Refrigerator and / or freezer

Abstract

The present invention relates to a refrigeration and / or freezing appliance with a refrigerant circuit comprising an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, an expansion unit and one or more valves, wherein the expansion unit comprises or is an expansion valve.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigeration and / or freezing appliance with a refrigerant circuit comprising an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, an expansion unit and one or more valves.

[0002] It is known to arrange an expansion unit in an interior space and near an evaporator of a refrigerator and / or freezer.

[0003] It is also known to arrange an evaporator, an expansion unit and a defrost heater, etc., in an assembly or module.

[0004] Furthermore, it is known to provide insulation measures and / or encapsulation of the expansion unit.

[0005] Conventional expansion units from the state of the art include, for example, capillaries. However, these cannot be used to control and / or regulate the expansion process of refrigerants.

[0006] Commercially available refrigerators and freezers, combination units or other multi-zone appliances, especially for use in a household, are currently operated with refrigerants made from pure substances, whereas refrigerant mixtures consisting of several pure substances have not yet become commercially established.

[0007] Refrigerant circuits with a refrigerant mixture as the circulating working fluid are known in combination units. US 1,986,959 A discloses a refrigerant mixture of R30 and R160.

[0008] The Lorenz-Meutzner process is also well-known. This process can be used with a special system circuit for a refrigerator and freezer with a binary refrigerant mixture consisting of R22 and R11, but it has not proven more energy-efficient than the circuit variants of pure refrigerant systems.

[0009] Against this background, the present invention aims to provide an improved cooling and / or freezing appliance, in particular with an improved expansion unit and / or an improved refrigerant circuit, especially for the use of a refrigerant mixture.

[0010] This problem is solved by the subject matter with the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0011] According to the invention, the expansion unit is provided for to have or be an expansion valve.

[0012] Preferably, the expansion valve is provided to have a stepper motor for adjusting the opening degree of the expansion valve.

[0013] Preferably, the refrigerant circuit has several evaporators and / or several expansion valves.

[0014] Preferably, the valve or at least one of the valves is a switching valve and / or a solenoid valve.

[0015] Preferably, the valve or at least one of the valves is a multi-way valve and is arranged in particular for injection into two or more evaporators.

[0016] Preferably, the valve or at least one of the valves is a check valve and / or a 2 / 2-way valve.

[0017] Preferably, the valve is arranged in a suction line between the evaporator and the compressor.

[0018] Preferably, the refrigerant circuit further comprises a capillary and / or a pipe, in particular with an inner diameter of 0.6 mm to 2 mm, in particular 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm or a diameter corresponding to 1.2 to 2 times, in particular 1.5 times, the diameter of the capillary, and / or a sintered element, wherein the capillary, the pipe and / or the sintered element is arranged between the expansion valve and the evaporator.

[0019] Preferably, the expansion valve has, in particular, one or more outlets.

[0020] Preferably, the refrigerant circuit has exactly one expansion valve and several evaporators connected in series, with a throttling element, in particular a capillary and / or a sintered element, provided between each evaporator.

[0021] Preferably, the refrigerant circuit comprises exactly one expansion valve, one or more 2 / 2-way valves, one or more throttling elements, in particular one or more capillaries, and several evaporators, wherein the outlet of the expansion valve is connected to all 2 / 2-way valves, each outlet of a 2 / 2-way valve is connected to a capillary, and each capillary is connected to an evaporator.

[0022] The expansion valve is preferably connected to the evaporator in such a way that refrigerant can expand into the evaporator through the expansion valve.

[0023] The expansion valve is preferably an electrically driven expansion valve for small cooling capacities and / or can be referred to as a micro-expansion valve.

[0024] The expansion valve is preferably designed for throttling and / or expanding refrigerant.

[0025] Preferably, one or more micro-expansion valves (MEVs) are integrated into the refrigerator and / or freezer.

[0026] There can be different installation locations for the expansion valve in the device.

[0027] The system may consist of one or more assemblies with one or more evaporators and one or more expansion valves.

[0028] Preferably, one or more expansion valves of the device are controlled and / or regulated.

[0029] Preferably, the expansion valve is arranged within a cooled interior of the device and / or in a machine room or compressor niche.

[0030] The expansion valve can preferably be connected to different types of evaporators.

[0031] The appliance can preferably be a combination appliance with a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment and / or a multi-zone appliance with several temperature zones.

[0032] The device preferably comprises a compact assembly or module for cooling multiple compartments. The module preferably includes one or more evaporators, one or more expansion valves, and / or further throttling elements, in particular valves and / or capillaries.

[0033] The expansion valve can preferably be of a known design.

[0034] The expansion valve is preferably driven by a stepper motor.

[0035] The expansion valve is preferably located inside the building directly at the inlet of the evaporator and can be connected to the evaporator via a refrigerant line.

[0036] The expansion valve is preferably located on the evaporator on the supply air or exhaust air side. The expansion valve is preferably located laterally or centrally on the evaporator.

[0037] The evaporator can be an expanded tube evaporator or a microchannel evaporator. However, any evaporator commonly used in household refrigerators and / or freezers is also suitable, such as roll bond evaporators, finned evaporators, tube-on-sheet evaporators, etc.

[0038] Preferably, an assembly or module with multiple evaporators is provided.

[0039] The expansion valve can have multiple outlets. Several expansion valves, each with one outlet, can be provided.

[0040] Preferably, a horizontally installed module with an evaporator and an expansion valve is provided. The module is preferably installed between two or more compartments. The module can include an evaporator and an expansion valve, with air dampers distributing the air cooled by the evaporator. Two or more evaporators and a micro-expansion valve can be provided, with the evaporators being supplied with refrigerant in parallel and / or in series. The evaporators can be connected in parallel or in series.

[0041] The expansion valve can be located in a cooled interior of the unit. Alternatively, the expansion valve can be located in a warmer compartment of a combination or multi-zone unit. The expansion valve can be positioned within an airflow, preferably with provisions to direct air past the expansion valve.

[0042] The expansion valve can be located in thermal insulation of the appliance and, in the case of a combination appliance, between the refrigerator and freezer compartments in an insulated housing.

[0043] The expansion valve can be located outside of a cooled interior of the device, e.g. in a compressor niche or a machine room, with the expansion valve preferably being located in an additionally insulating housing.

[0044] A pipeline can be provided at one outlet of the expansion valve. This pipeline can lead via an internal heat exchanger to an injection point where refrigerant can be injected into the evaporator. Preferably, the pipeline has a diameter of 0.5 mm to 2 mm, particularly 0.5 mm to 2 mm, and more specifically 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm, or a diameter that allows a flow rate 1.2 to 2 times, and more specifically 1.5 times, the nitrogen flow rate at a pressure differential of 10 bar. The internal heat exchanger is preferably designed and / or arranged to cool the pipeline, preferably by means of a suction line. The internal heat exchanger can be located upstream of the expansion valve, i.e., downstream of the condenser, with the pipeline preferably not being connected to the suction line, but rather to the supply line to the expansion valve or the expansion unit.

[0045] Preferably, the refrigerant circuit further comprises a pipeline, in particular with an inner diameter of 0.5 mm to 2 mm, in particular 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm or a diameter that allows 1.2 to 2 times, in particular 1.5 times, the flow rate, measured as nitrogen flow rate at a pressure difference of 10 bar, wherein the pipeline is arranged between the expansion valve and the evaporator, wherein the refrigerant circuit preferably has an internal heat exchanger designed and arranged to cool the pipeline.

[0046] The internal heat exchanger can consist entirely or partially of the elements or parts of elements between which heat exchange is to take place. For example, in the case of an internal heat exchanger intended to enable heat transfer from the pipeline to the suction line, the internal heat exchanger can be formed from parts of the suction line and the pipeline that are in contact with each other.

[0047] Preferably, provisions for draining condensate and / or provisions for sealing to prevent condensate from forming are provided in or on the expansion valve.

[0048] Preferably, the expansion valve has an additional housing and / or additional insulation.

[0049] Preferably, the expansion valve is encased in a material with noise-dampening properties. Preferably, the expansion valve is mounted on a noise-insulating bracket.

[0050] Preferably, the expansion valve is powered and controlled via a bus node of the device and, in particular, not via the device's main electronics. The bus node can also be configured to control a fan, distribute power, and / or control lighting.

[0051] Preferably, the flow rate and / or the degree of opening or the valve position of the expansion valve is adjusted during an active phase of the compressor, in which the compressor is running.

[0052] Preferably, the degree of opening or the valve position of the expansion valve is changed depending on the measured value within a cooling cycle.

[0053] Preferably, the power consumption of the compressor, the torque of the compressor motor and / or the pressure are measured, whereby these measured variables can preferably influence the degree of opening or the valve position of the expansion valve individually or each.

[0054] Preferably, one or more temperatures are measured, in particular at the evaporator, preferably an evaporation temperature and / or an outlet temperature, in particular at the condenser, preferably a condensation temperature and / or an outlet temperature, in particular an air temperature in a compartment and / or in particular an ambient air temperature, wherein these measured variables can preferably influence the degree of opening or the valve position of the expansion valve individually or in any combination.

[0055] Preferably, the refrigerant circuit includes a collector and / or a separator. The collector and / or separator can also be referred to as a phase separator.

[0056] Preferably, a level or fill level is measured, particularly at the collector and / or separator, whereby these measured variables can preferably influence the degree of opening or the valve position of the expansion valve individually or each.

[0057] The level or fill level is preferably measured using a magnetic float, a magnetic switch, and / or a sensor for two-phase or multi-phase refrigerant, particularly for a liquid-gas mixture, e.g., a MEMS sensor. The sensor can also determine the presence of a single-phase refrigerant, especially a gaseous or liquid refrigerant.

[0058] Preferably, the degree of opening or the valve position of the expansion valve is changed over time within a cooling cycle, in particular depending on a predetermined rate of change, steps per time interval, one or more predetermined start values ​​and / or one or more predetermined end values.

[0059] Preferably, the device has one or more additional valves besides the expansion valve.

[0060] Preferably, the total flow rate of all expansion valves and / or valves installed in the device is taken into account.

[0061] Preferably, one or more micro-expansion valves and one or more valves are controlled during a standstill and / or idle period of the compressor. Preferably, refrigerant displacement within evaporators or compartments is enabled.

[0062] Preferably, the compressor speed is adjusted depending on the measured value and / or time.

[0063] Preferably, the speeds of one or more fans, in particular arranged on the condenser, are adjusted, preferably to control and / or regulate the condensation pressure, in particular arranged on the evaporator, preferably to control and / or regulate the evaporation pressure.

[0064] Preferably, measurements are taken at an outlet of the evaporator and / or at the collector and / or the separator.

[0065] Preferably, control and / or regulation is achieved by "switching off" the expansion valve, with throttling preferably being effected only by a capillary connected in series with the expansion valve. Preferably, the expansion valve is in an "open" position, i.e., with no or minimal throttling effect.

[0066] Preferably, a combination of throttling elements and valves with expansion valves is provided in the refrigerant circuit.

[0067] Preferably, one or more expansion valves are installed in a combination unit and / or a multi-zone unit with multiple temperature zones. Preferably, this is combined with conventional stop valves, multi-way valves, and / or check valves.

[0068] Preferably, the expansion valve is integrated into the device.

[0069] Advantageously, the greatest possible effect on the energy efficiency of the device is achieved, preferably in a cost-saving manner.

[0070] Preferably, one expansion valve is provided for each evaporator.

[0071] Preferably, a suction-side check valve is used in conjunction with conventional multi-way valves.

[0072] Preferably, one or more expansion valves are combined with one or more other expansion elements and / or one or more conventional valves.

[0073] Preferably, a check valve is used in conjunction with one or more capillaries or capillary restrictors and / or in conjunction with one or more expansion valves. This check valve is preferably provided in one of the suction-side lines from the evaporator to the compressor.

[0074] Preferably, an expansion valve is installed or arranged, preferably in a combination appliance or a refrigerator and freezer or in a multi-zone appliance.

[0075] Preferably, an expansion valve is combined with one or more switching valves and / or one or more solenoid valves.

[0076] Preferably, an expansion valve is combined with a multi-way valve for injection into two or more evaporators.

[0077] Preferably, an expansion valve is combined with one or more 2 / 2-way valves and a capillary for a total of two or more evaporators. A 2 / 2-way valve can also be referred to as a shut-off valve or a 1 / 0 valve. Preferably, one or more check valves are arranged in one or more suction lines. Preferably, one or more 2 / 2-way valves are arranged in one or more suction lines. This is preferably done as a replacement for one or more 2 / 2-way valves at one or more injection points and / or additionally after one or more evaporators, each of which is supplied via an expansion valve.

[0078] Preferably, the refrigerant circuit has two or more expansion valves, particularly for simultaneous or staggered cooling of compartments. Preferably, the available quantity of refrigerant supplied by the compressor is taken into account.

[0079] Preferably, additional throttling is provided between two or more evaporators. This can be achieved via a capillary and / or a sintered element. Preferably, additional throttling is provided downstream of an expansion valve, e.g., via a capillary, wherein, in particular, the throttling effect of the expansion valve is completely reducible or can be reduced, and / or throttling is achieved solely via the capillary.

[0080] Preferably, one or more expansion valves with multiple outlets are provided, wherein in particular one compartment or section can be controlled individually and / or two compartments or sections can be controlled dependently or independently.

[0081] Preferably, an expansion valve and a serial flow through several evaporators are provided, wherein additional throttling between the evaporators can take place, in particular by a capillary and / or a sintered element.

[0082] The refrigerant circuit preferably has a high-pressure side, in particular the area between the compressor and the expansion unit in which the condenser is located, and a low-pressure side, in particular the area between the expansion unit and the compressor in which the evaporator is located.

[0083] Preferably, a phase separator is provided on the high-pressure side.

[0084] Preferably a separator, especially on the low-pressure side and / or a collector, especially on the high-pressure side, is provided.

[0085] Preferably, a manifold is provided for each evaporator, particularly between the evaporator and a solenoid valve. Alternatively, a common manifold is conceivable, particularly between one or more solenoid valves and the compressor.

[0086] Preferably, the installation of the expansion valve is combined with the installation of the evaporator.

[0087] The expansion unit can have one or more throttling elements, e.g. a capillary, in addition to the expansion valve.

[0088] Preferably, the refrigerant circuit has an internal heat exchanger.

[0089] Using an expansion valve instead of, for example, a capillary tube, results in new requirements, such as for the internal heat exchanger. Since a capillary tube of a certain length is no longer strictly necessary, a different design for the internal heat exchanger is preferable.

[0090] When using an expansion valve, the internal heat exchanger is of particular importance, since the fill level of the evaporator can be changed to a significantly greater extent by the expansion valve and the risk of liquid refrigerant leakage can be greater than with, for example, throttling by means of a capillary.

[0091] Preferably, a collector or refrigerant collector is part of the internal heat exchanger.

[0092] It is conceivable that the internal heat exchanger can facilitate heat exchange between parallel refrigerant lines, e.g., a capillary and a suction line.

[0093] Preferably, one or more small-diameter refrigerant lines are provided upstream, particularly upstream, and / or downstream of the expansion valve, particularly after the expansion valve. These lines may also have a throttling effect. They are preferably part of the internal heat exchanger.

[0094] Preferably, a coaxial or lateral design of the internal heat exchanger is provided, e.g. by a coaxial arrangement of one or more collectors and one or more separators.

[0095] The internal heat exchanger can also be referred to as an internal or inner heat exchanger.

[0096] Preferably, the internal heat exchanger is designed as a compact heat exchanger, in particular as a plate heat exchanger or as a tube-in-tube heat exchanger.

[0097] Preferably, separate suction lines and supply lines to the expansion valve, which form components of the internal heat exchanger or are designed as an internal heat exchanger, are provided. An internal heat exchanger shrunk onto the suction line is conceivable. It is conceivable that the supply lines lead to several expansion valves, each with one outlet. It is conceivable that one supply line leads to an expansion valve with multiple outlets, with refrigerant lines leading from the expansion valve to individual evaporators. A coaxial internal heat exchanger is conceivable.

[0098] The collector is preferably arranged downstream of the evaporator and is in particular a component of the internal heat exchanger.

[0099] Preferably, the refrigerant circuit and / or the internal heat exchanger are designed and arranged in such a way that heat exchange can take place between the collector and a capillary located downstream of the expansion valve.

[0100] Preferably, the refrigerant circuit and / or the internal heat exchanger are designed and arranged in such a way that heat exchange can take place between the collector and a supply line to the expansion valve.

[0101] Preferably, the refrigerant circuit and / or the internal heat exchanger are designed and arranged in such a way that heat exchange can take place between the collector and connecting lines between several evaporators, i.e., in particular from compartment to compartment or section to section.

[0102] Preferably, the refrigerant circuit and / or the internal heat exchanger are designed and arranged in such a way that heat exchange can take place between the collector and capillaries and / or supply lines to one or more evaporators that are not supplied via an expansion valve, i.e., are not directly connected to an expansion valve.

[0103] Preferably, the capillaries and / or supply lines are assigned to the suction line or suction lines "normally", in particular, capillaries and / or supply lines of an evaporator are assigned to the suction line of the same evaporator, or "crosswise", in particular, capillaries and / or supply lines of an evaporator are assigned to the suction line of another evaporator.

[0104] Preferably, the internal heat exchanger and the conduits are made of or contain special materials, in particular copper and / or aluminium.

[0105] The refrigerant circuit preferably contains or is filled with a refrigerant.

[0106] Preferably, the refrigerant consists of a pure substance. It is conceivable that the refrigerant does not consist of a pure substance. It is conceivable that the refrigerant is a refrigerant mixture containing isobutane, n-butane, propane, pentane and / or other hydrocarbons.

[0107] Preferably, the expansion valve and preferably other valves on the high-pressure and low-pressure sides are controllable. This opens up new possibilities, in particular, for controlling the amount of refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit. The efficiency of the refrigerant circuit can preferably be increased, and the flexibility in determining the refrigerant charge of the refrigerant circuit or the device can preferably be enhanced.

[0108] Preferably, a refrigerant mixture enables a further increase in the efficiency of a refrigerant circuit, or a larger temperature range or greater cooling capacity can be achieved.

[0109] Preferably, the refrigerant circuit includes one or more multi-way valves and / or one or more check valves. This preferably prevents the recondensation of refrigerant, particularly in devices with multiple temperature zones, and allows the distribution of the refrigerant to be controlled within certain limits.

[0110] Preferably, the expansion valve offers an extended possibility for controlling the refrigerant flow in the refrigerant circuit, especially when the expansion valve is combined with other valves.

[0111] Preferably, a combination of one or more expansion valves and one or more other valves in the refrigerant circuit can enable the separation of components of the refrigerant mixture and the formation of efficient refrigerant mixtures.

[0112] Preferably, the refrigerant mixture can be used in a targeted manner, especially in a combination and / or multi-zone unit, to cool the individual temperature zones with the best possible efficiency.

[0113] Preferably, the distribution of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit is controlled.

[0114] Preferably, the device has one or more temperature zones.

[0115] Preferably, the device or refrigerant circuit has one or more expansion valves. Preferably, the expansion valve(s) are the only throttling element or throttling device of the refrigerant circuit. Preferably, the refrigerant circuit also has one or more valves and / or one or more capillaries. Preferably, the expansion valve has a valve position in which a high flow rate and / or low flow resistance through the expansion valve is possible.

[0116] Preferably, the refrigerant circuit has one or more valves on the inlet side of the evaporator, which are connected in series with the expansion valve and / or in parallel with the expansion valve.

[0117] Preferably, the valve or valves are designed as solenoid valves.

[0118] Preferably, the valve or valves are designed as stepper motor valves and in particular have multiple outputs.

[0119] Preferably, the refrigerant circuit has one or more valves in one or more suction lines. Preferably, the valve(s) can be actuated. Non-actuated check valves are also conceivable.

[0120] Preferably, one or more valves can be used to "cage" quantities of refrigerant in certain areas.

[0121] Preferably, one or more valves can be used to “cage” refrigerant components (substance-related) in certain areas, whereby there is a temperature dependence and / or a pressure dependence.

[0122] A possible method for operating a device according to the invention is in which the compressor is operated to extract the refrigerant or refrigerant components from one area, to pump the refrigerant or refrigerant components into a compartment and / or the compressor is stationary to allow the refrigerant or refrigerant components from one compartment to evaporate and condense into another compartment.

[0123] A possible method for operating a device according to the invention involves closing valves to keep the refrigerant or refrigerant components in the respective compartment or evaporator, opening valves at the inlet side of an evaporator to pump the refrigerant or refrigerant components into the respective evaporator, and / or opening valves at the outlet side of an evaporator to extract the refrigerant or refrigerant components from the respective evaporator.

[0124] A possible method for operating a device according to the invention is in which fans are operated to selectively supply heat to an evaporator in order to evaporate refrigerant or refrigerant components and / or are not operated in order to reduce or prevent evaporation of refrigerant or refrigerant components from an evaporator.

[0125] Preferably, the refrigerant circuit comprises a refrigerant mixture and components for a refrigerant circuit with a refrigerant mixture. The appliance is preferably a combination appliance with a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment and / or a multi-zone appliance with several temperature zones.

[0126] The device preferably has one or more cooled interior spaces with a temperature between 12 °C and -86 °C, in particular between 12 °C and -35 °C.

[0127] The refrigerant circuit is preferably operated with a refrigerant mixture or a mixed refrigerant (MRC) as the circulating working fluid, particularly to achieve energy efficiency improvements and thus reduce energy consumption. The refrigerant circuit is preferably a mixed refrigerant cycle.

[0128] Preferably, the refrigerant mixture comprises at least two or more non-halogenated hydrocarbons, e.g. pentane, butane, isobutane, propane and / or propylene in any combination.

[0129] Preferably, the device has two or more evaporators arranged or connected in parallel. An electronic expansion valve and / or a throttled capillary can be connected upstream of each evaporator as an expansion unit.

[0130] The supply of refrigerant to the evaporators within a compressor operating cycle can be simultaneous, sequential and / or simultaneous-sequential by means of a corresponding valve timing control.

[0131] Preferably, a phase separator is arranged on the high-pressure side of the refrigerant circuit, designed and arranged to divide the refrigerant mass flow circulating through the refrigerant circuit during operation into a higher-boiling and a lower-boiling refrigerant mass flow, wherein the refrigerant circuit is designed such that these separated refrigerant mass flows can be directed in different refrigerant lines towards the evaporators arranged downstream of the phase separator.

[0132] The refrigerant lines can be pipes.

[0133] If the refrigerant circuit has two evaporators, for example a cooling section evaporator and a freezing section evaporator, during operation of the refrigerant circuit the separated refrigerant mass flow with high liquid content preferably flows towards the cooling section evaporator located downstream of the phase separator and the refrigerant mass flow with high vapor content preferably flows towards the freezing section evaporator located downstream of the phase separator.

[0134] The appliance is preferably a combination unit with a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment. The refrigerant circuit preferably includes a refrigerator compartment evaporator for cooling the refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment evaporator for cooling the freezer compartment.

[0135] The phase separator is, for example, a collector, e.g., a filter dryer with an additional soldering nozzle for vacuum drawing during the production process, or a simple T-piece, where, for example, refrigerant lines are connected in such a way as to form a T-shaped branch.

[0136] The phase separator can be designed in such a way that it completely separates the phases of the refrigerant, or it can be designed in such a way that a small part of the liquid refrigerant mass flow can be added to the vaporous refrigerant mass flow through a U-shaped immersion tube with a small bore and / or by means of an additional thin pipe, preferably a capillary.

[0137] Preferably, one or more internal heat transfers can occur within the refrigerant circuit. In principle, three areas are conceivable where internal heat transfer can take place. In other words, an internal heat exchanger can be arranged in each of three areas of the refrigerant circuit, each designed and positioned to allow heat transfer between areas or sections of the refrigerant circuit. The internal heat exchangers can have different designs and / or be present in any combination within the refrigerant circuit.

[0138] One conceivable design is an internal heat exchanger located upstream of the phase separator, for example, between the condenser and the phase separator. During operation of the refrigerant circuit, this heat exchanger extracts heat from the refrigerant mass flow entering from a frame heater and / or the condenser, thus altering the vapor coefficient of the refrigerant mass flow at one inlet of the phase separator. The heat can be dissipated in a counterflow arrangement, where a refrigerant line leading to the inlet of the phase separator is in thermal contact with a refrigerant line on the low-pressure side.A high heat transfer capacity of the internal heat exchanger, i.e., a high removal of heat from the refrigerant mass flow entering the phase separator inlet, preferably leads to a reduction in the vapor coefficient of the refrigerant mass flowing into the phase separator. Conversely, a reduction in the heat transfer capacity of the internal heat exchanger preferably leads to an increase in the vapor coefficient of the refrigerant mass flowing into the phase separator. An internal heat exchanger designed and arranged to enable heat transfer between the refrigerant line between the condenser and the phase separator, i.e., in particular, a refrigerant line located upstream of the phase separator, and a refrigerant line on the low-pressure side, can be designated as a type A internal heat exchanger.

[0139] The term thermal contact should preferably be interpreted broadly, so that it includes, for example, direct mechanical contact of the refrigerant lines, e.g. by soldering, or also, for example, indirect contact, e.g. via a heat exchanger.

[0140] The term "refrigerant line" should preferably be interpreted broadly, so that it can also include, for example, a section of a refrigerant line.

[0141] An internal heat exchanger, particularly of type A, can be composed of any number of sub-segments that can be individually activated or deactivated thermally with respect to heat transfer, thus creating a thermal switch. This allows the transferred heat, and therefore the heat extraction from the refrigerant mass flow on the high-pressure side, and thus in particular the vapor coefficient of the refrigerant mass flow at the inlet of the phase separator, to be varied. For example, different sections of the refrigerant lines in thermal contact can be closed or opened, e.g., by means of valve circuits, thereby reducing or increasing the transfer surface area of ​​the internal heat exchanger. This preferably also allows for adjustment of the refrigerant mass flow towards the evaporators, preferably depending on the cooling requirements, e.g.,can be specified by a user of the device by making an input, and is preferably variable.

[0142] An internal heat exchanger is conceivable for pre-cooling, e.g. liquefaction and / or subcooling, of the refrigerant mass flow, which, during operation of the refrigerant circuit, flows from the phase separator arranged upstream of this internal heat exchanger, preferably liquid or also two-phase, and flows in particular towards the cooling section evaporator.This internal heat exchanger, preferably designed in counterflow, is preferably formed by a refrigerant line, which is connected to an outlet of the phase separator from which a predominantly liquid refrigerant mass flow preferably exits during operation of the refrigerant circuit, being in thermal contact with a refrigerant line on the low-pressure side, wherein the refrigerant line on the low-pressure side is traversed by a refrigerant mass flow that flows from one or more outlets of one or more evaporators and, after passing through this internal heat exchanger on the low-pressure side, continues to flow towards the compressor.An internal heat exchanger designed and arranged to enable heat transfer between the refrigerant line connected to an outlet of the phase separator (from which a predominantly liquid refrigerant mass flow preferably exits during operation of the refrigerant circuit) and a refrigerant line on the low-pressure side can be designated as a type B internal heat exchanger. A type B internal heat exchanger is therefore preferably designed and arranged to enable heat exchange between the refrigerant line leading to the evaporator of the cooling unit and one or more refrigerant lines on the low-pressure side.

[0143] An internal heat exchanger for pre-cooling is conceivable, e.g. a liquefaction or subcooling of the refrigerant mass flow, which, during operation of the refrigerant cycle, preferably flows out of the phase separator arranged upstream of this internal heat exchanger in a vaporous or two-phase form, i.e. with a vapor and a liquid phase, and which flows further in the direction of the freezing section evaporator.This counterflow internal heat exchanger is preferably formed by a refrigerant line, which has an outlet of the phase separator from which a predominantly vaporous refrigerant mass flow preferably exits during operation, in thermal contact with one or more refrigerant lines on the low-pressure side, wherein the refrigerant lines on the low-pressure side can be traversed by one or more refrigerant mass flows which flow from one or more outlets of the evaporator(s) and, after passing through these internal heat exchangers on the low-pressure side, continue to flow towards the compressor.An internal heat exchanger designed and arranged to enable heat transfer between the refrigerant line, which is connected to an outlet of the phase separator (from which a predominantly vaporous refrigerant mass flow preferably exits during operation of the refrigerant circuit), and one or more refrigerant lines on the low-pressure side, can be designated as an internal heat exchanger of type C. An internal heat exchanger of type C is therefore preferably designed and arranged to enable heat exchange between the refrigerant line leading to the freezer evaporator and one or more refrigerant lines on the low-pressure side.

[0144] It is conceivable that an internal heat exchanger of type A is arranged upstream of the phase separator and is designed and arranged to transfer heat in a counterflow configuration between two refrigerant lines, in particular those arranged parallel to each other, on the high-pressure and low-pressure sides, whereby the internal heat exchanger on the low-pressure side can be supplied with the refrigerant mass flow coming from the cooling section evaporator. An internal heat exchanger designed as described in this paragraph can be designated as an internal heat exchanger of type A. FF be designated.

[0145] It is conceivable that an internal heat exchanger of type A is arranged upstream of the phase separator and is designed and arranged to transfer heat in a counterflow configuration between two refrigerant lines, in particular those arranged parallel to each other, on the high-pressure and low-pressure sides, whereby the internal heat exchanger on the low-pressure side can be supplied with the refrigerant mass flow coming from the freezer evaporator. An internal heat exchanger designed as described in this paragraph can be designated as an internal heat exchanger of type A. FZ be designated.

[0146] It is conceivable that an internal heat exchanger of type B is arranged downstream of the phase separator and / or in or on a refrigerant line leading to the cooling unit evaporator and / or is partially formed by this line, and is designed and arranged in such a way as to transfer heat in a counterflow arrangement between two refrigerant lines, in particular parallel ones, on the high-pressure and low-pressure sides, wherein the internal heat exchanger on the low-pressure side can be supplied with the refrigerant mass flow coming from the cooling unit evaporator. An internal heat exchanger designed as described in this paragraph can be designated as an internal heat exchanger of type B. FF be designated.

[0147] It is conceivable that an internal heat exchanger of type B is arranged downstream of the phase separator and / or in or on a refrigerant line leading to the refrigeration evaporator and / or is partially formed by this line, and is designed and arranged in such a way as to transfer heat in a counterflow arrangement between two refrigerant lines, in particular those arranged parallel to each other, on the high-pressure and low-pressure sides, whereby the internal heat exchanger on the low-pressure side can be supplied with the refrigerant mass flow coming from the freezer evaporator. An internal heat exchanger designed as described in this paragraph can be designated as an internal heat exchanger of type B. FZ be designated.

[0148] It is conceivable that an internal heat exchanger of type C is arranged downstream of the phase separator and / or in or on a refrigerant line leading to the freezer evaporator, or is partially formed by it, and is designed and arranged in such a way as to transfer heat in a counterflow arrangement between two refrigerant lines, in particular those arranged parallel to each other, on the high-pressure and low-pressure sides, wherein the internal heat exchanger on the low-pressure side can be supplied with the refrigerant mass flow coming from the refrigerator evaporator or the freezer evaporator. An internal heat exchanger designed as described in this paragraph and supplied with the refrigerant mass flow coming from the refrigerator evaporator can be designated as an internal heat exchanger of type C1. FFAn internal heat exchanger designed as described in this paragraph and capable of handling the refrigerant mass flow from the freezer evaporator can be designated as an internal heat exchanger of type C1. FZ be designated.

[0149] It is conceivable that an internal heat exchanger of type C is arranged downstream of the phase separator and / or in or on a refrigerant line leading to the freezer evaporator, or is partially formed by it, and is designed and arranged in such a way as to transfer heat, particularly in a counterflow arrangement, between two or three, in particular parallel to each other, refrigerant lines of the high-pressure and low-pressure sides, wherein the refrigerant line leading to the freezer evaporator, viewed in the direction of flow, is first in thermal contact with a refrigerant line arranged downstream of the refrigerator evaporator and subsequently with a refrigerant line arranged downstream of the freezer evaporator.During operation of the refrigerant circuit, the internal heat exchanger, viewed in the direction of flow, is preferably first supplied with the refrigerant mass flow from the refrigerator evaporator and subsequently with the refrigerant mass flow from the freezer evaporator on the low-pressure side. The two refrigerant lines on the low-pressure side, which are successively in thermal contact with the refrigerant line on the high-pressure side, are preferably only partially, or preferably not at all, in thermal contact with each other. An internal heat exchanger designed as described in this paragraph can be classified as an internal heat exchanger of type C2. Var1 be designated.

[0150] It is conceivable that an internal heat exchanger of type C is arranged downstream of the phase separator and / or in or on a refrigerant line leading to the freezer evaporator, or is partially formed by it, and is designed and arranged in such a way as to transfer heat, particularly in a counterflow arrangement, between two and / or three, particularly parallel to each other, refrigerant lines of the high-pressure and low-pressure sides, wherein the refrigerant line leading to the freezer evaporator, viewed in the direction of flow, is in thermal contact in a first section with a refrigerant line located downstream of the refrigerator evaporator and with a refrigerant line located downstream of the freezer evaporator, and in a second section following the first section in the direction of flow only with a refrigerant line located downstream of the freezer evaporator.The two or three refrigerant lines on the low-pressure side, which are in thermal contact with the refrigerant line on the high-pressure side, are themselves preferably also in thermal contact with each other, and particularly preferably in the first section. An internal heat exchanger designed as described in this paragraph can be called an internal heat exchanger of type C2. Var2 be designated.

[0151] The internal heat exchangers described above can be combined with each other in any way within a refrigerant circuit.

[0152] Preferably, the expansion units downstream of the internal heat exchangers, particularly those of types B and C, are controllable expansion units, e.g., electronic expansion valves. This preferably allows the higher and lower boiling refrigerant mass flows for supplying the various evaporators, and thus their cooling capacities, to be adjusted largely independently of one another.

[0153] It should be noted here that the terms "a" and "an" do not necessarily refer to exactly one of the elements, although this is a possible interpretation, but can also denote a plurality of elements. Likewise, the use of the plural also includes the presence of the element in question in the singular, and conversely, the singular also includes several of the elements in question. Furthermore, all features of the invention described herein can be combined with one another or claimed separately from one another as desired.

[0154] Further advantages, features, and effects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the figures, in which identical or similar components are designated by the same reference numerals. These figures show: Fig. 1: a schematic circuit diagram of a refrigerant circuit of an embodiment of a cooling and / or freezing appliance according to the invention. Fig. 2: a schematic circuit diagram of a refrigerant circuit of an embodiment of a cooling and / or freezing appliance according to the invention. Fig. 3: a schematic sketch of a phase separator of an embodiment of a cooling and / or freezing appliance according to the invention. Fig. 4: a schematic sketch of a phase separator of an embodiment of a cooling and / or freezing appliance according to the invention. Fig. 5: three schematic sketches of a phase separator of an embodiment of a cooling and / or freezing appliance according to the invention. Fig. 6: a schematic sketch of a phase separator of an embodiment of a cooling and / or freezing appliance according to the invention. Fig. 7: two schematic circuit diagrams of a refrigerant circuit of an embodiment of a cooling and / or freezing appliance according to the invention. Fig. 8: three schematic circuit diagrams of a refrigerant circuit of an embodiment of a cooling and / or freezing appliance according to the invention. Fig. 9: two schematic circuit diagrams of a refrigerant circuit of an embodiment of a cooling and / or freezing appliance according to the invention. Fig. 10: two schematic circuit diagrams of a refrigerant circuit of an embodiment of a cooling and / or freezing appliance according to the invention. Fig. 11: two schematic circuit diagrams of a refrigerant circuit of an embodiment of a cooling and / or freezing appliance according to the invention.

[0155] The refrigerant circuit consists of Fig. 1 comprises two evaporators 1, a compressor 2, a condenser 3, two expansion units 4, a phase separator 5 in the form of a separator and optionally valves 6, wherein these elements are interconnected by means of refrigerant lines, as shown from Fig. 1 emerges, so that a refrigerant circuit is formed, wherein the evaporators 1 are connected in parallel and each evaporator 1 is assigned an expansion unit 4.

[0156] The expansion units 4 may include or be expansion elements or throttling elements, in particular capillaries, expansion valves, in particular micro-expansion valves, switching valves and / or combinations thereof.

[0157] The in Fig. The valves 6 located to the left of the evaporators 1, i.e. downstream of the evaporators 1, can be valves for controlling the backflow, in particular switching valves, check valves and / or combinations thereof.

[0158] The in Fig. Valve 6, located to the right of the evaporators 1, i.e. upstream of the evaporators 1, is a multi-way valve for controlling the refrigerant distribution.

[0159] The refrigerant circuit consists of Fig. 2 comprises two evaporators 1, a compressor 2, a condenser 3, two expansion units 4, a phase separator 5 in the form of a separator and optionally valves 6, wherein these elements are interconnected by means of refrigerant lines, as shown from Fig. 1 results, thus creating a refrigerant cycle. In contrast to the refrigerant cycle from Fig. 1 are the evaporators 1 in Fig. 2 connected in series and the upper evaporator 1 is assigned one expansion unit 4 and the lower evaporator 1 is assigned two expansion units 4, whereby the lower evaporator 1 can be supplied with refrigerant from the upper evaporator 1 and / or with refrigerant from the compressor 3.

[0160] The expansion units 4 may include or be expansion elements or throttling elements, in particular capillaries, expansion valves, in particular micro-expansion valves, switching valves and / or combinations thereof.

[0161] The in Fig. The valve 6, located to the left of the evaporators 1, i.e. downstream of the evaporators 1, can be a valve for controlling the backflow, in particular a switching valve, a check valve and / or combinations thereof.

[0162] The in Fig. Valve 6, located to the right of the evaporators 1, i.e. upstream of the evaporators 1, is a multi-way valve for controlling the refrigerant distribution.

[0163] In Fig. 3 is a phase separator with a container BE, with a refrigerant line leading into the container BE, preferably downstream of a condenser 3, a refrigerant line leading to a freezing section evaporator FZ and a refrigerant line leading to a cooling section evaporator FF, wherein the phase separator is designed as a collector.

[0164] In Fig. Figure 4 shows a phase separator designed as a T-piece, wherein a refrigerant line, arranged particularly downstream of a condenser 3, branches into two refrigerant lines, the upper refrigerant line leading to a freezer evaporator FZ and the lower refrigerant line leading to a refrigerator evaporator FF. During operation of the phase separator, gravity causes a phase separation of the refrigerant flow through the phase separator into a lighter vapor phase with high vapor content, which flows to the freezer evaporator FZ, and a heavier liquid phase with high liquid content, which flows to the refrigerator evaporator FF.

[0165] The in Fig. The embodiment of a phase separator shown on the left corresponds to the classic design of Fig. 3.

[0166] The in Fig. 5 The embodiment of a phase separator shown in the middle has a U-shaped immersion tube with a small bore, which opens into the refrigerant line leading to the freezer evaporator FZ, in order to supply a small proportion of liquid to the gas phase through the small bore.

[0167] The in Fig. The embodiment shown on the right has a capillary K between the container BE and the refrigerant line leading to the freezer evaporator FZ in order to supply a small proportion of liquid to the gas phase through the capillary.

[0168] In Fig. 6 is the arrangement of the refrigerant lines in an internal heat exchanger of type C2 Var2The diagram shows that in a first section A1, a refrigerant line (suction line FF_S) located downstream of the refrigerator evaporator, a refrigerant line (suction line FZ_S) located downstream of the freezer evaporator, and a refrigerant line (supply line FZ_Z) located upstream of the freezer evaporator are in thermal contact. In a second section A2, only the refrigerant line (suction line FZ_S) located downstream of the freezer evaporator and the refrigerant line (supply line FZ_Z) located upstream of the freezer evaporator are in thermal contact.

[0169] A structural separation between section A1 and section A2 is conceivable, as indicated by the dashed line in Fig. 6 indicates that the internal heat exchanger may preferably consist of one or two components.

[0170] In section A1, three refrigerant lines are in thermal contact, and in section A2, two refrigerant lines are in thermal contact.

[0171] In Fig. 7 to Fig. Figure 11 shows various embodiments of refrigerant circuits, each with a refrigeration evaporator FF, a freezing evaporator FZ, a compressor 2, a condenser 3, expansion units 4 upstream of the respective evaporators in the form of expansion valves, capillaries, or combinations thereof, a phase separator 5, and at least one internal heat exchanger IWT. The elements are connected by refrigerant lines, as shown in detail in the figures. The internal heat exchangers IWT enable heat transfer between the high-pressure and low-pressure sides of the respective refrigerant circuit shown in the figures.

[0172] In the left circuit diagram of Fig. There are 7 internal heat exchangers (IWT) of type A in the refrigerant circuit. FZ , B FF and C1 FZ formed and / or arranged as can be seen from the figure.

[0173] There is thus a thermal contact between the refrigerant line between the condenser 3 and the phase separator 5 with the refrigerant line between the freezer evaporator FZ and the compressor 2, between the refrigerant line between the phase separator 5 and the expansion unit 4 assigned to the refrigerator evaporator FF with the refrigerant line between the refrigerator evaporator FF and the compressor 2, and between the refrigerant line between the phase separator 5 and the expansion unit 4 assigned to the freezer evaporator FZ with the refrigerant line between the freezer evaporator FZ and the compressor 2.

[0174] In the right-hand circuit diagram of Fig. There are 7 internal heat exchangers (IWT) of type A in the refrigerant circuit. FF , B FZ and C1 FZ formed and / or arranged as can be seen from the figure.

[0175] There is thus a thermal contact between the refrigerant line between the condenser 3 and the phase separator 5 with the refrigerant line between the cooling unit evaporator FF and the compressor 2, between the refrigerant line between the phase separator 5 and the expansion unit 4 assigned to the cooling unit evaporator FF with the refrigerant line between the freezer unit evaporator FZ and the compressor 2, and between the refrigerant line between the phase separator 5 and the expansion unit 4 assigned to the freezer unit evaporator FZ with the refrigerant line between the freezer unit evaporator FZ and the compressor 2.

[0176] In the left circuit diagram of Fig. There are 8 internal heat exchangers (IWT) of type A in the refrigerant circuit. FZand C2 Var1 formed and / or arranged as can be seen from the figure.

[0177] There is thus a thermal contact between the refrigerant line between the condenser 3 and the phase separator 5, between the refrigerant line between the freezer evaporator FZ and the compressor 2, between the phase separator 5 and the expansion unit 4 associated with the freezer evaporator FZ, between the refrigerant line between the refrigerator evaporator FF and the compressor 2, and between the freezer evaporator FZ and the compressor 2, wherein, in the direction of flow, the thermal contact first exists with the refrigerant line between the refrigerator evaporator FF and the compressor 2, and then with the refrigerant line between the freezer evaporator FZ and the compressor 2.The refrigerant line between the cooling unit evaporator FF and the compressor 2 and the refrigerant line between the freezing unit evaporator FZ and the compressor 2 may be partially in thermal contact with each other or not in thermal contact.

[0178] In the central circuit diagram of Fig. There are 8 internal heat exchangers (IWT) of type B in the refrigerant circuit. FZ and C2 Var1 formed and / or arranged as can be seen from the figure.

[0179] There is thus a thermal contact between the refrigerant line between the phase separator 5 and the expansion unit 4 assigned to the cooling section evaporator FF, with the refrigerant line between the freezing section evaporator FZ and the compressor 2, and with the refrigerant line between the phase separator 5 and the expansion unit 4 assigned to the freezing section evaporator FZ, with the refrigerant line between the cooling section evaporator FF and the compressor 2, and with the refrigerant line between the freezing section evaporator FZ and the compressor 2, wherein in the direction of flow the thermal contact is first with the refrigerant line between the cooling section evaporator FF and the compressor 2 and then with the refrigerant line between the freezing section evaporator FZ and the compressor 2.The refrigerant line between the cooling unit evaporator FF and the compressor 2 and the refrigerant line between the freezing unit evaporator FZ and the compressor 2 may be partially in thermal contact with each other or not in thermal contact.

[0180] In the right-hand circuit diagram of Fig. There are 8 internal heat exchangers (IWT) of type A in the refrigerant circuit. FZ , B FZ and C2 Var1 formed and / or arranged as can be seen from the figure.

[0181] Thus, there is thermal contact between the refrigerant line between the condenser 3 and the phase separator 5 with the refrigerant line between the freezer evaporator FZ and the compressor 2, between the refrigerant line between the phase separator 5 and the expansion unit 4 assigned to the refrigerator evaporator FF with the refrigerant line between the freezer evaporator FZ and the compressor 2, between the refrigerant line between the phase separator 5 and the expansion unit 4 assigned to the freezer evaporator FZ with the refrigerant line between the refrigerator evaporator FF and the compressor 2, and between the freezer evaporator FZ and the compressor 2, wherein, in the direction of flow, the thermal contact first exists with the refrigerant line between the refrigerator evaporator FF and the compressor 2 and then with the refrigerant line between the freezer evaporator FZ and the compressor 2.The refrigerant line between the cooling unit evaporator FF and the compressor 2 and the refrigerant line between the freezing unit evaporator FZ and the compressor 2 may be partially in thermal contact with each other or not in thermal contact.

[0182] In the left circuit diagram of Fig. There are 9 internal heat exchangers (IWT) of type A in the refrigerant circuit. FZ and C1 FF formed and / or arranged as can be seen from the figure.

[0183] There is therefore a thermal contact between the refrigerant line between the condenser 3 and the phase separator 5, between the refrigerant line between the freezer evaporator FZ and the compressor 2, between the refrigerant line between the phase separator 5 and the expansion unit 4 assigned to the freezer evaporator FZ, and between the refrigerant line between the refrigerator evaporator FF and the compressor 2.

[0184] In the right-hand circuit diagram of Fig. 9 are internal heat exchangers IWT type A FF and C1 FZ formed and / or arranged as can be seen from the figure.

[0185] There is thus a thermal contact between the refrigerant line between the condenser 3 and the phase separator 5, between the refrigerant line between the cooling section evaporator FF and the compressor 2, between the refrigerant line between the phase separator 5 and the expansion unit 4 assigned to the freezing section evaporator FZ, and between the refrigerant line between the freezing section evaporator FZ and the compressor 2.

[0186] In the left circuit diagram of Fig. There are 10 internal heat exchangers (IWT) of type B in the refrigerant circuit. FZ and C1 FF formed and / or arranged as can be seen from the figure.

[0187] There is thus a thermal contact between the refrigerant line between the phase separator 5 and the expansion unit 4 assigned to the cooling section evaporator FF with the refrigerant line between the freezing section evaporator FZ and the compressor 2, and between the refrigerant line between the phase separator 5 and the expansion unit 4 assigned to the freezing section evaporator FZ with the refrigerant line between the cooling section evaporator FF and the compressor 2.

[0188] In the right-hand circuit diagram of Fig. 10 are internal heat exchangers (IWT) of type B FZ and C1 FF formed and / or arranged as can be seen from the figure.

[0189] There is thus a thermal contact between the refrigerant line between the phase separator 5 and the expansion unit 4 assigned to the cooling section evaporator FF with the refrigerant line between the freezing section evaporator FZ and the compressor 2, and between the refrigerant line between the phase separator 5 and the expansion unit 4 assigned to the freezing section evaporator FZ with the refrigerant line between the cooling section evaporator FF and the compressor 2.

[0190] In the left circuit diagram of Fig. 11 is an internal heat exchanger (IWT) of type C2 in the refrigerant circuit. Var1 formed and / or arranged as can be seen from the figure.

[0191] There is therefore thermal contact between the refrigerant line between the phase separator 5 and the expansion unit 4 associated with the freezer evaporator FZ, the refrigerant line between the refrigerator evaporator FF and the compressor 2, and the refrigerant line between the freezer evaporator FZ and the compressor 2. In the direction of flow, thermal contact occurs first with the refrigerant line between the refrigerator evaporator FF and the compressor 2, and then with the refrigerant line between the freezer evaporator FZ and the compressor 2. The refrigerant lines between the refrigerator evaporator FF and the compressor 2 and the refrigerant lines between the freezer evaporator FZ and the compressor 2 may be partially in thermal contact with each other or not.

[0192] In the right-hand circuit diagram of Fig. 11 is an internal heat exchanger (IWT) of type C2 in the refrigerant circuit. Var2formed and / or arranged as can be seen from the figure.

[0193] There is thus a thermal contact between the refrigerant line between the phase separator 5 and the expansion unit 4 assigned to the freezer evaporator FZ with the refrigerant line between the refrigerator evaporator FF and the compressor 2 and with the refrigerant line between the freezer evaporator FZ and the compressor 2, wherein in the direction of flow the thermal contact first exists with the refrigerant line between the refrigerator evaporator FF and the compressor 2 and also with the refrigerant line between the freezer evaporator FZ and the compressor 2 and then only with the refrigerant line between the freezer evaporator FZ and the compressor 2.The refrigerant line between the cooling section evaporator FF and the compressor 2 and the refrigerant line between the freezing section evaporator FZ and the compressor 2 can be in thermal contact with each other, particularly in the section where both are in thermal contact with the refrigerant line between the phase separator 5 and the expansion unit 4 assigned to the freezing section evaporator FZ.

[0194] Due to the counterflow of refrigerant during the operation of the refrigerant circuit, heat exchange takes place in the internal heat exchanger(s). QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 1,986,959 A

[0007]

Claims

[1] Refrigerator and / or freezer with a refrigerant circuit comprising an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, an expansion unit and one or more valves, characterized by that the expansion unit has or is an expansion valve. [2] Refrigerator and / or freezer according to claim 1, characterized by that the expansion valve has a stepper motor for adjusting the opening degree of the expansion valve [3] Refrigerator and / or freezer according to claim 1 or 2 characterized by that the refrigerant circuit has multiple evaporators and / or multiple expansion valves. [4] Refrigerator and / or freezer according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the valve, or at least one of the valves, is a switching valve and / or a solenoid valve. [5] Refrigerator and / or freezer according to any of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the valve or at least one of the valves is a multi-way valve and is arranged in particular for injection into two or more evaporators. [6] Refrigerator and / or freezer according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the valve, or at least one of the valves, is a check valve and / or a 2 / 2-way valve. [7] Refrigerator and / or freezer according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the valve is located in a suction line between the evaporator and the compressor. [8] Refrigerator and / or freezer according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the refrigerant circuit further comprises a capillary and / or a pipe, in particular with an inner diameter of 0.6 mm to 2 mm, in particular 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm or a diameter corresponding to 1.2 times to 2 times, in particular 1.5 times, the diameter of the capillary, and / or a sintered element, wherein the capillary, the pipe and / or the sintered element is arranged between the expansion valve and the evaporator. [9] Refrigerator and / or freezer according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the expansion valve, in particular, has one or more outlets. [10] Refrigerator and / or freezer according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the refrigerant circuit has exactly one expansion valve and several evaporators connected in series, wherein a throttling element, in particular a capillary and / or a sintered element, is provided between each of the evaporators. [11] Refrigerator and / or freezer according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the refrigerant circuit comprises exactly one expansion valve, one or more 2 / 2-way valves, one or more throttling elements, in particular one or more capillaries, and several evaporators, wherein the outlet of the expansion valve is connected to all 2 / 2-way valves, each outlet of a 2 / 2-way valve is connected to a capillary, and each capillary is connected to an evaporator.

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