REFRIGERATOR AND / OR FREEZER

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerator and / or freezer comprising a cooled interior and a closure element by means of which the interior can be closed, wherein the interior and / or the closure element has a layer of insulating material for the purpose of thermal insulation.

[0002] Various cooling devices are known from US 2004 / 139763 A1, DE 10 2011 078319 A1, EP 2 865 972 A2, JP S60 89669 A, JP 3 128461 B2 and JP S57 198573 U.

[0003] Refrigerators and freezers known from the prior art usually have an inner container which, together with the inside of a closure element such as a door, flap or lid, defines the cooled interior. Between the side of the inner container facing away from the cooled interior and the outer casing of the appliance, there is a layer of insulating material such as polyurethane foam for thermal insulation purposes. It is also known from the prior art to arrange one or more components in this layer of insulating material for reasons of energy efficiency, noise reduction or manufacturing reasons. Examples include liquid collectors and plug connections.

[0004] A disadvantage of arranging such components in the layer of insulation material is that their replacement in the event of a fault is not possible or only possible with considerable damage to the device and in particular to the foam.

[0005] The present invention is therefore based on the object of developing a refrigerator and / or freezer of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that the replacement of such components is possible without causing significant damage to the appliance.

[0006] This object is achieved by a refrigerator and / or freezer having the features of claim 1.

[0007] It is then provided that the layer of insulating material contains at least one component which has no fixed connection to the insulating material.

[0008] According to the invention, the component does not form a permanent bond to the insulation material, which has the advantage that the component can be easily replaced, for example, during customer service, without damaging the insulation material. Preferably, the component is not in contact with the insulation material at all. This not only allows the removal of a defective component, but also the installation of a new component without compromising the insulation material and thus the thermal insulation properties.

[0009] The component according to the invention can be, for example, a plug connection, a pipe, a capillary, a valve, a cable, a sensor, such as a temperature sensor, etc. This list is not exhaustive. Preferably, the component is an expansion valve of a refrigerant circuit of the device, which is arranged upstream of the evaporator of the refrigerant circuit.

[0010] To ensure good accessibility to the component, the invention provides for a removable element, with or without insulating effect, to be located in the layer of insulating material, which is arranged such that access to the component is possible after its removal. The removable element thus serves as a "lid" for the area in which the component is located. The removable element can be made of the same insulating material as the other areas of the insulating material or of a different material. The removable element is arranged such that it can be removed and reinserted by a user or technician, preferably without tools, from the inside or outside.

[0011] It is also conceivable that the removable element is a functional element that performs at least one function during operation. For example, a lighting unit that illuminates the cooled interior and serves as a "cover" for the area in which the component is located is considered. Thus, from the cooled interior, only the lighting unit is visible, not the component it conceals.

[0012] In principle, the component can be arranged at any position on the insulation layer.

[0013] In appliances with an evaporator located on the rear wall of the appliance, the component behind the inner container is preferably located in a corner in the upper area of ​​the layer of insulation material and above the evaporator or in the ceiling or ceiling of the appliance.

[0014] This also applies to appliances with two evaporators, such as those found in a refrigerator / freezer combination. In this case, the component can also be located between the evaporators. The first injection point can be in the freezer compartment, for example, and the injection of refrigerant into the refrigerator compartment evaporator can be passed on to the evaporator via a foamed-in pipe.

[0015] It is preferably provided that a foamed part is located in the layer of insulating material, which is firmly connected to the foam and which delimits a cavity in which the component is located.

[0016] According to the invention, it can also be provided that the component does not come into contact with the insulating material, but is arranged in a cavity defined by a foamed-in part. This is also to be understood by the formulation that the component is located in the layer of insulating material.

[0017] As stated above, the component can be a valve and / or a sensor, preferably an expansion valve of the refrigerant circuit. Other examples include a liquid receiver, a dryer, a connector, a light source, a condensate trap, a sensor, such as a temperature sensor, or a combination of several components. It is conceivable that a valve is only accessible after removing a light cover.

[0018] The insulation layer and / or a foamed part arranged therein may consist partially or completely of or comprise one or more of the following materials or elements: silicones, polyolefins, polystyrene, polystyrene, polyurethane foam, vacuum insulation panel, perlite.

[0019] When using Styrofoam, for example, it is conceivable that the foamed part is made of Styrofoam or has it and is foamed in. In this case, the foam bonded to the Styrofoam, but the component can be removed because it is not in contact with the foam.

[0020] The foam part and / or the component can be glued, clamped, locked, etc. to fix it in the desired position.

[0021] In an embodiment not covered by the presently claimed invention, it is conceivable for the component to be sealed gas-tight from the environment. Thus, no condensation forms in the area of ​​the component, since no air humidity can enter the area in which the component is located.

[0022] According to the invention, it is provided that the component is not covered in a gas-tight manner to the environment and that at least one condensate drain is provided which is arranged in such a way that it removes condensate from the area in which the component is arranged.

[0023] The area containing the component can be separated from the cooled interior by a cover. The cover consists partly of insulating material and partly of one or more areas with high thermal conductivity, so that these areas become frosted and / or condensate forms. Areas with high thermal conductivity can be designed to form a logo (company name, snowflake, etc.), which is created when water condenses on them or forms a layer of frost.

[0024] In areas of particularly high thermal conductivity or in parts of these areas, it can be provided that condensate can be generated in a targeted manner and thus be discharged in a targeted manner.

[0025] The component can be made at least partially of a material that has repelling properties compared to the insulation material. The materials of the component, such as a valve, can, in the case of foam filling, consist of or be coated with "foam-phobic" materials such as silicones or polyolefins. This creates a kind of cavity in the insulation material in which the component is located. This has the advantage that structure-borne noise is reduced, for example in the case of a valve. Furthermore, the component can be removed and reinserted more easily. This can be achieved, for example, by cutting open the inner container or opening it in some other way and then gluing or otherwise sealing it after the component has been replaced.

[0026] It is also conceivable that the material of the component or its coating has some properties that are repelling to the insulation material and some that are not. In the case of foam filling, the component can thus have some "foamphile" and some "foamphobe" properties. The material that does not have repelling properties can be used, for example, to protect sensitive areas or components, such as a plug connection, from condensate by firmly bonding the foam or other insulation material to the area or component.

[0027] In one conceivable embodiment, the component is located in a foamed-in part, e.g., a polystyrene box. This box is filled with foam to prevent condensation, for example, around a valve. Cables and / or pipes emerge from the box, which can be connected to the refrigeration circuit and the device's electronics or other components. The component can thus be located in the foamed-in part or in the foamed-in part filled with insulation material.

[0028] It should be noted here that the term "foamed part" is to be understood generally and refers to a part that is in contact with or embedded in the insulation material. This can be foam, but also any other insulation material.

[0029] If it is to be expected that air humidity may condense on the component, such as in the case of an expansion valve exposed to air humidity, it can be provided that the condensate that forms can drain away, preferably into the condensate drain of the device.

[0030] As already explained above, the invention provides that the component is not in direct contact with the insulation material.

[0031] If the component is located in a foamed part, the area around the component can be stuffed or filled with sound-damping material.

[0032] The area around the foaming part can be used to guide the foam during the foaming process.

[0033] If the component is, for example, a valve, in particular an expansion valve, through which refrigerant flows, the advantage is that the refrigerant evaporates without contact with the environment, so that no heat is introduced into the refrigerant.

[0034] For noise-generating components, such as a valve or fluid collector, there is a further advantage that noise is generated in the insulation layer without direct contact with the insulation material, which leads to better noise dampening to the outside.

[0035] Another advantage is that components can be replaced more easily in the event of a fault.

[0036] The component can be arranged in the insulation layer surrounding the inner container and / or in the insulation layer of a door, a lid, a drawer or another closure element.

[0037] 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 refer to a plurality of the elements. Likewise, the use of the plural also includes the presence of the element in question in the singular, and conversely, the singular also encompasses several of the elements in question.

[0038] Further details and advantages of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawing.

[0039] They show: Figure 1: a sectional view through the upper corner area of ​​the device body with a component arranged in the insulation layer, Figure 2: an arrangement according to Figure 1 with a removable element on the outside, Figure 3: an arrangement according to Figure 1with a removable element on the outside and an insulation on the inside, Figure 4: an arrangement according to Figure 3 with a removable element on the inside and an insulation on the outside, Figure 5: a sectional view through the upper corner area of ​​the device body with a component arranged in the corner area of ​​the insulation layer and with a removable element on the inside, Figure 6: an arrangement according to Figure 1 with a functional element as a cover on the inside and an insulation on the outside, Figure 7: a sectional view through the upper corner area of ​​the device body with a foam part and inner container to be cut open and Figure 8: an arrangement according to Figure 7 with foam part accessible through a container cutout.

[0040] In the figures, identical or functionally identical parts are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0041] Figure 1shows the upper corner area of ​​a refrigerator and / or freezer in longitudinal section.

[0042] The reference symbol U indicates the external environment of the device, also referred to as "outside." The reference symbol I indicates the cooled interior of the device, also referred to as "inside."

[0043] The body is formed by the inner container 20, the outer casing 30 and the insulation 40 located therebetween, which consists for example of PU foam.

[0044] Reference numeral 10 designates a component, such as a valve, that is located in the layer of insulating material 40. The free space A between component 10 and the insulating material 40 is intended to clarify that component 10 is not firmly connected to the foam. In fact, this free space A does not exist; rather, it symbolizes the loose connection between foam 40 and component 10. In order to replace component 10, inner container 10 is cut open or is provided with a lid, flap, drawer, etc. at the level of the component, which can be removed, pivoted, moved, or pulled out. There is no insulating material 40 in the interior between component 10 and inner container 20.

[0045] Figure 2 shows an embodiment which essentially corresponds to the Figure 1with the difference that the layer of insulating material 40 has a non-destructively removable element 100 with insulating effect at the level of the component 10. This element is removed to access the component 10 and reinserted after the replacement or repair of the component 10. As can be seen from Figure 2 As can be seen, element 100 can be removed from the outside and reinserted.

[0046] A removable element 100 is understood to be an element that can be removed and reinserted preferably without tools, but in any case non-destructively, ie without damaging the insulation 40.

[0047] Figure 3 shows an embodiment that corresponds to the Figure 2, but with the difference that at the level of the component inside, ie towards the cooled interior, there is a non-removable area of ​​insulation material 40. This means that between the component 10 and the interior, in contrast to the embodiments of the Figures 1 and 2 Insulation material 40. The component 10 is thus surrounded on all sides by insulation material 40.

[0048] Out of Figure 4 an embodiment is apparent in which the removable part 100 is located on the inside, ie starting from the inner container 20 or from the cooled interior I, it can be removed and reinserted, and on the outside, ie between the component 10 and the outer wall 30, an area of ​​non-removable insulation material 40 is arranged.

[0049] Out of Figure 5An embodiment is shown in which the component 10 is located in the upper corner area between the side or rear wall and the ceiling of the body in the insulating material 40, resulting in an improved insulating effect. Between the component 10 and the outer wall of the device there is a layer of insulating material 40. The removable element is arranged inside, i.e., it can be removed and reinserted from the interior. The removable element 100 can generally be used with or without an insulating effect. For example, it can consist only of a piece of the wall of the inner container 20, of a foamed-in plastic part, of a plastic plate, etc.

[0050] Figure 6 shows an embodiment according to Figure 4with the difference that the removable element is a functional element 200 in the form of a light unit. A conventional light unit can be used to illuminate the cooled interior, which can be removed to gain access to the component 10.

[0051] Out of Figure 7 An embodiment with a foamed-in part E is visible, which is embedded in the foam 40 and is firmly or detachably connected to the foam and glued to the outside of the inner container 20. The component (not shown here) is located in the cavity H delimited by the foamed-in part and the inner container wall. The marking M indicates the areas in which the inner container must be cut open to gain access to the component.

[0052] Figure 8 shows one with Figure 7comparable embodiment, so reference is made accordingly. However, in this case, a cutout is provided in the inner container 20, which can be closed by a lid D or the like. Cutting open the inner container 20 is not necessary in this case to gain access to the component.

[0053] In principle, the inner container 20 can be closed at the level of the component and must be cut open to gain access to the component, or it can be open or closed by a detachable, movable, pivotable, etc. lid, flap, drawer with or without insulating effect, ie thermal insulation effect, which results in easier access to the component because the inner container does not have to be cut open.

Claims

1. Cooling and / or freezing device comprising a cooled interior (1) and a closure element by means of which the interior (1) can be closed, wherein the interior (1) and / or the closure element has a layer of insulating material (40) for the purpose of thermal insulation, wherein at least one component (10) is located in the layer of insulating material (40), which component has no fixed connection to the insulating material (40), wherein a removable element (100) with or without an insulating effect is located in the layer of insulating material (40), which element is arranged such that there is access to the component (10) after its removal, wherein the removable element (100) is arranged such that the removable element (100) can be pulled out and inserted from the inside or outside, and wherein the component (10) is not in direct contact with the insulating material (40), characterised in that the component (10) is not covered in a gas-tight manner with respect to the environment (U) and in that at least one condensate water drain is provided, which is arranged in such a way that it removes condensate water from the area in which the component (10) is arranged.

2. Cooling and / or freezing device according to claim 1, characterised in that the removable element (100) also consists of or has insulating material (40).

3. Cooling and / or freezing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the removable element (100) is a functional element that performs at least one technical function during operation.

4. Cooling and / or freezing device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the component (10) is located in a corner region of the layer of insulating material (40) or in the top of the layer of insulating material (40).

5. Cooling and / or freezing device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the layer of insulating material (40) contains a foamed-in part (E) that is firmly connected to the foam and delimits a cavity in which the component (10) is located.

6. Cooling and / or freezing device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the component (10) is a valve and / or a sensor, preferably an expansion valve of the refrigerant circuit.

7. Cooling and / or freezing device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the insulating layer (40) and / or a foamed-in part (E) arranged therein consists partly or completely of or has one or more of the following materials or elements: silicon, polyolefin, polystyrene, expanded polystyrene, polyurethane, vacuum insulation panel, perlite.

8. Cooling and / or freezing device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the area in which the component (10) located is separated from the cooled interior (1) by a cover, wherein the cover consists partly of insulating material (40) and partly in one or more areas of high thermal conductivity, so that these areas frost and / or condensate forms on these areas.

9. Cooling and / or freezing device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the component (10) consists at least partly of a material that has repellent properties with respect to the insulating material (40).