Refrigeration device and method for defrosting an evaporator in such a refrigeration device

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

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

[0002] Refrigeration appliances, such as refrigerators, typically have an inner container that defines an interior space or a refrigerated compartment for storing goods and is cooled by an evaporator integrated into a refrigerant circuit. In so-called no-frost appliances, the evaporator is housed in an evaporation chamber that is fluidically coupled to the interior space, and a fan circulates air between the evaporation chamber and the interior space.

[0003] To create optimal storage conditions for different types of refrigerated goods, it can be advantageous to provide different temperature zones within a refrigerator compartment. For example, refrigerators with separate vegetable compartments are known, where the temperature is higher compared to the average temperature in the main refrigerator compartment. Furthermore, it can also be advantageous to provide cold storage compartments where the temperature is lower compared to the average temperature in the main refrigerator compartment. When different temperature zones are to be provided, efficient distribution of the cooling air is necessary.

[0004] JP 2002 318055 A discloses a household refrigeration appliance comprising a refrigerator compartment, a vegetable compartment, and a freezer compartment. The vegetable compartment is positioned vertically between the refrigerator and freezer compartments, with the refrigerator compartment located above and the freezer compartment below the vegetable compartment. The vegetable compartment is separated from the other compartments by dividers and is accessible through a separate door. An air distribution chamber is formed between a rear wall of the compartments and an outer casing. An evaporator is arranged in an evaporator chamber, which has a suction inlet and a fan outlet. The suction inlet is connected to the vegetable compartment in the area of ​​a lower divider that separates it from the freezer compartment.The air cooled by the evaporator is introduced through several openings in a rear wall of the cooling compartment into channels formed in the shelves of the cooling compartment, and is expelled through the channels into the cooling compartment.

[0005] WO 2020 / 084864 A1 and WO 2011 / 135865 A1 disclose refrigerating appliances with a freezing and defrosting compartment. JP 2002 318055 A, EP 1 811 251 A2, US2004 / 107726A1 and WO 2020 / 084862 A1 describe further refrigerating appliances. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide improved solutions for refrigeration appliances in which different temperature zones are provided inside.

[0007] This problem is solved according to the invention by a refrigeration device having the features of claim 1 and by a method having the features of claim 8.

[0008] Further embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, a refrigeration appliance according to claim 1, in particular a household refrigeration appliance such as a refrigerator or a fridge-freezer combination, comprises a storage compartment which is bounded in a vertical direction by a floor and a ceiling wall spaced apart from the floor and in a depth direction by a rear wall extending between the floor and the ceiling wall, an air distribution duct which extends along an outer surface of the rear wall in the vertical direction, and an evaporator assembly arranged on the outer surface comprising an evaporator, a suction port which is connected to the storage compartment, a pressure port which is connected to the air distribution duct, and a blower which is configured to draw air from the storage compartment through the suction port and over the evaporator and to expel it through the pressure port into the air distribution duct.According to the invention, the storage compartment comprises a warm storage area extending vertically between the floor and a first intermediate floor extending in the depth direction, a cold storage area extending vertically between the first intermediate floor and a second intermediate floor extending in the depth direction, and a cooling storage area extending vertically from the second intermediate floor, wherein the suction port of the evaporator assembly is connected to an exhaust air opening formed in the rear wall between the floor and the first intermediate floor, and wherein the air distribution duct is connected to a first supply air opening formed in the rear wall between the first intermediate floor and the second intermediate floor, and to at least a second supply air opening formed in the rear wall between the second intermediate floor and the ceiling wall.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the invention, a method according to claim 8 for defrosting an evaporator in a refrigeration appliance according to claim 1 is provided. The method comprises circulating refrigerant through the evaporator, wherein the blower draws in air from the warm storage area through the suction port, passes it over the evaporator and expels it through the pressure port into the air distribution duct in order to convey it through the supply air openings into the cold storage area and the refrigerated storage area, interrupting the circulation of the refrigerant through the evaporator and maintaining the operation of the blower, in particular until an ice layer adhering to the evaporator has been at least partially melted by the air drawn in from the warm storage compartment.

[0011] One of the underlying ideas of the invention is to arrange a cold storage area directly adjacent to a warm storage area (e.g., for vegetables) in a common storage compartment of a refrigeration appliance according to claim 1. Warm air is extracted from the warm storage area, cooled by means of an evaporator, and the cooled air is discharged via a vertical duct directly into the cold storage area and into a refrigerated storage area located above the cold storage area. The warm storage area is located adjacent to the bottom of the storage compartment. Thus, warm air is extracted from the storage compartment near the bottom, and cold air is discharged in an upper region and directly into the cold storage area. The cold storage area can, for example, be cooled to a temperature at least 1.5 Kelvin below the average temperature in the storage compartment.

[0012] One advantage of the invention is that a uniform temperature distribution can be achieved within the cold storage area, and that by arranging the cold storage area and the warm storage area directly adjacent to each other, a space-saving, practical room layout in the storage compartment is achieved.

[0013] A further advantage is that extracting air from the relatively warm storage area allows for efficient defrosting of the evaporator, particularly without additional heating. Furthermore, temperature fluctuations in the storage compartment, especially in the cold storage area, are significantly reduced during evaporator defrosting by extracting air near the floor and discharging it directly into the cold storage area without the need for additional heating. This also achieves simple, low-loss airflow within the storage compartment, from the ceiling wall towards the floor.

[0014] The depth direction runs perpendicular to the vertical direction. A transverse or width direction runs perpendicular to both the depth and vertical directions. For example, if a refrigeration unit is placed on a solid surface, it can be oriented so that the vertical direction runs along the direction of gravity.

[0015] Advantageous designs and further developments result from the subclaims relating back to the independent claims in conjunction with the description.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the refrigeration unit may include an additional storage compartment, configured as a freezer compartment, and an additional evaporator assembly, which is thermally coupled to the additional storage compartment. The additional evaporator assembly may, for example, include a suction port connected to the additional storage compartment, a pressure port connected to the additional storage compartment, an evaporator, and a fan configured to draw air from the additional storage compartment through the suction port and over the evaporator, and to expel the air into the additional storage compartment through the pressure port. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the additional evaporator assembly comprises only an evaporator, which is arranged on a rear wall of the additional storage compartment.

[0017] In the rear wall, between the second intermediate floor and the ceiling, numerous secondary air inlets are arranged at vertical intervals and connected to the air distribution duct. This allows for multiple air outlets along the vertical axis within the cold storage area, through which cold air can be expelled. This results in an even more uniform temperature distribution within the cold storage area.

[0018] In the cold storage area, numerous shelves are arranged vertically spaced apart from one another, with at least one additional air inlet opening between each pair of adjacent shelves. This further facilitates achieving a uniform temperature distribution, particularly when the volume of the storage compartment in the cold storage area is divided vertically by shelves.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the air distribution duct may define a flow path, wherein the first air inlet along the flow path is located closer to the pressure port of the evaporator assembly than the at least one second air inlet. The flow path generally extends from the pressure port of the evaporator assembly along the rear wall. For example, the first air inlet, through which cold air is discharged into the cold storage compartment, may be located in close proximity to the pressure port, while the second air inlet(s) may be located at a greater distance, e.g., in the vertical direction, from the pressure port. Thus, the air discharged at the pressure port can warm up more on its way to the second air inlet than on the shorter path to the first air inlet. This facilitates cooling the cold storage compartment to a temperature lower than that in the cold storage compartment.

[0020] The air distribution duct is at least partially formed by an insulating panel attached to the outer surface of the rear wall. Since the insulating panel serves both for thermal insulation and airflow, the number of components is advantageously reduced.

[0021] The insulating panel is arranged between the outer surface of the back wall and an inner surface of an outer cover, the insulating panel having at least one groove on an outer surface facing the inner surface of the outer cover, such that the air distribution duct is defined by the groove and the inner surface of the outer cover, and the groove is connected to a second air supply opening by a through-hole. The groove can, in particular, extend at least partially along the vertical direction. Forming the groove on the surface of the insulating panel advantageously facilitates its manufacture and assembly.

[0022] According to some embodiments, it may be provided that a warm storage drawer, extendable in the depth direction, is arranged in the warm storage area.

[0023] According to some embodiments, a cold storage drawer that can be extended in the depth direction may be arranged in the cold storage area. Particularly when both a hot storage drawer and a cold storage drawer are provided, the adjacent arrangement of the hot and cold storage compartments results in a practical division of space within the storage compartment. The cold storage drawer also facilitates maintaining a low temperature, as it and the intermediate shelves define an at least partially enclosed volume.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the storage compartment may have an access opening opposite the rear wall, which extends between the floor and the ceiling wall and through which the hot storage area, the cold storage area and the refrigerated storage area are accessible.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the evaporator assembly may be arranged in the area of ​​the bottom on the outer surface of the rear wall, wherein the evaporator assembly has an insulating element which, at least in the area of ​​the warm storage zone, is positioned between the evaporator and the rear wall with respect to depth. Thus, the inherently very cold evaporator is located adjacent to the comparatively warm warm storage zone. The insulating element advantageously prevents condensation from forming on the rear wall in the warm storage zone. A further advantage of arranging the evaporator adjacent to the warm storage zone is that, due to the short distance that the air drawn in from the warm storage zone has to travel to reach the evaporator, defrosting can be carried out even more efficiently.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the evaporator may be part of a refrigerant circuit which is designed to circulate a refrigerant to evaporate it at the evaporator while absorbing heat and to condense it at a condenser while releasing heat to the environment, wherein the circulation of the refrigerant can be interrupted to defrost ice on the evaporator and the fan can continue to be operated to maintain air circulation.

[0027] According to some embodiments, it may be provided that the operation of the blower is maintained after interruption without switching on an additional heater.

[0028] According to some embodiments, interrupting the circulation of the refrigerant may include switching off a compressor coupled to the evaporator.

[0029] According to some embodiments, the blower can be an axial fan or a radial fan.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the evaporator can be a finned evaporator.

[0031] According to some embodiments, the air distribution duct can have a pressure chamber adjacent to the blower and a distribution section adjacent to the cold storage area. The first air inlet then supplies cold air from the pressure chamber to the cold storage area, and the second air inlet, or preferably a plurality of second air inlets, then supplies cold air from the distribution section to the cold storage area.

[0032] The arrangement of the three storage areas with different target temperatures, in conjunction with the air distribution according to the invention, has the advantage that, firstly, one evaporator can simultaneously supply three storage areas with different target temperatures, even though the temperature control for the entire storage compartment is solely based on the temperature in the refrigerated storage area. It has the further advantage that defrosting of the evaporator, particularly the finned evaporator, is achieved by circulating air from the storage space, without the need for an electric defrost heater. It also has the further advantage that, during defrosting of the evaporator by air circulation, the three storage areas with different target temperatures are adequately supplied with cold air. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The invention will now be explained with reference to the figures in the drawings. The figures show: Fig. 1 a simplified, schematic sectional view of a refrigeration device according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 a top view of an outer surface of an insulating plate of a refrigeration device according to an embodiment of the invention; and Fig. 3 a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0034] In the figures, the same reference symbols denote identical or functionally equivalent components, unless otherwise stated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EXECUTION

[0035] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows, by way of example and in a schematic manner, a refrigeration appliance 100 according to claim 1, e.g. in the form of a refrigerator. In general, the refrigeration appliance 100 can be a household refrigeration appliance. As shown in Figure 1, the refrigeration appliance 100 can be a household refrigeration appliance. Fig. 1 In schematic representation, the refrigeration unit 100 has a storage compartment 1, an air distribution duct 2, and a refrigerant circuit 130 with an evaporator assembly 30.

[0036] Storage compartment 1 is designed to hold refrigerated goods, such as food, beverages, medications, or the like. For example, storage compartment 1 can be formed by an interior enclosed by a substantially rectangular storage container 101. Generally, storage compartment 1 is bounded in a vertical direction V by a base 10 and a ceiling wall 11 spaced apart from the base 10. In a depth direction T perpendicular to the vertical direction V, storage compartment 1 is bounded by a rear wall 12. The rear wall 12 can, in particular, extend between the base 10 and the ceiling wall 11, as shown in Fig. 1 is shown schematically. With respect to a transverse direction C extending perpendicular to the depth direction T and the vertical direction V, the storage compartment 1 can further be bounded by side walls 13 extending between the ceiling wall 11 and the floor 10. As in Fig. 1 As further shown, the storage compartment 1 can be accessible via an access opening 1A on a side opposite the rear wall 12. For example, the access opening 1A can be bounded by the side walls 12, the floor 10, and the ceiling wall 11. The access opening 1A thus preferably extends continuously between the floor 10 and the ceiling wall 11. The access opening 1A can also be covered by a door 8.

[0037] As in Fig. 1 As shown schematically, a first intermediate shelf 16A is provided in storage compartment 1, spaced at a distance from the floor 10 with respect to the vertical direction V. The first intermediate shelf 16A can extend into storage compartment 1, in particular from the rear wall 12, in the depth direction T. A heated storage area 15 extends between the floor 10 and the first intermediate shelf 16A, or the heated storage area 15 is bounded with respect to the vertical direction by the floor 10 and the first intermediate shelf 16A. As shown in Fig. 1 As shown schematically, a warm storage drawer 6, extendable in the depth direction T, can be arranged in the warm storage area 15.

[0038] As in Fig. 1 Furthermore, as shown, a second intermediate shelf 16B is provided in storage compartment 1, spaced apart from the first intermediate shelf 16A with respect to the vertical direction V. The second intermediate shelf 16B can extend, in particular, from the rear wall 12 in the depth direction T into storage compartment 1. A cold storage area 16 extends between the first and second intermediate shelves 16A, 16B, which is designed for cooling to a temperature at least 1.5 Kelvin below the average temperature in the storage compartment. Thus, the first and second intermediate shelves 16A, 16B define the cold storage area 16 with respect to the vertical direction V. As shown in Fig. 1 As shown schematically, a cold storage drawer 7, extendable in the depth direction T, can be arranged in the cold storage area 16.

[0039] A cold storage area 17 extends in storage compartment 1 from the second intermediate floor 16B in the vertical direction V. In particular, the cold storage area 17 can be bounded with respect to the vertical direction V by the second intermediate floor 16B and the ceiling wall 11. As shown in Fig. 1 Furthermore, as schematically depicted, it is provided that several shelves 19 are provided in the cold storage area 17, which are arranged at intervals from each other in the vertical direction V. As shown in Fig. 1 As shown by way of example, the shelves 19 can extend in the depth direction T from the rear wall 12 into the storage compartment 1.

[0040] Since the access opening 1A, as explained above, is preferably formed continuously between the floor 10 and the ceiling wall 11, the hot storage area 15, the cold storage area 16 and the refrigerated storage area 17 are each accessible through the access opening 1A, e.g. for placing or removing refrigerated goods.

[0041] As in Fig. 1 As further shown schematically, the rear wall 12 has a first air supply opening 18A, which is arranged between the first and second intermediate shelves 16A, 16B with respect to the vertical direction V. Furthermore, the rear wall 12 has a plurality of second air supply openings 18B, which are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction V and are arranged between the second intermediate shelf 16B and the ceiling wall 11 with respect to the vertical direction V. It is provided that at least one second air supply opening 18B is arranged between each pair of adjacent shelves 19, as shown in Fig. 1 is shown schematically.

[0042] Furthermore, as in Fig. 1 schematically shown, an exhaust opening 18C is formed in the rear wall 12, which is arranged between the floor 10 and the first intermediate floor 16A with respect to the vertical direction V.

[0043] As in Fig. 1 As shown schematically, the first and second air inlets 18A, 18B, and the exhaust opening 18C each extend between an inner surface 12a of the rear wall 12, which faces the storage compartment 1, and an outer surface 12b of the rear wall 12, located opposite the inner surface 12a. Thus, the first air inlet 18A forms a fluidically conductive connection between the cold storage area 16 and an outer or rear surface defined by the outer surface 12b of the rear wall 12. Similarly, the second air inlets 18B form a fluidically conductive connection between the cold storage area 17 and the rear surface, and the exhaust opening 18C forms a fluidically conductive connection between the warm storage area 15 and the rear surface.

[0044] The air distribution duct 2 extends along the rear or outer surface 12b of the rear wall 12. As in Fig. 1 As shown schematically, the air distribution duct 2 runs along the vertical direction V. Generally, the air distribution duct 2 is formed by a cavity at the rear of the back wall 12, which extends in the vertical direction 2. As shown in Fig. 1 As shown schematically, the air distribution duct 2 can extend with respect to the vertical direction V from a lower end located between the first supply air opening 18A and the exhaust air opening 18C to a second supply air opening 18B that is the last with respect to the vertical direction V. As shown in Fig. 1 As shown schematically and purely by way of example, the air distribution duct 2 in the area of ​​the cold storage area 16 can be limited or defined, for example, by the rear wall 12 and the evaporator assembly 3. As shown in Fig. 1 As shown, the first air inlet 18A extends between the air distribution duct 2 and the cold storage area 16. In the area of ​​the cold storage area 17, the air distribution duct 2 can, for example, be routed through the rear wall 12 and an outer cover 5, or, as shown in Fig. 1 As shown by way of example, it can be defined by an optional insulating part or insulating plate 4 and the outer cover 5. In general, the air distribution duct 2 is connected to the second supply air openings 18B.

[0045] The insulating panel 4 is made of a thermally insulating material and is arranged on the outer surface 12b of the rear wall 12, between the outer surface 12b of the rear wall 12 and an inner surface 5a of the outer cover 5. Fig. 2 The diagram schematically and purely exemplarily shows a top view of an outer surface 4b of the insulating panel 4 facing the inner surface 5a of the outer cover 5. As in Fig. 2 As shown, at least one groove 41 is formed on the outer surface 4b of the insulating plate 4.

[0046] The groove 41 runs at least partially along the vertical direction V, as shown in Fig. 1 This is evident. For example, a first groove 41A extending in the vertical direction V can be provided. Optionally, one or more second grooves 41B can branch off from the first groove 41A, which can extend in particular in the transverse direction C, as shown in Fig. 2 is shown schematically. As in the Fign. 1 and 2 As further shown, a through-hole 43 can be formed in each groove 41A, 41B, which completely penetrates the insulating plate 4. For example, a through-hole 43 can be formed for every second air inlet opening 18B. As shown in Fig. 1 In schematic representation, each through-hole 43 can be aligned with a second supply air opening 18B. Thus, the duct 2 can be defined by the groove 41 and the inner surface 5a of the outer cover 5, and the groove 41 is connected to a second supply air opening 18B by each through-hole 43.

[0047] The evaporator assembly 3 comprises an evaporator 30, a blower 33, a suction port 31, a pressure port 32, and an optional insulating part 35. As shown in Fig. 1 In schematic representation, the evaporator 30 is part of a refrigerant circuit 130, which, in addition to the evaporator 30, includes a compressor 131, an expansion valve (not shown), and a condenser 132. The compressor 131 serves to circulate refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 130, with one inlet of the compressor 131 connected to the evaporator 30 and one outlet of the compressor 131 to the condenser 132. The expansion valve is located between the condenser 132 and the evaporator 30. In the evaporator 30, the refrigerant is evaporated, absorbing heat. The compressor 131 draws the gaseous refrigerant from the evaporator 30 and pumps the compressed refrigerant into the condenser 132, where it condenses, releasing heat to the surroundings. At the expansion valve, the pressure of the refrigerant is reduced again.

[0048] As in Fig. 1 As shown schematically, the evaporator assembly 3 is arranged on the outer surface 12b of the rear wall 12, particularly in the area of ​​the bottom 10. As shown in Fig. 1 As shown, the optional insulating element 35 can be arranged, in particular, between the rear wall 12 and the evaporator 30. Optionally, the evaporator 30 is arranged in the area of ​​the hot storage area 15, and the insulating element 35 is located at least in the area of ​​the hot storage area 15 between the evaporator 30 and the rear wall 12.

[0049] The suction port 31 of the evaporator assembly 3 is located in an area facing the bottom 10 and can be formed, for example, by a recess extending in the depth direction T in the insulating part 35, as shown in Fig. 1 is shown schematically. As in Fig. 1 As shown, the suction port 31 can, for example, be positioned flush with the exhaust opening 18C of the rear wall 12. Generally, the suction port 31 of the evaporator assembly 3 is connected to the exhaust opening 18C. The pressure port 32 can be spaced apart from the suction port 31 with respect to the vertical direction V and can, in particular, be positioned in an end region of the evaporator assembly 3 facing the ceiling wall 11. For example, the pressure port 32 can be designed as a recess extending in the depth direction T in the insulating part 35, which opens into the air distribution duct 2, as shown in Fig. 1 shown schematically. In general, the pressure connection 32 is fluidically connected to the air distribution channel 2.

[0050] The evaporator 30 can generally be arranged in an evaporator chamber, which is connected to the storage compartment 1, in particular to the hot storage area 15, via the suction port 31, and to the air distribution duct 2 via the pressure port 32. The evaporator chamber can be delimited, for example, by the insulating part 35 and the outer cover 5, as shown in Fig. 1 shown schematically. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable that the evaporator chamber is completely enclosed by an insulating part 35.

[0051] The blower 33 is arranged between the evaporator 30 and the pressure port 32, e.g. in the pressure port 32, as shown in Fig. 1 The diagram is shown schematically and purely as an example. The blower 33 is arranged and designed to draw air from the storage compartment 1 through the suction port 31, so that it is directed over the evaporator 30, and to expel it through the pressure port 32 into the air distribution duct 2.

[0052] At the in Fig. 1 In the refrigeration unit 100 shown, warm air is thus extracted from storage compartment 1 in the warm storage area 15 by means of the blower 33 through the exhaust opening 18C. Fig. 1 This is symbolically shown by the arrows P1 depicted in dashed lines. The warm air is passed over the evaporator 30, where heat is extracted from it. The air cooled by the evaporator 30 is conveyed by the blower 33 through the pressure connection 32 into the air distribution duct 2 and from there expelled through the first supply air opening 18A directly into the cold storage area 16 and through at least one second supply air opening 18B into the refrigerated storage area 17, as shown in Fig. 1 P2 is symbolically represented by the dashed arrows.

[0053] As in Fig. 1 As shown, the first air inlet 18A along a flow path along which the air flows in the air distribution duct 2 can be located closer to the pressure port 32 of the evaporator assembly 3 than the at least one second air inlet 18B. For example, the first air inlet 18A can be located in the area of ​​the pressure port 32, as shown in Fig. 1 This is shown schematically. Thus, the air travels a longer distance on its way to the second air inlet(s) 18B, which causes the air to warm up. This makes it easier to achieve a temperature difference between the cold storage area and the refrigerated storage area.

[0054] In Fig. 3 The schematic diagram shows the process M according to claim 8 for defrosting the evaporator 30 of a refrigeration device 100 according to claim 1, which is described in the Fig. 1The refrigeration unit 100 shown can be implemented. In step M1, refrigerant is circulated through the evaporator 30 by means of the compressor 131, as described above. Simultaneously, the blower 33 draws air from the warm storage area 15 through the suction port 31, directs the drawn-in air over the evaporator 30, and expels the air through the pressure port 32 into the air distribution duct 2, in order to convey it through the supply air openings 18A, 18B into the cold storage area 16 and the refrigerated storage area 17, as described above. Since the evaporator 30 itself is very cold, moisture contained in the air can condense and freeze on the surface of the evaporator 30. Such an ice layer reduces the heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air, which is why it is advantageous to defrost the ice layer at regular intervals.

[0055] In step M2, the circulation of the refrigerant through the evaporator 30 is interrupted, e.g. by switching off the compressor 131.

[0056] In step M3, the operation of the blower 33 is maintained even after the refrigerant circulation is interrupted. Thus, air continues to be drawn in through the suction port 31, which has been warmed in storage compartment 1. This air, which is warmer than the surface of the evaporator 30, transfers heat to the evaporator 30. Since the refrigerant circulation is interrupted, the evaporator 30 is warmed by the air, which is sufficient to defrost the ice layer. In particular, this method advantageously eliminates the need for an auxiliary heater.

[0057] Although the present invention has been explained above by way of example embodiments, it is not limited thereto, but is disclosed in the following claims. In particular, combinations of the preceding embodiments are also conceivable, provided they comply with the following claims. REFERENCE MARK

[0058] 1 Storage compartment 1A Access opening 2 Air distribution duct 3 Evaporator assembly 4 Insulation plate 4b Outer surface of the insulation plate 5 Outer cover 5a Inner surface of the outer cover 6 Hot storage drawer 7 Cold storage drawer 8 Door 10 Floor 11 Ceiling wall 12 Rear wall 12a Inner surface of the rear wall 12b Outer surface of the rear wall 13 Side walls 15 Warm storage area 16 Cold storage area 16A First intermediate shelf 16B Second intermediate shelf 17 Cold storage area 18A First air inlet 18B Second air inlet 18C Exhaust air inlet 19 Shelves 30 Evaporator 31 Suction port 32 Pressure port 33 Blower 35 Insulated part 41 Groove 41A First groove 41B Second groove 43 Through hole 100Refrigerant unit 101Tank 130Refrigerant circuit 131Compressor 132Condenser C Transverse direction M Method M1-M3 Method steps P1 Arrow P2 Arrow T Depth direction V Vertical direction

Claims

1. Refrigeration appliance (100), in particular household refrigeration appliance, having: a storage compartment (1), which, relative to a vertical direction (V), is delimited by a base (10) and a ceiling wall (11) arranged at a distance from the base (10) and, relative to a depth direction (T), by a rear wall (12) extending between the base (10) and the ceiling wall (11); an air distribution channel (2), which extends along the vertical direction (V) on an outer surface (12b) of the rear wall (12); and an evaporator assembly (3) arranged on the outer surface (12b) with an evaporator (30), a suction connection (31) which is connected to the storage compartment (1), a pressure connection (32) which is connected to the air distribution channel (2), and a fan (33) which is embodied to draw air in from the storage compartment (1) through the suction connection (31) and over the evaporator (30) and to expel it through the pressure connection (32) into the air distribution channel (2); wherein the storage compartment (1) has a warm storage area (15) which, relative to the vertical direction (V), extends between the base (10) and a first intermediate base (16A) extending in the depth direction (T), a cold storage area (16) which, relative to the vertical direction (V), extends between the first intermediate base (16A) and a second intermediate base (16B) extending in the depth direction (T), and a refrigerated storage area (17) which extends outward from the second intermediate base (16B) in the vertical direction (V); the suction connection (31) of the evaporator assembly (3) is connected to an exhaust air opening (18C) which is embodied in the rear wall (12) between the base (10) and the first intermediate base (16A); and the air distribution channel (2) is connected to a first supply air opening (18A), which is embodied in the rear wall (12) between the first intermediate base (16A) and the second intermediate base (16B), and at least one second supply air opening (18B), which is embodied in the rear wall (12) between the second intermediate base (16B) and the ceiling wall (11), wherein in the rear wall (12), a plurality of second supply air openings (18B) are embodied between the second intermediate base (16B) and the ceiling wall (11) at a distance from one another in the vertical direction (V), which are connected to the air distribution channel (2), a plurality of shelves (19) are arranged in the refrigerated storage area (17) at a distance from one another in the vertical direction (V), wherein at least one second supply air opening (18B) is arranged between every two adjacent shelves (19), the air distribution channel (2) is embodied at least partially by one isolating plate (4) arranged on the outer surface (12b) of the rear wall (12), and the isolating plate (4) is arranged between the outer surface (12b) of the rear wall (12) and an inner surface (5a) of an outer cover (5), wherein the isolating plate (4) has at least one groove (41) on an outer surface (4b) facing the inner surface (5a) of the outer cover (5), such that the air distribution channel (2) is defined by the groove (41) and the inner surface (5a) of the outer cover (5), and the groove (41) is connected in each case by way of a through-hole (43) to a second supply air opening (18B) in each case.

2. Refrigeration appliance (100) according to claim 1, characterised in that the air distribution channel (2) defines a flow path, wherein the first supply air opening (18A) has a smaller distance from the pressure connection (32) of the evaporator assembly (3) along the flow path than the at least one second supply air opening (18B).

3. Refrigeration appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a warm storage drawer (6) which can be pulled out in the depth direction (T) is arranged in the warm storage area (15).

4. Refrigeration appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a cold storage drawer (7) which can be pulled out in the depth direction (T) is arranged in the cold storage area (16).

5. Refrigeration appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the storage compartment (1) has an access opening (1A) arranged opposite the rear wall (12), which opening extends between the base (10) and the ceiling wall (11) and via which the warm storage area (15), the cold storage area (16) and the refrigerated storage area (17) can be accessed.

6. Refrigeration appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the evaporator assembly (3) is arranged in the region of the base (10) on the outer surface (12b) of the rear wall (12), wherein the evaporator assembly (3) has an isolating part (35) which is arranged at least in the region of the warm storage area (15) between the evaporator (20) and the rear wall (12) relative to the depth direction (T).

7. Refrigeration appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the evaporator (30) forms part of the refrigerant circuit (130), which is configured to circulate a refrigerant so as to evaporate said refrigerant at the evaporator (30) by absorbing heat and to condense said refrigerant at a condenser (132) by emitting heat to the surroundings, wherein, in order to defrost ice from the evaporator (30), the circulation of the refrigerant can be interrupted and the operation of the fan (33) can be continued so as to maintain air circulation.

8. Method (M) for defrosting an evaporator (30) in a refrigeration appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: circulating (M1) refrigerant through the evaporator (30), wherein the fan (33) draws air in from the warm storage area (15) through the suction connection (31), guides air over the evaporator (30) and expels it into the air distribution channel (2) through the pressure connection (32) so as to convey air into the cold storage area (16) and the refrigerated storage area (17) through the access openings (18A, 18B); interrupting (M2) the circulation of refrigerant through the evaporator (30); and maintaining (M3) the operation of the fan (33).

9. Method (M) according to claim 8, wherein, the operation of the fan (33) is maintained after the interruption (M2) without switching on an auxiliary heater.

10. Method (M) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the interruption (M2) of the circulation of the refrigerant comprises switching off a compressor (131) coupled to the evaporator (30).