EP2667126A2 - Refrigeration and/or freezer device - Google Patents

Abstract

The apparatus has a base region (30) provided with a component of a refrigerant circuit, and a fan provided in the base region for producing an air flow, where the base region is provided with a front cover and a rear cover. The fan is arranged such that the air flow is produced through the front cover and/or the rear cover, where multiple components such as refrigerant valves and/or water valves, of the apparatus are fixable in the base region, and a labyrinth is arranged in the base region for sound absorption. The front and rear covers are made of a metal sheet, or plastic, or cardboard.

Description

The present invention relates to a refrigerator and / or freezer with at least one base region and at least one refrigerant circuit, wherein at least one component of the refrigerant circuit is arranged in the base region, wherein at least one fan is provided, which generates an air flow in the base region during operation and wherein further at least one front cover and / or at least one rear cover is provided, which limits the base area to the front or to the rear, wherein the fan is arranged such that this in operation, an air flow adjacent or through the front and / or through creates the back cover.

From the prior art it is known to carry out cooling and / or freezing appliances with a so-called base unit, that is with an aggregate comprising one or more components of the refrigerant circuit and which is arranged in the base area, that is below the cooled interior. The base unit or its bottom usually forms the lower end of the device body.

From the prior art it is known to provide in the front of the device or on the back of the device in the base region an air inlet or an air outlet for air flowing through the base region. These inlets / outlets perform the tasks of providing one or more openings for the airflow, providing protection against contact and intrusion of animals, and providing soundproofing of the compressor. The air inlets or outlets may have one or more openings through which the air flows. It is also conceivable for the air to flow "alongside" these covers, which is to be understood as meaning that the air flows alongside the cover and / or above and / or under the cover.

A common arrangement of such a base unit comprises a compressor, a fan and a condenser, wherein the compressor is arranged for example on the suction side of the fan and the condenser, for example on the pressure side of the fan.

In devices known from the prior art, the device base is designed as one piece, in particular as a molded part including compressor carrier. Although this has the advantage that it is only a part, a disadvantage is that the bottom of the device is not stackable, resulting in a comparatively large transport and storage volume. Because of the foaming is no pre-assembly of components possible, that is all equipment such. As the compressor, fan, valves, etc. must be manually mounted in the niche or in the base area.

The present invention has the object, a cooling and / or freezer of the type mentioned in such a way that the fixation of components in the base region of the device, such as valves, etc. is simplified.

This object is achieved by a refrigerator and / or freezer with the features of claim 1. After that it is envisaged that the front cover and / or the rear cover and / or another component which is arranged in or on the base region, one or more means which serve for fixing one or more further components of the device and / or carried out with sound-absorbing means or in a sound-absorbing manner is and / or has usage instructions.

These means may be located within the pedestal area bounded by the two covers and the side walls, or outside in the area of the pedestal area, e.g. right in front of the cover (s).

Thus, it is possible that, for example, the front cover or the back cover or both covers one or more holding means for receiving various components such. B. have accessories.

In the said other component, which has one or more means which serve to fix one or more further components of the device or to which they are fixed, it may be, for example, one or more of the components skirting, skirting, Sockelwandung, niche, Aggregate carrier and thawing tray act. These components can be an assembly or a complete base unit that performs these functions.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that in the other components to one or more valves, such as a refrigerant valve, a water valve or even more of these valves, components of the refrigerant circuit, such as one or more dryers, tubes, capillaries, etc. , Electrical components, such as one or more cables and / or fans or other elements, such as recordings for condensate for effective evaporation is.

As already stated above, for example, the niche, that is to say the section for receiving the compressor, which is usually arranged in the rear region of the base region, can also contribute effectively to sound insulation.

It is conceivable to either completely close the rear cover, that is to say the compressor sub-wall which closes the compressor rear to the rear. In this case, the air supply and air discharge on the front of the unit is made. This has the advantage that the propagation of airborne sound in the backward direction due to the closed niche is prevented.

However, it is also conceivable that the niche wall, that is to say the rear cover, has one or more air openings, so that an air flow from the front to the rear or from the rear to the front is possible. This opening can be designed as a labyrinth or backdrop or the like in order to bring about a sound-insulating effect.

It is also conceivable that the cover (front and / or back) for the customer has instructions or instructions, z. B. in printed, stamped, sprayed form that the cover may be removed only by professionals or other instructions, such as. As a guide for attaching the water hose and the water valve, etc.

In the case of the front cover, this z. B. be designed as a grid and / or means for attaching one or more handles, rollers, evaporation trays, sound-absorbing means, for example in the form of a labyrinth, etc. This maze can be formed, for example, by an air filter, which also performs the function of sound insulation.

In a further embodiment of the invention it is provided that the front and / or the back cover are formed as a plate or in plate-like shape and / or that they include or consist of one or more of the following materials: sheet metal, plastic, cardboard. A combination of the aforementioned materials is conceivable.

Furthermore, fastening means may be provided for fixing the front and / or the rear cover. The attachment of these covers can be done in various ways, such as by gluing, screwing, soldering, welding, notches, rivets, by a tongue and groove connection, by a hinge or film hinge, for example, connected to the inner container or the bottom plate and on the other hand is in communication with the front or with the back cover.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the component of the refrigerant circuit is at least one compressor and / or at least one condenser. Preferably, at least one compressor, at least one condenser and at least one fan, which generates an air flow in the base region, are located in the base region. Furthermore, at least one evaporation tray, e.g. on the condenser, as well as other components of the device are located.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the device is designed such that the compressor carrier is not designed as an integral part of the bottom of the base area or another part of the base area, but as a separate part. According to the invention, in a further aspect of the invention, which can be realized as an alternative or in addition to the aforementioned features, it is thus provided that the device base is designed without an integrally arranged on this, that is integrally connected with this compressor carrier. It is conceivable that the compressor carrier can be inserted as an injection molded part or as another part with pre-assembled components in the device floor or otherwise used.

It is conceivable to use conical dovetail grooves for a positive, backlash-free connection.

If the strength of a straight plastic part is not sufficient, a tie rod could be injected in the middle (inverted T-shape).

From this embodiment of the invention it follows that the device floor is stackable.

Furthermore, the injection molding compactor can be equipped with functions and also be equipped externally with components. This results in a cost savings e.g. by fully automatic pre-assembly. In final assembly, the entire assembly can then be inserted. Different materials can be chosen for the device bottom and the compressor carrier.

Thus, it is conceivable to form the compressor carrier of a stronger plastic, as the other area of the device base, which is exposed to lower mechanical loads.

Figur 1:

eine perspektivische Ansicht auf ein Sockelaggregat mit frontseitigem Gitter (Luftführung vorne-vorne),

Figur 2:

eine Schnittansicht durch die Anordnung gemäß Figur 1,

Figur 3:

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Sockelaggregates mit Luftführung vorne-hinten/hinten-vorne,

Figur 4:

unterschiedliche Ansichten des Sockelaggregates gemäß Figur 3 ohne Deckel mit Verdunstungsschale, Verflüssiger, Ventilator und Kompressor,

Figur 5:

eine Schnittdarstellung durch den hinteren Bereich des Sockelbereiches mit Wasserventil, Kältemittelventil und Ventilator,

Figur 6:

eine weitere Ausgestaltung der Anordnung gemäß Figur 5 mit anders ausgestatteter rückseitiger Abdeckung,

Figur 7:

eine Schnittdarstellung durch den frontseitigen Sockelbereich sowie durch den unteren Türbereich,

Figur 8:

eine Darstellung einer Labyrinthdichtung des Aggregateträgers,

Figur 9:

eine Darstellung des Tauwasserablaufes in dem Bereich des Sockels,

Figur 10:

eine schematische Darstellung der Ausrichtung des Ventilators,

Figur 11:

Darstellungen zur Fixierung von Verflüssiger und Tauwasserschale und

Figur 12:

eine Darstellung des frontseitigen Sockelbereichs zwischen Lufteinlass-Gitter und Tür.

Further details and advantages of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawing. Showing:

FIG. 1:

a perspective view of a base unit with front-side grid (air flow front-front),

FIG. 2:

a sectional view through the arrangement according to FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3:

a perspective view of a base unit with air duct front-rear / rear-front,

FIG. 4:

different views of the base unit according to FIG. 3 without lid with evaporation tray, condenser, fan and compressor,

FIG. 5:

a sectional view through the rear area of the base area with water valve, refrigerant valve and fan,

FIG. 6:

a further embodiment of the arrangement according to FIG. 5 with differently equipped back cover,

FIG. 7:

a sectional view through the front socket area and through the lower door area,

FIG. 8:

a representation of a labyrinth seal of the subframe,

FIG. 9:

a representation of the condensation water outlet in the region of the base,

FIG. 10:

a schematic representation of the orientation of the fan,

FIG. 11:

Illustrations for the fixation of condenser and condensate and

FIG. 12:

a representation of the front socket area between the air intake grille and door.

In FIG. 1 is denoted by the reference numeral 10, a front-side grid for air supply and air discharge in the base area. The base region is bounded on its upper side by the base cover 20 at the top and down through the base bottom 30. In the rear region of the base region is the niche 40 in which the compressor is arranged.

The representation according to FIG. 2 clarifies the arrangement of the components. Like this FIG. 2 shows, the air passes through the in FIG. 2 Right portion of the grid 10 shown in the base area, then flows over the compressor 50 and then flows through the fan 60. The air then passes through the condenser 70 back to the front of the device and then exits from the area shown on the left of the grid 10. Basically, a reverse flow is conceivable.

FIG. 3 shows in a perspective view of the base unit, wherein the same or functionally identical elements with the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 1 and 2 are provided.

Unlike the version according to FIG. 1 here takes place an air flow front-rear or rear-front instead, that is, the air enters the front of the base area and leaves it on the back or vice versa.

Out FIG. 4 it can be seen how the individual components are arranged in the base area.

From this it can be seen that in the embodiment shown here, the air enters the front side through the grid 10 in the base area, then initially flows over the condenser 70. On the top of the condenser 70 is the thawing water tray 80th

In the flow direction downstream of the condenser 70 is the fan 60. From this, the air flows to the compressor 50 and leaves the base unit on the back of the device. Basically, a reverse air flow is possible to the effect that the air flows through the base area from back to front.

FIG. 5 shows in a sectional view of the rear portion of the base region with the water valve 100 arranged above, the lower-mounted refrigerant valve 110 and with the designated by the reference numeral 60 fan. The reference numeral 200 designates the cooled interior, which is delimited by an inner container or by a foaming of the base region.

The reference numeral 120 denotes the back cover of the niche. Like this FIG. 5 it can be seen, in the embodiment shown here, the niche wall is not designed as a closed wall, but has a backdrop-shaped opening 122. This has the function, on the one hand to dissipate the air to the rear of the base area and on the other hand, the function of exerting a sound-insulating effect.

FIG. 6 shows a comparable arrangement in which the lower portion of the recess wall 120 is straight and the upper portion is angled and covers the lower portion, so that also results in an opening 112, but mirror-symmetrical to that according to FIG FIG. 5 ,

In FIG. 7 a further embodiment of the device according to the invention is shown. This figure refers to the front area of the device. With the arrows, the air flow L is marked, which enters at the front, if necessary, through a grid in the base area. In the area indicated by a dashed circular line, various configurations and functions, such as handles, attachment of the thawing tray, etc., are possible.

Reference numeral 200 again indicates the refrigerated interior, and reference numeral 300 denotes the door.

Like this FIG. 7 further shows, located in the lower end of the door a sound insulating material 400, which also serves to reduce the noise of the socket assembly to the outside. The sound-absorbing material is located on the front side of the front inlet area of the base unit.

Basically, the subframe, which is located in the lower region of the niche 40 and forms the bottom of plastic (one-piece, multi-part) with and without sound-insulating materials, such as glass fiber, foamed PP, EPDM, etc. be executed. Is the subframe made of sheet metal, is also such an embodiment, that is one-piece, multi-part, with sound-insulating materials (glass fiber, foamed PP, EPDM, etc.) possible.

A material version of coated cardboard or a combination of all the aforementioned materials is conceivable.

The attachment of the unit carrier, preferably at the bottom of the base portion 30, for example, be fixed, removable or decoupled. Conceivable is a fixed fixation z. B. by gluing or by automated spot welding / soldering. In the case of a removable version, fastening by screws, rivets or notches is possible.

The decoupled version can be achieved for example by springs or elastic walls / "net".

The design of the subframe may, for example, be such that receptacles for one or more of the components: valves, compressor, fan, evaporation tray, sound insulation (labyrinths, mats), cables / tubes, carrying handles, rollers are formed.

The subframe or the base bottom, for example, be designed such that it achieves a separation of suction and pressure side, for example by a labyrinth seal, as for example in FIG. 8 represented by the reference numeral 500. Another seal can be achieved by the use of foam, hot glue or silicone etc.

Also reinforcing parts in the form of beads, honeycomb, etc. are conceivable.

Furthermore, one can FIG. 9 apparent condensation pipe 600 and a transfer 610 be provided in the evaporation tray 80. This condensation pipe 600 and the transfer can be arranged on the subframe or on the base bottom or form an integral part.

It is also conceivable that the fan or the fan wheel is not in a vertical plane, but is inclined relative to the vertical, ie installed at an angle is. It is conceivable, for example, an inclination angle of 5 ° to the pressure side to 40 ° to the suction side and preferably an inclination in the range of 25 ° to 35 ° to, ie provided against the suction side, as shown schematically in FIG FIG. 10 is indicated.

One advantage is that the air flow is less deflected, resulting in noise advantages.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the condensation water tray 80 and the condenser 70 are preassembled as a module and, for example, are inserted as such from below into the socket assembly or its housing.

It is conceivable that a holder 700 for the condenser 70 is hooked to the base assembly or to the housing 1000 and that the condensation water tray 80 is screwed to the holder 700, as is apparent from FIGS. 11a to c evident. For this purpose, for example, angled grooves N can be provided, can be hooked into the projections of the holder 700, as is apparent from FIG. 11 b evident.

The module is thus suspended and can then be fixed by screws.

In customer service case, the condensation water tray 80 can be removed separately, for example by loosening screws without condenser, ie the condenser 70 remains hanging (see. FIG. 11c) , Subsequently, the condenser 70 may also be removed, if necessary.

An advantage of this approach is the removability and a mounting advantage.

The illustrated in the drawing rear cover plate 120 of the niche 40, which forms the rear base portion, for example, plastic, sheet metal, reinforced Cardboard or consist of a combination of the aforementioned materials. Conceivable is a fixed attachment, for example by gluing or a removable version z. Example in the form of screws, rivets, notches, a film hinge or in the form of a tongue and groove principle.

The cover plate 120 of the niche 40 may alternatively or in addition to the front cover additional functions to the effect that they z. B. has one or more openings for a water valve, which brings with it the advantage that the customer does not have to open anything. It can also have one or more openings for the air, resulting in a dynamically ventilated niche.

A reinforcement by reinforcing parts in the form of beads, honeycomb structure, etc. is also conceivable.

Furthermore, the cover plate of the niche z. B. recordings for accessories such. As power cord, water hose, etc, have. Also impressed notes in the form of warnings or instructions for use are conceivable.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the device termination, that is, the surface to the subframe with recordings of components such. B. valves, fan, etc. provided. The surface to the device carrier may be covered with low emissivity film, which has the advantage of achieving a low emissivity for heat flow optimization.

The condenser or the evaporation tray can be made removable, so that a correspondingly simple handling is achieved in the case of customer service.

The front grille, which may serve as an air inlet or as an air outlet or both, may be removable for cleaning, for example. It is conceivable to arrange an air filter therein. The air filter can be arranged by sprayed recordings on the subframe or on the said grid.

It is conceivable for front grids 10 to be displaced in the direction of the condenser 70 in order to make the return or gap S between the door 300 and the grille 10 as large as possible for the purpose of a large air cross section. This results, for example, from FIG. 12 ,

In the aperture 10, a dust filter 11 may be integrated, for example clipped, glued, molded etc.

For the purpose of soundproofing, it is conceivable to form a labyrinth in the air inlet and / or air outlet of the cover element arranged at the front, in particular of the grid, or to form it by means of an air filter. This may alternatively or additionally also apply to the back cover of the niche or the base area.

Claims (15)

Cooling and / or freezing device with at least one base region and with at least one refrigerant circuit, wherein at least one component of the refrigerant circuit is arranged in the base region, wherein at least one fan is provided, which generates an air flow in the base region during operation and wherein at least one front cover and / or at least one rear cover is provided, which covers the base area to the front or to the rear partially or completely, wherein the fan is arranged such that this in operation, an air flow next to or through the front and / or through the back Cover produced, characterized in that the front cover and / or the rear cover and / or another component, which is arranged in and / or on the base region, one or more means, to which fixes one or more other components of the device or can be fixed, and / or is designed with sound-damping means or in a sound-absorbing manner and / or has usage instructions. The refrigerator and / or freezer according to claim 1, characterized in that it is in the other component to one or more of the components base base, baseboard, base wall, niche, aggregate carrier and condensate. The refrigerator and / or freezer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is in the other components to one or more valves, preferably one or more refrigerant valves and / or water valves, and / or one or more components of the refrigerant circuit, preferably one or more dryers or pipes, and / or one or more electrical and / or electronic components, preferably one or more cables and / or fans, and / or one or more other components, preferably one or more condensate receptacles, or a combination the above components is. The refrigerator and / or freezer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rear cover is closed or at least has an opening which is preferably designed sound-absorbing, preferably in the form of a backdrop or a labyrinth. The refrigerator and / or freezer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the front cover is formed as a grid and / or has means on which one or more handles and / or rollers and / or one or more evaporation trays are fixed or fixable , and / or sound-absorbing means, which are preferably in the form of a labyrinth, wherein the labyrinth is formed by an air filter and / or that one or more sound-absorbing means are provided in the region of the door, preferably in the region of the door bottom. Refrigerator and / or freezer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the front and / or the back cover are formed as a plate or in plate-like shape and / or that comprise or consist of one or more of the following materials: sheet metal , Plastic, cardboard. Cooling and / or freezing appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that fastening means for fixing the front and / or the rear cover are provided, wherein the fastening means a connection by gluing, screwing, soldering, welding, locking, riveting, by a Tongue and groove connection, by a hinge, in particular film hinge, which may be connected to the inner container or the bottom plate of the base portion form. Cooling and / or freezing appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is at least one compressor and / or at least one condenser in the component of the refrigerant circuit. Refrigerator and / or freezer, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the subframe and / or the compressor carrier is not designed as an integral part of the bottom of the base area, but as a separate part. Cooling and / or freezing appliance according to claim 9, characterized in that the separate part is inserted into the bottom of the base region and / or is fixed to the bottom of the base region by a positive connection. Cooling and / or freezing appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the condenser is arranged lying. Cooling and / or freezing appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the condensation water tray is arranged above the condenser and / or that the condensation water bowl and the condenser are preassembled as a module. Cooling and / or freezing appliance according to claim 12, characterized in that the module is mounted in the base area, in particular in lateral walls of the base area or the refrigerator and / or freezer, The refrigerator and / or freezer according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the condensation water bowl and the condenser are fixed in the base region such that only the condensation bowl removable or both the condensate and the condenser are removable. Cooling and / or freezing appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plane in which the rotor of the fan is inclined with respect to the vertical.

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