WO2014090606A1

WO2014090606A1 - Refrigeration device comprising a water tank

Info

Publication number: WO2014090606A1
Application number: PCT/EP2013/075124
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alexander Bäuerle; Eugen Gaplikow; Andreas Lindel; Ulrich Schlander
Original assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH
Priority date: 2012-12-12
Filing date: 2013-11-29
Publication date: 2014-06-19
Also published as: DE102012222859A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a refrigeration device comprising a water tank (103) for drinking water, comprising, in the inside the cooling chamber, a recess in the wall (129) for inserting the water tank (103), a maintaining projection (135) being formed in said recess for fixing a lower edge (137) of the water tank (103).

Description

REFRIGERATOR WITH A WATER TANK

The present invention relates to a refrigerator with a water tank for drinking water.

In refrigerators additional water tanks can be installed, from which cooled drinking water can be taken for consumption. So that refilled uncooled drinking water does not mix with chilled drinking water, such water tanks have, for example, an elongated, meandering water channel into which the

Drinking water is filled and stored. The installation of such water tanks inside the refrigerator is often difficult and is associated with a lot of effort.

The publication WO 03 / 033976A1 describes a refrigerator with a door in which a water tank is integrated. It is the object underlying the invention to simplify the attachment of the water tank in a cooling compartment of the refrigerator.

This object is achieved by an article having the features according to the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the figures, the description and the dependent claims.

According to one aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a refrigeration device with a

Dissolved water tank for drinking water, which includes a wall recess for inserting the water tank inside a cooling compartment, in which a holding projection for fixing a lower edge of the water tank is formed. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that the water tank is fixed by itself after insertion into the wall recess on its underside within the wall recess.

Under a refrigeration device is in particular a household refrigeration appliance understood, ie a refrigerator, which is used for household management in households or catering trade, and in particular serves food and / or drinks at certain

Store temperatures such as a refrigerator, a freezer, a fridge freezer, a freezer or a wine fridge. In an advantageous embodiment of the refrigeration device, the wall depression is formed in a door or a side wall of the refrigeration device. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that the water tank is used in an easily accessible and particularly suitable location within the refrigerator. In a further advantageous embodiment of the refrigeration device, the water tank comprises a fastening opening for fastening the water tank in an upper region of the water tank. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that the

Water tank can be stably fixed in conjunction with the holding projection for fixing a lower edge.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the refrigeration device, the attachment opening is arranged in the horizontal center of the water tank. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that with little effort a stable attachment of

Water tanks is reached.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the refrigeration device, the water tank is fastened with a fastening screw inserted into the fastening opening. As a result, the technical advantage is achieved, for example, that the water tank can be attached and released with little effort, for example, when replacing the water tank.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the refrigeration device, the lower edge of the water tank is formed by a tank section which protrudes on an underside of the water tank. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that a simple insertion of the water tank is made possible behind the retaining projection.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the refrigeration device, the lower edge of the water tank is offset behind the retaining projection. As a result, the technical advantage is achieved, for example, that simplifies the insertion of the water tank even further.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the refrigeration device, the retaining projection is formed by an undercut in an inner wall of the refrigeration device. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that the holding projection can be formed in a simple manner during a drawing process of the wall. In a further advantageous embodiment of the refrigeration device extends the

Holding projection in the wall recess over the width of the lower edge of the water tank. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that stable attachment of the water tank over the entire width of the lower edge is achieved.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the refrigeration device, the wall recess comprises a latching means for latching to an upper edge of the water tank. This will

For example, the technical advantage achieved that the water tank can be mounted in a simple manner by this is first used with the lower edge behind the retaining projection and then the upper edge is pressed into the wall recess.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the refrigeration device is between the

Holding projection and the water tank arranged a damping element. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that can prevent play of the water tank.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the refrigeration device, the damping element is glued to the lower edge of the water tank. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that the damping element is installed in a simple manner simultaneously with the onset of the tank.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the refrigeration device, the refrigeration device comprises a cover for covering the water tank inserted into the wall recess. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that results in a smooth and easy to clean surface and the water tank is protected behind the cover.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the refrigeration device, the cover can be latched onto the wall recess. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that a simple assembly of the cover is achieved.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the refrigeration device, the water tank is a blow-molded tank. As a result, for example, the technical advantage is achieved that the tank can be made with the bottleneck in a simple manner. Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and will be described in more detail below.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a refrigeration appliance; FIG. and Fig. 2 is a view of a water tank;

3 is a view of the water tank with different cross-sectional views;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of the water tank;

5 is a plan view of the water tank and an enlarged cross-sectional view through bottlenecks of the vent channel.

Fig. 6 is a view of a refrigerator door in communication with the water tank;

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view through the refrigerator cabinet door; and Fig. 8 is a plan view of the refrigerator cabinet door.

Fig. 1 shows a refrigerator representative of a refrigerator 100 with an upper

Refrigerator door and a lower refrigerator door. The refrigerator is used for example for cooling food and includes a refrigerant circuit with an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser and a throttle body. The evaporator is on

Heat exchanger, in which after expansion, the liquid refrigerant through

Heat absorption from the medium to be cooled, i. the air inside the refrigerator is evaporated. The compressor is a mechanically operated component, the refrigerant vapor from the

Evaporator sucks and ejects at a higher pressure to the condenser. Of the

Condenser is a heat exchanger in which, after compression, the vaporized refrigerant is liquefied by dissipating heat to an external cooling medium, ie the ambient air. The throttle body is a device for the continuous reduction of the pressure by cross-sectional constriction. The refrigerant is a fluid used for heat transfer in the cryogenic system which absorbs heat at low temperatures and low pressure of the fluid and releases heat at higher temperature and pressure of the fluid, usually including changes in state of the fluid.

Inside the refrigerator 100, a water tank for the discharge of cooled

Be arranged drinking water.

2 shows a view of the water tank 103 as a water container for storing and cooling drinking water in the refrigeration device 100 with automatic water dispensing. Of the

Water tank has an inlet 107 and an outlet 109. The inlet 107 and the outlet 109 are adjacent to each other in an upper portion of the water tank 103 and are connected to tubing 1 13 and 1 17. Through the inlet hose 1 13, the drinking water is supplied to the water tank 103. Through the outlet hose 1 17, the drinking water is discharged from the water tank 103. The inlet hose 1 13 connects the

Inlet 107 of the water tank 103 with a water supply and the outlet hose 1 17 connects the outlet 109 of the water tank 103 with an output unit.

3 shows a view of the water tank 103 with different cross-sectional views. The water tank 103 comprises a water channel 105, which meanders between the

Inlet 107 and the outlet 109 extends and has the largest possible meandering radii 151. The cross section of the water channel has a round or elliptical shape. Along its course, the water channel 105 has substantially the same dimensions. This improves the flow through the water tank 103 and minimizes potential sites for germination.

In the region of the transitions 149 between the water channel 105 and the inlet 107 or the outlet 109, the cross section changes in shape and dimensions. The

Hose lines 13 and 17 are connected to the inlet 107 and the outlet 109 of the

Water tank 103 insoluble and waterproof connected. This connection is realized primarily by a cohesive connection such as welding or thermal pressing. Through this connection, the connection points of the hoses 1 13 and 1 17 to the water tank 103 are particularly protected against leakage. Fig. 4 shows an enlarged view of the water tank 103. The water tank 103 is provided in the upper or other physically favorable area with one or more venting channels 121, so that those channel areas, which in the

Filling the water tank 103 would include air to be vented through the vent passage 121.

The residual air is passed through the vent channel 121 to the outlet 109 and discharged there via the outlet from the water tank 103. The venting channel 121 is dimensioned and positioned such that the drinking water flowing into the water tank 103 is not conducted through the venting channel 121 to the outlet 109. For this purpose, the venting channel 121 includes additional bottlenecks 123, which prevent the feared of drinking water.

An inlet vent passage 157 is formed between the inlet 107 and the outlet 109. To the unwanted flow of uncooled drinking water through the

To prevent inlet vent passage 157, the inlet tube 1 13 is inserted by a certain length in the interior of the water tank 103. The tube portion 153 of the inserted inlet tube 1 17 is located at a convenient distance from the inlet ventilation channel 121 and directs the filled drinking water at the

Inlet vent passage 157 over, so that a passage of drinking water is prevented.

A conveniently designed and positioned vent passage 121, the bottlenecks 123, the inlet vent passage 157 and the inserted into the water tank 103 inlet hose 1 13 contribute significantly to a more effective output of cooled drinking water and prevent mixing of hot and cold drinking water.

5 shows the water tank 103 in plan view and in cross-sectional view and an enlarged cross-sectional view through the bottlenecks 123-4 and 123-5. The water tank 103 includes the meandering water channel 105 for storing the drinking water. The vent passage 121 serves to vent the meandering water passage 105. For this purpose, the vent passage 121 connects the upper bends 147 of the meandering shape, so that air which has accumulated in these bends 147 can be discharged.

In order to prevent passage of drinking water through the vent channel 121, 123-1, 123-2, 123-3 and 124-4 are formed in this bottlenecks, through which the air can flow and which for water due to the higher viscosity a large flow resistance form. The bottlenecks 123-1, 123-2 and 123-3 are each between two arcs 147 of the meandering shape. The constriction 123-4 of the venting channel 121 is in one

Outlet region 155 of the water channel 105 arranged.

The vent passage 121 is connected to the outlet portion 155 of the water passage 105, so that air can be discharged together with the discharge of drinking water. The vent passage 121 connects the sheets 147 in a straight line and is inclined from the horizontal, so that air in the vent passage 121 is directed upward.

As a result, an accumulation of air in the vent passage 121 can be prevented. The bottlenecks 123-1, 123-2, 123-3, 123-4 are slit-shaped in cross-section. The slot-shaped bottlenecks 123-1, 123-2, 123-3, 123-4 can be produced in a particularly simple manner in the production of the water tank 103, for example by the venting channel 121 of the water tank 103 produced by blow molding in a further processing step by means of a special tool squeezed on both sides. By this processing step bottlenecks 123-1, 123- 2, 123-3, 123-4 are formed, which extend in a slot shape from an upper side of the venting channel 121 to an underside of the venting channel 121.

However, in another embodiment, the bottlenecks 123 may have a different shape and be disposed within the vent passage 121 at a different location. For example, it is advantageous to form the bottlenecks 123-1, 123-2, 123-3, 123-4 in the region of an upper wall of the venting channel 121, so that primarily air at the top passes through the bottlenecks 123-1, 123-2, 123-3, 123-4 passes. Between the adjacent inlet 107 of the water channel 105 and the outlet 109 of the water channel 105, there is an inlet venting channel 157 for venting the inlet 107. In the inlet venting channel 157, another constriction 123-5 for preventing passage of drinking water through the inlet venting channel 157 is formed.

Fig. 6 shows a view of a door 127 of the refrigeration device 100 in conjunction with the

Water tank 103. The water tank 103 is placed in the door 127 of the refrigerator 100. For this purpose, the door 127 of the refrigeration device 100 has a corresponding wall recess 129, in which at the bottom holding projections 135 for fixing a lower edge 137 of the

Water tanks 103 are formed. The water tank 103 becomes a wall recess 129 used, so that the lower edge 137 of the water tank 103 is located behind the retaining projections 135.

Subsequently, the water tank 103 is fastened via a centrally disposed attachment opening 125 for fastening the water tank 103 in an upper region of the wall recess 129. This is done by means of an inserted into the mounting hole 125

Mounting screw 139, with which the water tank 103 is screwed in the upper area with the door 127.

The hose lines 1 13 and 1 17 of the water tank 103 are led to bushings in an inner door 133 and passed through the foamed in the door 127 of the refrigerator 100 empty tubes to the output unit and the water supply. By the

foamed conduits remain the water tank 103 and the hose lines 1 13 and 1 17 disassembled if necessary. After insertion and screwing of the water tank 103, a cover 131 is placed, which covers the water tank 103 inserted into the wall depression 129 and forms a flat surface with the remaining wall of the door 127. For this purpose, the cover 131 or the wall depression 129 may comprise corresponding latching means, so that the cover 131 can be plugged onto the wall recess 129.

Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional view through the door 127 of the refrigeration device 100th Die

Attachment of the water tank 103 is designed so that the lower edge 137 is inserted or inserted in the lower region of the water tank 103 behind a holding projection 135 in the inner door 133 and is then fixed with a fixing screw 139 in the upper, middle region.

The lower edge 137 of the water tank 103 is formed by a tank portion 159 protruding on an underside of the water tank 103. This tank section 159 is offset in the direction of the wall depression 129, so that the lower edge 137 of the water tank 103 can be inserted behind the retaining projection 135 in a simple manner.

The holding projection 135 is formed, for example, by an undercut in an inner wall of the refrigeration device 100. The retaining projection 135 may be formed in the wall recess 129 such that it extends over the entire width of the lower edge 137 of the water tank 103. The wall depression 129 receives the water tank 103 in such a way that it does not

Projection over the surface 141 of the inner door 133 has. The residual insulation thickness 143 of the door 127 of the refrigeration device 100 is dimensioned so that the insulation function of the door 127 is not adversely affected. In order to compensate for a game of water tank 103 can also between the

Holding projection 135 and the water tank 103 a not-shown, elastic

Damping element may be arranged, which is compressed when inserting the water tank 103 in the wall recess 129 and absorbs vibrations. For example, the damping element may be glued to the lower edge 137 of the water tank 103, so that it is installed simultaneously with the insertion of the water tank 103 ..

Fig. 8 shows a plan view of the door 127 of the refrigeration device 100. The connecting pieces 1 1 1 and 1 15 of the hose lines 1 13 and 1 17 are arranged at a convenient distance from the bushings in the inner door 133. This arrangement provides a favorable condition for easy installation of the water tank 103 and the hose lines 1 13 and 1 17.

Thus, the water tank 103 can be fixed in the inner door 133 and the hose lines 1 13 and 1 17 can be inserted without kinks in the bushings in the inner door 133 and in the foamed conduits 145. In addition, this space for accommodating an excess length of the hose lines 1 13 and 1 17 created. These

Overlength can be used for the tolerance compensation when laying the hose lines 1 13 and 1 17 and in the assembly of connection components to the hose lines 1 13 and 1 17.

In another embodiment, the water tank 103 may be configured such that the water tank 103 does not need a cover 131 in terms of function and appearance. For this purpose, the cooling chamber facing side of the water tank 103 may be designed accordingly. The water tank 103 may have a flat outside in this case.

In a further embodiment, the attachment of the water tank 103 may be designed so that it is completely or partially via the cover 131, for example by the cover 131 comprises locking means which engage in the inner door 133. For example, the water tank 103 is made as flat as possible, so that installation in a door 127 of the refrigeration device 100 is made possible. In addition, the water tank 103 is easily mounted in a door 127 of the refrigeration device 100 and interchangeable in a service case. By firmly connected hose lines creates a low

Risk of leakage. By a undercut-free and corner-free course of the water channel 105 creates a small number of contamination.

If the hose lines 1 13 and 1 17 have a certain excess length, the components can be easily connected. The excess length of the hose lines 1 13 and 1 17 may be arranged in the vicinity of the water tank 103. The water tank 103 is able to cool and store a certain amount of water below a certain temperature, which can thereafter be output in a certain temperature range.

The water tank 103 may be disposed in the door without loss of space in the interior. Besides, the water tank 103 has a large surface area for effective

Heat exchange and the cooling of drinking water. By welded on

Hose lines 1 13 and 1 17 creates a slight risk of leakage at the inlet 107 and outlet 109 of the water tank 103. Uniform channel cross sections with large

Meandering radii provide better flow and avoidance of potential sites for germination. There is a simple attachment of the water tank 103 by retaining projections 135 for fixing a lower edge of the water tank 103, the specially designed bottom portion of the water tank 103 and a single

Fastening screw 139 reached. The retaining projections 135 are formed, for example, by undercuts in the inner door 133.

An exchange of the water tank 103 including the hoses 1 13 and 1 17 is made possible by a use of foamed conduits in the door 127 of the refrigerator. All features explained and shown in connection with individual embodiments of the invention may be provided in different combinations in the article according to the invention, in order to simultaneously realize their advantageous effects. The scope of the present invention is given by the claims and is not limited by the features illustrated in the specification or shown in the figures.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100 refrigeration unit

103 water tank

105 water channel

107 inlet

109 outlet

1 1 1 inlet connector

1 13 inlet hose

1 15 outlet connection piece

1 17 outlet hose

121 venting channel

123-1 - 123-5 bottleneck

125 mounting hole

127 door

129 wall recess

131 cover

133 interior door

135 retaining projection

137 lower edge

139 fixing screw

141 surface

143 residual insulation thickness

145 empty pipes

147 sheets

149 transitions

151 meandering radii

153 hose section

155 outlet area

157 inlet ventilation duct

159 tank section

Claims

1. refrigeration device (100) having a water tank (103) for drinking water, characterized in that the refrigeration device (100) inside a refrigerated compartment a wall recess (129) for inserting the water tank (103), in which a holding projection (135) for Fixing a lower edge (137) of the water tank (103) is formed.

2. Refrigerating appliance (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the wall recess (129) in a door (127) or a side wall of the refrigerating appliance (100) is formed.

3. Refrigerating appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the water tank (103) has a fastening opening (125) for fastening the

Water tank (103) in an upper region of the water tank (103).

4. Refrigerating appliance (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that the

Attachment opening (125) in the horizontal center of the water tank (103) is arranged

5. Refrigerating appliance (100) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the

Water tank (103) with an inserted into the mounting hole (125)

Fixing screw (139) is attached.

6. Refrigerating appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower edge (137) of the water tank (103) by a tank portion (159) is formed, which protrudes on an underside of the water tank (103).

7. Refrigerating appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower edge (137) of the water tank (103) is offset behind the retaining projection (135).

8. Refrigerating appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining projection (135) by an undercut in an inner wall of the

Refrigerating appliance (100) is formed.

9. Refrigerating appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining projection (135) in the wall recess (129) over the width of

Lower edge (137) of the water tank (103) extends.

10. Refrigerating appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wall recess (129) comprises a latching means for latching on an upper edge of the water tank (103).

1 1. Refrigerating appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the holding projection (135) and the water tank (103) a

Damping element is arranged.

12. Refrigerating appliance (100) according to claim 1 1, characterized in that the

Damping element is glued to the lower edge (137) of the water tank (103).

13. Refrigerating appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the refrigeration device (100) comprises a cover (131) for covering the in the wall recess (129) used water tank (103).

14. Refrigerating appliance (100) according to claim 13, characterized in that the cover (131) on the wall recess (129) can be latched.

15. Refrigerating appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the water tank (103) is a blow-molded tank.