CN102232171B - Refrigeration appliance, and positioning element for an elongate component - Google Patents

Abstract

A refrigerating appliance (KG), in particular a domestic refrigerating appliance, comprising at least one housing part (IB), at least one elongated part (LB) positioned relative to said housing part in a predefined position by means of a positioning element (LPE). at a mounting distance (HO) of , assembled with an inner ring element (RE) having a plurality of support tabs (LA1 to LAn) positioned around the outer circumference of the ring element , protruding freely outwards, and each supporting fin is configured to be elastic.

Description

Refrigeration appliances and positioning elements for slender parts

technical field

The invention relates to a refrigeration appliance, in particular a domestic refrigeration appliance, having at least one housing part, relative to which at least one elongate part is arranged at a predefined mounting distance by means of a positioning element. the

For example, in the manufacture of refrigerating appliances, especially domestic refrigerating appliances such as refrigerators, freezers or combined refrigerator/freezer units, one or more elongated parts such as pipes or lines, wires and/or cables etc. Fitted to one or more wall sections, such as the rear and/or side panels of the inner container of a refrigeration appliance. Such an inner container is in particular deep-drawn from plastic. Such an inner container pre-assembled in this way with various built-in and/or mounted components is assembled with one or more externally mounted cladding parts such as side panel parts, rear panels, packing parts, etc., To form hollow parts or hollow bodies. Cardboard panels, plastic panels, etc. can be used for this purpose. The inner container is thus surrounded on the outside by the outer container or outer casing with predetermined gaps or gaps, while forming a hollow body. At the same time, the outer housing is placed on the outer side of the outer container of the refrigerating appliance. the

In practice, during the pre-assembly of the inner container with one or more built-in and/or installed components, said components are usually connected to the corresponding side panels and/or especially the rear of the inner container by means of double-sided adhesive tape. panel. At the same time, for example in the case of several installed and/or built-in components such as the suction line from the evaporator of the refrigeration circuit to the compressor, one or more especially made of foam material, preferably polyurethane, polyethylene, etc. Supports or spacers are used so that the corresponding mounted and/or built-in components are arranged above a certain height in the hollow body, that is to say with a free space above the outer surface of the corresponding inner container and at a distance from the corresponding The outer cladding part is a maintainable distance. The purpose of this is to enclose the surroundings of these built-in and/or installed components with the insulating material filling the hollow body. For this purpose, preferably a polymer material, especially a polyurethane or synthetic resin material, is sprayed under pressure into the hollow space of the hollow body, for example together with compressed air and/or another gaseous propellant, and is expanded therein by the pressure of the gaseous propellant. The gaseous propellant is also produced in the form of one or more substances mixed, if necessary, by a chemical reaction, with a liquid precursor of the insulating material. The expansion of the insulating material ensures that the polymer material or synthetic resin material forms an insulating foam, wherein said insulating foam expands into the entire hollow space of the corresponding hollow body, right into the farthest corners and finally substantially completely fills all Describe the hollow space. After setting and curing of the insulating foam, a sealed insulating foam layer is formed in the entire hollow space of the corresponding hollow body, in which one or more built-in and/or installed components to be insulated are enclosed. the

Hitherto, depending on the desired spacing, rigid, that is to say specially adapted, bearings with different thicknesses have been placed under a component which has to have a corresponding inner panel and/or The corresponding outer panels of the outer container are positioned spatially or interstitially. The rigid support or the fixed spacer is preferably fixed to the outer surface of the inner container with double-sided adhesive tape. Here, the components placed on the support are usually fixed in position partly relative to the support part and partly relative to the outer surface of the inner container by means of a double-sided adhesive tape. Depending on the installation position and especially the thickness of the respective components positioned at the desired height, a specific thickness adjustment and installation of a suitably adapted support is too expensive and tedious in practice. In particular, the additional bonding of such rigid supports requires additional material costs and time, which is undesirable for efficient refrigeration appliance production. the

In addition to this first hollow body between the inner container of the refrigeration appliance and the at least one outer container, the door of the refrigeration appliance generally comprises a hollow body as the refrigeration appliance or as an additional housing part of the refrigeration appliance. The same design principles that apply to the inner container also apply here to the insertion of mounted and/or built-in components. the

Utility model document DE 20 2006 007 921 U1 discloses a refrigerator and/or freezer comprising a refrigerant circuit with capillaries which can be held in a predetermined position by at least one capillary holder. the

Patent publication EP 0 616 159 A1 discloses a spacer. the

Patent publication DE 10 129 354 A1 discloses a device for coaxially retaining an inner tube within an outer tube. the

The object of the present invention is to demonstrate a method whereby at least one elongated part can be positioned more easily on at least one housing part during the manufacturing process in a refrigeration appliance, in particular a domestic refrigeration appliance. This object is achieved in a refrigerating appliance of the type mentioned in the background art, in particular a domestic refrigerating appliance, in that the inner ring element, which is provided as a positioning element, has a plurality of support fins which surround the ring element Peripherally disposed, free to protrude outwardly, and each support tab is configured to be resilient. the

Since the positioning element of the invention has elastically freely outwardly projecting tabs arranged around the outer periphery of its inner ring element, said positioning element is advantageously inherently flexible, that is to say compliant. For example, the positioning element can be configured as a general-purpose spacer for varying installation situations, such as layers of insulating material of different wall thicknesses or elongated parts to be positioned of different net weights. On the one hand, thanks to the elastic support fins, the positioning element according to the invention can be mounted with great stability at and/or on at least one housing part of a refrigeration appliance according to the invention, in particular a domestic refrigeration appliance, in order to position elongated part. On the other hand, the elastic bearing tabs of the positioning element according to the invention ensure to a large extent the contact forces that occur when, for example, foam filling the hollow body between the housing part and the separate coating part of the refrigeration appliance according to the invention is filled with insulating material. Can be absorbed so that undue contact pressure or indentations by the inventive positioning element at and/or on the housing part and/or the outer covering part can be substantially avoided. Due to the freely outwardly protruding elastic bearing tabs of the positioning element according to the invention, the positioning element according to the invention can, for example, be automatically adjusted to different installation situations, eg thermal insulation materials of different wall thicknesses. At the same time, this facilitates reliable positioning of the respective elongated part to be positioned. Due to the freely outwardly protruding support fins of the positioning element around the outer circumference of the inner ring element, the positioning element additionally has a substantially open-form structure, which ensures proper distribution of the liquid precursor of the insulating material during the corresponding foam generation. bubble stream. Thus, after the curing process, the structure of the positioning element of the invention is penetrated by the cured thermal insulation material and forms a composite structure. the

In addition, by means of the positioning element of the invention, elongated parts of various types, such as pipes, lines of different sizes, especially of different outer diameters, can be reliably positioned at a desired height from the housing part and prepared for A foam generation process utilizing a liquid precursor of an insulating material. The positioning element of the invention thus allows simplification of the assembly process while allowing higher manufacturing reliability. Additional bonding of the inventive positioning element is no longer required. The positioning element of the invention is used flexibly. Different elongate components such as tubes, wires of different diameters of compressors of a refrigeration circuit can thus be positioned reliably. Furthermore, the positioning element allows wall thickness compensation due to the flexibility of the support tabs of the positioning element. In general, the positioning element of the invention thus allows compensating for errors in the wall thickness of the layer of insulating material due to its flexibility and the concomitant compressibility thereof. the

According to a useful variant of the invention, each support fin has a sheet-like geometry. Thus, the support tabs have a low wall thickness, thereby essentially ensuring a substantially open structure of the inner ring element, wherein around the outer circumference of said inner ring element are arranged soft support tabs protruding freely outwards. This facilitates the foam flow of the liquid precursor of the insulation material during the corresponding foam generation process. the

According to another useful variant of the invention, the longitudinal side edges of the sheet-like support fins are arranged together with the front edge of the inner ring element at the inlet side and/or outlet side of the positioning element substantially at the in a common plane. This advantageously configured positioning element thus has a simple and consistent structure, which is efficient to produce from a manufacturing point of view. the

Advantageously, the positioning element can be configured in the form of a flat disk, in particular like the impeller blades. If the disk structure is edge mounted on the housing part and is supported relative to the housing part by one or more freely outwardly protruding support fins, this disk structure advantageously enables the corresponding parts to be positioned within the ring element. Positioned at the desired height from the respective housing part. the

Typically, support fins are provided as substantially helical arm sections around the outer circumference of said inner ring element. The support tabs thus have a curved shape, so that contact pressure or even indentations in and/or on the housing part due to the corresponding support tab seated on the housing part are substantially avoided. Due to the helical arm sections of the support fins, the support fins themselves have flexibility and spring return capability, which is useful over a wide range of practical conditions. the

According to another useful variant of the invention, said support tabs are bent circumferentially about said ring element, so that in the unloaded closed position of said positioning element, the freely protruding parts of said support tabs The front end lies substantially on an imaginary arc concentric with said ring element. In such a rotationally symmetrical design, in particular no special installation position has to be considered. In fact, such a positioning element can be rotated in any circumferential direction and nevertheless retains its ability to position the elongated part in a defined orientation, in particular with a defined play relative to the corresponding housing part and at the same time elastically supported . the

Usually, the support tabs are arranged on the outer circumference of the ring element substantially with the same curvature direction, in particular with the same concave curvature direction and/or with the same curvature radius. This therefore provides a further standardized structure of the elastic support tabs around the periphery of the ring element. the

In particular, it is useful that, in the unloaded closed state of the positioning element, the freely protruding end section of the corresponding support tab is suspended with a predetermined clearance from the immediately adjacent support in the circumferential direction of the ring element. The wing along the foot section of the immediately adjacent support wing, in particular approximately up to the region of its midpoint. Therefore, if the advantageously configured positioning element bears the outer radial force, the support fins can support each other. the

According to another useful variant of the invention, said support fins are placed around the outer circumference of said ring element and arranged so that when said positioning element is mounted on said housing part in the seating area, if the outer radial When an inwardly acting contact force is applied to the positioning element, at least two adjacent support tabs can contact each other and support each other in an elastic manner. the

When loading the elongated part on the positioning element, it is particularly advantageous if the inner ring element is formed by at least one first circular arc-shaped band element and at least one second circular arc-shaped band element, wherein the at least one first circular arc The shaped band element and the at least one second arc-shaped band element are connected to and disconnected from each other by means of a hinge, in particular a film hinge. the

Usually, the first strap element and the second strap element can be locked to each other by means of one or more locking means at their freely protruding front end sections facing away from the hinge, overlapping in an overlapping region, In particular, they overlap in a variable manner with respect to their overlapping length. Thus, the inner diameter of the ring element can be flexibly adjusted for one or more elongated parts to be positioned of different outer diameters. the

In particular, it is useful that, in the closed position of the ring element, the second rounded strap element has a smaller bending radius than the first strap element, so that the free extension of the first rounded strap element The protruding front end section rests substantially concentrically on the freely protruding front end section of the second belt element. Thus, a substantially rotationally symmetrical, in particular substantially cylindrical, structure can be provided to the ring element. the

According to an advantageous variant, in the case of the positioning element according to the invention, at the periphery of the freely protruding front end section of the second arc-shaped strip element, the arc-shaped outer band can be placed along the secant line On the outwardly protruding web of the outer band, by forming a positioning gap, the outer band substantially concentrically surrounds the front end section of the second band element. Thus, in order to close the two arcuate belt elements, the freely protruding front end section of the second arcuate belt element can be inserted into the positioning gap in a simple and reliable manner. Insertion guides are provided for the front end sections of the two arcuate belt elements. the

Usually, a plurality of grooves are provided as locking means on the upper side of the first circular-arc-shaped belt element along the freely projecting front end section of the first circular-arc-shaped belt element, in the inner ring element (RE ) in the closed position, complementary grooves on the inner side of the freely protruding end section of the outer band engage into the plurality of grooves. This provides a quick-lock connection, whereby the inner diameter of the ring element can be adjusted in a variable and flexible manner for corresponding elongated parts of different outer diameters, so that it can fit properly within the annular, especially arc-shaped passage of the ring element. Hold or lock the part. the

In particular, it is advantageous if one or more support tabs shortened with respect to the support tabs on the periphery of the first and second arcuate belt elements are provided on the upper side of the outer band, if required , so that the free ends of all support tabs lie concentrically around said inner ring element substantially on said same imaginary circular arc. Thus, a substantially rotationally symmetrical structure can be provided to the positioning element, so that it can be rotated in any circumferential direction and still maintain its bearing function. During mounting on the housing part, it is therefore not necessary to rotate the rotationally symmetrical positioning element into a rather specific position. the

It is sufficient, if applicable, that the respective elongate part is clamped, in particular centrally, within the inner ring element by the inner edges of the two arcuate belt elements. In particular, for clamping elongated parts, it is advantageous if one or more clamping elements, in particular clamping webs or clamping strips, are additionally attached to the inner edge of the first and/or second belt element disposed in the open inner space of the inner ring element. Accordingly, corresponding elongated parts can be clamped with a more adjustable, higher clamping force. In this case, the respective elongated part may usefully be fitted such that, in the closed position of the inner ring element, the respective clamping element extends between the two strap elements as far as the hinge. In particular, a substantially rectilinearly extending clamping web is provided at the freely protruding front end section of the second arcuate belt element, the substantially rectilinearly extending The clamping web extends along a part of the secant, in particular along a part of the secant passing through the center of the circle, relative to the circular arc of the second belt element in the direction of the hinge. In the closed position of the inner ring element, the rectilinearly extending elongated member is clamped between the clamping web and the inner wall of the first arcuate belt element. the

Optionally, if applicable, it is useful to provide inwardly protruding clips on the end sections of the first and second rounded strap elements, respectively, facing the hinge. webs, such that in the closed position of the inner ring element, the two clamping webs extend substantially parallel to a secant passing through the center of the circle over the overlapping region of the free ends of the two belt elements, and The respective longitudinally extending part is clamped between the two clamping webs. the

In particular, at least one inner container with at least one refrigerated compartment and/or refrigerated compartment; at least one outer cladding part and/or outer container is provided as a shell part. Usually, a hollow body filled with a heat insulating material is arranged between the inner container and the outer cladding part and/or the outer container. Advantageously, the positioning element is such that at least one elongated part held in its inner ring element can be embedded in the insulating material of said hollow body, while in the inner ring element of said positioning element holds at least one elongated part. member, so that the elongated member is placed at a desired distance from the housing part in its clamped position. For this purpose, the positioning element is usually mounted along an edge, so that it is elastically supported on the housing part by means of at least one bearing tab. the

Advantageously, a synthetic material, in particular a soft elastic synthetic material, can be used for the positioning element. Therefore, it is easy to manufacture in an injection molding process. the

The invention also relates to a positioning element for positioning an elongated part at a predetermined installation distance relative to a housing part of a refrigeration appliance, in particular a domestic refrigeration appliance, characterized in that the positioning element has an inner ring element, the inner ring element has a plurality of support tabs disposed around the periphery of the ring element, free to protrude outwardly and each support tab is arranged to be elastic. the

Other variants of the invention are described in the claims. the

Description of drawings

The present invention and its modifications are described in detail with the aid of the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a positioning element according to the present invention, wherein said positioning element is in an assembled state for positioning an elongated part of a refrigeration appliance of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a schematic top view of the positioning element of Figure 1, wherein said positioning element is in an open pre-assembled state for insertion into the elongated part of Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a schematic side view of the positioning element of Figure 1 in a closed assembled state applying an external contact force caused, for example, by the foam generation process of the insulating material;

Fig. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of an inner container of a refrigerating appliance according to the invention seen from the rear during the manufacturing process, wherein a plurality of positioning elements according to Figs. 1 to 3 are used for positioning the elongated part, wherein the The elongated part is embedded within the insulation during the subsequent foam generation process;

Figure 5 shows a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the inner container of Figure 4 after the manufacture of the thermal insulation layer, wherein a plurality of positioning elements of Figures 1 to 3 and elongated parts held firmly therein are embedded;

Figure 6 shows a schematic top view of an exemplary embodiment of a positioning element of the invention modified compared to Figures 1 to 3; and

FIG. 7 shows a schematic side view of the positioning element of FIG. 6 in the closed state. the

Detailed ways

All elements with the same function and mode of operation are provided with the same reference numerals in FIGS. 1 to 7 . the

FIG. 4 shows a rear schematic perspective view of an inner container IB for a refrigeration appliance KG, in particular a domestic refrigeration appliance such as a refrigerator, freezer or combined refrigerator/freezer unit. Here, in the exemplary embodiment, the inner container is positioned horizontally with respect to its longitudinal length for the installation of the inner container or its line fitting with different components, such as the refrigeration circuit of the refrigeration appliance KG. As a separate inner part, the inner container IB has a refrigerated compartment KF and a refrigerated compartment GF, which are arranged adjacent to each other. In order to coat the outer walls of the inner container IB, i.e. the rear panel, side panels, bottom and top, with a layer of insulating material, one or more cladding portions of the outer container have a predetermined gap from the rear panel and/or other side panels of the inner container ground placement. Thus, a hollow body HK1 is formed between the outer panel of the inner container IB and one or more outer cladding parts arranged at a predetermined distance. the

In longitudinal section, FIG. 5 shows the inner container of FIG. 4 , in this case fitted with a cladding VT1 . Before this coating VT1 is placed around the outer panel of the inner container IB, on the one hand the openings or through-openings in the inner container provided for the subsequent insertion of components of the refrigeration appliance KG are sealed by means of the covering means. For example, in FIG. 1 , slot-type openings OF101 to OF103 are provided in both side panels of the refrigerating compartment KF. These slot-shaped openings are used for the subsequent retention of the mounting plate in the refrigerated compartment KF. On the other hand, a plurality of additional mounted and/or built-in components are fitted to the rear panel RW and/or one or more side panels, lower, top or front panel. the

Here, in the exemplary embodiment, the plurality of pipelines are routed as elongate members or units along the entire length or part of the length of the rear panel RW of the inner vessel IB. If desired, said pipeline can also extend partly or entirely within at least one side panel of the underside or top side of the inner container. These lines are formed in particular by the suction, pressure or heating lines of the refrigeration circuit of the refrigeration appliance KG. The refrigeration circuit has at least one compressor CO. In this case, said compressor is housed in a base subassembly BG on the underside of the inner vessel IB. In the exemplary embodiment, a first combined suction and/or pressure pipe VL1, in particular a suction pipe with a throttling pipe, is routed through the compressor of the base subassembly BG through the rear panel RW of the inner vessel IB as an evaporator organ tube. Accordingly, the second evaporator tube VL2 lies flat at this point. If desired, one or more heating tubes of the compressor circuit can be tiled to the door-side front of the inner vessel IB along part of the rear panel, the side panels, or if necessary also along the front panel of the inner vessel IB, thereby preventing Undesired moisture exposure during operation of refrigeration appliances. The first evaporator tube VL1 is positioned at a desired height HO1 above the rear panel RW of the inner vessel IB by means of a plurality of positioning elements LP11, LP12. Accordingly, the second evaporator tube VL2 is held at a distance or with a gap HO2 from the rear panel of the inner container IB by means of a plurality of positioning elements LP21 , LP22 . Here, one or more positioning elements are distributed over the entire length of the respective evaporator tube. At the underside of the inner container IB, the two evaporator tubes VL1 , VL2 are held in groups at a distance from the underside of the inner container IB by means of a common positioning element LP2 . the

Additionally, the supply lines or cables CA are laid along the side panels of the inner container IB as seen from the front in FIG. 4 . This power supply wire or cable is used to supply power to the base subassembly BG. The supply cable CA is held with vertical clearance from the side panels of the inner container IB by means of the positioning element LP3. The purpose of one or more positioning elements for the respective pipelines and/or supply lines is to hold these different elongate members with different outer diameters at a predetermined minimum vertical clearance from the respective outer surface of the inner vessel IB and There is a clearance, ie a definite distance, from the outer covering portion VT1 of the hollow body HK1. By means of these positioning elements, the respective elongated part is positioned within the hollow body HK1 such that the elongated part is substantially prevented from sitting against or touching the panel part and/or the outer cladding part VT1 of the inner container IB. If, after the elongated parts such as VL1, VL2, CA are laid and fixed in place, for example the hollow body HK1 is filled with a liquid precursor of the insulation material IM and after the foam generation process of the insulation material the hollow body HK1 is substantially completely filled with this liquid precursor body, the elongate members such as VL1, VL2, CA are substantially surrounded by solidified insulating material IM. Thus, undesired heat transfer to and/or from the elongate members is substantially reliably avoided. Due to the overall encapsulation or coating of the insulating material IM, for example, it is possible to prevent the suction pipes VL1, VL2 from sitting on the panel part of the inner tank IB, which could otherwise lead to undesired frosting. Contact between the respective evaporator tube, in particular the suction tube, and the outer cladding or outer container VT1 is thus prevented, which could otherwise lead to undesired moisture accumulation on the evaporator tube, in particular the suction tube. Furthermore, wrapping the corresponding evaporator tubes with thermal insulation increases the energy efficiency in the refrigeration circuit. Because the supply lines for the compressor or the control electronics in the base subassembly BG or the measurement lines for the temperature sensors in or on the inner container are for example via one or more positioning elements during the foaming process of the insulation material Being positioned inside the hollow body HK1 and after curing they are completely covered by the insulating material IM, this essentially ensures the operational reliability of the line. For example, if the measuring line from the temperature sensor to the temperature controller is covered with insulating material, an undesired transfer of temperature from the inner container or from the outer container to the measuring line is substantially prevented, which could otherwise lead to failure of the refrigeration appliance. Fault temperature setting in the inner vessel. the

In the longitudinal section of FIG. 5, for example, the suction duct VL1 extending from the evaporator back to the compressor CO is maintained at a definite vertical distance or clearance HO1 from the wall of the inner vessel IB by means of two positioning elements LP11, LP12. And a clear gap HO2 is maintained from the wall portion of the outer cover portion VT1. Therefore, the suction pipe is surrounded by the heat insulating material IM. the

Even for layers of insulating material of different wall thicknesses and/or for parts to be embedded in layers of insulating material of different dimensions, in particular of different diameters, the different net weights of these parts and the various installation situations, in order to ensure that these elongated parts At a defined distance from the wall of the inner container and/or the wall or the outer coating of the outer container, the corresponding positioning element has an inner ring element, wherein on the outer circumference of the inner ring element a plurality of Freely protruding elastic support fins. FIG. 1 shows a first schematic embodiment of such a positioning element LPE in a schematic enlarged perspective view. In this first example, the positioning element has an open disk impeller-shaped configuration. The structure is arranged along the edge and sits with at least one support fin such as LKn on the support surface AF of the wall of the inner container IB. Here, the central axis MA of the positioning element LPE extends in a positioning plane substantially parallel to the bearing surface AF at a certain height HO. The inner ring element RE comprises a first rounded band element RB1 and a second rounded band element RB2 which are arranged to swing open by means of a hinge SC, in particular a film hinge, for the insertion of the elongated part LB to be held in place . Here, in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 , after the elongated part LB to be positioned has been inserted into the inner space IR of the ring element RE, the two arcuate belt elements RB1, RB2 are swung together and locked together by means of the locking means. , in particular the toothed locking mechanisms are mutually locked to each other at their front ends ST1, ST2. In particular, the second arc-shaped band RB2 has a smaller bending radius than the first arc-shaped band section RB1, so that in the closed position of the inner ring element, the free protruding parts of the first arc-shaped band section The front end ST1 is in substantially concentric contact with the freely protruding front end ST2 of the second arc-shaped band section RB2 . In the closed position of the inner ring element RE, the free ends ST1 , ST2 of the two arcuate belt elements RB1 , RB2 overlap each other. In this case, the overlapping area of the two arcuate belt elements is arranged opposite the hinge SC. In the closed position of the inner ring element RE it has a substantially cylindrical geometry. On the periphery of the free protruding front end of the second arc-shaped belt element RB2, the arc-shaped outer belt AB rests on an outwardly protruding web ST arranged along a secant, so that the inner ring element In the closed position of RE, the outer band substantially concentrically surrounds, in particular winds itself around, the front end ST1 of the first band element RB1 . Along the front end on the top side of the first circular arc-shaped belt element RB1, grooves VZ1, in particular toothed ribs, are provided, wherein the provided grooves VZ1, in particular toothed ribs, are provided by the outer belt in the closed position of the inner ring element RE. Complementarily configured grooves VZ2 , in particular toothed ribs, on the inside of the freely protruding ends of AB engage. In the closed position of the inner ring element, the inner ring element RE thus forms a circular curved closed blade. The elastic support tabs LA1 to LAN are integrally formed and are mutually offset from each other by approximately the same angle on their outer peripheries. The respective support vanes LA1 to LAN have a blade-like geometry. In this case, the support fins form helical arm segments distributed around the outer circumference of the inner ring element RE. These arm sections extend circumferentially around the ring element and are bent such that the freely protruding front ends SK1 to SKn of said arm sections lie substantially on an imaginary circular arc FAK concentric with the ring element RE (see FIG. 3 ). superior. In this case, the respective support tabs LA1 to LAn extend around the relevant peripheral section of the ring element RE. All support tabs LA1 to LAn are substantially integrally formed on the outer circumference of the ring element RE with in particular the same direction of concave curvature and the same radius of curvature. On the entry and/or exit side of the positioning element LPE for the elongated part LB, the longitudinal side edges LK1 to LKN of the blade-type support flaps LA1 to LAN are arranged substantially in a common joint with the front edge SR1 of the inner ring element RE. within the positioning plane. Accordingly, the positioning element LPE has an impeller-type disk or wheel configuration. Due to these freely outwardly protruding curved or bent elastic tabs extending along the circumferential section, the positioning element LPE inherently remains soft, that is to say elastic. Thus, contact forces F (see FIG. 3 ) acting radially on the positioning element LPE, for example during the production of the thermal insulation material IM, are substantially absorbed or damped. For example, if a contact force acts from above on a positioning element mounted along an edge during the foaming process of the insulating material, wherein said positioning element is configured to yield like a spring and absorb the contact force so that the positioning element is substantially prevented from Contact pressure on the walls of the inner and/or outer container, then due to the elastic compliance of the support fins, undue stress or even damage on the inner and/or outer container of the refrigerating appliance is substantially prevented. the

Since the elastic support tabs LA1 to LAn are configured as concavely curved sheet elements, the positioning element LPE can yield radially overall if it is subjected to a contact force F acting radially inwards. Due to the curved geometry of the support tabs, a corresponding support tab seated on the contact surface AF will be contacted at this point by a substantially flat contact surface. In this case, the greater the correspondingly generated contact force F, the greater the contact area over which the support tab sits on the support surface AF. Consequently, the resulting contact forces acting in the radial direction are substantially absorbed, so that any indentation of the contact bearing tab on and/or in the bearing surface AF of the respective wall portion is substantially prevented. the

On the top side of the outer band AB, one or more support tabs LAi, LAi+1, LAi+2 shortened relative to the support tabs LA1 to LAN are at the periphery of the first and second arcuate bands RB1, RB2 It is provided that the free ends of all support tabs LA1 to LAN, LAi, LAi+1, LAi+2 lie substantially on an imaginary circular arc FAK concentric around the ring element RE. This imaginary arc FAK is additionally indicated by a dotted line in the side view of FIG. 3 . the

In the unloaded state of FIG. 1 , the respective support tab, eg LA1 , is suspended along its foot section, eg FU2 , above the next support tab, eg LA2 , along the circumference of the ring element RE. Thus, the foot section FU1 of the first support flap LA1 is suspended by the support flap LAn preceding it in the counterclockwise direction. At the same time, there is a transverse gap FAS, that is to say a predefined interspace or space, between the respectively adjacent support fins. The overlapping or overhanging of the two successive support fins in the circumferential direction ensures in particular that the two support fins support each other. Here, in the exemplary embodiment, two adjacent support tabs each protrude such that the positioning element LPE sits with at least two adjacent partial end surfaces on the support surface AF and is in contact therewith. Thus, advantageously, the stability of the positioning element is improved compared to the retrofit in that only a single support tab is in contact with the support surface AF. In the unloaded state of the positioning element LPE, the first support tab such as LA1 is suspended from the second adjacent support tab such as LA2 along its bending direction KR, so that the freely protruding part of the first support tab such as LA1 The front end SK1 overlaps at least the foot section, for example FU2 , of the second support flap LA2 that follows in the bending direction KR. In particular, the overlapping portion of the first support flap LA1 extends substantially up to the midpoint region of the closest second support flap LA2. When subjected to radial contact forces, the overlap area increases so that the bearing area of the bearing tab in contact with the contact surface AF increases. In this case, the resulting radial contact force F is evenly distributed over the bearing surface AF, while substantially avoiding any undue stress or even damage on the bearing surface AF. the

In order to hold the elongate part LB substantially centrally in the inner ring element RE, on the outer front edge of the second belt element RB2 of the inner ring element RE there are provided clamping elements extending radially inwards towards the film hinge SC, in particular Clamping ribs or clamping strips KL. In this case, the additional clamping element extends substantially linearly, in particular approximately in the center of the ring element RE. A defined space DO is provided between the free end of the clamping element and the hinge SC. The clamping element KL is basically configured as a flat rectangular elastic blade. The elongated part LB is clamped in a force-fit manner, that is to say held in a substantially central position, between this clamping element KL and the inner wall of the first belt element RB1. In this clamping position, the elongated part LB has a well-defined height HO relative to the support surface AF. the

FIG. 2 shows a schematic top view of the positioning element LPE of FIG. 1 , with the two endless belt elements RB1 , RB2 in the open, ie unfolded, state. Thus, an insertion gap occurs between the front ends of the two belt elements RB1, RB2, through which the elongated part LB can be easily and conveniently inserted into the groove-shaped receiving chamber of the arc-shaped first belt element RB1. To close the ring element RE, the front end of the first band element RB1 is moved to the front end of the second band element RB2 and inserted into the groove or recess EN between the outer band AB and the end ST2 of the second band element RB2. At this point, the groove VZ1 on the top side of the first circular-arc-shaped belt element RB1 engages with the complementary configured groove VZ2 on the inner side of the freely protruding end of the outer belt. Due to this toothed locking mechanism, the inner diameter of the inner ring element RE can be easily adjusted to the outer diameter of the component to be held so that the component is held in a force-fit, friction-locked and/or form-locked manner. In particular, the radial holding or clamping force on the elongated part LB can be adjusted in a desired manner by adjusting the overlapping length of the two front end sections ST1, ST2 so that the elongated part is substantially in its middle The position is reliably maintained between the clamping element KL and the inner edge of the first band element RB1 in a force-closed manner. the

Finally, the schematic side view of FIG. 3 shows the positioning element LPE in the closed state under the action of an outer radial contact force F. FIG. In this case, the elongated element LB inside the ring element RE is omitted in the figure for reasons of clarity. Under the action of the radial contact force F, the bearing fins AF1 to AFn seated on the bearing surface AF yield elastically, so that they are flattened and have an enlarged contact area compared to the unloaded state of the positioning element. Thus, the contact force F is substantially absorbed or compensated, so that undesired indentations, other defects or even damage on and/or in the bearing surface AF are substantially prevented. the

In the closed position of the inner ring element RE, the clamping web KL provided on the freely protruding front end ST2 of the second circular arc-shaped belt RB2 is partly along the secant relative to the circular segment of the second belt element RB2. , in particular along a portion of a secant passing through its center point towards the hinge SC. the

The clamping rib KL forms an elastic clamping element, wherein when the elongated part LB is inserted, if the elongated part LB has a larger outer width than the maximum inner width between the clamping rib KL and the inner edge of the first belt element RB1 diameter, the elastic clamping element is deflected towards the inner edge of the second belt element RB2 relative to its foot point on the front end ST2 of the second belt RB2. In this case, the clamping element KL acts on the elongated part LB with a transverse contact force perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the elongated part. the

If applicable, it is also useful to provide inwardly protruding clamping webs KL1 , KL2 on the ends of the first rounded belt element RB1 and the second rounded belt element RB2 facing the hinge SC, respectively. This modified positioning element is shown in the open state in the schematic top view of FIG. 6 and is indicated by LPE ^* . FIG. 7 shows a schematic side view of the modified positioning element LPE ^* in the closed state. In the closed position of the inner ring element RE, the two clamping elements KL1 , KL2 extend substantially parallel to the secant passing through the center of the circle over the overlapping region of the free ends of the two belts RB1 , RB2 . The sides of the two clamping elements are thus hinged by the hinge SC on the hinged end of the first strap element RB1 and on the hinged end of the second strap element RB2. The clamping elements extend substantially in a straight line towards the overlapping or toothed region of the two belt elements RB1 , RB2 and substantially parallel to one another. Compared with the first modification of FIGS. 1 to 3, the elongated part LB can preferably be clamped between these two elastic clamping webs KL1, KL, because a greater clamping force can be obtained by this The two clamping webs KL1 , KL2 are applied perpendicularly to their contact area.

In the open state of the modified positioning element LPE ^* , the two clamping webs KL1, KL2 extend together in the shape of a V, so that when the two belt elements RB1, RB2 move away, the part to be clamped Can be easily inserted into the entry openings of the two belt elements RB1, RB2. Because of the V-shaped arrangement of the two webs, the clamping area between them is easily accessible.

If desired, several, in particular two, elongate parts LB can also be clamped between the two clamping webs KL1 , KL2 . the

This provides a positioning element with which one or more elongate parts, such as pipes, cables or wires of a household appliance, can be easily and reliably held in place. This is particularly advantageous if the elongated parts require a definite vertical or lateral distance from the wall. For example, this is the case where the hollow body of a household refrigeration appliance is filled with a liquid heat insulating material that is about to solidify. After the insulating material has cured, the elongated members are enclosed in a layer of permanent insulating material around their periphery. Thus, a temperature transfer to and/or from the inner container of the domestic refrigeration appliance and from and/or to the outer wall is substantially prevented. Frosting on the evaporator tubes due to close contact with the inner container or moisture ingress due to positioning too close to the outer container is substantially prevented if eg the evaporator tubes are involved. For example, if the elongate member is in the form of a measuring wire or a control wire for a temperature controller, malfunctions in temperature setting are substantially prevented. Due to the flexibility of the positioning element, the outer diameter of the positioning element can be changed to match any radially acting contact force. Thus, the positioning element can be employed in layers of insulating material of different wall thicknesses. The outer elastic blade-type support fins thus allow variable wall thickness insulation material. The wall thickness of the insulating material can be different at different points of the insulating material layer. In this case, indentations or other damage to the inner and outer walls of the hollow body caused by the forces in the case of foam filling the hollow body with thermal insulating material are substantially prevented. At the same time, the shape and outer diameter of the blade-type support fins can be adjusted for the respective installation situation. Due to the open form of the positioning element structure and the small wall thickness of the support fins and ring elements, a substantially unimpeded foam flow of the liquid precursor of the thermal insulation material is ensured during the corresponding foam forming process, thereby substantially preventing air entrapment or hollow. Since the two belt elements, suspended via a hinge, are provided with a front toothed locking structure, elongated parts with different outer diameters can be clamped in the desired manner within the ring element by adjusting the inner diameter of the ring element. In this case, it is particularly useful to provide one or more clamping bands or additional clamping webs, which are arranged on the first and/or second belt element and protrude inside the ring element. A suitable choice of the corresponding additional clamping band and/or the geometry of the two band elements results in a suitable positioning frame. In particular, the diameter of the clamping chamber inside the ring element can be continuously adjusted by means of a saw-tooth locking mechanism or a toothed locking mechanism on the two belt elements, so that for different elongated parts of different outer diameters, the two Clamping between strip elements is possible. Specifically, the clamping space between the first clamping element according to the first variant shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and the inner edge of the ring element or the two clamping spaces according to the second variant shown in FIGS. The inner diameter of the clamping space between the elements is set to be equal to or smaller than the outer diameter of the corresponding elongated member. the

In this case, elongated parts of different thicknesses can be clamped and positioned in the same type of positioning element. the

Thus, a single type of positioning element is sufficient to properly clamp the different elongated parts at a desired distance from the wall over a wide range of application situations. It is no longer necessary for corresponding parts to be additionally glued to the positioning element. Installation of elongated parts is also simplified by eliminating tape. This also leads to high production reliability, since the positioning element is always a specific or exactly predetermined distance from the relevant wall of the domestic refrigeration appliance for the part to be clamped. In particular, due to the compressibility of the fin elements, different wall thicknesses of the insulating material can be substantially compensated without this being undesirably imprinted or indented by the positioning elements in the respective wall. Furthermore, different components such as evaporator tubes, especially suction and pressure tubes of a refrigeration circuit, heating tube sections, cables and wires etc. can be easily and reliably clamped and their position defined by corresponding positioning elements. In particular, two or more identical or different elongate parts can also be placed simultaneously in the positioning element in a desired position. the

Claims (38)

1. A refrigeration appliance (KG) comprising at least one housing part (IB), at least one elongated part (LB) positioned in a predefined mounting position relative to said housing part by means of a positioning element (LPE) distance (HO), It is characterized in that, The positioning element (LPE) has an inner ring element (RE) with a plurality of support tabs (LA1 to LAn) around the outer circumference of the inner ring element installed, freely protruding outwards, and each support fin is arranged to be elastic, and said support fins form helical arm segments distributed around the outer circumference of said inner ring element (RE), these arm segments around The inner ring element extends circumferentially. 2. Refrigeration appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that each support fin (LA1 to LAn) has a sheet-like geometry. 3. Refrigeration appliance according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, in the closed position of the inner ring element, the inner ring element (RE) is configured as a cylindrical blade with a through hole ( DO) in order to receive the elongated part (LB). 4. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the supporting fins (LA1 to LAn) are arranged around the outer circumference of the inner ring element (RE) such that the positioning element (LPE) It has an impeller structure. 5. The refrigerating appliance according to claim 2, characterized in that the longitudinal side edges (LK1 to LKn) of the sheet-shaped support fins (LA1 to LAn) are in contact with the front edge ( SR1 ) are arranged together substantially in a common plane on the inlet and/or outlet side of the positioning element (LPE). 6. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, the support fins (LA1 to LAn) are circumferentially bent around the inner ring element (RE), so that the positioning element ( LPE) in the unloaded closed state, the freely protruding front ends (SK1 to SKn) of the support tabs lie substantially on an imaginary circular arc (FAK) concentric with the inner ring element (RE). 7. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the support fins (LA1 to LAn) are arranged on the outer circumference of the inner ring element (RE) to have the same bending direction and/or have the same bend radius. 8. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 6, characterized in that, when the positioning element (RE) is in an unloaded closed state, the free protruding front end (SK1) of the corresponding support fin (LA1) has a predetermined The foot section of the immediately adjacent support tab is overhanged with clearance (FAS) from the immediately adjacent support tab (LA2) in the circumferential direction of the inner ring element (RE). 9. The refrigerating appliance according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, the supporting fins (LA1 to LAn) are arranged around the outer circumference of the inner ring element (RE) and arranged to be positioned on the positioning element (LPE ) when mounted on the housing part (IB) in the seating area, if an external radially inwardly acting contact force (F) is applied to the positioning element (LPE), at least two adjacent bearings The flaps ( LA1 to LA2 ) are able to contact each other and support each other in an elastic manner. 10. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the inner ring element (RE) is composed of at least one first arc-shaped band element (RB1) and at least one second arc-shaped band element ( RB2) is formed, wherein said at least one first rounded belt element and said at least one second rounded belt element can be connected together and disconnected from each other by means of a hinge (SC). 11. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 10, characterized in that, the first arc-shaped belt element (RB1) and the second arc-shaped belt element (RB2) are far away from the hinge (SC) The freely protruding front end sections (ST1, ST2) of the can be locked to each other by means of one or more locking means (VZ1, VZ2), overlapping in an overlapping region. 12. The refrigerating appliance according to claim 10, characterized in that, in the closed position of the inner ring element (RE), the second circular arc-shaped belt element (RB2) has a larger diameter than the first circular arc-shaped belt element ( RB1) smaller bending radius, so that the freely protruding front end section (ST1) of the first rounded belt element is in the freely projecting front end region of the second rounded belt element (RB2) The segment (ST2) is basically seated concentrically. 13. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 10, characterized in that, at the periphery of the freely protruding front end section (ST2) of the second arc-shaped band element (RB2), the arc-shaped outer band ( AB) can be placed on a web (ST) protruding outwards along a secant, so that by forming a positioning gap (EN), said circular arc-shaped outer band substantially concentrically surrounds said second circular arc-shaped band Front section (ST2) of element (RB2). 14. The refrigerating appliance according to claim 13, characterized in that, in the closed position of the inner ring element (RE), the free protruding front end section of the second arcuate belt element (RB2) (ST2) is inserted into the positioning gap (EN). 15. The refrigerating appliance according to claim 13, characterized in that, on the upper side of the first circular-arc-shaped belt element, along the freely protruding front end section (ST1 ) provides a plurality of grooves (VZ1), in the closed position of the inner ring element (RE) complementary grooves (VZ2) on the inner side of the freely protruding end section of the circular arc-shaped outer band engage into in the plurality of slots. 16. The refrigerating appliance according to claim 13, characterized in that the one shortened relative to the support fins (LA1 to LAn) on the periphery of the first and second arcuate belt elements (RB1, RB2) or a plurality of support tabs (LAi, LAi+1, LAi+2) are arranged on the upper side of said arc-shaped outer band (AB), so that all support tabs (LA1 to LAn, LAi, LAi+1, The freely protruding front ends of LAi+2) lie concentrically around the inner ring element (RE) substantially on the same imaginary arc of a circle (FAK). 17. Refrigeration appliance according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the respective elongated part (LB) is clamped in the open inner space (IR) of the inner ring element (RE). 18. The refrigerating appliance according to claim 10, characterized in that, in order to clamp the elongated part (LB), one or more clamping elements (KL) are placed on the first arc-shaped belt element (RB1 ) and/or the inner edge of the second arc-shaped belt element (RB2) is arranged in the open inner space (IR) of the inner ring element (RE). 19. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 18, characterized in that, in the closed position of the inner ring element (RE), the corresponding clamping element (KL) The elements (RB1, RB2) extend between the hinges (SC). 20. The refrigerating appliance according to claim 18, characterized in that, at the free protruding front end section (ST2) of the second circular arc-shaped belt element (RB2), a substantially linearly extending clamping web is provided. plate (KL), in the closed position of said inner ring element (RE), said substantially rectilinearly extending clamping web along the The direction of the hinge (SC) extends along a portion of the secant. 21. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 20, characterized in that, in the closed position of the inner ring element (RE), the elongated part (LB) is between the clamping web (KL) and the Clamped between the inner walls of the first arcuate belt element (RB1). 22. The refrigerating appliance according to claim 18, characterized in that, when the first arc-shaped belt element (RB1) and the second arc-shaped belt element (RB2) face to the hinge (SC ) are provided with inwardly protruding clamping webs (KL1, KL2) on the front end sections (ST1, ST2), so that in the closed position of the inner ring element (RE), the two clamping webs ( KL1, KL2) extend substantially parallel to a secant passing through the center of the circle in the overlapping region of the freely protruding front end sections of the first and second arc-shaped belt elements (RB1, RB2) and in the A corresponding longitudinally extending elongated part (LB) is clamped between the two clamping webs. 23. Refrigeration appliance according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one inner container (IB) with at least one refrigerated and/or frozen compartment (GF, KF); at least one outer cladding part (VT1 ) and/or the outer container is provided as a housing part (IB). 24. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 23, characterized in that a hollow body filled with heat insulating material is set between the inner container (IB) and the outer cladding part (VT1) and/or the outer container (HK1). 25. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 23, characterized in that the corresponding positioning element (LPE) is embedded in the heat insulating material (IM) of the hollow body (HK1), and the inner ring element of the positioning element At least one elongated part (LB) is clamped inside (RE) such that said elongated part (LB) is arranged at a desired distance (HO) from said housing part (IB) in its clamped position. 26. Refrigeration appliance according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a synthetic material is used for the positioning element (LPE). 27. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the refrigeration appliance is a household refrigeration appliance. 28. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the support fins (LA1 to LAn) are arranged on the outer circumference of the inner ring element (RE) to have the same concave curvature direction and/or or have the same bend radius. 29. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 6, characterized in that, when the positioning element (RE) is in an unloaded closed state, the free protruding front end (SK1) of the corresponding supporting fin (LA1) has a predetermined Overhanging the immediately adjacent bearing fins (LA2) along the circumference of the inner ring element (RE) with clearance (FAS) along the foot section of the immediately adjacent supporting blades up to the midpoint region of the immediately adjacent supporting blades ). 30. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 10, wherein the hinge is a film hinge. 31. The refrigerating appliance according to claim 10, characterized in that, the first arcuate belt element (RB1) and the second arcuate belt element (RB2) are farther away from the hinge (SC) The freely protruding front end sections (ST1, ST2) of the can be locked to each other by means of one or more locking means (VZ1, VZ2), overlapping in a variable manner in an overlapping region with respect to their overlapping length. 32. Refrigeration appliance according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the respective elongated part (LB) is clamped centrally in the open inner space (IR) of the inner ring element (RE). 33. Refrigeration appliance according to claim 10, characterized in that, for clamping said elongated part (LB), one or more clamping webs are provided between said first arcuate belt element (RB1) and /or the inner edge of the second arc-shaped belt element (RB2) is arranged in the open inner space (IR) of the inner ring element (RE). 34. Refrigeration appliance according to claim 10, characterized in that, for clamping said elongated part (LB), one or more clamping bands are placed between said first arc-shaped band elements (RB1) and/or Or the inner edge of the second arc-shaped belt element (RB2) is arranged in the open inner space (IR) of the inner ring element (RE). 35. The refrigerating appliance according to claim 18, characterized in that, at the free protruding front end section (ST2) of the second circular arc-shaped belt element (RB2), a substantially linearly extending clamping web is provided. plate (KL), in the closed position of said inner ring element (RE), said substantially rectilinearly extending clamping web along the The direction of the hinge (SC) extends along a part of the secant passing through the center of the circle. 36. Refrigeration appliance according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a soft elastic synthetic material is used for the positioning element (LPE). 37. A positioning element (LPE) for positioning an elongated part (LB) in a predetermined position relative to a housing part (IB) of a refrigeration appliance (KG) according to one or more of the preceding claims at the installation distance (HO), characterized in that the positioning element (LPE) has an inner ring element (RE), the inner ring element has a plurality of support fins (LA1 to LAn), the plurality of support fins The sheets are arranged around the periphery of the inner ring element, freely protruding outwards and each support fin is arranged to be elastic, and the support fins form a helix distributed around the periphery of the inner ring element (RE) arm sections extending circumferentially around the inner ring element. 38. The positioning element (LPE) according to claim 37, characterized in that the refrigeration appliance is a household refrigeration appliance.