WO2022243030A1

WO2022243030A1 - Refrigeration appliance

Info

Publication number: WO2022243030A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/061909
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas Schäfer; Benjamin Schmidt; Marcus WEHLAUCH; Claudia Weiß
Original assignee: BSH Hausgeräte GmbH
Priority date: 2021-05-18
Filing date: 2022-05-04
Publication date: 2022-11-24
Also published as: EP4341625A1; DE102021204993A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a refrigeration appliance (100), in particular a domestic refrigeration appliance, comprising: an inner container (1) which defines an interior space (10); and a separating wall assembly (2) which divides the interior space (10) into a first chamber (11) for accommodating refrigerated goods and a second chamber (12) for accommodating functional components, the separating wall assembly (2) having a cover (20) which forms a wall (11A) that delimits the first chamber (11); wherein the cover (20) of the separating wall assembly (2) has a groove (21) on a surface (20a, 20b), which groove extends peripherally around an aperture region (22) and defines a predetermined breaking point, the aperture region (22) being separable from the cover (20) by applying a force (F) thereto in a direction transverse to the surface (20a, 20b) along the groove (21) in order to form a through-opening (22A) from the first chamber (11) into the second chamber (12).

Description

refrigeration device

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to a refrigeration device, in particular a household refrigeration device such as a refrigerator, a freezer or a fridge-freezer combination.

STATE OF THE ART

Refrigeration appliances, such as freezers, usually have an inner container which defines an interior space for accommodating refrigerated goods and is cooled by an evaporator integrated into a refrigeration cycle. The interior of some devices, especially so-called no-frost devices, is separated by a partition assembly into a first chamber for accommodating the refrigerated goods and a second chamber for accommodating functional components such as the evaporator.

For example, DE 102018201 970 A1 discloses a refrigerator in which the interior of the inner container is divided by a partition assembly into a chamber for refrigerated goods and an evaporator chamber. The partition assembly is latched to the inner container by snap-in hooks which are arranged on one side of a cover of the partition assembly facing the evaporator chamber. Openings are formed in the cover in the area of the latching hooks in order to be able to release the latching hooks from the first chamber using a tool, which may be necessary, for example, in the event of service.

In various situations, for example in the service case already mentioned, it may be necessary to remove a partition assembly from the interior or to gain access to the area behind the partition assembly. In principle, this can be easily implemented via openings provided in the partition assembly. However, it is also desirable for the partition assembly to have as few openings as possible, for example to facilitate cleaning of the partition assembly and to prevent liquids from entering the second chamber as much as possible. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is one of the objects of the present invention to provide improved solutions for a partition assembly in a refrigeration device.

This object is achieved by a refrigeration device with the features of claim 1.

According to the invention, a refrigeration appliance, in particular a household refrigeration appliance, includes an inner container that defines an interior space and a partition assembly that divides the interior space into a first chamber for accommodating refrigerated goods and a second chamber for accommodating functional components. The partition assembly includes a cover forming a wall defining the first chamber, e.g., a rear wall of the first chamber. The cover of the partition assembly has a groove on one surface, which is formed circumferentially around a breakthrough area and defines a predetermined breaking point, wherein the breakthrough area can be separated from the cover by applying a force to it in a direction transverse to the surface along the groove in order to To form passage opening from the first chamber into the second chamber.

One idea on which the invention is based is to provide an area in a cover of a partition assembly that can be separated from the cover at a predetermined breaking line formed by a groove in order to gain access to an area of the interior located behind the cover. The cover is realized as a flat component, for example a plate-shaped component, which delimits the first chamber, for example together with side walls and a top wall and a bottom wall of the inner container. The area that can be separated or breakthrough area is surrounded by the groove. The groove can, for example, delimit a rectangular, circular, triangular or other polygonal or generally closed area. The groove forms an indentation in the surface of the cover, whereby the material thickness of the cover is reduced by the groove. The breakthrough area surrounded by the groove has a material or wall thickness that is greater than the wall thickness defined by the groove. If a force is applied to the area surrounded by the groove transversely or perpendicularly to the surface of the cover, e.g. with a pin- Using a tool such as a screwdriver, the material of the cover in the groove breaks, so that the breakthrough area surrounded by the groove is separated from the cover and a through hole is formed in the cover.

One advantage of the invention is that access to the second chamber from the first chamber of the interior does not require separate access holes to be provided in the cover of the partition assembly, which advantageously counteracts the penetration of liquid into the second chamber. In addition, the cleaning of the cover is made easier and the aesthetic appearance of the cover is improved.

Advantageous refinements and developments result from the dependent claims referring back to the independent claims in conjunction with the description.

According to some embodiments it can be provided that the groove defines a first wall thickness which is in a range between 5% and 30%, in particular in a range between 10% and 20% of a second wall thickness of the cover outside of the breakthrough area. The groove can thus reduce the wall thickness or wall thickness of the cover by 70% to 95%, which advantageously further facilitates the severing of the breakthrough area.

According to some embodiments it can be provided that the breakthrough area has a third wall thickness which is at least 40% of the second wall thickness of the cover outside of the breakthrough area. As already explained, the breakthrough area generally has a wall thickness which is greater than the first wall thickness defined by the groove, as a result of which the destruction of the breakthrough area itself during the application of the force is prevented. The breakthrough area itself can optionally have a reduced wall thickness compared to the wall thickness (second wall thickness) of the cover outside of the breakthrough area, so that a recess is formed on the respective surface of the cover. This can advantageously facilitate the attachment of the tool. Alternatively, the breakthrough area can have the same or even greater wall thickness than the cover outside of the breakthrough area. If the third wall thickness of the breakthrough area is equal to the second wall thickness, the flush surfaces on both sides of the groove advantageously further facilitates the cleaning. The second wall thickness can be, for example, in a range between 1.8 mm and 3.2 mm, in particular between 2 mm and 3 mm.

According to some embodiments, it can be provided that the groove is formed on a first surface of the cover facing the first chamber. Accordingly, the groove can be visible from the first chamber. This offers the advantage that the point that is to be cut out is easily recognizable. Furthermore, it can be advantageous for the manufacture of the partition wall assembly, e.g. in an injection molding process, to form the groove on the first surface.

According to some embodiments, it can be provided that the groove is formed on a second surface of the cover facing the second chamber. Accordingly, the groove may be formed on the second surface opposite to the first surface. Thus, the first surface facing the first chamber can be formed entirely without a recess or opening for accessing the area behind the cover, further facilitating cleaning of the cover and further enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the cover.

According to some embodiments, it can be provided that the groove is arranged in an edge area of the cover. In particular, the groove and thus the perforation area can be arranged in the area of a peripheral edge, e.g. in an area which faces one of the side walls of the inner container. As a result, the aesthetic impairment resulting from the cutting out of the breakthrough area is advantageously reduced.

According to some embodiments, it can be provided that the cover is made of a plastic material. For example, the cover can be manufactured in a plastic injection molding process or in an additive manufacturing process such as 3D printing. An advantage of the invention lies in the fact that the groove can be formed in a simple manner in one of these manufacturing processes.

According to some embodiments, it can be provided that the partition wall assembly has an elastic latching arm on a side facing the second chamber, which is latched with a latching contour of the inner container, and the groove in the rich of the latching arm is formed on the cover, so that the latching arm is accessible through the through-opening from the first chamber after the break-through area has been separated from the cover. The locking arm can, for example, be designed in one piece or as one part with the cover. Optionally, the locking arm can be locked with a locking contour formed on a side wall of the inner container, such as a depression or recess. The latching arm advantageously provides a simple and reliable way to releasably attach the bulkhead assembly to the inner container. By positioning the breakthrough area in the area of the locking arm, the partition assembly can be removed from the interior of the first chamber with little effort.

According to some embodiments, it can be provided that an evaporator is accommodated in the second chamber in order to extract heat from the first chamber. The evaporator can, for example, be integrated into a refrigerant circuit, which is set up to give off the heat absorbed by the evaporator from the first chamber to the environment, in particular with the help of a condenser.

According to some embodiments, it can be provided that a fan is additionally accommodated in the second chamber, the cover having a first recess and a second recess arranged at a distance therefrom, the fan being arranged in such a way that an air flow through the first recess to draw in air from the first chamber, to pass over the evaporator and expel through the second cavity into the first chamber, or to draw in air flow through the second cavity from the first chamber, to pass over the evaporator and expel through the first cavity to the first chamber . Accordingly, the refrigeration device can be implemented as a no-frost device, for example. In this case, at least recesses are provided on the cover to allow air to circulate between the first and second chambers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is explained below with reference to the figures of the drawings. From the figures show: Fig. 1 is a perspective front view of a refrigeration device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic sectional view of a refrigeration device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; FIG.

FIG. 3 shows a fragmentary detailed view of the area from FIG. 1 marked by the letter Z; FIG.

4 shows a fragmentary sectional view of a partition assembly of a refrigeration device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention in the area of a breakthrough area of a cover, the partition assembly being mounted on an inner container of the refrigeration device;

5 shows a perspective partial sectional view of a cover of a partition assembly of a refrigeration device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention in the area of the opening area;

6 shows a partial sectional view of a cover of a partition assembly of a refrigeration appliance according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention in the area of the breakthrough area, with a tool acting on the breakthrough area also being shown.

FIG. 7 shows the cover from FIG. 6, the breakthrough area having been separated out of the cover; FIG.

8 shows a partial sectional view of a cover of a partition assembly of a refrigeration device according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention in the area of the opening area.

In the figures, the same reference symbols designate identical or functionally identical components, unless otherwise stated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Fig. 1 shows an example of a front view of a refrigeration device 100. In Fig. 2, a sectional view of the refrigeration device 100 is shown in a simplified, schematic manner. As in Figs. 1 and 2, the refrigeration device 100 has an inner container 1 and a partition assembly 2 . As shown schematically in FIG. 2, a vaporizer 3 and optionally a fan 4 can also be provided.

The inner container 1 can in particular be a plastic container which is optionally surrounded by an insulating material (not shown). As in Figs. 1 and 2, the inner container 1 defines an interior space 10 which, for example, is essentially cuboid. In particular, the inner container 1 can have a rear wall 10A, a bottom wall 10B extending transversely to the rear wall 10A, a top wall 10C extending transversely to the rear wall 10A and spaced apart from the bottom wall 10B, and two opposing ones between the bottom and top walls 10B, 10C having extending side walls 10D, 10E as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 is shown purely by way of example. The walls 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D together define or delimit the interior space 10.

The partition assembly 2 is only shown schematically in FIG. 2 and has a cover 20 and optionally one or more latching arms 26 (FIG. 4). As shown schematically in Fig. 2, the partition assembly 2 is arranged in the interior 10 of the inner compartment 1 and divides the interior 10 into a first chamber 11 for accommodating refrigerated goods, such as food, beverages, medicines or the like, and a second chamber 12 for Inclusion of functional components. As shown by way of example in FIG. 2, the partition assembly 2 can extend from the bottom wall 10B to the top wall 10C of the inner container 1. However, the invention is not limited to such a configuration. Alternatively, it is also conceivable, for example, for the partition assembly to end at a distance from the bottom wall 10B and/or the top wall 10C of the inner container 1 .

The cover 20 is realized as a flat extending component, for example made of a plastic material, and forms a wall delimiting the first chamber 11, for example a rear wall 11A of the first chamber 11, as is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is shown schematically. The cover 20 is thus spaced from the rear wall 10A of the Inner container 1 arranged. The cover 20 generally has a first surface 20a oriented toward the first chamber 11 and a second surface 20b opposite the first surface 20a and oriented toward the second chamber 12 . The first surface 20a thus forms a visible surface of the cover 20.

As is also shown in FIG. 2, an evaporator 3 can be arranged in the second chamber 12, for example. The evaporator 3 is designed to extract heat from the first chamber 11 and can be part of a refrigerant circuit (not shown), which also includes a condenser for dissipating heat to the environment and a compressor for circulating refrigerant between the evaporator 3 and ei the United may have liquid. As shown purely schematically in FIG. 2, a fan 4 can optionally also be accommodated in the second chamber 12 . As also shown schematically in FIG. 2, the cover 20 can have a first recess 27 and a second recess 28 arranged at a distance therefrom. The second recess 28 can be formed, for example, in an edge region of the cover 20 facing the bottom wall 10B, as is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is shown purely by way of example. The first recess 27 is preferably spaced apart from the second recess 28 in such a way that the evaporator 3 can be positioned between the first and second recesses 27 , 28 . The fan 4 can be arranged, for example, in the area of the second recess 28 in the second chamber 12, as shown in FIG. 2 by way of example. In general, the optional fan 4 can be arranged to draw in an air flow through the first recess 27 from the first chamber 11 , direct it over the evaporator 3 and expel it through the second recess 28 into the first chamber 11 . Alternatively, the fan 4 can also be arranged in such a way as to suck in an air flow through the second recess 28 from the first chamber 11 , to conduct it via the evaporator 3 and to eject it through the first recess 27 into the first chamber 11 . In this case, the fan 4 can be arranged in the area of the first recess 27, for example.

As can be seen in Fig. 1 and shown enlarged in Fig. 3, the cover 20 has at least one perforation area 22 bordered by a circumferential groove 21, which is in an edge area, in particular in one facing a respective side wall 10D, 10E of the inner container 10 Edge region of the cover 20 can be ausgebil det. The Figs. 5 to 8 each show schematic sectional views of the cover 20 in the area of the breakthrough area 22. The groove 21 can be formed, for example, on the first surface 20a of the cover 20, as is shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 8 is shown schematically. Alternatively, the groove 21 can also be formed on the second surface 20b, as is shown in FIG. 8 by way of example. The groove 21 can, for example, have a rectangular cross section, as is shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 8 by way of example. However, other cross-sectional shapes are also conceivable, for example V-shaped or U-shaped. The groove 21 generally forms a depression in the respective surface 20a, 20b of the cover 20 and closes or forms a frame around the breakthrough area 22. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the groove 21 can form a rectangular frame, for example. Alternatively, other shapes are also conceivable, for example generally polygonal or circular.

The breakthrough area 22, as shown in Figs. 5, 6, and 8 as an example, designed as a discrete, flat area of the cover 20, which is surrounded by the groove 21 or delimited from the rest of the cover 20. As in Figs. 5, 6, and 8, the cover 20 has a first wall thickness t21 where the groove 21 is formed. Outside the breakthrough area 22, where the groove 21 is not formed, the cover 20 has a second wall thickness t20, which is greater than the first wall thickness t21. The second wall thickness t20 can be, for example, in a range between 1.8 mm and 3.2 mm, in particular between 2 mm and 3 mm. In the breakthrough area 22 surrounded by the groove 21, the cover 20 has a third wall thickness t22, which is also greater than the first wall thickness t21. The first wall thickness t21 can for example be in a range between 5% and 30%, in particular in a range between 10% and 20% of the second wall thickness t20 of the cover 20. The third wall thickness t22 can be at least 40% of the second wall thickness t20 of the cover 20, for example. As shown in Fig. 5 by way of example, the third wall thickness t22 can be smaller than the second wall thickness t20, for example, so that on the respective surface 20a, 20b on which the groove 21 is formed (the first surface 20a in Fig. 5), the breakthrough area 22 forms a depression 23 . In the figs. 6 and 9 shows that the second and third wall thicknesses t21, t22 are equal. In this case, the surface areas of the respective surface 20a, 20b, io on which the groove 21 is formed (the second surface 20b in Fig. 5), on both sides of the groove 21.

The groove 21 thus forms a predetermined breaking point or predetermined breaking line, along which the breakthrough area 22 can be separated from the rest of the cover 20 . 6 shows that a force F is applied in a direction transverse or perpendicular to the respective surface 20a, 20b of the cover 20 (first surface 20a in FIG. 6) using a pen-shaped tool W, e.g. a screwdriver to cause a break along the line of weakness. If the force F is sufficient for the material of the cover 20 to break in the groove 21 or at the bottom of the groove 21, the breakthrough area 22, i.e. the area surrounded by the groove 21, detaches from the rest of the cover 20 and a through hole 22A extending between the first and second surfaces 20a, 20b of the cover 20 is formed, as shown schematically in FIG. The through opening 22A thus forms an access from the first chamber 11 into the second chamber 12.

As already explained and shown schematically in FIG. 4 , the partition assembly 2 can have an optional latching arm 26 . As shown purely by way of example in FIG. However, it is also conceivable for the locking arm 26 to be formed on a further component of the partition assembly 2 which is arranged on a side of the cover 20 which faces the second chamber 12 and to which the cover 20 is fixedly or detachably connected. In general, the locking arm 26 is formed on a side of the partition assembly 2 that faces the second chamber 12 . As shown by way of example in FIG. 4, a support structure 24 can be provided which extends transversely to the cover 20 in the direction of the rear wall 10A of the inner compartment 10 and firmly connects the latching arm 26 to the cover 20.

The locking arm 26 is generally designed to be elastically deformable. As shown in FIG. 4, the latching arm 26 may include a substantially linearly extending arm portion 26A which extends at an angle from the support structure 24 toward the cover 20, an engagement portion 26B formed at the end of the arm portion 26A and extending approximately extending in a U-shape, and having an operating portion 26C protruding toward the cover 20 from the engaging portion 26B. On one averted from The actuating section 26C can have a bent nose 26D at the engagement section 26B or at an end facing the cover 20, as is shown schematically in FIG. As is further shown by way of example in FIG. 4, the inner container 1 has a latching contour 15, for example on a respective side wall 10D, 10E, with which the latching arm 26 is latched. As shown by way of example in FIG. 4, the locking contour 15 can have a bulge 15A, for example, into which the engagement structure 26B of the locking arm 26 protrudes or in which the engagement structure 26B of the locking arm 26 is received.

As also shown schematically in FIG. 4, the groove 21 or the opening area 22 of the cover 20 can be formed in the area of the locking arm 26, in particular in the edge area of the cover 20. After separating the breakthrough area 22 from the cover 20, the locking arm 26 is accessible from the first chamber 11 through the through-opening 22A. As shown schematically by dashed lines in Fig. 4, a pen-shaped tool W, such as a screwdriver, can be guided through the through-opening 22A after separating the breakthrough area 22 from the cover 20 in order to attach the actuating section 26C of the nose 26D to the to reach the locking arm 26 and to exert a force directed away from the respective side wall 10D, 10E on the actuating section 26C. As a result, the arm section 26A is elastically deformed, the engagement section 26B is moved out of the bulge 15A and the latching of the latching arm 26 and latching contour 15 is thus released.

As can be seen from the above description and the figures, the breakthrough area 22, which can be separated from the rest of the cover 20, offers the advantage that the area behind the cover, in particular the second chamber 12, can be easily made accessible, e.g. in case of service. At the same time, the number of openings provided in the cover 20 is reduced. This makes it easier to clean the cover 20 and reduces the risk of liquids getting from the first chamber 11 into the second chamber 12 .

Although the present invention has been explained above using exemplary embodiments as an example, it is not limited to them, but can be modified in many ways. In particular, combinations of the above exemplary embodiments are also conceivable. REFERENCE MARKS

1 inner container

2 bulkhead assembly

3 evaporators

4 fan

10 interior

10A rear panel

10B bottom wall

10C top wall

10D,E side walls

11 first chamber

11A rear panel

12 second chamber

15 locking contour

15A bulge

20 cover

20a, 20b surfaces of the cover

21 slots

22 breakthrough area

22A through hole

23 deepening

24 support structure

26 locking arm

26A arm section

26B engagement portion

26C operation section

26D nose

27 first recess

28 second recess

F force

W tool

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. Refrigeration appliance (100), in particular household refrigeration appliance, with: an inner container (1) which defines an interior space (10); and a partition assembly (2) which divides the interior (10) into a first chamber (11) for accommodating refrigerated goods and a second chamber (12) for accommodating functional components, the partition assembly (2) having a cover (20) which forms a wall (11A) delimiting the first chamber (11); characterized in that the cover (20) of the partition assembly (2) has a groove (21) on one surface (20a, 20b), which is formed circumferentially around a breakthrough area (22) and defines a predetermined breaking point, the breakthrough area (22 ) is separable from the cover (20) by applying a force (F) thereto in a direction transverse to the surface (20a, 20b) along the groove (21) to form a through-opening (22k) from the first chamber (11) in to form the second chamber (12).

2. Refrigeration appliance (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the groove (21) defines a first wall thickness (t21) which is in a range between 5% and 30%, in particular in a range between 10% and 20% of a second Wall thickness (t20) of the cover (20) outside of the breakthrough area (22).

3. Refrigeration appliance (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that the breakthrough area (22) has a third wall thickness (t22) which is at least 40% of the second wall thickness (t20) of the cover (20) outside the breakthrough area (22) amounts to.

4. Refrigeration appliance (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the groove (21) on one of the first chamber (11) facing the first surface (20a) of the cover (20) is formed.

5. Refrigeration appliance (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the groove (21) on one of the second chamber (12) facing the second surface (20b) of the cover (20) is formed.

6. Refrigerating appliance (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the groove (21) is arranged in an edge region of the cover (20).

7. Refrigeration appliance (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (20) is made of a plastic material.

8. Refrigeration device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the partition assembly (2) on one of the second chamber (12) facing side has an elastic locking arm (26) which with a locking contour (15) of the inner container ( 1) is latched, and the groove (21) is formed in the region of the latching arm (26) on the cover (20), so that the latching arm (26) after separating the breakthrough region (22) from the cover (20) from the first chamber (11) is accessible through the through-opening (22k).

9. Refrigeration appliance (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the second chamber (12) an evaporator (3) is accommodated in order to extract heat from the first chamber (11).

10. Refrigerating appliance (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that in the second chamber (12) a fan (4) is additionally accommodated, the cover (20) having a first recess (27) and a second recess arranged spaced therefrom (28), wherein the fan (4) is arranged in such a way as to draw in an air flow through the first recess (27) from the first chamber (11), direct it over the evaporator (3) and through the second recess (28) eject into the first chamber (11) or to draw in an air flow through the second recess (28) from the first chamber (11), over the Ver evaporator (3) and through the first recess (27) into the first chamber

(11) to expel.