WALL ARRANGEMENT FOR A REFRIGERATION UNIT, REFRIGERATION UNIT AND METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING A WALL ARRANGEMENT

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a wall arrangement for a refrigeration appliance, a refrigeration appliance, in particular a household refrigeration appliance, such as a refrigerator, a freezer or a fridge-freezer combination, and a method for assembling the wall arrangement. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Refrigeration appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, or fridge-freezer combinations are often designed as so-called no-frost refrigeration appliances. In this design, an evaporator is provided for cooling a refrigerated compartment. This evaporator is typically located in an evaporator chamber separate from the refrigerated compartment. The refrigerated compartment and the evaporator chamber are fluidly connected, allowing heat to be dissipated from the refrigerated compartment through air circulation between the evaporator chamber and the refrigerated compartment. When the air circulation is interrupted, the evaporator can be heated to defrost frost that has settled on it.

[0003] JP 2 996893 B2, JP 2 937752 B2, JP S61 168770 A, JP 2006 138609 A, JP S57 95584 U, and WO 2010 / 118787 A1 disclose no-frost refrigeration appliances with wall arrangements between an evaporator chamber and a storage area for refrigerated goods. Foam elements, as described in WO 2010 / 118787 A1, are typically loosely applied to the respective components, e.g., the walls, and secured with adhesive tape or clamped between other parts for securing.

[0004] DE 10 2014 015 035 A1 further describes a refrigeration device in which an evaporator and an axial fan are thermally separated from each other. An insulating part is positioned axially between the evaporator and the fan. The insulating part is implemented as a plate arranged in front of the fan and having a diffuser-shaped hole. The fan or ventilator is inserted into a recess in a wall.

[0005] CN 106 225 378 B discloses a wall arrangement with insulating part and radial fan. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is one of the objects of the present invention to provide improved solutions for wall arrangements of refrigeration devices, in particular solutions that enable a compact and easily assembled construction of the wall arrangement.

[0007] This object is achieved according to the invention by a wall arrangement having the features of claim 1, by a refrigeration device having the features of claim 13, and by a method having the features of claim 14.

[0008] Advantageous embodiments and further developments arise from the subclaims which refer back to the independent claims in conjunction with the description and the figures of the drawings.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, a wall arrangement according to claim 1 is defined.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the invention, a refrigeration appliance, in particular a household refrigeration appliance, such as a refrigerator, a freezer or a fridge-freezer combination, is provided. The refrigeration appliance according to the invention comprises a refrigeration compartment for accommodating refrigerated goods, wherein the refrigeration compartment is delimited on at least one side by a wall arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention, and a cooling circuit for cooling the refrigeration compartment with a heat exchanger which is arranged on a side of the insulating part facing away from the partition wall in such a way that air can be sucked in by means of the fan via the heat exchanger through the second through-opening of the insulating part and expelled through the first through-opening of the main wall into the refrigeration compartment.

[0011] According to a third aspect of the invention, a method for assembling a wall assembly is provided. The method comprises arranging the fan on the first surface of the main wall of the partition wall, arranging the insulating part on the first surface of the main wall of the partition wall such that the fan is arranged between the main wall and the insulating part, and positively connecting the partition wall and the insulating part.

[0012] One idea underlying the invention is to provide a space-saving and easily assembled wall assembly comprising a partition wall, an insulating part and a fan, wherein the flat insulating part, which is formed from a thermally insulating foam, and the partition wall, which separates a refrigeration compartment from an evaporator chamber or generally a heat exchanger chamber, are positively connected to one another, e.g., latched, and wherein a fan is accommodated between the insulating part and the partition wall. The partition wall faces the refrigeration compartment or delimits it, while the insulating part is arranged on the side or rear side of the partition wall facing away from the refrigeration compartment. An intermediate space is defined between the main wall, in particular its first surface, and the insulating part, in which a fan is arranged to draw air from the rear side of the wall arrangement, on which the heat exchanger, e.g.,in the form of an evaporator, into the refrigeration compartment. The fan is thus arranged in a fan chamber or pressure chamber defined by the partition wall or the main wall of the partition wall and the insulating part. The main wall and the insulating part are each provided with a through-opening through which the fan can draw air into and expel it from the pressure chamber.

[0013] One advantage of the invention is that the insulating part can be reliably fixed to the partition wall with little effort. At the same time, the positive fixing of the insulating part and partition wall to one another, which can in particular be designed to be detachable, ensures a vibration-resistant and reliable fastening. The arrangement of the fan between the insulating part and partition wall also enables an extremely space-saving design. Since the pressure chamber is delimited in this way by the main wall of the partition wall and the insulating part, a wall arrangement with only a small number of components is realized, which further simplifies assembly. In particular, the area in which the heat exchanger is arranged and the pressure chamber can be separated from one another solely by the insulating component, which has a positive effect on the space required for the wall arrangement.The compact design of the wall arrangement allows the usable volume of the refrigeration compartment to be advantageously increased.

[0014] According to some embodiments, it can be provided that at least one first locking element is formed on the main wall and that the insulating part has at least one second locking element, wherein the first and second locking elements are locked into one another so that the partition wall and the insulating part are fastened to one another in a form-fitting manner. Accordingly, one or more first locking elements or clip elements are provided on the partition wall, in particular on a main section of the partition wall, which can be plate-shaped at least in some regions, and second locking elements or clip elements are provided on a preferably likewise plate-shaped section of the insulating part, which second locking elements or clip elements are designed to match the first locking element(s) and engage with the first locking elements in a form-fitting manner. The insulating part can thus advantageously be fixed to the partition wall without additional fastening means or tools.Furthermore, the position of the locking elements on the insulating part and on the partition wall determines the positioning of these parts relative to each other, which makes assembly particularly easy.

[0015] According to exemplary embodiments, it can be provided that the insulating part is made of expanded polypropylene, EPP for short, or expanded polyethylene, EPE for short. These materials offer the advantage of being mechanically robust, so that damage is reliably avoided during the form-fitting fastening of the partition and insulating part, e.g. by locking the second locking elements with the first locking elements of the partition. In particular, these materials are also relatively tough or elastic, so that damage-free removal of the insulating panel from the partition is facilitated. Furthermore, these materials have good thermal insulation properties and are water-repellent. In general, the insulating part can be made of an expanded

[0016] The insulating part can be formed from a foam material with a predetermined deformation capacity. The deformation capacity can be defined, for example, by the compression set, which can be less than or equal to 15%, preferably less than or equal to 11.5%. The compression set can be determined, for example, according to DIN ISO 815 or ASTM D 395. By appropriately designing the locking elements to enable damage-free assembly and disassembly, the insulating part can also be made of expanded polystyrene, or EPS for short.

[0017] The partition can be realized, for example, as a rigid part and manufactured using an injection molding process. The partition can be made of polypropylene (PP) or an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS).

[0018] According to some embodiments, it can be provided that the at least one first locking element is formed by a projection protruding from the main wall, and that the at least one second locking element is formed by a recess in the insulating part. For example, the first locking element can have a shaft section protruding from a first surface of the main wall and a head section which is arranged at an end of the shaft section facing away from the first surface and protrudes laterally therefrom. This forms an undercut or hook. For example, it is conceivable that the shaft section is formed by a cylindrical, one-piece structure. The undercut can protrude circumferentially from the cylindrical structure, which is not limited to a circular cylinder.It is also conceivable for the shaft section to have a plurality of separate rod-shaped shaft pieces which are arranged at a distance from one another on the first surface and are deformable relative to one another, wherein each shaft piece has a laterally projecting head section. The recess forming the second locking element can be a through-opening, regardless of the design of the projection. Generally, the recess, which can also be referred to as a locking recess, is realized with a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the shaft section. Further optionally, the locking recess can have a conical section to facilitate the insertion of the projection. The design of the locking elements with a recess and projection further facilitates the mounting of the insulating part on the partition wall.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the partition wall may have a collar that protrudes from the first surface of the main wall, on which the optional first locking element is optionally formed. The collar advantageously serves to stiffen the partition wall. The collar, which may in particular be formed integrally with the main wall, may generally have at least one web- or plate-shaped section.

[0020] According to some embodiments, it can be provided that a retaining web is formed on the collar, protruding from the collar along the first main wall, wherein an edge region of the insulating part is arranged between the first surface of the main wall and the retaining web. The retaining web can, for example, extend parallel to the first surface. Preferably, the retaining web is arranged on the web- or plate-shaped section of the collar. In general, the collar and retaining web can be formed integrally with one another. Thus, the main wall or the first surface of the main wall, together with the web- or plate-shaped section of the collar and the retaining web, delimits a receiving space in which an edge region of the insulating part is received. Thus, the retaining web and the first locking structure are arranged on opposite sides or on opposite surfaces of the insulating part. The insulating part is thus fixed to the partition wall even more securely.In particular, vibration of the insulating part relative to the partition wall is further counteracted.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the optionally provided first locking element can be arranged at a distance from a region of the collar in which the retaining web is formed. Thus, the insulating part is fixed to various regions by the retaining web and the locking structures, which further improves the stability of the arrangement.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the collar may comprise a first collar section extending along a first edge region of the main wall, and two second collar sections extending transversely to the first collar section along two opposing second edge regions of the main wall, and wherein the retaining web is formed on the first collar section. The first collar section extends between the second collar sections or connects them. The collar sections may, for example, be arranged such that they delimit a rectangular region, with the insulating part being arranged within this region. The collar designed in this way facilitates assembly, as the insulating part can be easily inserted between the two second collar sections. The first collar section and optionally also the second sections may, for example, be plate-shaped.

[0023] According to some embodiments, it can be provided that the main wall has a first section, e.g. plate-shaped, and a second section which forms a depression, e.g. trough-shaped, opposite a first surface of the first section, wherein the first through-opening is formed in the second section of the main wall, wherein the insulating part has a sealing collar which is inserted into the depression formed by the second section and surrounds the second through-opening. The first section of the main wall can, for example, be substantially planar; in particular, a first surface of the first section, which forms part of the first surface of the main wall, can be planar. A second surface of the first section, located opposite the first surface, can optionally also be planar.The second section forms a depression on the first surface of the main wall and, optionally, a corresponding elevation on the second surface of the main wall. The depression can, for example, delimit part of the intermediate space between the insulating part and the main wall. The insulating part has a sealing collar in the form of a preferably closed frame, which protrudes from a first surface of the insulating part facing the main wall. The second through-opening is formed within the area delimited by the sealing collar. The sealing collar is inserted into the depression and preferably rests against the bottom of the depression or a first surface of the second section. This achieves effective sealing of the intermediate space.The pressure chamber in which the fan is accommodated can thus be limited or defined exclusively by the insulating part, in particular its sealing collar and the first surface of the insulating part, and the partition wall. This means that additional components for sealing or flow guidance do not necessarily have to be provided, which reduces the assembly effort and space requirements of the wall assembly. The space requirement is further reduced by the fact that the sealing collar is inserted into the recess in the main wall. Since the compressor is also arranged between the first surface of the insulating part and the base of the second section and is additionally surrounded by the sealing collar, sensitive components of the compressor, such as electrical connections, cables and fan blades, are even better protected from external influences, particularly during transport or assembly.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the sealing collar of the insulating part can be provided to rest against a peripheral edge of the second section. For example, the peripheral edge can connect the bottom of the recess to the first surface of the first section surrounding the recess. This can also further improve the sealing of the gap.

[0025] According to some embodiments, it can be provided that the fan is arranged in alignment with the second through-opening of the insulating part. For example, the fan can be arranged coaxially with a central axis of the second through-opening. This can further facilitate air circulation by the fan. According to some embodiments, it can be provided that, if appropriate, the at least one first locking element is formed on the first surface of the first section of the main wall.

[0026] According to the invention, the fan is designed as a radial fan.

[0027] The fan is thus designed to draw in air in an axial direction, e.g., along a direction parallel to the center axis of the second through-opening, and expel it in a radial direction into the pressure chamber, allowing the air to escape into the refrigeration compartment through the first through-opening(s) of the partition. This offers the advantage that the fan is relatively compact in a direction perpendicular to the partition or the first surface, further reducing the space required by the wall assembly.

[0028] According to some embodiments of the method, the insulating part can be arranged on the first surface of the main wall such that the first and second locking elements are positioned opposite one another, wherein the positive connection of the partition wall and the insulating part comprises locking the first and second locking elements into one another. Thus, the wall assembly can be assembled even more easily.

[0029] According to some embodiments of the method, if the partition wall has a collar that protrudes from a first surface of the main wall on which the first locking element is formed, and a retaining web that protrudes from the collar along the first main wall is formed on the collar, when arranging the insulating part on the partition wall, firstly the edge region of the insulating part is inserted between the retaining web and the first surface of the main wall by moving the edge region along the first surface of the main wall, and then, for the positive connection of the partition wall and the insulating part, the insulating part is pivoted towards the first surface until the first and second locking elements engage with one another. Accordingly, the edge of the insulating part is first inserted between the main wall and the retaining web, e.g.in a substantially linear insertion movement while the insulating part is aligned at an angle or obliquely to the main wall. The insulating part can, for example, be inserted until the insulating part abuts the collar. In a further step, the insulating part is pivoted towards the main wall, while its edge is already positioned between the retaining web and the main wall, so that the angle between the main wall and the insulating part is further reduced until the insulating part is substantially parallel to the main wall and the locking elements of the main wall are engaged with the locking elements of the insulating part. This further facilitates assembly.

[0030] The features and advantages disclosed for one aspect of the invention are also disclosed for the other aspects of the invention and vice versa. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The invention is explained below with reference to the figures of the drawings. The figures show: Fig. 1 is a simplified, schematic sectional view of a refrigeration device according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 is a plan view of a wall arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a first side of a partition wall of the refrigeration device according to Fig. 2 shown wall arrangement; and Fig. 4 a perspective view of a second side of the partition wall of the Fig. 2 shown wall arrangement; Fig. 5 a perspective view of a first side of an insulating part of the in Fig. 2 shown wall arrangement; Fig. 6 a perspective view of a second side of an insulating part of the in Fig. 2 shown wall arrangement; Fig. 7 a sectional view of the wall arrangement, which is shown in a section along the Fig. 2drawn line BB; Fig. 8 is an enlarged sectional view of a wall arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention in the region of the first and second locking elements; Fig. 9 is a sectional view of the wall arrangement, which results from a section along the line Fig. 2 drawn line CC, with one fan omitted; Fig. 10 a detailed view of the Fig. 9 by the letter Z; Fig. 11 a schematic sectional view of a wall arrangement during a method for assembling the wall arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 12 a further schematic sectional view of the wall arrangement during the method; Fig. 13 a flow diagram of the method for assembling the wall arrangement; and Fig. 14 an enlarged, broken sectional view of the wall arrangement, which in the section along the Fig. 2 drawn line CC.

[0032] In the figures, the same reference symbols denote identical or functionally identical components, unless otherwise stated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0033] Fig. 1 shows, by way of example and in a schematic manner, a refrigeration device 100, in particular a household refrigeration device. Fig. 1 The refrigeration device 100 shown as an example has a refrigeration compartment 110 and a cooling circuit or refrigerant circuit 120.

[0034] The refrigeration compartment 110 is defined by several walls 112 and serves to hold refrigerated or frozen goods. As shown in Fig. 1 purely schematically shown, at least one of the walls 112 can be realized by a partition wall 2 of a wall arrangement 1 explained in more detail below.

[0035] The cooling circuit 120 serves to cool the refrigeration compartment 110, e.g., to a temperature in a range between 0°C and 15°C if it forms a refrigeration compartment, or to a temperature in a range between -0.5°C and -30°C if it forms a freezer compartment. The cooling circuit 120 comprises an evaporator 121 thermally coupled to the refrigeration compartment 110, a compressor 122 connected to an outlet of the evaporator 121, and a condenser 123 connected to the compressor 122 and an inlet of the evaporator 121. A refrigerant can be circulated in the cooling circuit by the compressor 122, which refrigerant extracts heat from the refrigeration compartment 110 by evaporation in the evaporator 121 and releases heat to the environment by condensation in the condenser 123.

[0036] As in Fig. 1Shown purely schematically, the wall arrangement 1 comprises a partition wall 2, an insulating part 3 and a fan 6. In general, the partition wall 2 forms a wall delimiting the refrigeration compartment 110 and the fan 6 is arranged in a space 10 between the insulating part 3 and the partition wall 2. As shown in Fig. 1 As shown by way of example, the partition wall 2 has at least one through-opening 26. The insulating part 3 also has a through-opening 36. The evaporator 121 is arranged on a side of the insulating part 3 facing away from the refrigeration compartment 110, so that air can be conveyed from the refrigeration compartment via the evaporator 121 and through the through-openings 36, 26 back into the refrigeration compartment by means of the fan 6. The refrigeration appliance 100 can thus be implemented as a no-frost refrigeration appliance.

[0037] Fig. 2 shows an example of a plan view of a wall arrangement 1 for a refrigeration device 100, e.g. for the Fig. 1No-Frost refrigeration appliance shown as an example. Fig. 7 shows a sectional view of the wall arrangement, which can be seen when cut along the Fig. 2 drawn line BB. Fig. 9 shows a sectional view of the wall arrangement, which can be seen when cut along the Fig. 2 drawn line CC. Fig. 14 shows an enlarged, broken sectional view, with a section along the Fig. 2 drawn line CC.

[0038] As in the Fig. 2 , 7 , 9 and 14 As shown by way of example, the wall arrangement 1 comprises a partition wall 2, an insulating part 3 and a fan 6, wherein the fan 6 consists of Fig. 2 in Fig. 9 is omitted for reasons of clarity.

[0039] The partition wall 2 is in the Figs. 3 and 4 shown in detail and serves, as already explained, to delimit a refrigeration compartment 110. As shown in Fig. 3As shown by way of example, the partition wall 2 has a flatly extending main wall 20 and an optional collar 21. As shown in Fig. 3 As shown by way of example, the main wall 20 can have a rectangular perimeter, which has two opposing first, straight edge regions 20A and two opposing second edge regions 20B extending transversely between the first edge regions 20A. The main wall 20 is generally realized as a flatly extending component and has a first surface 20a and a second surface 20b opposite thereto, which, when installed in a refrigeration device 100, is oriented toward the refrigeration compartment 110.

[0040] As in Fig. 3 As shown by way of example, the main wall 20 may, for example, comprise a first, plate-shaped portion 24 and a second portion 25 which recedes or protrudes relative to the first portion 24, as shown in the Figs. 3 and 4 shown by way of example. For example, the first section 24 can have a flat first surface 24a, wherein the second section 25 forms a depression 25A opposite the first surface 24a. On a second surface 24b of the first section 24 of the main wall 20, which second surface 24b is opposite the first surface 24a and can optionally also be flat, the second section 25 can, for example, form an elevation 25B, as shown in Fig. 4 shown by way of example. A bottom of the recess 25A is formed by a first surface 25a of the second portion 25. The recess 25A or generally the second portion 25 may have a polygonal perimeter, e.g. a hexagonal perimeter, as shown in the Figs. 3 and 4 shown by way of example. The first surface 24a of the first section 24 and the first surface 25a of the second section 25 form part of the first surface 20a of the main wall 20.

[0041] As in the Figs. 3 and 4 As further shown by way of example, the main wall 20 may have at least one first through-opening 26 extending between the first and second surfaces 20a, 20b of the main wall 20. For example, three first through-openings 26 may be provided, as shown in the Figs. 3 and 4 shown purely by way of example. However, the invention is not limited thereto. As shown in the Figs. 3 and 4 As further shown by way of example, it can optionally be provided that the first through-openings 26 are formed in the second section 25 of the main wall 20. The first through-openings 26 can be distributed or spaced apart along the circumference of the second section 25. Optionally, an additional connection opening (not shown) can be provided in the main wall 20, in particular in the second section 25 of the main wall 20, in order to connect an icemaker unit (not shown) thereto.

[0042] The fan 6 is arranged on the first surface 20a of the main wall 20, e.g. in the second section 25 of the main wall 20. For example, the fan 6, as shown in the Fig. 3 and 14shown by way of example, be fastened to the bottom of the recess 25A. For example, a plurality of mounting pins 28 can be formed on the main wall 20, in particular on the bottom of the recess 25A, to which the fan 6 is fixed via corresponding recesses 68. For example, the fan 6 can be positively connected to the pins 28, e.g., locked thereto. Optionally, damping elements (not shown), e.g., made of an elastic material such as rubber or the like, can be arranged between the pins 28 and the recesses 69 in order to reduce the transmission of vibrations from the fan 6 to the partition wall 2. Alternatively, fastening the fan 6 to the main wall 20 by means of screws would also be conceivable. According to the invention, the fan 6 is, as shown in the Fig. 2 , 3 and 14 shown schematically, realized as a radial fan.

[0043] The optional collar 21 may, for example, be formed integrally with the main wall 20 and protrudes from the first surface 20a of the main wall 20. As shown in Fig. 3 As shown by way of example, the collar 21 may, for example, have a first plate- or web-shaped first collar portion 21A, which extends along the first edge region 20A of the main wall 20. In addition, the collar 21 may optionally have two second collar portions 21B, which extend transversely to the first collar portion 21A along the opposite second edge regions 20B of the main wall 20, as in Fig. 3 shown as an example. As in Fig. 3 As can also be seen, the second collar sections 21B can also be plate-shaped or web-shaped.

[0044] As in Fig. 3 and with further details in the Figs. 9 and 10As shown, a retaining web 22 projecting from the collar 21 or from the first collar section 21A can be formed on the collar 21, in particular on the first collar section 21A. As shown in particular in Fig. 3 As can be seen, the retaining web 22 projects transversely from the first collar section 21A. For example, the retaining web 22 can extend parallel to the first surface 20a of the main wall 20, in particular parallel to the first surface 24a of the first section 24. As in Fig. 3 As further shown, two retaining webs 22 can optionally be provided, which are spaced apart from one another along the first edge region 20A. Generally, the retaining web 22 thus protrudes from the collar 21 along the main wall 20, with a receiving space being formed between the retaining web 22 and the main wall 20.

[0045] As in Fig. 3 and in the Figs. 7 and 8As shown in more detail, at least one first locking element 4 can be formed on the first surface 20a of the main wall 20. For example, as shown in Fig. 3 shown, two first locking elements 4 may be provided. However, it is also conceivable that only one first locking element 4 or more than two first locking elements 4 are provided. As shown in Fig. 3 As shown by way of example, the first locking elements 4 can be arranged in the first section 24 of the main wall 20, e.g. between an edge of the second section 25 and a second collar section 21B. As shown in Fig. 3As further illustrated, the first locking elements 4 can be arranged at a distance from the first collar portion 21A, for example, by a distance that lies in a range between 20% and 80% of a distance between the first edge regions 20A of the main wall. Thus, the first locking elements 4 can be arranged at a distance from a region of the collar 21 in which the retaining web 22 is formed.

[0046] In general, the at least one first locking element 4 can be formed on the first surface 24a of the first section 24 of the main wall 20.

[0047] The first locking element 4 can generally be realized as a projection 50 that projects from the first surface 20a of the main wall 20. As shown in particular in Fig. 8As shown by way of example, the locking element 4 can, for example, have at least two separate, for example rod-shaped, shaft pieces 41 that protrude from the first surface 20a of the main wall 20. The shaft pieces 41 are elastically deformable and thus movable relative to one another. At an end facing away from the first surface 20a of the main wall 20, each shaft piece 41 has a hook section or head 42 that protrudes transversely therefrom. This forms an undercut that allows for positive locking, e.g., in a recess 40.

[0048] As in the Figs. 3 and 4 As can also be seen, the partition wall 2 can further comprise an optional cover section 27, which is arranged at a lower edge region of the main wall 20 and protrudes from the second surface 20b of the main wall 20. For example, the cover section 27 can be arcuate, as shown in the Figs. 3 and 4is shown by way of example. For example, the cover section 27 can be dimensioned such that a gap is formed between a bottom wall 112 delimiting the refrigeration compartment 110 and the cover section 27, which gap forms a fluidically conductive connection between the refrigeration compartment 110 and a rear side of the wall arrangement 1.

[0049] The partition wall 2 can be made of a plastic material such as polypropylene, PP, or an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, ABS.

[0050] The insulating part 3 is in the Figs. 5 and 6 As shown in the Figs. 5 and 6 As shown, the insulating part 3 can have a main body 30, optionally at least one second locking element 5 and an optional sealing collar 33. The main body 30 can in particular be plate-shaped and has a first surface 30a and a second surface 30b oriented opposite thereto. As shown in the Figs. 5 and 6As shown by way of example, the first and second surfaces 30a, 30b of the main body 30 can be flat or substantially flat. The main body 30 can have a peripheral shape that is adapted to a circumference defined by the collar 21 of the main wall 20 of the partition wall 2. In general, the insulating part 3 is realized as a flatly extending component.

[0051] The optional sealing collar 33 of the insulating part 30 may be formed integrally with the main body 30 and protrudes from the first surface 30a of the main body 30. As shown in Fig. 5 As shown by way of example, the sealing collar 33 can, in particular, form a closed frame. For example, the circumferential profile defined by the sealing collar 33 can be configured to correspond to the circumference of the recess 25A, which is defined by the second section 25 of the main wall 20 of the partition wall 2. In Fig. 5A sealing collar with a hexagonal circumference is therefore shown as an example.

[0052] As in the Figs. 5 and 6 As also shown, the insulating part 3 has a through-opening 36 extending between the first and second surfaces 30a, 30b of the main body 30. The through-opening 36 may in particular have a circular circumference, as shown in the Figs. 5 and 6 shown as an example. Optionally, the through-opening 36 can be arranged within the area enclosed by the sealing collar 33, if the optional sealing collar 33 is provided. In this case, the optional sealing collar 33 surrounds the second through-opening 36.

[0053] The Figs. 5 and 6 The insulating part 3 shown as an example has two optional second locking elements 5. Of course, it is also conceivable that more than two second locking elements 5 or only one second locking element 5 is provided. As shown in particular in Fig. 5As shown by way of example, the second locking elements 5 can be arranged laterally between an edge of the main body 30 and the sealing collar 33. Of course, other positions of the locking elements 5 are also conceivable.

[0054] As in the Figs. 5 and 6 As is also shown, it can be provided, for example, that the second locking elements 5 are designed as recesses 50, which are also referred to below as locking recesses 50. The locking recesses 50 can, for example, be through-openings which extend between the first and the second surface 30a, 30b of the main body 30, as shown in the Figs. 5 and 6 As shown in the Figs. 5 and 6As further shown, the locking recesses 50 can, for example, have a circular cross-section. Generally, the second locking elements 5 are designed to correspond or complement the first locking elements 4 of the main wall 20, so that they can engage or lock into one another in a form-fitting manner.

[0055] The insulating part 3 can be formed in particular from expanded polypropylene, EPP for short, from expanded polyethylene, EPE, or expanded polystyrene, EPS for short.

[0056] As in the Fig. 2 and 9 purely by way of example, for a positive fastening of the insulating part 3 to the partition wall 2, the first locking elements 4 of the main wall 20 can be locked to the second locking elements 5 of the insulating part 3. As shown in the Figs. 7 and 8As shown, for example, the shaft pieces 41 protrude through the locking recess 50 and the head or hook 42 engages behind a region of the second surface 30b of the main body 30 of the insulating part 3 surrounding the locking recess 50. The first surface of the main body 30 of the insulating part 3 faces the main wall 20 or the first surface 20a of the main wall 20 and can, for example, rest against the first surface 24a of the first section 24 of the main wall 20, as shown in Fig. 9 is shown as an example.

[0057] As in the Fig. 2 , 9 and 10 As can be seen in each case, an edge region 31 of the insulating part 3 or of the main body 30 can be arranged between the first surface 20a of the main wall 20 and the retaining web 22. The optional retaining web 22 thus defines the edge region 31 of the insulating part 3 with respect to a direction perpendicular to the first surface 20a of the main wall 20.

[0058] As particularly in the Figs. 9 and 10 As shown by way of example, the sealing collar 33 of the insulating part 3 can protrude into the recess 25A defined by the second section 25 of the main wall 20 or be inserted into it. For example, an end 33E of the sealing collar 33 facing away from the main body 30 can rest against the bottom of the recess 25A, as shown in Fig. 10 shown as an example. Alternatively or additionally, a circumference of the sealing collar 33 of the insulating part 3, e.g. with a peripheral surface 33a, can abut the peripheral edge of the second section 25 or the recess 25A, as in Fig. 10 shown by way of example. In general, the insulating part 3 is thus arranged on the first surface 20a of the main wall 20 such that a pressure chamber 65 is formed between the insulating part 3 and the main wall 20, which pressure chamber is delimited by the insulating part 3 and the main wall 20.

[0059] The fan 6 is, as in Fig. 14shown, arranged between the main wall 20 and the insulating part 3 in the pressure chamber 65. As shown in the Fig. 2 and 9 As shown by way of example, the fan 6 can be arranged within or overlapping the second through-opening 36 of the insulating part 3 with respect to a radial direction of the second through-opening 36 of the insulating part 3. For example, the fan 6 can be arranged in alignment or coaxially with the second through-opening 36.

[0060] The pressure chamber 65, in which the fan 6 is arranged, is thus formed between the bottom of the recess 25 of the main wall 20 and the region of the first surface 30a of the main body 30 of the insulating part surrounded by the sealing collar 33. The sealing collar 33 improves the sealing of this space, so that a more efficient fluid transport through the first and second through-openings 26, 36 can take place by means of the fan 6. When the wall arrangement 1 is installed in a refrigeration device 100, the evaporator 121 can be arranged on the second surface 30b of the insulating part 30, as shown in Fig. 14shown schematically, in particular adjacent to the second through-opening 36. Thus, air can be sucked in by the fan 6 through the second through-opening 36, which air reaches the area of ​​the evaporator 121, for example, via the gap delimited by the cover section 27 (not shown) and is guided over the evaporator 121 by the suction effect of the fan 6. The air is expelled back into the refrigeration compartment 110 through the first through-openings 26 of the main wall 20. Thus, the area in which the evaporator 121 is arranged is separated from the pressure chamber 65, in which the fan 6 is arranged, by the insulating part 3 alone. The insulating part 3 therefore fulfills both the function of thermally insulating the evaporator 121 and the function of flow guidance. Therefore, the number of parts of the wall assembly 1 can be reduced overall.

[0061] A further advantage of the described wall arrangement 1 is its ease of assembly. In particular, the wall arrangement 1 can be assembled in a process whose sequence is schematically shown in Fig. 13 Individual assembly states are shown as examples in the Figs. 11 and 12 shown.

[0062] In a first step M1, the fan 6 is arranged on the partition wall 2, in particular on the first surface 20a of the main wall 20, e.g., in the recess 25A. For example, the fan 6 can be fixed to the pins 28, as described above.

[0063] In the next step M2, the insulating part 3 is arranged on the first surface 20a of the main wall 20 such that the fan 6 is located between the main wall 20 and the insulating part 3. For example, the sealing collar 33 can be partially inserted into the recess 25A or at least positioned opposite it. Furthermore, the insulating part 3 can be arranged on the partition wall 2 such that the first and second locking elements 4, 5 are positioned opposite one another. In particular, the first surface 30a of the main body 30 of the insulating part 3 and the first surface 20a of the main wall 20 of the partition wall 2 are arranged opposite one another. In this case, for example, the edge region 31 of the insulating part 3 can first be inserted between the retaining web 22 and the first surface of the main wall 20 by moving the edge region along the first surface 20a of the main wall 20, as shown in Fig. 11symbolically represented by the arrow P1.

[0064] In a further step M3, the partition 2 and the insulating part 3 are positively connected or fastened to one another. In particular, the first and second locking elements 4, 5 can be locked into one another. For example, the projections 40 are pressed into the recesses 50 or the insulating part 3 is brought closer to the partition 2 such that the projections 40 are inserted into the recesses 40. The positions of the locking elements 4, 5 clearly define the position of the insulating part 3 and the partition 2, which facilitates assembly. The approach of the insulating part 3 and the partition 3 can, for example, take place after the edge region 31 of the insulating part 3 has been inserted between the retaining web 22 and the main wall 20. In this case, the insulating part 3 can be pivoted towards the first surface 20a of the main wall 20, as shown in Fig. 12symbolically represented by the arrow P2, until the first and second locking elements 4, 5 engage with each other.

[0065] The locking elements 4, 5 on the partition 2 and the insulating part 3 thus facilitate the positioning of the parts relative to one another and thus the assembly. Furthermore, the positive connection between the partition 2 and the insulating part 3, e.g., through the locking elements 4, 5, ensures a mechanically stable fastening. If the insulating part 3 is made of EPP or EPE, damage to the insulating part 3 during assembly is effectively prevented, and the insulating part 3 can also be easily removed from the partition 2. REFERENCE SYMBOL

[0066] 1Wall arrangement 2Partition wall 3Insulating part 4First locking element 5Second locking element 6Fan 20Main wall 20AFirst edge area of ​​the main wall 20AFirst surface of the main wall 20BSecond edge area of ​​the main wall 21Collar 21AFirst collar section 21BSecond collar section 22Retaining web 24First section of the main wall 24AFirst surface of the first section 25Second section of the main wall 25AFirst surface of the second section 25ARecess 26First through-opening(s) 27Cover section 28Pins 30Main body of the insulating part 30AFirst surface of the main body 30BSecond surface of the main body 31Edge area of ​​the main body 33Sealing collar 33EEnd of the sealing collar 36Second through-opening 40Protrusion 41Shaft pieces 42Head 50Recess 65Pressure chamber 68Recess 100Refrigeration unit 110Refrigeration compartment 112Walls 120Refrigeration circuit 121Heat exchanger / Evaporator 122Compressor 123Condenser P1Arrow P2Arrow

Claims

1. Wall arrangement (1) for a refrigerator (100), in particular for a household refrigerator, having: a separating wall (2) for delimiting a refrigeration compartment (110) with a main wall (20) extending in a planar manner; and an insulating part (3) extending in a planar manner and formed from a thermally insulating foam; wherein the wall arrangement (1) further has a ventilator (6) arranged between the main wall (20) and the insulating part (3) in a pressure chamber (65), wherein the ventilator (6) is embodied as a radial fan and wherein the main wall (20) has at least one first through opening (26), so that air can be transported from the ventilator (6) through the first through opening (26); characterised in that the insulating part is arranged on a first surface (20a) of the main wall (20), wherein the separating wall (2) and the insulating part (3) are fastened in a form-fitting manner to one another, wherein the insulating part (3) has a second through opening (36) so that air can be transported from the ventilator (6) through the second through opening (36).

2. Wall arrangement (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least one first latching element (4) is embodied on the main wall (20), wherein the insulating part (3) has at least one second latching element (5), and wherein the first and the second latching element (4 ,5) are latched into one another so that the separating wall (2) and the insulating part (3) are fastened to one another in a form-fitting manner.

3. Wall arrangement (1) according to claim 2, wherein the at least one first latching element (4) is embodied by a projection (40) which projects from the first surface (20a) of the main wall (20) and wherein the at least one second latching element (5) is embodied by a cutout (50) of the insulating part (3).

4. Wall arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the separating wall (2) has a collar (21), which projects from the first surface (20a) of the main wall (20).

5. Wall arrangement (1) according to claim 4, wherein a retaining web (22) which projects from the collar (21) along the first main wall (20) is embodied on the collar (21) and wherein an edge region of the insulating part (3) is arranged between the first surface (20a) of the main wall (20) and the retaining web (22).

6. Wall arrangement (1) according to claims 2 and 5, wherein the first latching element (4) is arranged at a distance from a region of the collar (21), in which the retaining web (22) is embodied.

7. Wall arrangement (1) according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the collar (21) has a first collar section (21A) which extends along a first edge region (20A) of the main wall (20) and two second collar sections (21B) which extend at a right angle to the first collar section (21A) along two opposing second edge regions (20B) of the main wall (20), and wherein the retaining web (22) is embodied on the first collar section (21A).

8. Wall arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the insulating part (3) is formed from expanded polypropylene, EPP, from expanded polyethylene, EPE, or from expanded polystyrene, EPS for short.

9. Wall arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the main wall (20) has a first section (24) and a second section (25), which embodies a depression (25A) with respect to a first surface (24a) of the first section (24), wherein the first through opening (26) is embodied in the second section (25) of the main wall (20), wherein the insulating part (3) has a sealing collar (33), which is inserted into the depression (25A) embodied by the second section (25) and surrounds the second through opening (36).

10. Wall arrangement (1) according to claim 9, wherein the sealing collar (33) of the insulating part (3) rests against a peripheral edge of the second section (25).

11. Wall arrangement (1) according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the ventilator (6) is arranged aligned, in particular coaxially with respect to the second through opening (36) of the insulating part (3).

12. Wall arrangement (1) according to claim 2 and one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the at least one first latching element (4) is embodied on the first surface (24a) of the first section (24) of the main wall (20).

13. Refrigerator (100), in particular household refrigerator, having: a refrigeration compartment (110) for receiving items to be cooled, wherein the refrigeration compartment (110) is delimited at least on one side by a wall arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims; and a cooling circuit (120) for cooling the refrigeration compartment (110) with a heat exchanger (121), in particular an evaporator, which is arranged on a side of the insulating part (3) facing away from the separating wall (2) such that air can be taken in via the heat exchanger (121) through the second through opening (36) of the insulating part (3) by means of the ventilator (6) and can be emitted into the refrigeration compartment (110) through the first through opening (26) of the main wall (2).

14. Method (M) for assembling a wall arrangement (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, comprising: Arranging (M1) the ventilator (6) on the first surface (20a) of the main wall (20) of the separating wall (2); Arranging (M2) the insulating part (3) on the first surface (20a) of the main wall (20) of the separating wall (2) such that the ventilator (6) is arranged between the main wall (20) and the insulating part (3); and Connecting (M3) the separating part (2) and the insulating part (3) in a form fitting manner.

15. Method (M) according to claim 14, wherein the wall arrangement is embodied according to claim 2, wherein the insulating part (3) is arranged (M2) on the first surface (20a) of the main wall (20) in such a manner that the first and the second latching elements (4, 5) are positioned opposite one another and wherein the form-fitting connection (M3) of the separating wall (2) and the insulating part (3) comprises a latching of the first and the second latching elements (4, 5) into one another.

16. Method according to claim 15, wherein the wall arrangement (1) is embodied according to claim 6, wherein when the insulating part (3) is arranged (M2) on the separating wall (2) the edge region of the insulating part (3) is firstly introduced between the retaining web (22) and the first surface of the main wall (20) by means of a movement of the edge region along the first surface (20a) of the main wall (20) and then in order to connect (M3) the separating wall (2) and the insulating part (3) in a form-fitting manner, the insulating part (3) is pivoted toward the first surface (20a) until the first and the second latching elements (4, 5) latch into one another.