Modular refrigeration unit and process for assembling a modular refrigeration unit to a cabinet of a refrigeration appliance

Abstract

The present invention relates to a modular refrigeration unit for a refrigeration appliance, and to a process for assembling the modular refrigeration unit to a cabinet of a refrigeration appliance. A modular refrigeration unit (3) includes a base plate (6) supporting a condensing assembly (7), which comprises condensing means (8) and a compressor (9), and an evaporating assembly (10) comprising an evaporator (11); the condensing assembly and the evaporating assembly are operatively interconnected. The evaporating assembly (10) is arranged, in use, vertically spaced apart and above the compressor (9); the evaporating assembly (10) is supported by support means (24) vertically extending from the base plate (6); insulating means (16) separate the evaporating assembly (10) from the condensing assembly (7, 107).

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to a modular refrigeration unit for refrigeration equipment, in particular a refrigerator or freezer for household appliances, and to a method for fitting said modular refrigeration unit to a refrigeration unit. The method of the enclosure of the device. Background technique [0002] Modular refrigeration units are generally known in the field of refrigerated vending machines for snacks or cold drinks; such units generally comprise a common base housing a compressor, condenser and evaporator, including associated piping and electrical connected to form an integral structure that can be slidably inserted into the casing of the vending machine in a detachable manner. Thereby the modular refrigeration unit can be easily disassembled from the cabinet for maintenance or in case of component failure. [0003] US 5,953,929 discloses a refrigeration system comprising a base having an inlet opening, an evaporator pan, a condenser pan and...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0006] Another disadvantage associated with mounting the refrigeration unit on top of the enclosure is that the walls of the enclosure have to be reinforced to be able to support the weight of the unit; in fact the enclosure houses on its base the heaviest components of the refrigeration system, such as the compressor , evaporator, and condenser; this is especially critical for traditional refrigerators used as household appliances because the outer lining of the cabinet is made of thin metal sheets

[0007] Another disadvantage of the prior art solutions is that it is difficult to achieve effective airtight insulation (insulation) between the refrigeration unit and the refrigeration equipment, especially at the interface between the casing and the unit; The known method provides airtight isolation of the evaporating assembly relative to the condensing assembly including the compressor and the condenser by means of an isolation cover which closes the evaporating section and isolates it from the condensing section

[0009] Although this known method attempts to solve the above-mentioned isolation problem at the interface, this is achieved by providing additional isolation means, such as a bulkhead assembly with a peripheral gasket assembly, which implies additional manufacturing costs

Furthermore, since the refrigeration unit needs to be disassembled for maintenance or repair, the engagement of the spacer cannot always ensure a perfect seal, and in any case there is a problem of wear and damage due to the friction that occurs when the unit is slidably mounted or detached Will result in a reduction in the sealing ability of the isolator

[0010] Another disadvantage common to the prior art solutions mentioned above is that the evaporator is arranged at substantially the same level as the other components of the refrigeration unit; if such a horizontally extending assembly is positioned it needs to be disassembled from the cabinet for maintenance and repairs On refrigeration units, it is very advantageous because they can easily slide in and out of the cabinet along the horizontal plane; however, this type of assembly is not compatible with traditional refrigerators, especially those used in household appliances, Because traditional refrigerators usually have the condensing unit installed at the bottom and the evaporating unit running vertically along the rear

[0011] Therefore, refrigeration units known in the prior art would not fit within the enclosure of a conventional refrigerator without modification to accommodate this type of horizontally extending unit.

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