REFRIGERATOR WITH ACTIVE AIR CIRCULATION

Description

Reference to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority from Swiss patent application CH 0729 / 18, filed on June 6, 2018. Field of the invention

[0002] The invention relates to a cooling device according to the preamble of claim 1. In particular, this cooling device has a cooling air duct in the region of the rear wall of the usable space, with a cooling element arranged on or in the cooling air duct. Furthermore, a fan is provided to convey air through the cooling air duct. background

[0003] Cooling units with active air circulation are generally familiar. In such units, a fan draws air from the usable space through a cooling air duct, where it is cooled. The air is then blown back into the usable space.

[0004] Such a device is known, for example, from EP 2722620.

[0005] With such devices, care must be taken to ensure that the inlet and outlet of the cooling air duct are not blocked by objects to be cooled. Furthermore, the temperatures at the outlet are very low, and objects located there are at risk of overcooling.

[0006] CN 106 885 425 shows a cooling device with a molded part located at the rear. The molded part includes air inlets and outlets located at the edges of the molded part. A fan is arranged below the molded part.

[0007] US 2008 / 202149 A1 discloses another cooling device known from the prior art according to the preamble of the present first claim. Description of the invention

[0008] The task is to provide a device of this type in which the risk of blocking the inlet and outlet of the cooling air duct is as low as possible.

[0009] This object is achieved by the cooling device according to claim 1.

[0010] Accordingly, the cooling device has the following components: A usable space: The food to be cooled is stored in the usable space. A rear wall: The rear wall defines the rear limits of the usable space. A cooling air duct: The cooling air duct is located in the area of ​​the rear wall. A cooling element located on or in the cooling air duct: The cooling element, e.g. the evaporator of a heat pump, cools air passing through the cooling air duct. A fan in the area of ​​the rear wall: The fan is designed to draw process air from the usable space through (at least) one inlet of the cooling air duct and to convey it back into the usable space through (at least) one outlet of the cooling air duct. A rear wall element: This is located on the rear wall. It has a front facing the usable space and edges running transversely to the front, in particular perpendicular to the front. It has a shaped body made of insulating material, in and / or on which the cooling air duct is at least partially formed.In other words, the cooling air duct runs at least partially, in particular completely, through the molded body and / or along the molded body.

[0011] The inlet and outlet of the cooling air duct are located at the edges of the rear wall element. This ensures that the inlet and outlet are not directly aligned with the usable space, i.e., they do not run through the front of the rear wall element. This reduces the risk of them being blocked by stored items and of very cold air being blown directly onto the stored items.

[0012] To simplify installation, the fan is attached to the rear panel, allowing it to be installed and removed together with the rear panel. It is also attached to the molded body, as insulation material generally transmits sound poorly.

[0013] To reduce the transmission of sound, the frame of the fan can be connected to the molded body via a damping element.

[0014] In a compact arrangement, the fan may be arranged at an opening extending from front to back through the molded body.

[0015] The front side of the rear wall element is advantageously formed by a cover plate made of a denser material than the molded body. This protects the molded body. In this case, at least a first portion of the cooling air duct can run between the molded body and the cover plate.

[0016] Furthermore, a rear wall can be arranged behind the rear wall element. At least a second part of the cooling air duct can run between the rear wall and the molded body.

[0017] The aforementioned opening can connect the first and second parts, resulting in a particularly compact structure.

[0018] On its rear side, the shaped body may have a recess which forms at least part of the second part of the cooling air duct.

[0019] The shaped body advantageously forms the rear side of the wall element.

[0020] Advantageously, the rear panel element can be removed from the front of the workspace, meaning it can be removed from the device through the workspace without causing any damage, e.g., to clean the areas behind it or to replace components during servicing. In particular, it can be held in place in the workspace by snapping it into place.

[0021] The cooling device is preferably a refrigerator and / or a freezer, particularly a household appliance. However, it can also be a cooling device for other applications, e.g., a cooling device for medications or other refrigerated goods. Short description of the drawings

[0022] Further embodiments, advantages, and applications of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following description with reference to the figures. These show: Fig. 1 a view of part of a refrigerator (door not shown), Fig. 2 a section of the cooling device according to Fig. 1 from the front, Fig. 3 a view of the rear wall element from the front, Fig. 4 the rear wall element of Fig. 3 without cover plate, Fig. 5 the cover plate of the rear wall element of Fig. 3 , Fig. 6 the rear wall element of Fig. 3 from behind, Fig. 7 a sectional view through the rear wall element of Fig. 6 , Fig. 8 the sectional view of Fig. 7 from the cutting side, Fig. 9 a somewhat simplified detail of Fig. 8 , Fig. 10 a somewhat simplified section through the rear panel element and the rear wall of the device, Fig. 11a detailed view of a fastening device on the back of the rear wall element, Fig. 12 the expansion element of the fastening device, Fig. 13 the corresponding mounting recess on the rear wall, Fig. 14 a section along line AA of Fig. 16 by a fastening device snapped into its fastening recess, Fig. 15 a section along line BB of Fig. 16 , Fig. 16 a section along line CC of Fig. 14 and Fig. 17 a cut according to Fig. 9 through a variant. Ways to implement the invention Definitions:

[0023] The terms "rear", "back", "front", "front side" are defined in such a way that the door of the refrigerator is located at the front, i.e. on the front, while the rear side located at the rear of the appliance refers to the side of the appliance opposite the door.

[0024] Terms such as "top", "bottom", "horizontal" and "vertical" refer to the intended orientation of the appliance, in which the door is vertical.

[0025] Terms such as "inside," "inside," "outside," and "outside" refer to the usable space of the device, which is considered the interior. For a component, "inside" refers to the side facing the center of the usable space, and "outside" refers to the side facing away from the center of the usable space.

[0026] An "insulating material" is a body with a thermal conductivity of less than 0.1 W / mK, especially less than 0.05 W / mK. For vacuum insulation panels, the value can even be below 0.01 W / mK, e.g., 0.003 - 0.006 W / mK. Overview:

[0027] Fig. 1 and 2As an example of a cooling device, the refrigerator is shown, with the door not shown. The refrigerator has a housing 1, inside which a usable space 2 is arranged for storing food. In a vertical section, the usable space 2 has an approximately rectangular cross-section.

[0028] On the rear wall 2a of the usable space, a rear wall element 3 is arranged, which Fig. 2 highlighted in bold.

[0029] The rear wall element 3 is snapped into the usable space 2 by means of fastening devices and can be removed therefrom.

[0030] The rear panel element 3 and its fastening mechanism are described in more detail below. Rear wall element:

[0031] The rear wall element 3 is in Fig. 3 - 7 from the front and back and in Fig. 8 shown in a vertical section.

[0032] It has an essentially rectangular outline and a plate shape. In the version shown, it is slightly thicker at the top than at the bottom.

[0033] The rear wall element 3 has a molded body 4 made of an insulating material, in particular expanded polystyrene, expanded polypropylene, or expanded polyethylene, and / or mixtures of two or more of these materials and / or rigid foam. The molded body 4 is preferably made in one piece. However, it can also consist of several molded parts connected to one another or arranged in series.

[0034] A cover plate 5 is attached to the front of the molded body 4. For example, the cover plate 5 can be glued to the molded part or attached via a detachable connection.

[0035] The cover plate 5 is made of a material of higher strength than the molded body 4. Preferably, it is made of plastic, e.g., polystyrene, metal and / or glass.

[0036] The cover plate 5 protects the molded body 4 from mechanical and chemical influences. It is preferably essentially smooth so that it can be easily cleaned.

[0037] It is advantageously made in one piece.

[0038] For optimal protection, the cover plate 5 preferably extends over the entire wall element 3 or at least over the entire molded body 4 at the front.

[0039] Advantageously, the cover plate 5 is closed, ie it has no openings, at least no ventilation openings for the cooling air duct (at most local recesses at its edges).

[0040] Preferably, the rear wall element 3 has a first section 3a (cf. Fig. 7 , 8) and a second section 3b. The fan 10 is arranged in section 3a. In this section 3a, the rear wall element 3 is thicker in the front-to-back direction than in the second section 3b. This takes into account the fact that in section 3a the two parts 6a, 6b of the cooling air duct overlap, while in section 3b this is not the case. Due to this design, the rear wall element 3 takes up less volume. Cooling air duct:

[0041] As mentioned above, a cooling air duct is formed in or on the rear panel element 3. It serves to guide cooling air past a cooling element. The structure of the cooling air duct is described in more detail below.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, a first part 6a of the cooling air duct is formed on the front side of the molded body 4, specifically between the molded body 4 and the cover plate 5. This first part is best made of Fig. 4 and 10 visible.

[0043] For example, the cooling air duct has several inlets 7a-7i. Of these, four inlets 7a-7d are arranged on the lateral edges 8a, 8b of the rear wall element 3, particularly in the upper quarter of the lateral edges 8a, 8b, and the remaining ones are arranged on the upper edge 8c.

[0044] From the inlets 7a - 7i, channel sections, which are formed between recesses 9a, 9b, 9c... in the molded body 3 and the cover plate 5, run to a fan 10.

[0045] The fan 10 is arranged at an opening 12 extending from front to back through the molded body and in Fig. 9 presented in detail.

[0046] The fan 10 has a rigid frame 14 in which a fan impeller 15 and its drive are arranged. The frame 14 is attached to the molded body 4 via a damping element 16. The damping element 16 is made of a different, preferably more elastic and / or more damping material than the frame, in particular a thermoplastic elastomer. It serves to acoustically decouple the fan 10 from the molded body 4 and thus reduce noise emissions.

[0047] In the embodiment shown, the damping element 16 forms an airtight membrane between the frame 14 of the fan 10 and the molded body 4 against all sides of the fan 10, so that the air passing through the opening is forced through the fan 10.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the damping element 16 extends around the fan 10.

[0049] It can be attached in a suitable manner to the molded body 4. For this purpose, as best seen in conjunction with Fig. 6, 7and 9 As can be seen, a holding frame 18 is provided in the present embodiment. The damping element 16 is clamped between a shoulder 20 of the molded body 4 and the holding frame 18.

[0050] The holding frame 18 is inserted into a recess of the molded body 4 and is preferably snapped into undercuts 24 there, so that it can only be removed by deformation.

[0051] Advantageously, the holding frame 18 extends as a closed frame around the entire fan 10.

[0052] Furthermore, the holding frame 18 has projections 26 projecting backwards, which, when the rear wall element 3 is mounted as intended, are supported against the front side of the rear wall 30, which is located behind the rear wall element 3 and forms a counter bearing 32.

[0053] The second part 6b of the cooling air duct is connected to the rear of the opening 10, cf. Fig. 6 , 9 , 10 .

[0054] For this purpose, the molded body 4 has one or more recesses 34 on its rear side, which form or form the front area of ​​the part 6b of the cooling air duct.

[0055] How best to Fig. 6 As can be seen, the recess 34 extends downwards from the area of ​​the fan 10, namely to the lower end of the molded body 4.

[0056] In one embodiment, the molded body 4 can form at least two lateral boundaries 36 for the recess 34, which touch the rear wall 30 in the assembled state of the wall element 3 and thus laterally delimit the cooling air duct.

[0057] One or preferably both of these boundaries 36 has or have recessed regions 38a - 38n which do not touch the rear wall and which form a plurality of lateral outlets of the cooling air duct at the side edges 8a, 8b of the rear wall element 3.

[0058] As shown, the recessed areas 38a-38n are not all the same size and are not equally spaced. This allows for the air flow to be spatially adjusted. Advantageously, the recessed areas 38a-38n, and thus the outlets of the cooling air duct, are smaller and / or further apart in the upper area of ​​the rear wall element 3 than in the lower area of ​​the rear wall element 3, so that more air exits from the bottom than from the top. This improves cooling efficiency.

[0059] Furthermore, the molded body 4 shown forms an upper boundary 39a of the recess 34, which touches the rear wall 30 in the assembled state of the wall element 3. This advantageously completely closes off the second part 6b of the cooling air duct at the top.

[0060] In addition, the molded body 4 shown forms a lower boundary 39b of the recess 34. In the embodiment shown, the lower boundary 39b has one or more recessed regions 43 which do not touch the rear wall 30 and thus form one or more outlets for the cooling air duct at the lower edge 8d of the rear wall element 3.

[0061] Furthermore, the molded body 4 can form spacers 37, which support the recess 34 against the rear wall. Furthermore, such spacers 37 can also be used as air guide elements.

[0062] Advantageously, the spacers 37 are arranged at least partially in such a way that they do not form horizontal or even trough-shaped areas where condensate or dew could collect. In particular, the upper edges of at least some of the spacers 37 extend obliquely to the horizontal.

[0063] How best to Fig. 7As can be seen, the recess 34 is advantageously not the same depth throughout. In particular, it has an upper, deeper region 34a and a lower, shallower region 34b. This design allows the air flow in the cooling air duct to be controlled according to requirements.

[0064] As from Fig. 10 As can be seen, the evaporator 40 of a heat pump is arranged as a cooling element in the rear wall 30. It is thermally connected to a wall panel 42, which forms the inside of the rear wall 30, i.e., the side facing the usable space 2.

[0065] Behind the evaporator 40, ie towards the outside, an insulation element 44, in particular a vacuum insulation panel, is arranged.

[0066] During operation, the fan 10 conveys the air from front to rear, ie it sucks in the air through the inlets 7a - 7i, conveys it through the first part 6a of the cooling air duct, through the opening 12, through the second part 6b of the cooling air duct and to the outlets 38a - 38n and 43.

[0067] Examples of corresponding air flows are dashed in Fig. 4 and 6 marked.

[0068] The air is cooled by the evaporator 40 as it passes through the second part 6b of the cooling air duct.

[0069] In the embodiment shown, the air essentially runs from top to bottom through the cooling air duct and passes from top to bottom past the cooling element or evaporator 40.

[0070] In the embodiment shown, the cooling element (ie, the evaporator 40) is arranged behind the wall plate 42. However, it can also be arranged in the cooling air duct itself and, for example, be surrounded by cooling air on both sides.

[0071] Advantageously, the heat pump fluid is guided from top to bottom through the evaporator, so that the lowest temperatures prevail at the top of the evaporator. This cools the air there relatively significantly and already has a relatively low temperature when it exits the uppermost outlets, e.g., outlets 38a, 38b.

[0072] Since the air enters and exits at the edges 8a - 8d of the rear wall element 3, gaps or distances to the adjacent components must be provided in this area, at least in the area of ​​the inlets and outlets. These gaps 48 to the side walls and / or the floor and / or the ceiling of the usable space 4, which are Fig. 2 are indicated, advantageously have a width of 10 mm or less and / or at least 2 mm, in particular at least 5 mm.

[0073] In the version shown so far, the air is conveyed from front to back by the fan 10. Fig. 17shows an alternative variant in which the air flows from the back to the front through the fan 10. For this purpose, the rear part 6b of the cooling air duct is connected to one or more inlets via one or more intake ducts 13. In the embodiment according to Fig. 17 Such an inlet 7a is shown.

[0074] The inlets are again advantageously located at the edges of the rear wall element 3. In the example according to Fig. 17 at least one inlet 7a is arranged at the upper edge 8c.

[0075] The air is conveyed into the front part 6a of the cooling air duct via the fan 12. From there, in the illustrated embodiment, the air flows through one or more transfer channels 17 through the molded body 4 to the rear of the molded body 4, advantageously again into a recess 34 on the rear of the molded body 4.

[0076] In Fig. 17 The path of the cooling air is shown with a dashed arrow.

[0077] Both in the execution according to Fig. 17 as well as in that after Fig. 9 Fan 10 is an axial fan whose rotation axis is essentially perpendicular to the rear panel of the device (e.g., at an angle of between 80° and 90° to the rear panel). This enables a compact, low-depth design.

[0078] However, versions with other types of fans are also conceivable. Fastening mechanism:

[0079] As mentioned, the rear wall element 3 is detachably fastened, in particular snapped, in the device via fastening devices.

[0080] The structure of these fastening devices is described in more detail below.

[0081] As in Fig. 6As shown, one or more fastening devices 50 are arranged on the rear side, ie on the outer side 52 facing away from the usable space 2, of the rear wall element 3. Together with fastening recesses 54 in the wall plate 42, they form a fastening mechanism which has the purpose of releasably fastening the rear wall element 3 to the rear wall 30. One of the fastening recesses 54 is in Fig. 10 shown

[0082] The structure and function of the fastening mechanism can be seen from Figs. 11 - 16 .

[0083] Each fastening device 50 of the illustrated embodiment comprises a spreading element 56 which is fastened to the rear wall element 3 and whose rear (ie outer) end is arranged between two centering elements 58 of the molded body 4.

[0084] The centering elements 58 displace the air in the mounting recesses and thus prevent a lot of water from accumulating there.

[0085] The centering elements 58 are formed by projections of the molded body 4 or the rear wall element 3 that project backwards or outwards.

[0086] The expansion element 56 has a head 62 at the inside end, at least two expansion members 64 at the outside end, and a body 66 which connects the head 62 to the expansion members 66.

[0087] The head 62 has a larger diameter and / or a larger area than the body 66 and the spreading members 64.

[0088] The expansion element 56 is made of an elastic material, preferably such that the expansion members 64 can be moved toward each other by at least one millimeter or at least half a millimeter under elastic deformation without causing irreversible deformation or fracture. For example, it is made of thermoplastics such as POM, PA6, PE-LD, PP, or ABS.

[0089] Advantageously, the expansion element 56 is made of a harder material than the molded body 4.

[0090] As from Fig. 14 - 16 As can be seen, the expansion element 56 sits in an opening 60 of the molded body 4. In the embodiment shown, the head 62 rests on the inside of the molded body 4.

[0091] Advantageously, the head sits in a recess 70 which is formed on the inside (ie on the usable space side) in the molded body 4.

[0092] The recess 70 is covered on the outside by the cover plate 5, so that the expansion element 56 is held in the rear wall element 3. The cover plate 5 is, as mentioned, attached to the inside of the molded body 4.

[0093] The head 62 of the expansion element 56 can contact the cover plate 5, so that the expansion element 56 is held essentially free of play. In the illustrated embodiment, however, the head 62 does not rest against the cover plate 5 over its entire surface, but rather has one or more raised portions 72 that contact the cover plate 5 in an area that is significantly smaller, preferably at least ten times smaller, than the total internal surface of the head 62. This reduces the heat transfer from the expansion element 56 to the cover plate 5.

[0094] The fastening device 50 cooperates with one of the fastening recesses 54 in the wall plate 42. Such a fastening recess is in Fig. 13 shown.

[0095] The mounting recess 54 is formed by a recess in the wall panel 42 without interrupting the wall panel 42, i.e., without an opening being formed in the wall panel in the area of ​​the mounting recess 54. In other words, the mounting recess 54 is closed to the outside. This ensures that the wall panel retains its tightness and prevents undesirable gas exchange between the inside and outside in the area of ​​the mounting recess 54.

[0096] Viewed from the inside, ie from the usable space 2, the fastening recess 54 has an approximately dumbbell-shaped entry contour. It extends along a longitudinal direction 74 and has two outer regions 76 and a central region 78. Perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 74, the outer regions 76 on the entry side are larger in their maximum extent X1 than the central region 78 in its minimum extent X2 (see Fig. 13 ).

[0097] The longitudinal direction 74 extends parallel to the main surface of the wall panel 42.

[0098] As is particularly evident from Fig. 14 which shows a section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 74 through the central region 78, the wall sections 80 of the fastening recess 54 are undercut in the region of the central region 78, ie the extent of the fastening recess 54 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 74 increases towards the outside at least in one section, namely from a minimum extent D1 to a maximum extent D2.

[0099] The expansion element 56 engages with the expansion members 64 in the central region 78 of the fastening recess 54. It is dimensioned such that the side surfaces of the expansion members 64, in the relaxed state, have a maximum distance slightly greater than D1, so that they are elastically deformed when inserted into the fastening recess 54.

[0100] Furthermore, the distance between the side surfaces of the expansion elements 64 initially decreases inward, so that the expansion elements 64 can gradually relax again after a maximum deformation when inserted into the fastening recess 54. As a result, the fastening mechanism, when installed, exerts a tensile force on the component to be fastened.

[0101] To the side of the fastening device 50, the component to be fastened, here the molded body 4, forms at least one shoulder 82, which abuts against the wall panel 42. The components are advantageously dimensioned such that the fastening mechanism still exerts a tensile force on the expansion element 56 even in this position, ie, when the shoulder 82 abuts against the wall panel 42, and thus holds the component to be fastened free of play.

[0102] Preferably, therefore, the depth T1 of the fastening recess 54 is greater than the projection T2 of the expansion element 56 over the shoulder 82.

[0103] How best to Fig. 14 to 16 As can be seen, the two centering elements 58 engage in the outer regions 76 of the fastening recess 54. They ensure that the expansion element 64 lies in the undercut central region 78.

[0104] In the outer regions 76, the fastening recess 54 is not undercut, ie its extent decreases continuously towards the outside.

[0105] Because the mounting recess has an undercut central region 78 between two non-rear outer regions 76, it is possible to produce the mounting recess 54 in the wall panel 52 by deep drawing. For this purpose, a suitable mold, which is also undercut and has the negative shape of the mounting recess 54 to be formed, is pressed from the inside against the heated and soft wall panel 52, and the wall panel is molded onto the mold with a suitable pressure difference between the inside and outside. After at least partial curing, the mold can then be removed by forced demolding, i.e., with elastic deformation of the walls 80 of the central region 78. Remarks:

[0106] In the examples above, a refrigerator is shown as an example of a cooling device. However, the cooling device can also be designed as a freezer, wine storage device, or other refrigerated goods, or it can be a combination device with multiple cooling zones for different temperatures.

[0107] In the execution according to Fig. 10 The evaporator is arranged on the cooling air duct, specifically on the second section 6b. It can also be arranged at least partially in the cooling air duct.

[0108] The described fastening mechanisms are characterized by a very simple design, ease of manufacture, and high robustness. They allow components to be fastened in the usable space of a refrigeration unit without having to penetrate the shell of the usable space, i.e., the wall panel 52.

[0109] Fastening mechanisms of the type shown here can also be used, for example, to secure components other than the rear wall element 3 in the usable space, such as shelves and containers for items to be cooled. They can be provided on all vertical walls, on the ceiling, on the floor, and / or on the door of the appliance. Accordingly, "wall plate" also includes, for example, a plate mounted on the door, on the ceiling, or on the floor.

[0110] In the above embodiment of the fastening mechanism, undercut wall sections 80 are provided, between which the expansion element 56 is arranged. However, in principle, only one of the two wall sections 80 can be undercut. However, the use of two undercut wall sections provides a better hold.

[0111] The fan 10 and the opening 12 are advantageously located in the upper quarter of the rear panel element 3. However, they can also be located lower.

[0112] Instead of the Figs. 11 - 16 In addition to the fastening mechanism shown, another type of fastening can also be provided, e.g. based on industrial Velcro fasteners or other, preferably detachable, connection mechanisms.

[0113] In the execution according to Fig. 10 The wall panel 42 runs at the same depth in the upper section 3a and in the lower section 3b, which is why the first, thicker section 3a extends further into the usable space 2 than the second, thinner section 3b. However, it is also conceivable that the wall panel 42 is partially recessed in order to provide more space for the thicker section of the rear wall element 3, particularly in the first section 3a, in which case the cover panel 5 can, for example, run flat. This applies in particular, but not only, to the design according to Fig. 17 .

[0114] It's also conceivable that the cooling air in and / or behind the rear panel might flow not from top to bottom, but rather in a U-shape, from bottom to top, or from side to side. Other variations are also possible.

[0115] In the above embodiments, the fastening mechanism is formed by the fastening device 50 and the fastening recess 54 arranged on the wall plate 42. However, it is also conceivable that (instead of a recess) a fastening projection is arranged on the wall plate 42, which protrudes into the usable space and is encompassed by the expansion element 56 from the outside (in its undercut wall sections), i.e., is subjected to compression.

[0116] While preferred embodiments of the invention are described in this application, it is to be clearly understood that the invention is not limited thereto and may be embodied in other ways within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. Cooling device with a usable space (2), a rear wall (2a) delimiting the usable space (2) towards the rear, a cooling air duct (6a, 6b) in the region of the rear wall (2a), a cooling element (40) arranged on or in the cooling air duct (6a, 6b), a fan (10) in the region of the rear wall (2a) in order to draw in process air from the usable space (2) through an inlet of the cooling air duct (6a, 6b) and to convey it back into the usable space (2) through an outlet of the cooling air duct (6a, 6b), wherein a rear wall element (3) is arranged on the rear wall (2a), which has a front side facing the usable space (2) and edges (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) extending transversely to the front side and which has a moulded body (4) made of insulating material, in and / or on which the cooling air duct (6a, 6b) is at least partially moulded, wherein the inlet and the outlet of the cooling air duct (6a, 6b) are arranged at the edges (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) of the rear wall element (3), wherein the fan (10) is held on the moulded body (4), wherein the front side of the rear wall element (3) is formed by a cover plate (5), characterised in that the cover plate (5) has no apertures.

2. Cooling device according to claim 1, wherein the fan (10) has a frame (14) and the frame (14) is connected to the moulded body (4) via a damping element (16), wherein the damping element (16) is softer than the frame, and in particular wherein the damping element (16) is a thermoplastic elastomer.

3. Cooling device according to claim 2, wherein the damping element (16) is clamped between a shoulder (20) on the moulded body (4) and a holding frame (18) inserted into the moulded body (4).

4. Cooling device according to claim 3, wherein the holding frame is supported by projections (26) towards the rear on a counter bearing (32).

5. Cooling device according to any of the claims 1 to 4, wherein the fan (10) is arranged at an opening (12) extending from the front to the rear through the moulded body (4), and in particular wherein the fan (10) is configured to convey the air from the front to the rear through the opening (12), or wherein the fan (10) is configured to convey the air from the rear to the front through the opening (12).

6. Cooling device according to any of the claims 2 to 4 and according to claim 5, wherein the vapour element (16) forms an airtight membrane between the frame (14) of the fan (10) and the moulded body (4), so that the air passing through the opening (10) is forced through the fan (10).

7. Cooling device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cover plate (5) is made of a denser material than the moulded body (4).

8. Cooling device according to claim 7, wherein at least a first part (6a) of the cooling air duct (6a, 6b) extends between the cover plate (5) and the moulded body (4).

9. Cooling device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a rear wall (30) is arranged behind the rear wall element (3), wherein at least a second part (6b) of the cooling air duct (6a, 6b) extends between the rear wall (30) and the moulded body (4).

10. Cooling device according to any of the claims 5 or 6 and according to any of the claims 7 or 8 and according to claim 9, wherein the opening (12) connects the first and the second part (6a, 6b).

11. Cooling device according to any of the claims 9 or 10, wherein the moulded body (4) has at least one recess (34) on the rear side, which forms at least a part of the second part (6b) of the cooling air duct (6a, 6b).

12. Cooling device according to claim 11, wherein the moulded body (4) forms lateral boundaries (36) of the recess (34) which touch the rear wall (30), and in particular wherein one or more of the boundaries (36) has a plurality of recessed regions (38a - 38n) which do not touch the rear wall (30) and which form a plurality of outlets of the cooling air duct (6a, 6b).

13. Cooling device according to any of the claims 11 or 12, wherein the moulded body (4) forms an upper (39a) and / or a lower (39b) boundary of the recess (34) which touch the rear wall (30), and in particular wherein the upper boundary (39a) completely closes off the second part (6b) of the cooling air duct (6a, 6b) at the top and / or the lower boundary (39b) has at least one recessed region (43) which does not touch the rear wall (30) and forms at least one outlet.

14. Cooling device according to any of the claims 11 to 13, wherein the moulded body (4) forms spacers (37) which support the recess (34) against the rear wall.

15. Cooling device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the rear wall element (3) is removable forwards out of the useful space (2), and in particular that it is detachably fastened, in particular snapped in, in the useable space (2).

16. Cooling device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cooling element (40) is adapted as an evaporator of a heat pump, wherein the heat pump is designed to guide a heat pump fluid from top to bottom through the evaporator, and wherein the fan (10) is adapted to guide the air from top to bottom along the evaporator.