Refrigeration appliance and method for mounting a drain closure on a cooling product container of a refrigeration appliance

Abstract

The invention relates to a refrigeration appliance, in particular a domestic refrigeration appliance, having a cooling container for receiving a cooling substance, which cooling container has a drain opening surrounded by a weir for draining water from the cooling container, a drain tube connected to the drain opening of the cooling container for conducting water out of the cooling container, wherein at least one latching structure is configured on the inner surface of the drain tube which defines a tube cross section, which latching structure projects from the inner surface, and a drain closure having a closure body which is inserted into the drain tube through the drain opening of the cooling container, which closure body has a water guide groove on the outer peripheral surface, and having a cover which is arranged on a first end of the closure body, which cover projects beyond the weir on the side and has a surrounding projection which is arranged overlapping the weir, and having a slot which is formed in the region of a second end of the closure body, into which slot the latching structure of the drain tube latches.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a refrigeration appliance, particularly a household refrigeration appliance such as a refrigerator, freezer, or refrigeration-freezing combination, and a method for installing a drain seal on the cooling container of the refrigeration appliance. Background Technology

[0002] Refrigeration appliances, such as refrigerators, typically have a coolant container for receiving refrigerated items, which is cooled by an evaporator integrated into the refrigeration circuit. During operation, condensation forms in the internal space defined by the coolant container, also known as the coolant compartment or refrigeration chamber, for example, due to ambient air entering the refrigeration chamber when it is opened or due to moisture entering the refrigeration chamber with the refrigerated items. To remove condensation from the coolant container, a drain is typically provided through which water is directed from the refrigeration chamber. To prevent air exchange between the refrigeration chamber and the surrounding environment through the drain during normal operation of the refrigeration appliance, measures are usually taken to seal the drain.

[0003] For example, DE 10 2015 219 327 A1 describes a refrigeration appliance comprising a coolant container with a drain outlet and a drain pipe connected to the drain outlet. The drain outlet is formed in a funnel-shaped tapering region of the coolant container, and the drain pipe extends through the drain outlet, forming an overflow edge. A cup-shaped lid is inverted and placed over the overflow edge of the drain pipe. The surrounding walls of the cup are arranged to overlap with the surrounding edge, and the bottom of the lid is spaced apart from the overflow edge. This creates an annular gap between the drain pipe and the surrounding walls of the lid, in which condensate collects. During operation of the refrigeration appliance, this condensate freezes and thus seals the condensate drain. To hold the bottom of the cup spaced apart from the overflow edge, the surrounding walls of the cup may be provided with individual feet that surround the overflow edge and support the bottom of the coolant container.

[0004] To reliably ensure the sealing of the drain section, it is desirable that the overlap between the cover and the overflow edge be reliably located within the defined area. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One of the objectives of this invention is to provide an improved solution for draining water from the coolant container of a refrigerated appliance.

[0006] According to the present invention, this task is accomplished by a refrigeration appliance having the features of the present invention and a method having the features of the present invention.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, a refrigeration appliance, particularly a household refrigeration appliance, such as a refrigerator, freezer, or freezer-refrigeration combination, is provided. The refrigeration appliance includes a coolant container for receiving coolant, the coolant container having a drain outlet surrounded by an overflow edge for draining water, particularly condensate, from the coolant container; a drain pipe connected to the drain outlet of the coolant container for guiding water from the coolant container, wherein at least one locking structure is formed on the inner surface of the defined conduit cross-section of the drain pipe, the locking structure protruding from the inner surface; and a drain closure. The drain closure includes a closure body inserted into the drain pipe through the drain outlet of the coolant container, the closure body having a water-guiding groove on its outer peripheral surface; a cap disposed on a first end of the closure body, the cap extending laterally beyond the overflow edge and having a surrounding protrusion arranged overlapping the overflow edge; and a groove constructed in a region at a second end of the closure body, into which the locking structure of the drain pipe engages.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the invention, a method is provided for installing a drain seal on a refrigeration appliance, such as a coolant container of a refrigeration appliance according to a first aspect of the invention. The drain seal includes a closure body having a drainage groove on its outer peripheral surface, a cap disposed on a first end of the closure body having a surrounding protrusion projecting toward a second end of the closure body, and a groove formed in the region of the second end of the closure body. To install the drain seal, the closure body is inserted into a drain outlet of the coolant container, the drain outlet being surrounded by an overflow edge, wherein the closure body is inserted into the drain outlet to such an extent that the cap extends laterally beyond the overflow edge, and the surrounding protrusion of the cap is arranged to overlap with the overflow edge, and a locking structure formed on the inner surface of a drain pipe connected to the drain outlet of the coolant container is locked into the groove of the closure body.

[0009] The present invention is based on the concept of fixing the drain closure relative to the drain outlet by locking the closure in a form-locking manner with a drain pipe arranged on the outside of the coolant container and connected to the drain outlet. For this purpose, the drain closure has a groove in a region at one axial end, which is inserted into the drain pipe through the drain outlet of the coolant container. A locking structure, such as an elastically deformable protrusion, provided on the drain pipe can lock into this groove. A cover protruding laterally beyond the closure body is provided at the other axial end of the closure. This cover has a surrounding protrusion or a surrounding rib. The rib protrudes from the bottom surface of the cover toward the axial end with the groove, and overlaps with the overflow edge surrounding the drain outlet of the coolant container when the locking structure locks into the groove. Thus, an annular gap is formed between the overflow edge and the surrounding protrusion of the cover, wherein the bottom surface of the cover is arranged at a predetermined distance from the upper edge of the overflow edge, and the lower edge of the surrounding protrusion is arranged below the upper edge of the overflow edge.

[0010] The advantage of locking the drain seal to the drain pipe is that the drain seal is reliably and securely fixed in position relative to the drain outlet of the refrigerated container. This is because the drain pipe's locking structure engages with or extends into a groove formed in the drain seal's body. Therefore, the overlap between the overflow edge of the drain outlet and the surrounding ribs of the cap can remain unchanged. In particular, it prevents the drain seal from sliding in the axial direction, for example, during the transport of refrigerated appliances or due to expansion that may occur due to water freezing in the gap formed between the ribs and the overflow edge.

[0011] Another advantage lies in the simple assemblability of the closure. By locking the closure into the slot, tactile feedback is provided when the closure is inserted into the drain pipe through the drain port. Furthermore, only a small assembly force is required. Additionally, no additional bonding medium, such as adhesive, is necessarily needed for assembly, further simplifying the process.

[0012] Advantageous configurations and extensions are derived by referring to the technical solutions of the present invention in conjunction with the specification.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the locking structure of the drain pipe can be configured to consist of a small plate protruding from the inner surface of the drain pipe. The small plate forming the locking structure can, for example, have, but is not limited to, a generally rectangular or triangular peripheral shape. Generally, the small plate forming the locking structure can be understood herein as a discrete element protruding from the inner surface, the wall thickness of which is negligible compared to its perimeter. For example, the thickness can be between 0.1% and 1.5% of the perimeter. Optionally, the small plate can, for example, have a wall thickness that decreases with increasing distance from the inner surface, which further facilitates the deformability of the small plate.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the small plate or generally the locking structure can be inclined away from the container of cooled material. When the closure body of the drain seal is inserted into the drain pipe, the second end of the drain seal deforms the locking structure, wherein the inclined surface of the locking structure facilitates the sliding of the closure body on the locking structure. This further simplifies assemblability. Furthermore, this also further prevents the drain seal from sliding back out of the drain outlet.

[0015] According to some implementation methods, the locking structure of the drain pipe can be integrally constructed with the drain pipe. For example, the locking structure and the drain pipe can be manufactured in a simple manner using an injection molding method. Regardless of manufacturing, the drain pipe and the locking structure can, for example, be made of plastic material.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the drain pipe may have a generally cylindrical fitting and a coupling member, the coupling member being constructed at the end of the fitting facing the coolant container and widening in a funnel shape towards the coolant container, wherein the coupling member abuts against the coolant container in the region surrounding the drain outlet. The fitting may, for example, have a circular cross-sectional shape. A coupling or connector is provided or formed at the first end of the fitting facing the coolant container, the coupling member having an inner diameter that increases with increasing distance from the first end of the fitting, wherein the inner diameter may optionally be graded. Optionally, a flange may be constructed at the end of the coupling member opposite to the fitting, the flange abutting against the outer surface of the coolant container. Thus, when the drain closure is inserted into the drain outlet, improved support for the coolant container is achieved.

[0017] According to some embodiments, the coolant container can be configured with a funnel-shaped member forming a drain outlet and extending into a coupling member of a drain pipe, wherein a closure abuts against the molded member of the coolant container. The molded member of the coolant container can, for example, be formed by an annulus forming a drip edge. The coupling member of the drain pipe surrounds the molded member of the coolant container and is arranged radially spaced from the molded member, or abuts against the coolant container in a radially spaced region. This effectively prevents water entering the drain pipe through the drain outlet from accumulating between the drain pipe and the coolant container due to capillary effect and potentially entering the insulating layer.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the locking structure can be arranged on the end of the pipe facing the cooling container. Therefore, the locking structure is arranged at the transition between the funnel-shaped coupling section and the pipe. In this way, the structural length of the enclosure can be advantageously kept very short.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the closure can be configured to taper from an intermediate region located between the first and second ends toward the second end. For example, the closure can be tapered in the region of the second end. This further facilitates insertion into drain outlets and drain pipes.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the groove of the closure can extend along the entire perimeter of the closure. In particular, the groove can be implemented as an annular groove. Therefore, it is not necessary to pay attention to the orientation of the closure relative to the circumferential direction during assembly. For example, one or more locking structures can be provided on the drain pipe. If multiple locking structures are provided, these locking structures can be arranged spaced apart from each other along the perimeter of the drain pipe, especially at regular intervals. With the groove extending around the entire perimeter of the closure, all locking structures can be received in the same groove, which further facilitates assembly.

[0021] According to some implementations, the overlap between the upper edge of the overflow edge of the drain outlet and the lower edge of the protrusion of the drain closure cover is between 1 mm and 3 mm, especially in the range of 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the refrigeration appliance may additionally include a heat-conducting plate disposed on the inner side of the coolant container, the heat-conducting plate having a plate opening arranged aligned with a drain outlet, wherein the plate opening is surrounded by a molded element forming an overflow edge. This molded element may, for example, be a ring. The molded element of the heat-conducting plate and the optional molded element of the coolant container point in opposite directions. However, the inner surfaces of the molded elements may be aligned.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the refrigeration appliance may have a machine compartment in which an evaporator is arranged for receiving water discharged from a container of cooled goods, wherein a drain pipe extends between a drain outlet and the machine compartment to guide the water discharged from the container of cooled goods into the evaporator. The evaporator may, for example, be arranged in thermal contact with a compressor housed in the machine compartment. Waste heat from the compressor can be used to evaporate the water accumulated in the evaporator.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the machine room may be configured with a machine room top facing the coolant container, wherein an insulating material is arranged between the coolant container and the machine room top, and wherein a drain pipe extends through the insulating material. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show:

[0026] Figure 1 A simplified, schematic cross-sectional view of a refrigeration appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 :exist Figure 1 A detailed view of the area marked by the letter Z in the refrigeration appliance shown, wherein the area marked by the letter Z marks the drain section;

[0028] Figure 3 :exist Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of the drainage section shown, which runs along... Figure 2 The cross-section of line AA shown is obtained; and

[0029] Figure 4 : Figure 3 A detailed view of the area marked by the letter Y.

[0030] In the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals denote the same or functionally identical parts. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Figure 1 A refrigeration appliance 1 is illustrated, for example, in the form of a refrigerator. Typically, refrigeration appliance 1 can be a household refrigeration appliance. Figure 1 As exemplarily shown, the refrigeration appliance 1 may have a coolant container 2 that defines a refrigeration chamber 20 for receiving coolant; the refrigeration appliance has a machine room 6, an insulating material 8, and a drain WA, the insulating material being arranged between the top 62 of the machine room and the coolant container 2.

[0032] like Figure 1 As schematically shown, the coolant container 2 can be completely surrounded by the insulating material 8. The refrigerator compartment 20 is accessible from the outside, for example, through a door (not shown). The coolant container 2 typically defines an internal space that forms the refrigerator compartment 20. The coolant container 2 can be substantially rectangular in shape, for example, and is preferably a plastic container. Alternatively, the coolant container 2 can have a partial recess 26, which can be implemented, for example, as a sloping surface or a funnel-shaped area. Figure 2 and 3 ).

[0033] The machine compartment 6 may have a bottom 61 and a top 62, defining a receiving space between them. An evaporator 7 may be arranged in the machine compartment 6 to receive water W, such as condensate, from the refrigerator compartment 20. Figure 1 As exemplarily shown, compressor 9 may also be arranged in machine room 6. Compressor 9 is designed to compress refrigerant to operate a refrigeration circuit (not shown) for cooling refrigerator compartment 20. The refrigeration circuit may, for example, have a condenser connected to the compressor outlet, a throttle connected to the condenser outlet, and an evaporator arranged for exchanging heat with refrigerator compartment 20, the evaporator being connected to the throttle and compressor inlet. Figure 1 As exemplarily shown, the evaporator 7 may optionally be arranged on the compressor 9 or otherwise thermally coupled to the compressor, so that the waste heat of the compressor 9 can be used to evaporate the water W located in the evaporator 7.

[0034] When the refrigerator compartment 20 is opened or through the cooling material located in the refrigerator compartment 20, moisture can enter the refrigerator compartment 20, thereby causing condensation to form in the refrigerator compartment 20. The condensation will freeze in the evaporator area or when the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 20 is below 0°C. The water can be liquefied again by targeted defrosting methods, such as locally heating the area of ​​the refrigerator compartment 20, the evaporator area, or the area of ​​the cooling material container 2.

[0035] like Figure 1As schematically shown, the refrigeration appliance 1 has a drain section WA for discharging water W from the cooling container 2. Figure 1 Indicatively and in Figure 2 and 3 As shown in more detail, the drain section WA typically forms a conduit for draining water W from the cooling container 2, as in... Figure 1 As schematically shown, the conduit may terminate in machine room 6 and flow into evaporator 7.

[0036] Figure 2 and 3 A detailed sectional view of the drainage section WA is shown. (See attached image.) Figure 2 and 3 As schematically shown, the coolant container 2 has a drain outlet 21, which can be constructed, for example, in a recess 26 of the coolant container 2, such as... Figure 2 and 3 As schematically shown, the coolant container 2 may optionally have a funnel-shaped molding or ring 22 forming a drain outlet 20. The molding 22 may protrude toward the outer side 2B of the coolant container 2, for example toward the top 62 of the machine compartment. The drain outlet 21 may, for example, have a circular cross-sectional shape.

[0037] Optionally, a heat-conducting plate 5 may be arranged on the inner side 2A of the cooling container 2. The heat-conducting plate 5 may have a plate opening 51 arranged aligned with or overlapping the drain outlet 21. Figure 2 and 3 As exemplarily shown, the heat-conducting plate 5 may have a molded part 52 that surrounds or forms an opening 51 in the plate. The molded part 52 of the opening 51 protrudes toward the inner side 2A of the coolant container 2 or toward the refrigerator compartment 20. The molded part or ring 52 of the heat-conducting plate 5 forms an overflow edge K that protrudes onto the inner side 2A of the coolant container 2. Alternatively, the overflow edge K may also be formed by a protrusion formed on or integrally constructed with the coolant container 2. Typically, the coolant container 2 has a drain outlet 21 surrounded by the overflow edge K.

[0038] In addition, such as Figure 2 and 3 As shown, the drainage section WA has a drainage pipe 3 and a drainage closure 4.

[0039] The drain pipe 3 may, for example, have a fitting 31 and a coupling or connector 32. The fitting 31 may, for example, be substantially cylindrical in configuration and extend between a first end 31A and a second end 31B. Here, the cylindrical shape is not limited to a cylindrical shape. The coupling or connector 32 may, in particular, be funnel-shaped, such as... Figure 2 and 3As schematically shown, and connected to the first end 31A of the pipe fitting 31. The connector 32 may, for example, have a first section 32A directly connected to the first end 31A of the pipe fitting 31, which widens with increasing distance from the first end 31A of the pipe fitting 31. Optionally, an intermediate section 32B may be connected to the first section 32A of the connector 32, which may, for example, be cylindrical in configuration. Also optionally, a second section or flange section 32C may be provided, which connects to the intermediate section 32B or directly to the first section 32A, and extends radially from either the intermediate section 32B or the first section 32A. The cross-sectional area of ​​the drain pipe 3 is generally defined by the inner surface 3a of the drain pipe 3. The drain pipe 3 may, in particular, be made of a plastic material, such as a thermoplastic material.

[0040] like Figure 2 As schematically shown, the drain pipe 3 may have one or more locking structures 30. In the following, for clarity, reference will be made only to "one" or "described" locking structure 30, and the invention is not intended to be limited to a single locking structure 30. Figure 2 As schematically shown, the locking structure 30 can be configured, for example, as a small plate-like protrusion protruding from the inner surface 3a of the drain pipe 3. Alternatively, the locking structure 30 and the drain pipe 3 can be integrally constructed, for example, in an injection molding method. Figure 2 Exemplarily shown, the wall thickness of the locking structure 30 can be configured to decrease as the distance from the inner surface 3a increases. This facilitates the elastic deformation of the locking structure 30. Further optionally, the locking structure 30, particularly when constructed as a small plate, can be inclined toward the second end of the drain pipe, which can be formed, for example, through the second end 31B of the pipe fitting 31. Figure 2 As exemplarily shown. Furthermore, as... Figure 2 As shown, the locking structure 30 can be arranged, in particular, on the first end 31A of the pipe fitting 31.

[0041] like Figure 2 and 3 As exemplarily shown, the drain pipe 3 is arranged on the outside of the coolant container 2 and can, for example, abut against the coolant container 2 with an optional flange section 32C, particularly in the region of the coolant container 2 surrounding the drain outlet 21. Therefore, the edge of the drain outlet 21 is arranged radially spaced from the abutment area of ​​the drain pipe 3. Figure 2 and 3As exemplarily shown, an optional molded part 22 may extend into the coupling or connection section 32 of the drain pipe 3. Typically, the drain pipe 3 is connected to the drain outlet 21 of the coolant container 2 to drain water W from the coolant container 2. Therefore, the first end 31A of the fitting 31 faces the coolant container 2. The second end of the drain pipe, for example in the form of the second end 31B of the fitting 31, may extend into the machine chamber 6 to guide water W, for example, into the evaporation pan 7. Thus, the drain pipe 3 may extend between the drain outlet 21 and the machine chamber, for example, through the insulating material 8.

[0042] Drainage seal 4 is also exemplarily in Figure 2 and 3 As shown in the image. Figure 2 and 3 As shown, the drain closure 4 may in particular have a closure body 40 and a cap 42. The closure body 40 may, for example, be a cylindrical plug. Typically, the closure body 40 may be constructed with a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the drain outlet 21 of the coolant container 2, and extends between a first end 40A and a second end 40B located on its opposite side. Optionally, the closure body 40 may be configured to taper from an intermediate region 40C located between the first end 40A and the second end 40B toward the second end 40B, such as... Figure 2 and 3 As exemplarily shown. Especially in Figure 3 As can be seen, the enclosed body 40 has water guiding grooves 41 on its outer periphery, and these water guiding grooves extend as elongated channels from the first end 40A of the enclosed body 40 toward the second end 40B.

[0043] The cover 42 is disposed on or connected to the first end 40A of the closure 40, and protrudes from the closure 40 in the radial direction. Figure 2 and 3 As exemplarily shown, the cover 42 may have a top surface facing away from the closure body, which extends, for example, obliquely. At the bottom surface 42a of the second end 40B of the cover 42 facing the closure body 40... Figure 4 A protrusion 43 is formed on the bottom surface 42a, protruding from the bottom surface 42a toward the second end 40B of the closure 40. The protrusion 43 completely surrounds the closure 40. The protrusion 43 can be constructed, for example, as a closed ring or frame.

[0044] like Figure 2 As shown, a groove 46 is formed in the region of the second end 40B of the enclosure 40; this groove is also referred to below as a latch or receiving groove. Optionally, the groove 46 may extend around the entire periphery of the enclosure 40. Figure 2 As exemplarily shown, the locking slot 46 may have a rectangular cross-sectional shape, for example.

[0045] The drainage closure 4 can be made of plastic materials, such as thermoplastic or thermosetting plastics.

[0046] like Figure 2 and 3 As schematically shown, the closure 40 is inserted into the drain outlet 21, and if necessary, extends into the drain pipe 3 through an optional plate opening 51, or arranged within such an opening. Here, the closure 40 rests, for example, against the molded part 22 of the coolant container 2, wherein, optionally, a press-fit portion may be provided between the closure 40 and the drain outlet 21. Figure 2 As can be seen further, the locking structure 30 locks with the locking groove 46 of the closure 40, or the locking structure 30 engages with the locking groove 46. Thus, the drain closure 4 is fixed in its axial position. The cover 42 extends beyond the overflow edge K in the lateral or radial direction, and the protrusion 43 is arranged overlapping the overflow edge K. Thus, a circumferential gap is formed between the overflow edge K, or the molded part 52 of the heat-conducting plate 5, and the protrusion 43 of the cover 42. Therefore, condensate can accumulate in this gap. When the liquid level in the gap exceeds the upper edge K1 facing the cover 42, water flows through the drain port 21 into the drain pipe 3 and, if necessary, is guided into the evaporator 7. Thus, a siphon is formed. When the temperature in the refrigerator compartment 20 is low enough, at least in the area of ​​the drain portion WA, or the recess 26, water freezes in the gap between the overflow edge K and the protrusion 43 of the cover 42, resulting in an airtight seal.

[0047] Figure 4 The arrangement of the protrusion 43 of the cover 42 relative to the overflow edge K of the drain outlet 21 is shown in detail. Typically, the protrusion 43 and the overflow edge K overlap, particularly in the axial direction, wherein the upper edge K1 of the overflow edge K is positioned above the lower edge 43A of the protrusion 43. The overlap OL between the upper edge K1 of the overflow edge K of the drain outlet 21 and the lower edge 43A of the protrusion 43 of the drain closure 42 can, for example, be between 1 mm and 3 mm, particularly between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm.

[0048] The advantage of the aforementioned refrigeration appliance 1 is that reliable axial fixation of the drain seal 4 is achieved by locking the drain seal 4 and the drain pipe 3. Therefore, the desired overlap OL between the upper edge K1 of the overflow edge K of the drain outlet 21 and the lower edge 43A of the protrusion 43 of the drain seal 42 can be ensured. This is particularly advantageous when the refrigerator compartment 20 is a freezer compartment. By locking the drain seal 4 axially, it is possible to prevent, in a better manner, water frozen in the gap between the overflow edge K and the protrusion 43 of the cover 42 from pushing the seal 4 out of the drain outlet 21.

[0049] Another advantage is the simple assemblability of the drain seal 4 onto the coolant container 2. For example, in a method for installing the drain seal 4 onto the coolant container 2, the closure body 40 of the drain seal 4 can be inserted from the inside of the coolant container 2 into the drain outlet 21. Here, the closure body 40 is inserted into the drain outlet 21 to such an extent that the cover 42 extends laterally beyond the overflow edge K, the surrounding protrusion 43 of the cover 42 is arranged to overlap with the overflow edge K, and the locking structure 30 of the drain pipe 3 locks into the groove 46 of the closure body 40.

[0050] Although the present invention has been exemplarily described above with reference to embodiments, the invention is not limited thereto, but can be modified in various ways. In particular, combinations of the above embodiments are also conceivable.

[0051] List of reference numerals

[0052] 1. Refrigeration appliances

[0053] 2. Cooling container

[0054] 2A The inside of the coolant container

[0055] 2B The outside of the coolant container

[0056] 3. Drain pipe

[0057] 3a Inner surface

[0058] 4 Drainage sealing components

[0059] 5 Thermally conductive plates

[0060] 6 Machine Room

[0061] 7 Evaporation Pan

[0062] 8. Insulation materials

[0063] 9. Compressor

[0064] 21 Drain outlet

[0065] 22 Molded parts

[0066] 26 recess

[0067] 30. Locking structure

[0068] 31 Pipe Fittings

[0069] The first end of the 31A pipe fitting

[0070] The second end of the 31B pipe fitting

[0071] 32 Coupler

[0072] 32A Section 1

[0073] 32B Intermediate Section

[0074] 32C Flange Section

[0075] 40 Closed body

[0076] 40A The first end of the closed body

[0077] 40B The second end of the closed body

[0078] 40C The middle region of the closed body

[0079] 41. Water guiding channel

[0080] 42 lids

[0081] 43. Protrusion

[0082] 43A Lower edge of the protrusion

[0083] 46 slots

[0084] 51. Openings in the sheet metal

[0085] 52 Molded parts

[0086] 61 Bottom

[0087] 62. Top of the machine room

[0088] K Overflow Edge

[0089] K1 upper edge of overflow edge

[0090] OL overlapping part

[0091] W water

[0092] WA Drainage Department

Claims

1. A refrigeration appliance (1), comprising: Cooling container (2) for receiving cooling material, the cooling container having a drain (21) surrounded by an overflow edge (K) for discharging water (W) from the cooling container (2); A drain pipe (3) connected to the drain outlet (21) of the coolant container (2) is used to drain water (W) from the coolant container (2), wherein, At least one locking structure (30) is constructed on the inner surface (3a) of the defined pipe cross section of the drain pipe (3), the locking structure protruding from the inner surface (3a); and The drain closure (4) has a closure body (40) inserted into the drain pipe (3) through a drain outlet (21) of the coolant container (2), the drain outlet (21) being surrounded by an overflow edge (K), the closure body having a water-guiding groove (41) on its outer peripheral surface, the water-guiding groove extending as an elongated groove from a first end (40A) of the closure body (40) toward a second end (40B); and the drain closure has a cover (42) disposed on the first end (40A) of the closure body (40), the cover extending laterally beyond the overflow edge (K) and having a surrounding protrusion (43) arranged overlapping the overflow edge (K); and the drain closure has a groove (46) formed in the region of the second end (40B) of the closure body (40), into which a locking structure (30) of the drain pipe (3) locks.

2. The refrigeration appliance (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The locking structure (30) of the drain pipe (3) is formed by a small plate protruding from the inner surface (3a) of the drain pipe (3).

3. The refrigeration appliance (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The small plate is tilted away from the cooling container (2).

4. The refrigeration appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The locking structure (30) of the drain pipe (3) is integrally constructed with the drain pipe (3).

5. The refrigeration appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The drain pipe (3) has a generally cylindrical fitting (31) and a coupling (32) formed on one end (31A) of the fitting (31) facing the coolant container (2) and widening in a funnel shape toward the coolant container (2), wherein the coupling (32) rests against the coolant container (2) in the area surrounding the drain outlet (21).

6. The refrigeration appliance (1) according to claim 5, wherein, The coolant container (2) has a funnel-shaped molding (22) that forms the drain outlet (21) and extends into the coupling (32) of the drain pipe (3), wherein the closure (40) rests against the molding (22) of the coolant container (2).

7. The refrigeration appliance (1) according to claim 5, wherein, The locking structure (30) is arranged on the end (31A) of the fitting (31) facing the cooling container (2).

8. The refrigeration appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1-3 and 6-7, wherein, The enclosure (40) tapers from the intermediate region (40C) located between the first end (40A) and the second end (40B) toward the second end (40B).

9. The refrigeration appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1-3 and 6-7, wherein, The groove (46) of the enclosure (40) extends along the entire periphery of the enclosure (40).

10. The refrigeration appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1-3 and 6-7, wherein, The overlap (OL) between the upper edge (K1) of the overflow edge (K) of the drain outlet (21) and the lower edge (43A) of the protrusion (43) of the cover (42) of the drain closure (4) is between 1 mm and 3 mm.

11. The refrigeration appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1-3 and 6-7, further comprising: a heat-conducting plate (5) disposed on the inner side (2A) of the coolant container (2), the heat-conducting plate having a plate opening (51) arranged aligned with the drain outlet (21), wherein, The opening (51) of the sheet metal is surrounded by the molding (52) that forms the overflow edge (K).

12. The refrigeration appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1-3 and 6-7, further comprising: Machine room (6), in which an evaporator (7) is arranged for receiving water (W) discharged from the coolant container (2), wherein, The drain pipe (3) extends between the drain outlet (21) and the machine room to guide water (W) discharged from the coolant container (2) into the evaporator (7).

13. The refrigeration appliance (1) according to claim 12, wherein, The machine room (6) has a machine room top (62) facing the coolant container (2), wherein an insulating material (8) is arranged between the coolant container (2) and the machine room top (62), and wherein the drain pipe (3) extends through the insulating material (8).

14. The refrigeration appliance (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The refrigeration appliance (1) is a household refrigeration appliance.

15. The refrigeration appliance (1) according to claim 10, wherein, The overlap (OL) between the upper edge (K1) of the overflow edge (K) of the drain outlet (21) and the lower edge (43A) of the protrusion (43) of the cover (42) of the drain closure (4) is between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm.

16. A method for installing a drain seal (4) on a coolant container (2) of a refrigeration appliance (1), wherein, The drainage closure (4) includes: A closed body (40) has a water-guiding groove (41) on its outer peripheral surface, the water-guiding groove extending as an elongated groove from a first end (40A) of the closed body (40) toward a second end (40B); A cover (42) disposed on the first end (40A) of the enclosure (40), the cover having a surrounding protrusion (43) protruding toward the second end (40B) of the enclosure (40), and A groove (46) is formed in the region of the second end (40B) of the enclosure (40). The method includes: The closure body (40) of the drain closure (4) is inserted into the drain outlet (21) of the coolant container (2), which is surrounded by an overflow edge (K), wherein the closure body (40) is inserted into the drain outlet (21) to such an extent that the cover (42) protrudes beyond the overflow edge (K) on the side, and the surrounding protrusion (43) of the cover (42) is arranged to overlap with the overflow edge (K), and the locking structure (30) on the inner surface (3a) of the drain pipe (3) connected to the drain outlet (21) of the coolant container (2) is locked into the groove (46) of the closure body (40).

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