EP4303507A1 - Refrigeration and/or freezer device - Google Patents

Abstract

Refrigerator and / or freezer, with a storage container with a freshness preservation unit, the storage container having a porous element on at least one wall, which is held by means of a fixing element, the fixing element either resting against the porous element only in an edge region and / or is arranged at least partially spaced from the porous element. As a result, a maximum area of the porous element is in contact with the ambient air and damage to the porous element is avoided since the porous element can flexibly avoid foreign bodies.

Description

The present invention relates to the field of refrigerators and/or freezers.

Such devices can have storage containers, for example in the form of drawers, which are intended for storing fruit and vegetables. To ensure that the fruit and vegetables stay fresh for as long as possible, high humidity is usually generated in such storage containers using a freshness preservation unit.

Combined with the low temperatures, the high humidity can cause condensation on the inside of the storage container, which should be avoided.

To maintain high humidity while avoiding condensation, porous elements that allow gas and liquid to pass through are usually used. Such porous elements can also be referred to as pore structures.

Gas can pass through pores in the structure of the material, but gas can also pass through other chemical or physical means Processes, for example by diffusion through a membrane, are included in the term porous element.

Conventionally, there is a risk that foreign bodies, such as refrigerated goods, will get to the porous element and damage it. In addition, the area of the porous element that is accessible to the ambient air is reduced by fixing the porous element, which is usually usually done using flat perforated sheets or plastic. This reduces the effectiveness of the porous element.

Against this background, the present invention is based on the object of mitigating or even completely eliminating the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, the present invention is based on the object of avoiding damage to the porous element and/or increasing the effectiveness of the porous element.

This task is solved by an object with the features of claim 1. Further advantageous developments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims.

Accordingly, a refrigerator and/or freezer with a storage container with a freshness preservation unit is provided, wherein the storage container has a porous element on at least one wall, which is held by means of a fixing element. The fixing element is either located only in an edge region of the porous element and/or is arranged at least partially at a distance from the porous element.

As a result, a maximum area of the porous element is preferably in contact with the ambient air and damage to the porous element is avoided since the porous element can flexibly avoid foreign bodies.

The fixing element can, for example, have the shape of a frame to which the porous element is connected at its edge regions.

Alternatively or additionally, the fixing element can have, for example, a grid or another perforated structure, which is arranged at a distance from the porous element and therefore does not directly cover the porous element, so that preferably as much of the surface of the porous element as possible is arranged freely in space and thus with the Ambient air is in contact.

The elements of the grid arranged between the openings of the grid, for example ribs or struts, are preferably not arranged in a common plane. In other words, elements of the grid arranged between the openings of the grid are preferably not arranged in a plan, as for example in Fig. 1 shown, but arranged in at least two levels, such as in Fig. 2 , 3 or 4 shown. The fixing element can thus have a perforated structure with a plurality of structural elements, which are arranged in at least two levels.

The porous element can be a membrane. The porous element and the fixing element can be made of the same material, preferably a plastic, for example a polyester such as PE, PES, PTFE etc.

According to one embodiment, the fixing element has a plurality of openings and at least partially surrounds the porous element at a distance from it, so that the porous element is shielded from the outside by the fixing element and a predominant proportion of the surface of the porous element is arranged freely in space and with the Ambient air is in contact.

The openings can be of uniform size and/or different sizes.

In contrast to an arrangement in which the porous element is thus directly between two perforated elements, such as. Perforated sheets, this embodiment can offer the advantage that the porous element is only covered by the fixing element where it is absolutely necessary and the majority of the surface of the porous element is arranged freely in space. The porous element is preferably shielded from damage by foreign bodies by the fixing element.

The fixing element and the porous element can be designed to be integrated in a common component and can preferably be connected to one another in an inseparable manner by means of frictional connection, positive connection and/or material connection. For example, the connection can be made by gluing, ultrasonic welding or similar.

By designing the fixing element and the porous element in a common component, assembly can be made easier. In addition, the fixing element keeps the porous element in shape, making it easier to clean.

According to one embodiment, the fixing element and/or the porous element are inserted or embedded in a recess or recess in a wall, preferably a lid, of the storage container.

The wall of the storage container preferably has a plurality of openings in the area of the recess or recess, which allows air to enter from the interior of the container into the recess or recess and out through the porous element.

Preferably, the wall of the storage container and/or the fixing element rests against the porous element only in an edge region, so that a predominant proportion of the porous element is arranged freely in space. Such an arrangement is, for example, in Fig. 5 shown.

According to one embodiment, the storage container forms a recess on the wall on which the porous element is arranged, in the area on which the porous element is arranged, so that the wall of the storage container in this area is spaced from the porous element into the interior of the Storage container bounces back. Such an arrangement is, for example, in Fig. 5 shown.

In this way, the advantage can be achieved that the porous element is arranged freely in space and is largely not covered by the wall or the fixing element on both sides. This means that a maximum area is available for gas exchange.

According to one embodiment, the storage container has a collecting structure on the wall on which the porous element is arranged, in or next to the area on which the porous element is arranged, on a side facing the interior of the storage container, which is designed to collect water to record and collect.

The collection structure serves to prevent condensation from hindering the operation of the storage container even if condensation occurs, for example by dripping onto fruit or vegetables stored in the container or collecting in the container.

The collecting structure can have a plurality of ribs arranged parallel to one another for receiving condensate drops and/or a collecting basin. Other configurations are conceivable, as long as they are suitable for absorbing and collecting (condensation) water.

The collecting structure can be embedded in the wall of the storage container or can be designed with it as a structural unit.

• Fig. 1 eine Anordnung eines Fixierelements an einer Wandung gemäß einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung,
• Fig. 2 die Nachteile einer herkömmlichen, planen Ausgestaltung eines Fixierelements,
• Fig. 3 eine schematische Ansicht einer Anordnung eines Fixierelements und einer Porenstruktur gemäß einer Ausführungsform,
• Fig. 4 eine schematische Ansicht einer Anordnung eines Fixierelements und einer Porenstruktur als gemeinsame bauliche Einheit,
• Fig. 5 die Einheit aus Fig. 4, welche in eine Wandung eines Behälters eingelassen ist,
• Fig. 6 eine schematische Ansicht einer Anordnung eines Fixierelements und einer Porenstruktur als gemeinsame bauliche Einheit in einer Wandung eines Behälters, welcher zusätzlich eine Sammelstruktur mit parallelen Rippen aufweist;
• Fig. 7 eine Anordnung gemäß Fig. 6 mit einer als Sammelbecken ausgestalteten Sammelstruktur, wobei die Sammelstruktur im Bereich der Porenstruktur angeordnet ist,
• Fig. 8 eine Anordnung gemäß Fig. 7, wobei die Sammelstruktur neben dem Bereich der Porenstruktur angeordnet ist,
• Fig. 9 eine Detailansicht der Sammelstruktur aus Fig. 6,
• Fig. 10 das Prinzip der Abschirmung der Porenstruktur gegen Fremdkörper mittels des Fixierelements.

Further advantages, features and effects of the present invention emerge from the following description with reference to the figures, in which the same reference numbers designate the same or similar components. This shows:

• Fig. 1 an arrangement of a fixing element on a wall according to an embodiment of the invention,
• Fig. 2 the disadvantages of a conventional, flat design of a fixing element,
• Fig. 3 a schematic view of an arrangement of a fixing element and a pore structure according to an embodiment,
• Fig. 4 a schematic view of an arrangement of a fixing element and a pore structure as a common structural unit,
• Fig. 5 the unit Fig. 4 , which is embedded in the wall of a container,
• Fig. 6 a schematic view of an arrangement of a fixing element and a pore structure as a common structural unit in a wall of a container, which additionally has a collecting structure with parallel ribs;
• Fig. 7 an order in accordance with Fig. 6 with a collecting structure designed as a collecting basin, the collecting structure being arranged in the area of the pore structure,
• Fig. 8 an order in accordance with Fig. 7 , wherein the collecting structure is arranged next to the area of the pore structure,
• Fig. 9 a detailed view of the collection structure Fig. 6 ,
• Fig. 10 the principle of shielding the pore structure against foreign bodies by means of the fixing element.

Figure 1 shows a sectional view of a cover 1 or a lid of a drawer. Alternatively, installation in a wall of the drawer would also be conceivable.

The cover has a wall 1 which has openings 2. To improve stability, the wall 1 in this example has a wave structure. The openings 2 are integrated into the wall 1 cover, which is more stable due to the wave structure than in a planar design. In Fig. 1 no pore structure is shown. This would be provided between the fixation 3 and the wall 1 with the openings 2.

The fixing element and the porous element can be connected to one another in a detachable or non-detachable manner.

The fixation 3 can be designed in such a way that the pore structure is separate from it and is clamped, for example, by the fixation 3, which would have the advantage that the pore structure can be cleaned or replaced separately from the fixation 3 and wall 1.

Another embodiment would be that the pore structure is glued or welded to the fixation 3. That would make handling easier. It is conceivable that both the pore structure and the fixation 3 consist of the same material (e.g. polyester such as PES or PE, PTFE, etc.), which significantly improves recyclability.

The fixation 3 only has to hold the pore structure, ie it can also be designed to be light and, for example, consist only of a frame that brings the maximum possible surface of the pore structure into contact with the ambient atmosphere.

1. 1. Die Oberfläche der Porenstruktur wird durch die Öffnungen bedeckt und begrenzt, sodass weniger Fläche der Porenstruktur in Kontakt mit der Umgebungsatmosphäre steht.
2. 2. Der Kontakt zu Fremdkörpern 5, z.B. Lebensmitteln, muss durch kleinere Öffnungen in der Fixierung 3 oder Wandung 2 verhindert werden, was wiederum die unbedeckte Oberfläche der Porenstruktur 4 verringert.

Figure 2 shows a side section through an arrangement with a fixation 3 and a pore structure 4, which makes it clear that a flat installation has at least the following disadvantages:

1. 1. The surface of the pore structure is covered and limited by the openings, so that less area of the pore structure is in contact with the surrounding atmosphere.
2. 2. Contact with foreign bodies 5, such as food, must be prevented through smaller openings in the fixation 3 or wall 2, which in turn reduces the uncovered surface of the pore structure 4.

Figure 3 shows an arrangement according to the invention, which is the in Fig. 2 illustrated disadvantages eliminated.

The fixation 3 and wall 2 are only in contact with the pore structure 2 in its edge area; a large part of the pore structure 2 is arranged freely in space.

Structural element of the fixation 3 and wall 2 are arranged at a distance d from the pore structure and therefore do not cover the surface of the pore structure 4.

The openings in the wall of the container, in other words the distances between the structural elements of the wall 2 and / or the distance d, are selected so that foreign bodies 5 cannot come into contact with the pore structure 4.

Figure 4 shows a preferred embodiment. The pore structure 4 is connected here to the fixation 3. This can be done, for example, by gluing, ultrasonic welding, etc. This offers the advantage that in the production of a refrigerator and/or freezer there is only one component that can be attached or embedded in the drawer wall. In addition, the fixation gives 3 to the pore structure 4 Shape, so that, for example, the pore structure 4 can be cleaned more easily if it is dirty.

Figure 5 shows an example like the component mentioned above Fig. 4 could be fixed in the wall 2 of a lid of a drawer. The component is fixed via the openings 5 in the wall 2, which can have uniform or different dimensions, so that, for example, excessive humidity in the drawer passes through the openings 5 and is conducted into the atmosphere outside the drawer via the pore structure 4, which has lower humidity.

Figures 6 to 9 each show an embodiment in which a collecting structure 6 is provided, which is able to absorb condensing water through a large surface so that it cannot drip into the drawer underneath.

Fig. 6 shows a variant with a collecting structure 6, which has ribs running parallel to one another, between which condensate drops 7 can collect, as shown in Fig. 9 is clarified. The collecting structure 6 is embedded in the wall 2.

Fig. 7 shows a variant in which the collecting structure 6 is designed as a collecting basin arranged in the wall 2. In this embodiment, the collecting basin closes two openings 5 and is covered by the pore structure 4. In other words, the collecting basin is provided in the area of the pore structure 4 in the wall 2.

In Fig. 8 is collecting structure 6, i.e. the collecting basin, embedded next to the pore structure 4 in the wall 2.

This is advantageous in that this design can offer greater flexibility. For example, the component can only consist of fixation 3 and pore structure 4 are located above openings and the evaporation rate (= storage life) in relation to the probability of condensation is in the acceptable range.

With a different device design, this relationship could be disturbed and in order to be able to use the same component, only the openings could be closed and form a collecting structure that captures any drops that form.

It could also be advantageous instead of, for example, geometrically complicated pore structures (see Figure 1 ) to use simple shapes such as a rectangle. Then the part of the pore structure that is located above the collecting structure could have no function (e.g. air moisture conduction). The geometry would be simpler, more stable and possibly. cheaper because there is no waste.

It is also conceivable to fix the component consisting of fixation and pore structure with the pore structure only via openings and still provide a collecting structure.

If, for example, in 90% of the operating states a component consisting of fixation and pore structure arranged only over openings 5 offers ideal conditions, then condensate that occurs in the remaining 10% could be stored in the collecting structure and released again under appropriate conditions without water entering the drawer drips.

One advantage would be that the best evaporation rate (= storage life) always prevails and yet no annoying condensation occurs. Without the collection structure, the pore structure would also have to cover this hypothetical 10% to avoid condensation, and by increasing the surface area of the pore structure, the evaporation rate would necessarily also increase and the shelf life would decrease.

Figure 10 describes an advantage of an embodiment according to the invention: if a foreign body 5 acts on the pore structure 4, for example a membrane, the Pore structure 4 in an arrangement according to the invention (Panel A) is much easier to avoid than in a conventional arrangement (Panel B) and the risk that the pore structure 4 / membrane is injured by the foreign body 5 is significantly lower.

Claims (10)

Refrigerator and / or freezer, with a storage container with a freshness preservation unit, the storage container having a porous element on at least one wall, which is held by means of a fixing element, characterized in that the fixing element either rests against the porous element only in an edge region of the porous element and / or is arranged at least partially spaced from the porous element. Refrigerator and / or freezer according to claim 1, characterized in that the fixing element has a plurality of openings and at least partially surrounds the porous element at a distance from it, so that the porous element is shielded from the outside by the fixing element and a predominant proportion of the surface of the porous element is freely arranged in the room and is in contact with the ambient air. Refrigerator and / or freezer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fixing element and the porous element are integrated in a common component and by means of friction, Positive connection and / or material connection are preferably inseparably connected to one another. Refrigerator and / or freezer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fixing element and the porous element are integrated in a common component and are preferably releasably connected to one another by means of frictional connection, positive connection and / or material connection. Refrigerator and / or freezer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing element and / or the porous element is inserted or embedded in a recess or recess in a wall, preferably a lid, of the storage container, the wall of the storage container has a plurality of openings in the area of the recess or recess, which enables air to enter from the interior of the container into the recess or recess. Refrigerator and / or freezer according to claim 5, characterized in that the wall of the storage container and / or the fixing element only rests on the porous element in an edge region, so that a predominant proportion of the porous element is arranged freely in space. Refrigerator and/or freezer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the storage container forms a recess on the wall on which the porous element is arranged, so that the wall of the storage container in this area is spaced from the porous element into the interior of the storage container springs back. Refrigerator and / or freezer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the storage container on the wall, on which the porous element is arranged, in or next to the area on which the porous element is arranged, on a side facing the interior of the storage container has a collecting structure which is designed to absorb and collect water. Refrigerator and/or freezer according to claim 8, characterized in that the collecting structure has a plurality of ribs arranged parallel to one another for receiving drops of condensate and/or a collecting basin. Refrigerator and/or freezer according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the collecting structure is embedded in the wall of the storage container or is designed with it as a structural unit.

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