as a film.

3. channel closure means (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it is designed as a Abtauwasserkanal (2) closing plug.

4. channel closure means (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the plug is formed as a tab which consists at least substantially of a water-soluble organic or inorganic material.

5. channel closure means (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the plug is formed as a gas-filled bubble whose outer skin is formed by a water-soluble film.

6. channel closure means (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a substance (4) which prevents biological growth.

7. Abtauwasserkanal (2) of a cooling device, characterized in that it comprises a channel closure means (1) for closing the Abtauwasserkanals (2) according to one of the preceding claims.

8. Abtauwasserkanal (2) according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises a siphon (5).

9. Abtauwasserkanal (2) according to claim 8, characterized in that the channel closure means (1) in the flow direction (F) of the defrost water behind the siphon (5) is arranged.

10. Abtauwasserkanal (2) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the siphon (5) is designed as a tube siphon.

1 1. Abtauwasserkanal (2) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the siphon (5) is designed as a Tassensiphon.

12. Abtauwasserkanal (2) according to any one of claims 7-1 1, characterized in that the channel closure means is formed as an over the outlet end (12) of the Abtauwasserkanals drawn water-soluble film (1 a).

13. Abtauwasserkanal (2) according to any one of claims 7-1 1, characterized in that the channel closure means is formed as a water-soluble film (1 b) in a channel section piece (3a), which forms a part of the Abtauwasserkanals as a separate component.

14. Abtauwasserkanal (2) according to any one of claims 7-1 1, characterized in that the channel closure means as a plug (1c) is formed, which is introduced into a tubular or tubular portion of the Abtauwasserkanals.

Defrosting water channel (2) according to one of claims 7-1 1, characterized in that the channel closure means as a plug (1 d) in a Kanalabschnittsstück

(3b) is formed, which forms a part of the Abtauwasserkanals as a separate component.

16. Abtauwasserkanal (2) according to any one of claims 7-1 1, characterized in that the channel closure means as a with at least one flow opening (19) versehener provided plug (1 e) is formed in Abtauwasserkanal, wherein the at least one flow opening with a water-soluble film is closed.

17. Abtauwasserkanal (2) according to any one of claims 7 - 16, characterized in that a substance (4) for preventing the biological growth in particular additionally in the flow direction (F) of the defrost water upstream of the siphon (5) is arranged.

18. Cooling device, in particular NoFrost cooling device, characterized in that the cooling device comprises a Abtauwasserkanal (2) according to one of claims 7 - 17.

19. Refrigerator according to claim 18, characterized in that the Abtauwasserkanal

(1) opens into an evaporation tray.