Cooling fan assembly for a refrigerator condenser cooling fan and method of providing a cooling fan assembly in a refrigerator

Abstract

A cooling fan assembly (100) for a condenser cooling fan of a refrigerator, comprising: a fan mounting frame (1), wherein the fan mounting frame (1) has a plurality of connection regions (CR); a cooling fan (2) being an axial fan and having a plurality of resilient connection means (RCM), wherein the cooling fan (2) is configured to be connected to the fan mounting frame (1) via the resilient connection means (RCM) by placing the resilient connection means (RCM) in the corresponding connection regions (CR) and connecting the resilient connection means (RCM) to the corresponding connection regions (CR), wherein the resilient connection means (RCM) are each located at a certain predetermined distance from an axis of rotation of the cooling fan (2), and wherein at least one resilient connection means (RCM) has asymmetric vibration transmission properties comprising a first vibration transmission property in a first direction of the resilient connection means (RCM) and a second vibration transmission property in a second direction of the resilient connection means (RCM).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooling fan assembly for a refrigerator condenser cooling fan, and a method for providing the cooling fan assembly in a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional refrigerators, especially household refrigerators, are equipped with a cooling system consisting of main components such as an evaporator, condenser, and compressor. The basic principle of this cooling system is well-known. The compressor circulates the cooling medium within the system. The evaporator is typically installed inside the cooling compartment, absorbing heat and lowering the internal temperature. The condenser is usually placed outside the cooling compartment and releases heat into the environment. In some refrigerators, the condenser is equipped with a fan that helps cool itself. This fan can be mounted on a suitable mounting frame located near the condenser on the refrigerator casing.

[0003] The aforementioned fan vibrates according to its rotational frequency during operation. These vibrations are then transmitted to the support structure of the cooling frame in the refrigerator, potentially causing unwanted noise or even damaging components. Therefore, it is desirable to isolate or at least mitigate vibrations from the fan by finding a way to reduce or eliminate the transmission of vibrations to the surrounding structure. Traditional solutions often use pre-loaded vibration isolation components. In known solutions, different vibration frequencies may require specific methods to achieve effective isolation, which complicates the design process.

[0004] For the cooling fan of the refrigerator condenser, there is a need for an improved vibration damping system that can improve and effectively reduce the transmission of vibration from the cooling fan to the refrigerator structure.

[0005] US 2016 / 0146224 A1 describes a fan assembly for a refrigeration appliance. The fan system may have a fan frame and support ribs for holding the axial fan in place. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to improve the damping of vibration transmission generated by the cooling fan in a refrigerator by selecting a specific way to connect the cooling fan to the holding / support structure.

[0007] The above objectives are achieved through the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0008] The present invention relates to a cooling fan assembly for a refrigerator condenser cooling fan according to claim 1, and a method for providing a cooling fan assembly in a refrigerator according to claim 14.

[0009] The preferred embodiments are the subject matter protected by the dependent claims.

[0010] According to the present invention, a cooling fan assembly for a refrigerator condenser cooling fan includes a fan mounting frame having a plurality of connection areas; a cooling fan, which is an axial fan and has a plurality of resilient connecting devices, wherein the cooling fan is configured to be connected to the fan mounting frame via the resilient connecting devices by placing the resilient connecting devices at corresponding connection areas and connecting the resilient connecting devices to the corresponding connection areas, wherein each of the resilient connecting devices is located at a specific predetermined distance from the rotation axis of the cooling fan, and wherein at least one resilient connecting device has an asymmetric vibration transmission property, the property including a first vibration transmission property along a first direction of the resilient connecting device and a second vibration transmission property along a second direction of the resilient connecting device, the two (transmission properties) may be different, for example, such that the resistance generated by the specific vibration transmission property and offsetting the vibration force is at least 50% higher when the vibration force acts along the first direction than when the vibration force acts along the second direction.

[0011] Isolating or damping the transmission of vibrations from the cooling fan means maintaining effective cooling of the condenser while minimizing vibration and noise.

[0012] Resistance can represent the response to, for example, vibrational forces from a cooling fan, depending on the structure and / or material properties of the flexible connection.

[0013] The flexible connection can provide significantly greater resistance (the reaction force to the force applied to the connection), that is, during normal operation, when the force acts from the cooling fan toward the mounting frame, the resistance to the fan's motion under the expected force-acceleration (e.g., caused by vibration) is at least 50% higher than in the opposite direction.

[0014] The fan mounting frame can be installed on the exterior of the refrigerator or on / at the evaporator fan inside the refrigerator. A connection area refers to the area used to connect the cooling fan to the fan mounting frame. A flexible connection device refers to at least one area and / or component with flexible (e.g., telescopic) properties.

[0015] Since the frequency range of the vibrations from the cooling fan can span a wide frequency range, preferably, the vibration isolation solution can effectively attenuate vibrations across a wide frequency range (mitigate vibration transmission) to prevent or reduce the propagation of noise and ensure or improve optimal performance.

[0016] Furthermore, preferably, the solution used to provide isolation or mitigation of vibration transmission is robust and durable enough to withstand the operation of the appliance over extended periods of time, and sufficiently resistant to temperature variations, humidity, and potential wear to ensure long-term reliability.

[0017] Determining the appropriate pretension or preload for components used for vibration isolation (mitigating vibration transmission), particularly resilient connections, can be challenging. Therefore, the pretension level must be carefully considered to ensure stability and prevent or reduce potential impacts between the cooling fan and surrounding structures. A balance between vibration isolation and fan stability is likely preferred. Determining the optimal preload value may require careful consideration of material properties, loading conditions, and expected performance. Furthermore, it is advantageous that isolating or mitigating vibration transmission from the fan does not significantly impede or affect the heat dissipation process, as the primary function of the cooling fan is to remove heat from the system.

[0018] According to another embodiment of the cooling fan assembly, the cooling fan has a cooling fan frame, and at least one resilient connection device includes a resilient connecting pin and / or a resilient attachment and / or a connection hole in the cooling fan frame, wherein the resilient connecting pin can extend into the connection area and / or the connection hole to connect the cooling fan to the fan mounting frame.

[0019] The flexible connection device can be placed in the corresponding connection area and / or the corresponding connection area to connect the fan and the fan mounting frame, wherein "connection" can refer to plugging, leaning, hanging, snapping or any other form of attachment or installation.

[0020] The resilient connecting pin and / or resilient attachment may be made of rubber or another elastic material. The resilient attachment may, for example, be a resilient plate or cap located on the cooling fan frame, positioned at the area of ​​the cooling fan or cooling fan frame where it is intended to be connected to the fan mounting frame. The resilient connecting pin and / or resilient attachment may be an unloaded rubber component for establishing unilateral contact between the cooling fan and the fan mounting frame, or the resilient connecting pin may be a preloaded / pre-tensioned rubber mounting bracket / pin.

[0021] As described above, the resilient connecting pin can extend into (and through) the connecting area and / or connecting hole to connect the cooling fan to the fan mounting frame, and thus may or may not contact the interior of the cooling fan frame and / or the fan mounting frame.

[0022] According to another embodiment of the cooling fan assembly, a first direction and a second direction are parallel to the axis of rotation of the cooling fan, and the first direction points from the cooling fan to the fan mounting frame, and the second direction is opposite to the first direction.

[0023] According to another embodiment of the cooling fan assembly, the resilient connecting pins comprise an elastic material and have a longitudinal extension, wherein one of the resilient connecting pins can be positioned such that it extends at least into the connection area and prevents direct contact between the fan mounting frame and the cooling fan.

[0024] The isolation of vibration transmission is represented and corresponds to the mitigation of vibration transmission.

[0025] These different vibration transmission properties can be achieved through different material properties and / or through differences in the structure and / or size of specific elastic connection devices.

[0026] According to another embodiment of the cooling fan assembly, the cooling fan has a rectangular cooling fan frame, and the flexible connecting device is located at the corner of the rectangular cooling fan frame.

[0027] According to another embodiment of the cooling fan assembly, for all flexible connection devices, the predetermined distances between each flexible connection device and the axis of rotation are equal, or differ from each other by at most 10% or at most 15%.

[0028] According to another embodiment of the cooling fan assembly, the fan mounting frame has higher stiffness in at least one first connection region than in at least one second connection region, and / or the cooling fan has higher stiffness in at least one elastic connection device in the first connection region than in at least one elastic connection device in the at least one second connection region, and / or wherein an elastic connection device having asymmetric vibration transmission properties is placed in the first connection region.

[0029] By considering specific stiffness and associated vibration transmission properties, specific elastic connection devices can be applied to the first connection area or the first connection region where vibration transmission from / into the frame structure and / or fan structure is expected to be strong. Using corresponding vibration transmission along the first and second directions allows for the strategic placement of these elastic connections, minimizing vibration transmission and preventing or at least reducing collisions, thereby achieving performance improvements and noise level reductions in the appliance. By utilizing this innovative configuration, the present invention effectively solves the pretensioning problem while maintaining the safe position of the fan.

[0030] According to another embodiment of the cooling fan assembly, two first connection regions are positioned along a first diagonal of the cooling fan, and two second connection regions are positioned along a second diagonal of the cooling fan.

[0031] According to another embodiment of the cooling fan assembly, an elastic connection device with asymmetric vibration transmission properties is placed at the connection area where the vibration response of the fan mounting frame and / or the mounted cooling fan is expected to be the greatest.

[0032] By utilizing a configuration with flexible connecting devices to connect the cooling fan to the fan mounting frame while maintaining the fan's safe position, this invention effectively solves the pretensioning problem. The flexible connecting devices can be positioned as unilateral contacts, providing support and stability for the cooling fan, and can be strategically placed to minimize the contact area and pretension between the fan and its supporting structure (fan mounting frame, etc.).

[0033] According to another embodiment of the cooling fan assembly, a resilient connecting pin is provided in at least one first connection region, the resilient connecting pin including a cap against which the cooling fan can rest, and wherein, in at least one second connection region, the resilient connecting pin extends through a connection hole of a corresponding resilient connecting device, and has a snap fastener on the side of the cooling fan opposite to the fan mounting frame.

[0034] The fan can be pushed toward the fan mounting frame and against the connecting pin (first direction), where higher damping is expected, and pulled away from the fan mounting frame (due to vibration) in a specific connection area and separated from the fan mounting frame (at least within a small tolerance), resulting in almost no vibration transmission in the second direction.

[0035] According to another embodiment of the cooling fan assembly, a first resilient connecting pin is provided in at least one first connection region, the first resilient connecting pin extending through a first connection hole of a corresponding resilient connecting device (placed near the first connection region), and having a snap-fit ​​on the side of the cooling fan opposite to the fan mounting frame, wherein at least one region of the first resilient connecting pin within the first connection hole has a smaller diameter than the first connection hole, wherein the diameter of the first resilient connecting pin in the region is 5% to 10% smaller than the diameter of the first connection hole, and wherein in at least one second connection region, a corresponding second resilient connecting pin inserted into a second connection hole has a larger diameter in the corresponding region within the corresponding connection hole (comparing the first resilient connecting pin and the second resilient connecting pin in the specific holes they pass through).

[0036] According to another embodiment of the cooling fan assembly, a resilient connecting pin is provided in at least one first connection area, the resilient connecting pin extending through a connection hole of a corresponding resilient connecting device, and having a snap fastener on the side of the cooling fan opposite to the fan mounting frame, wherein when the resilient connecting pin is inserted into the connection hole, there is a distance between the snap fastener and the side of the cooling fan opposite to the fan mounting frame.

[0037] According to another embodiment of the cooling fan assembly, an elastic connecting pin is provided in at least one first connection area, the elastic connecting pin extending through the connection hole of the corresponding elastic connecting device, and having a snap fastener on the side of the cooling fan opposite to the fan mounting frame. Since the thickness of the cooling fan along the connection hole is smaller at the elastic connecting device where the elastic connecting pin is placed, for example compared to the elastic connecting device at the second connection area, when the elastic connecting pin is inserted into the connection hole, there is a distance between the snap fastener and the side of the cooling fan (2) opposite to the fan mounting frame.

[0038] According to the present invention, a method for providing a cooling fan assembly in a refrigerator includes the following steps: providing a fan mounting frame having a plurality of connection areas; providing a cooling fan, which is an axial fan and has a plurality of resilient connecting devices, wherein the cooling fan is connected to the fan mounting frame via the resilient connecting devices by placing the resilient connecting devices at corresponding connection areas and connecting the resilient connecting devices to the corresponding connection areas, wherein each of the resilient connecting devices is located at a specific predetermined distance from the axis of rotation of the cooling fan, and wherein at least one resilient connecting device has an asymmetric vibration transmission property, the property including a first vibration transmission property along a first direction of the resilient connecting device and a second vibration transmission property along a second direction of the resilient connecting device, the first vibration transmission property being different from the second vibration transmission property such that the resistance generated by the specific vibration transmission property and offsetting the vibration force is at least 50% higher when the vibration force acts along the first direction than when the vibration force acts along the second direction.

[0039] According to another embodiment of the method, the vibration response of the fan mounting frame and / or the connected cooling fan is evaluated or determined, and the location where the vibration response of the fan mounting frame and / or the connected cooling fan is the greatest is determined. An elastic connection device with asymmetric vibration transmission properties is placed at the corresponding connection area, for example, at the location where the vibration response is expected to be the greatest.

[0040] For example, by understanding the structural properties or through simulation, the vibration response of the fan mounting frame and / or the connected cooling fan can be evaluated or determined.

[0041] The flexible connecting pin can be a separate element relative to the cooling fan and the fan mounting frame. Even though it is physically separated from the cooling fan and attached to the fan mounting frame, it can be understood as a flexible connecting device and thus indirectly related to the cooling fan.

[0042] The method can be characterized by combining the same or similar features and corresponding advantages mentioned in the cooling fan assembly, and vice versa. Attached Figure Description

[0043] The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments depicted in the accompanying drawings.

[0044] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate comparative embodiments and various embodiments of the invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention, as well as many anticipated advantages of the invention, will become readily apparent from the following detailed description. Elements in the drawings are not necessarily scaled relative to each other. The same reference numerals denote corresponding similar parts.

[0045] Figure 1 A cooling fan assembly having a cooling fan for a refrigerator condenser is shown according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 2 A perspective sectional view of a cooling fan assembly having a cooling fan along the vertical line of the cooling fan and through the condenser, according to an embodiment of the invention, is shown.

[0047] Figure 3 A perspective sectional view of a cooling fan assembly having a cooling fan diagonally through a cooling fan and through a condenser, according to an embodiment of the invention, is shown.

[0048] Figure 4a , 4b 4c and 4d show longitudinal sectional views through the fan mounting frame and cooling fan according to different embodiments of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 5 A front view of a cooling frame with a flexible connecting device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0050] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, those skilled in the art will understand that various alternative and / or equivalent embodiments can be used instead of the illustrated and described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. In general, this application is intended to cover any modifications or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein.

[0051] Figure 1 A cooling fan assembly with a cooling fan for a refrigerator condenser is shown according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] A cooling fan assembly 100 for a refrigerator condenser cooling fan includes a fan mounting frame 1 having multiple connection areas CR; and a cooling fan 2, which is an axial fan and has multiple flexible connection devices RCM, wherein the cooling fan 2 is configured to be connected to the fan mounting frame 1 via the flexible connection devices RCM by placing the flexible connection devices RCM in the corresponding connection areas CR. The fan mounting frame 1 can be placed in front of the refrigerator condenser to achieve a cooling effect.

[0053] The cooling fan 2 may have a cooling fan frame 2a, which can be connected to the fan mounting frame 1, and Figure 1 As shown, the fan mounting frame 1 may have two first connection areas CR1 (with higher stiffness) and two second connection areas CR2 (with lower stiffness), wherein an elastic connection device RCM with asymmetric vibration transmission characteristics is placed in the first connection area CR1. Furthermore, the two first connection areas CR1 may be positioned along a first diagonal D1 of the cooling fan 2, and the two second connection areas CR2 may be positioned along a second diagonal D2 of the cooling fan 2 or the fan mounting frame 1. An elastic connecting pin 3 may be provided in the first connection area CR1, extending into the first connection area CR1 as an unloaded pin, for example forming a cap that the cooling fan frame 2a can lean against. Figure 2 In this embodiment, these unloaded connecting pins 3 do not extend into the corresponding connecting holes CH of the cooling fan frame 2a.

[0054] In each second connection area CR2, a resilient connecting pin 3 can be provided, which extends into the second connection area CR2 as a pre-loaded pin and into the corresponding connecting hole CH of the cooling fan frame 2a (e.g., Figure 2 As shown), because the rigidity of the fan mounting frame and / or the cooling fan itself appears to be low at that location, and the (maximum) vibration transmission occurring there is low.

[0055] Figure 2 A perspective view is shown, according to an embodiment of the invention, passing through a cooling fan assembly with a cooling fan in the vertical direction and through a condenser.

[0056] At the upper elastic connection device RCM, the cooling fan frame 2a has a connection hole CH, which is located in front of the connection area CR of the fan mounting frame 1, and wherein the elastic connection pin 3 extends from the inside of the connection area CR into the connection hole CH. Figure 2 It can be along Figure 1 A vertical sectional view of two adjacent elastic connecting devices RCM, wherein the upper connecting region can be the second connecting region CR2, and the lower connecting region can be as follows: Figure 1The first connecting region CR1 is described in the document.

[0057] This resilient connecting pin 3 can be made of rubber and preloaded (through predetermined tension), adapting to the openings in the connecting hole CH and the second connecting region CR2. This resilient connecting pin 3 can provide support for the cooling fan and hold it on the fan mounting frame 1. Conventional fixtures may equip four such connecting pins at the corners of the cooling fan 2, wherein, in conventional fixtures, this pretension between the support structure and the cooling fan 2 increases the contact area and consequently enhances vibration transmission from the fan 2 to the support structure. According to the invention, it is possible to evaluate which connecting regions CR are suitable for applying the resilient connecting device RCM to achieve higher or lower vibration isolation effects, and which regions the (preloaded) connecting component can be applied to. Therefore, the resilient connecting device RCM with asymmetric vibration transmission properties can be placed at the first connecting region CR1 where the vibration response of the fan mounting frame 1 and / or the mounted cooling fan 2 is expected to be the greatest.

[0058] By limiting the pre-tension of the resilient connecting device RCM (pin / attachment) and thereby limiting the contact area, the resilient connecting device RCM can effectively prevent vibration from being transmitted through the system. This unilateral connection is positioned in a way that ensures the stability of the cooling fan 2 during operation, thereby preventing direct collision with the fan mounting frame 1, which would lead to increased vibration. Figure 2 The configuration shown includes a preloaded or pre-tensioned (elastic) connecting pin 3 at the upper connecting region CR2, and an adjacent elastic (and unloaded) connecting pin 3 at the lower connecting region CR1, which provides stability to the cooling fan 2 through unilateral contact. The connecting regions CR1 and CR2 are shown adjacent to the cooling fan 2 in the vertical direction and represent the upper and lower connecting regions CR. The lower elastic connecting pin 3 extends only into the connecting region CR and forms a head or cap CP on the side of the fan mounting frame 1 facing the cooling fan 2, allowing the cooling fan 2 to rest against the cap CP of the elastic connecting pin 3 at the lower connecting region CR1. When the cooling fan 2 rests against the cap CP, the vibration transmission to the fan mounting frame 1 is low because, in this example, the vibration response of the fan mounting frame 1 and / or the mounted cooling fan 2 is expected to be maximum at this lower connecting region CR1. The contact between the cooling fan 2 and the elastic connecting pin 3 and its cap CP at the lower connecting area CR1 can be understood as a "one-sided" contact, because if the cooling fan 2 is pulled away from the fan mounting frame 1 in the second direction, there will be no contact between the two.

[0059] The innovative combination of a preloaded connecting pin 3 and an unloaded, resilient connecting pin 3 providing unilateral support for the cooling fan 2 can reduce the pretension of the connecting pin 3. In this sense, the unloaded connecting pin 3, providing unilateral support, helps reduce the pretension of a given vibration isolation system. In the context of the cooling fan 2, pretension may arise due to the fan housing being fixed to the support structure. This pretension can lead to increased vibration transmission and potentially increased noise in the refrigerator. The preloaded connecting pin 3 can be placed at the location where vibration is expected to be minimal, which typically corresponds to the most rigid fixing point on the fan mounting frame 1 and / or the cooling fan 2. The implementation of the unloaded, resilient connecting pin 3, due to its reduced contact area at the cap CP and its non-intrusion into the cooling fan structure (frame), ensures that the transmission of vibration from the cooling fan 2 to the fan mounting frame 1 is minimized. Therefore, the use of a resilient connecting pin 3 based on unilateral contact aims to enhance the stability of the cooling fan 2.

[0060] The housing of the cooling fan 2 and the fan mounting frame 1 can be designed to have only a minimum clearance between the cooling fan 2 and the fan mounting frame 1, so as to reduce the possibility of the cooling fan 2 shifting from the fan mounting frame 1.

[0061] Figure 3 A perspective sectional view of a cooling fan assembly having a cooling fan diagonally through a cooling fan and through a condenser, according to an embodiment of the invention, is shown.

[0062] exist Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, two first connecting regions CR1 are positioned along the first diagonal D1 of the cooling fan 2, and two second connecting regions CR2 are positioned along the second diagonal D2 of the cooling fan 2 (when the cooling fan 2 is connected to the fan mounting frame 1). Figure 3 Only the latter one is shown in the diagram because the second diagonal intersects the first diagonal D1. (For example...) Figure 2 The lower middle connecting area CR1 is shown (similar to) Figure 4a The lower pin 3), for example, a single-sided elastic connecting pin 3 is installed in the two first connecting areas CR1.

[0063] The cooling fan 2, having a cooling fan frame 2a, may have a resilient connecting device RCM, which includes a resilient connecting pin 3, for example, unloaded in a first connecting region CR1 and preloaded in a second connecting region CR2, and each or at least one resilient attachment 4 and a connecting hole CH in the cooling fan frame 2a. The resilient attachment 4 is shown only schematically, as the cooling fan frame 2a may include a resilient region RCM as a cap or resilient retaining portion, in which a hole is provided to rest against the resilient connecting pin 3.

[0064] To effectively reduce vibration transmission and maintain the stability of the cooling fan 2 within the fan mounting frame 1, a method utilizing two preloaded and two unloaded rubber mounting brackets can be employed. The preloaded connecting pins can be placed in the second region CR2. The unloaded elastic connecting pins 3 serve as unilateral supports for the cooling fan 2, ensuring its stability. The placement of the unloaded elastic connecting pins 3 can be determined by analyzing the vibration patterns of the cooling fan 2 and / or the fan mounting frame 1. Therefore, the unilateral contact elastic connecting pins 3 can be positioned at the fixed location (connection area, e.g., the first connection area CR1) where the vibration response of the support structure is expected to be greatest. The implementation of unloaded connecting pins 3, due to their reduced contact area, ensures that the transmission of vibration from the cooling fan 2 to the fan mounting frame 1 is minimized.

[0065] Figure 4a , 4b 4c and 4d show longitudinal sectional views through the fan mounting frame and cooling fan according to different embodiments of the present invention.

[0066] exist Figure 4a The diagram shows a first connection region CR1 with an unloaded resilient connecting pin 3 having a cap CP against which the cooling fan 2 can rest. This resilient connecting pin 3 primarily transmits loads and / or reduces vibration transmission caused by pressure / vibration (force) in the first direction (towards the fan mounting frame 1). A second connection region CR2 with a preloaded resilient connecting pin 3 is shown on the upper side of the cooling fan 2. On this side, the preloaded resilient connecting pin 3 can extend into the connection hole CH of the resilient connecting device RCM, and in this embodiment, contacts the inner wall of the hole, penetrates the entire cooling fan 2, and has a snap-fit ​​CT on the opposite side of the cooling fan 2. The preloaded connecting pin 3 located at the connection hole CH of the resilient connecting device RCM on this side may be present. Figures 4b to 4d All implementations shown.

[0067] exist Figure 4b In the middle, it is shown that... Figure 4a The same configuration as described above, except that the cooling fan 2 also has a (first) connection hole CH at the corresponding elastic mounting (connection) device in the lower first connection area CR1. Figure 4a(This is not the case in the middle section), another type of resilient (first) connecting pin 3 can extend into (and pass through) the hole. The resilient (first) connecting pin 3 in the (lower) first connecting hole CH can pass through the hole CH and also has a snap-fit ​​CT on the opposite side of the cooling fan 2, but differs from the connecting pin 3 in the upper hole CH in that it is made of a more flexible or softer material and / or has a thinner portion that passes through the hole CH and therefore does not contact the inner wall of the hole CH. In other words, when compared in the corresponding areas within the hole CH, the first pin 3 in the lower hole CH can be thinner in the area within the hole CH than the pin 3 placed in the upper hole CH (in the second connecting area CR2).

[0068] exist Figure 4c In the upper hole (at the second connection area), the connecting pin 3 can be similar to the connecting pin 3 in the lower hole CH (at the first connection area), but the lower pin 3 can be longer and there is a distance between the latch CT and the opposite side of the cooling fan 2, because the connecting pin 3 on the lower side can be made so that the latch CT can also contact the opposite side of the cooling fan 2 (when the fan moves toward it). The connecting pin 3 in the upper hole CH can transmit pressure (force) in both the first and second directions, while the connecting pin 3 in the lower hole CH transmits pressure (force) only in the first direction during normal installation and holds the cooling fan 2 in place when the cooling fan 2 moves from the mounting position away from the fan mounting frame 1 (e.g., if the connecting pin 3 breaks on the upper side).

[0069] exist Figure 4d In the middle, the two connecting pins 3 at the lower hole CH and the upper hole CH can have similar shapes, but the cooling fan 2 is thinner at the lower part (at the first connection area), and therefore the connecting pin 3 in the lower hole CH has a distance between the buckle CT and the opposite side of the cooling fan 2.

[0070] Figure 5 A front view of a cooling frame with a flexible connection device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0071] Each of the resilient connecting devices RCM is located at a specific predetermined distance from the rotation axis of the cooling fan 2. The cooling fan 2 may have a rectangular shape, wherein the resilient connecting devices RCM, such as connecting holes CH, are placed at the corners of the cooling fan 2. Along the first diagonal D1, connecting pins 3 with different vibration transmission properties than those along the second diagonal D2 may be provided. The connecting pins 3 used in particular may be of different colors.

[0072] In the foregoing detailed description, various features have been combined and summarized in one or more examples or implementations to simplify the disclosure. It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not limiting. It is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

Claims

1. A cooling fan assembly (100) for a refrigerator condenser cooling fan, the cooling fan assembly (100) comprising: A fan mounting frame (1) having multiple connection areas (CR); A cooling fan (2), which is an axial fan and has a plurality of flexible connection devices (RCMs), wherein the cooling fan (2) is configured to be connected to the fan mounting frame (1) via the flexible connection devices (RCMs) by placing the flexible connection devices (RCMs) in the corresponding connection areas (CRs) and connecting the flexible connection devices (RCMs) to the corresponding connection areas (CRs), wherein each of the flexible connection devices (RCMs) is located at a specific predetermined distance from the rotation axis of the cooling fan (2), and wherein at least one of the flexible connection devices (RCMs) has an asymmetric vibration transmission property, the asymmetric vibration transmission property including a first vibration transmission property along a first direction of the flexible connection device (RCM) and a second vibration transmission property along a second direction of the flexible connection device (RCM), the first vibration transmission property being different from the second vibration transmission property such that the resistance generated by the specific vibration transmission property and offsetting the vibration force is at least 50% higher when the vibration force acts along the first direction than when the vibration force acts along the second direction.

2. The cooling fan assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The cooling fan (2) has a cooling fan frame (2a), and at least one of the resilient connection devices (RCM) includes a resilient connection pin (3) and / or a resilient attachment (4) and / or a connection hole (CH) in the cooling fan frame (2a), wherein the resilient connection pin (3) is capable of extending into the connection area (CR) and / or the connection hole (CH) to connect the cooling fan (2) to the fan mounting frame (1).

3. The cooling fan assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first direction and the second direction are parallel to the axis of rotation of the cooling fan (2), and the first direction points from the cooling fan (2) to the fan mounting frame (1), and the second direction is opposite to the first direction.

4. The cooling fan assembly (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 3 when referring to claim 2, wherein, The resilient connecting pin (3) comprises a resilient material and has a longitudinal extension, wherein one of the resilient connecting pins (3) can be positioned to extend into at least the connection area (CR) and prevent direct contact between the fan mounting frame (1) and the cooling fan (2).

5. The cooling fan assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The cooling fan (2) has a rectangular cooling fan frame (2a), and the resilient connecting device (RCM) is located at the corner of the rectangular cooling fan frame (2a).

6. The cooling fan assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, For all resilient connection devices (RCMs), the predetermined distance between a particular resilient connection device (RCM) and the axis of rotation is equal, or differs from each other by at most 10% or at most 15%.

7. The cooling fan assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The fan mounting frame (1) has higher stiffness in at least one first connection area (CR1) than in at least one second connection area (CR2), and / or the cooling fan (2) has higher stiffness in at least one elastic connection device (RCM) at the first connection area (CR1) than in at least one elastic connection device (RCM) at the second connection area (CR2), and / or wherein, The elastic connection device (RCM) having the aforementioned asymmetric vibration transmission properties is placed in the first connection region (CR1).

8. The cooling fan assembly (100) according to claim 7, wherein, Two first connection regions (CR1) are positioned along the first diagonal (D1) of the cooling fan (2), and two second connection regions (CR2) are positioned along the second diagonal (D2) of the cooling fan (2).

9. The cooling fan assembly (100) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, A resilient connecting pin (3) is provided in at least one of the first connection areas (CR1), the resilient connecting pin (3) including a cap (CP) against which the cooling fan (2) can rest, and wherein, in at least one of the second connection areas (CR2), the resilient connecting pin (3) extends through a connection hole (CH) of the corresponding resilient connecting device (RCM), and has a snap (CT) on the side of the cooling fan (2) opposite to the fan mounting frame (1).

10. The cooling fan assembly (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein, A first resilient connecting pin (3) is provided in at least one of the first connection areas (CR1), the first resilient connecting pin (3) extending through the first connection hole (CH) of the corresponding resilient connecting device (RCM), and having a snap (CT) on the side of the cooling fan (2) opposite to the fan mounting frame (1), wherein the first resilient connecting pin (3) has a smaller diameter than the first connection hole (CH) in at least one region within the first connection hole (CH), wherein the diameter of the first resilient connecting pin (3) in the region is 5% to 10% smaller than the diameter of the first connection hole (CH), and wherein, in at least one of the second connection areas (CR2), the corresponding second resilient connecting pin (3) inserted into the second connection hole (CH) has a larger diameter than the first resilient connecting pin (3) in the corresponding region within the corresponding connection hole (CH).

11. The cooling fan assembly (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein, A resilient connecting pin (3) is provided in at least one of the first connection areas (CR1), the resilient connecting pin (3) extending through the connection hole (CH) of the corresponding resilient connecting device (RCM), and having a snap (CT) on the side of the cooling fan (2) opposite to the fan mounting frame (1), wherein when the resilient connecting pin (3) is inserted into the connection hole (CH), there is a distance between the snap (CT) and the side of the cooling fan opposite to the fan mounting frame (1).

12. The cooling fan assembly (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein, A resilient connecting pin (3) is provided in at least one of the first connection areas (CR1), the resilient connecting pin (3) extending through the connection hole (CH) of the corresponding resilient connecting device (RCM), and having a snap (CT) on the side of the cooling fan (2) opposite to the fan mounting frame (1), wherein, since the thickness of the cooling fan (2) along the connection hole (CH) is small at the resilient connecting device (RCM) where the resilient connecting pin (3) is placed, there is a distance between the snap (CT) and the side of the cooling fan (2) opposite to the fan mounting frame (1) when the resilient connecting pin (3) is inserted into the connection hole (CH).

13. The cooling fan assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, The resilient connection device (RCM) having the asymmetric vibration transmission properties is placed at the connection area (CR) where the vibration response of the fan mounting frame (1) and / or the installed cooling fan (2) is expected to be the greatest.

14. A method for providing a cooling fan assembly (100) in a refrigerator, comprising the steps of: A fan mounting frame (1) is provided, wherein the fan mounting frame (1) has a plurality of connection areas (CR); A cooling fan (2) is provided, which is an axial fan and has a plurality of flexible connection devices (RCMs), wherein the cooling fan (2) is connected to the fan mounting frame (1) via the flexible connection devices (RCMs) by placing the flexible connection devices (RCMs) at the corresponding connection areas (CRs) and connecting the flexible connection devices (RCMs) to the corresponding connection areas (CRs), wherein each of the flexible connection devices (RCMs) is located at a specific predetermined distance from the rotation axis of the cooling fan (2), and wherein at least one of the flexible connection devices (RCMs) has an asymmetric vibration transmission property, the asymmetric vibration transmission property including a first vibration transmission property along a first direction of the flexible connection device (RCM) and a second vibration transmission property along a second direction of the flexible connection device (RCM), the first vibration transmission property being different from the second vibration transmission property such that the resistance generated by the specific vibration transmission property and offsetting the vibration force is at least 50% higher when the vibration force acts along the first direction than when the vibration force acts along the second direction.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, Evaluate or determine the vibration response of the fan mounting frame (1) and / or the connected cooling fan (2), and determine the location where the vibration response of the fan mounting frame (1) and / or the connected cooling fan (2) is the greatest, and place the elastic connection device (RCM) with the asymmetric vibration transmission property at the corresponding connection area (CR).

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