Refrigeration appliance, heat exchanger assembly for a refrigeration appliance, method for mounting a fan in a housing, and method for producing a heat exchanger assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a heat exchanger assembly (100) comprising: a housing (1), which defines an accommodation space (10) extending along a longitudinal axis (L1) between a first opening (11) and a second opening (12); a heat exchanger (2), which is accommodated in the accommodation space (10) of the housing (1); and a fan or blower (3), which is accommodated in the accommodation space (10) of the housing (1) and is designed to draw in a gaseous fluid through the first or the second opening (11, 12) of the housing (1), to conduct said fluid through the heat exchanger (2) and to blow said fluid out through the other opening (11, 12) of the housing (1). The housing (1) further comprises a side opening (15) and a latching structure (50) located in the region of the side opening (15), wherein the fan (3) can be inserted into the accommodation space (10) through the side opening (15) in a transverse direction (C1) extending transversely to the longitudinal axis (L1) and is latched to the housing (1) by means of the latching structure (50) at an edge region (34) situated in the side opening (15).

Description

[0001] Refrigeration device, heat exchanger assembly for a refrigeration device, method for mounting a fan in a housing and method for producing a heat exchanger assembly

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to a refrigeration appliance, in particular a household refrigeration appliance such as a refrigerator, a freezer, or a fridge-freezer combination. The invention also relates to a heat exchanger assembly for a refrigeration appliance, a method for mounting a fan in a housing of a heat exchanger assembly, and a method for manufacturing a heat exchanger assembly.

[0004] STATE OF THE ART

[0005] In household refrigeration appliances, a heat exchanger assembly may be provided for dissipating heat to the environment. This assembly comprises a heat exchanger or ducting and a fan or ventilator for transporting air through the ducting. Such heat exchanger assemblies are typically located in the machine room.

[0006] DE 10 2015 221 659 A1 discloses a heat exchanger assembly arranged in a machine room of a refrigeration appliance and comprising an MPE condenser and a fan. "MPE" is an abbreviation for "multiport extruded" and describes a profile comprising a plurality of extruded pipes.

[0007] Furthermore, DE 10 2017 213 972 A1 describes a heat exchanger assembly arranged in a machine room of a refrigeration appliance, comprising a condenser and a fan which transports air over the condenser, wherein the condenser and the fan are arranged in a common tube or are surrounded by the tube. The condenser comprises a multi-chamber MPE profile through which refrigerant flows. The inner diameter of the tube is adapted to the outer diameter of the condenser and the fan. Within the machine room, the heat exchanger assembly is separated by a partition wall, wherein one end of the tube is arranged in a recess in the partition wall and a sealing lip is provided between the tube and the partition wall.

[0008] In such heat exchanger assemblies, which consist of a heat exchanger and a fan integrated into a casing or tube, the casing may vibrate due to the operation of the fan, which can lead to noise emissions. The condenser and heat exchanger are typically mounted along the longitudinal axis of the casing or through the end openings of the tube, which are often difficult to access in the machine room.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] It is one of the objects of the present invention to provide improved solutions for heat exchanger assemblies of refrigeration appliances, in particular solutions which reduce noise emissions and enable easy assembly.

[0011] This object is achieved according to the invention by a heat exchanger assembly having the features of claim 1, a refrigeration device, a heat exchanger assembly having the features of claim 13, by a method having the features of claim 14 and by a method having the features of claim 15.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the invention, a heat exchanger assembly comprises a housing which defines a receiving space extending along a longitudinal axis between a first opening and a second opening, a heat exchanger which is received in the receiving space of the housing and optionally held by the housing, and a fan or fans which are received in the receiving space of the housing and are designed to suck in a gaseous fluid through the first or the second opening of the housing, to guide it over the heat exchanger and to blow it out through the other opening of the housing.The housing further comprises a side opening and a locking structure arranged in the region of the side opening, wherein the fan can be inserted into the receiving space through the side opening along a transverse direction extending transversely to the longitudinal axis and is rusted to the housing at an edge region located in the side opening by means of the locking structure.

[0013] 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 comprises at least one refrigeration compartment for accommodating refrigerated goods, a machine room separate from the refrigeration compartment, and a refrigerant circuit for dissipating heat from the refrigeration compartment to the environment. The refrigerant circuit has a heat exchanger assembly according to the first aspect of the invention, which is arranged in the machine room.

[0014] According to a third aspect of the invention, a method is provided for producing a heat exchanger assembly, in particular the heat exchanger assembly according to the first aspect of the invention. The method comprises inserting a heat exchanger into a receiving space of a housing, wherein the housing has a first and a second opening, between which the receiving space extends along a longitudinal axis, and inserting a fan through a side opening of the housing into a receiving space along a transverse direction extending transversely to the longitudinal axis, such that an edge region of the fan is positioned in the side opening and is connected to the housing by means of a locking structure formed in the region of the side opening.

[0015] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a method is provided for mounting a fan in a housing of a heat exchanger assembly, wherein the housing defines a receiving space extending along a longitudinal axis between a first opening and a second opening and has a side opening and a locking structure arranged in the region of the side opening. The method comprises inserting the fan through the side opening into the receiving space along a transverse direction extending transversely to the longitudinal axis, such that an edge region of the fan is positioned in the side opening and is locked to the housing by means of the locking structure.

[0016] The present invention is based on the idea of ​​facilitating the installation of a fan in a housing of a heat exchanger assembly by providing the housing with a side opening through which the fan can be inserted into the housing laterally or transversely along the longitudinal axis of the housing. The housing is designed as a channel extending along a longitudinal axis with opposing openings. The side opening forms a recess in a side or peripheral wall of the housing that borders the channel. For simple and reliable fixing of the fan, the housing is provided in the area of ​​the side opening with a locking structure that projects, for example, into the side opening. The locking structure engages behind the edge area of ​​the fan located in the side opening, e.g. a frame of the fan, and fixes it in a form-fitting manner.The firm fixation of the fan using the locking structure also reduces noise emissions from the fan.

[0017] Advantageous embodiments and further developments arise from the subclaims which refer back to the independent claims in conjunction with the description.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the fan can be held, with respect to the transverse direction, between the locking structure and a contact surface of the housing located opposite the side opening. Thus, the fan can be clamped at opposite ends between the contact surface, which can be formed, for example, by a section of the side wall of the housing. Thus, with a structurally simple design, a reliable fixation of the fan in the housing is achieved, which further reduces the fan's noise emissions.

[0019] According to some embodiments, it can be provided that the locking structure projects into the side opening along the longitudinal axis and is elastically deformable along the longitudinal axis. For example, the locking structure can be formed integrally with the housing. In particular, the locking structure can be arranged and designed such that when the fan is inserted into the side opening, it is deformed and displaced by the fan in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis and snaps back behind the edge region of the fan in order to engage behind it. The locking structure is therefore self-locking and it is only necessary to insert the fan into the side opening to lock the locking structure. According to some embodiments, it can be provided that the locking structure has at least one locking hook which engages behind the edge region of the fan in relation to the transverse direction.

[0020] According to some embodiments, it can be provided that the fan has a blade arrangement rotatable about a rotational axis by a motor, e.g. an electric motor, wherein the motor and the rotational axis are arranged in the region of the longitudinal axis of the housing, in particular coaxially to the longitudinal axis, wherein the locking structure is arranged in a first edge region and / or a second edge region of the side opening with respect to a vertical direction extending transversely to the longitudinal axis and the transverse direction. The locking structure is thus arranged at a distance from the longitudinal axis with respect to the vertical direction. When the fan is inserted into the housing through the side opening, the locking structure is consequently also at a distance from the fan motor. In this way, undesirable mechanical interaction, which could possibly lead to damage to the motor and / or the blade arrangement, is prevented.

[0021] According to some embodiments, it can be provided that the housing has a guide structure extending in the transverse direction in alignment with the side opening, which holds the fan with respect to the longitudinal axis and guides it in the transverse direction when the fan is inserted into the side opening. For example, the guide structure can have at least two guide webs spaced apart along the longitudinal axis, wherein the fan is held between the guide webs with respect to the longitudinal axis. In particular, at least one first and at least one second guide web can be provided, which run parallel to one another and are spaced apart along the longitudinal axis. The guide webs protrude from a respective side wall of the housing. When the fan is inserted into the side opening, it is guided in the transverse direction in the receiving space of the housing by the guide structure, e.g. its guide webs.This further simplifies fan installation. It also determines the fan's position relative to the longitudinal axis, further reducing noise emissions.

[0022] According to some embodiments, it can be provided that the side opening is formed in the region of the first opening of the housing. In particular, the side opening and the first opening can merge into one another, wherein the side opening and the circumferential opening are delimited by the same side wall sections with respect to one direction, e.g. the vertical direction. Alternatively or additionally, the side opening can have an open circumference with respect to the longitudinal axis. By forming the side opening in the region of the first opening, the structural design of the housing is simplified. Furthermore, the fan is thus positioned close to the first opening, which reduces flow losses.

[0023] According to some embodiments, it can be provided that the housing has a first wall section which delimits the side opening in a first direction with respect to the longitudinal axis, and transverse webs extending in the transverse direction, which protrude into the first opening on opposite sides and delimit the side opening in a second direction with respect to the longitudinal axis, wherein the edge region of the fan is arranged between the first wall section and the transverse webs with respect to the longitudinal axis. The transverse webs can be formed, for example, by the second guide webs. Accordingly, the second guide webs or transverse webs and the wall section are arranged opposite one another with respect to the longitudinal axis, such that the edge region of the fan is reliably fixed with respect to the longitudinal axis.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the locking structure can be arranged on the first wall section. For example, the locking structure can be formed integrally with the wall section, protrude beyond it, and be elastically deformable, as described above. Thus, the second guide webs form a counter-bearing for the fan when it is inserted into the side opening and pushes back the locking structure. This further facilitates the assembly of the fan.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the heat exchanger may be designed as an MCH E heat exchanger. "MCHE" is an abbreviation for "micro channel heat exchanger." Such condensers can, in particular, be equipped with a "multi-port extrusion pipe" (MPE), i.e., an extruded tube with a plurality of channels inside. Such heat exchangers have a particularly compact design and are therefore particularly well suited for installation in a housing together with a fan.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the housing can be formed from a solid material. A solid material offers the advantage that a relatively rigid housing can be realized with thin walls. This allows for a compact housing that can be more easily accommodated in the machine room of the refrigeration appliance. In combination with the locking structure, a reliable, noise-reducing fixation can be achieved despite the limited elasticity of the solid material, for example, compared to a foam material.

[0027] According to some embodiments, it can be provided that the housing is made of a plastic material, such as polypropylene, in particular by an injection molding process.

[0028] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The invention is explained below with reference to the figures of the drawings. The figures show:

[0030] Fig. 1 is a simplified, schematic sectional view of a refrigeration device according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0031] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a heat exchanger assembly according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0032] Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the heat exchanger assembly shown in Fig. 2; and

[0033] Fig. 4 is a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0034] In the figures, the same reference numerals designate identical or functionally equivalent components, unless otherwise stated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0035] Fig. 1 shows, by way of example and in a schematic manner, a refrigeration appliance 200, e.g., in the form of a refrigerator. In general, the refrigeration appliance 200 can be a household refrigeration appliance, e.g., a refrigerator, a freezer, a fridge-freezer combination, or the like. As shown by way of example in Fig. 1, the refrigeration appliance 1 can have at least one refrigeration compartment 210, a machine compartment 220, and a refrigerant circuit 230.

[0036] The refrigeration compartment 210 is represented symbolically in Fig. 1 by dashed lines as a rectangle and serves to accommodate refrigerated goods. For example, the refrigeration compartment 210 can be defined by a container accommodated in a body 205.

[0037] The machine room 220 is shown only schematically in Fig. 1 and is a receiving space separate from the refrigeration compartment 210 for accommodating components of the refrigerant circuit 230. As shown by way of example in Fig. 1, the machine room 220 can be arranged, for example, in a region of the body 205 close to the floor. In general, the machine room is delimited by at least two opposing boundary structures, e.g., as shown schematically in Fig. 1, by a floor 221 and by a ceiling 222 opposite the floor. Preferably, the machine room 220 is further delimited by a rear wall 223 which extends between the floor 221 and the ceiling 222. Likewise optionally, side walls 224, 225 can be provided which extend at opposite ends of the floor 221 and the ceiling 222 between them and transversely to the rear wall 223, as shown schematically in Fig. 1.

[0038] The refrigerant circuit 230 is shown only schematically in Fig. 1 and is designed to circulate a refrigerant in order to remove heat from the refrigeration compartment 210 and release it to the environment. The refrigerant circuit 230 can, in particular, have a compressor 231 for circulating the refrigerant, an evaporator 232 connected to a pressure connection of the compressor 231 for absorbing heat from the refrigeration compartment 210, and a heat exchanger assembly 100 with a condenser 2, 233 for releasing heat to the environment. As shown schematically in Fig. 1, the heat exchanger assembly 100 is arranged in the machine room 220. As Fig. 1 further shows, the compressor 231 can also be accommodated in the machine room 220.

[0039] In Fig. 1, the heat exchanger assembly 100 is shown only schematically in section. Fig. 2 shows an exemplary perspective view of the heat exchanger assembly 100. Fig. 3 shows an exploded view of the heat exchanger assembly 100 shown in Fig. 2. As can be seen particularly in Figs. 1 and 3, the heat exchanger assembly 100 comprises a housing 1, a heat exchanger 2, and a fan 3.

[0040] As shown by way of example in Figs. 1 and 3, the housing 1 defines a receiving space 10, which is delimited by an inner surface 1a of the housing 1. The receiving space 10 extends along a longitudinal axis L1 between a first opening 11 and a second opening 12. Thus, the housing 1 forms a channel extending along the longitudinal axis L1 between the first opening 11 and the second opening 12. An outer surface 1b of the housing, which is opposite to the inner surface 1a with respect to a radial direction R1 extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L1, defines an outer circumference of the housing 1. As shown by way of example in Figs. 2 and 3, the housing 1 can, for example,a substantially rectangular outer periphery with two opposing first side walls 16A, 16B, which extend in a vertical direction H1 transverse to the longitudinal axis L1, and opposing second side walls 16C, 16D, which extend between the first side walls 16A, 16B in a transverse direction C1 extending transversely to the vertical direction H1 and the longitudinal axis L1. The housing 1 can, in particular, be formed from a solid material. For example, the housing can be made from a plastic material, such as polypropylene, in particular using an injection molding process.

[0041] As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the housing 1 has a side opening 15 and a locking structure 50.

[0042] The side opening 15 extends between the outer surface 1b and the inner surface 1a of the housing 1. As shown by way of example in Figs. 2 and 3, the side opening 15 can be formed, for example, in the first side wall 16A. With respect to the vertical direction H1, the side opening 15 can be delimited, for example, by the second side walls 16C, 16D. In Figs. 2 and 3, it is shown by way of example that the side opening 15 can be located in the region of the first opening 11 and thus at an axial end of the housing 1. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the side opening 15 can be delimited in a first direction with respect to the longitudinal axis L1 by a wall section 65 which extends in the transverse direction C1. Optionally, the wall section 65 can extend between the two second side walls 16C, 16D with respect to the vertical direction H1.In a second direction along the longitudinal axis L1, in particular in the direction of the first opening 11, the side opening 15 can be delimited by transverse webs 62 extending in the transverse direction C1, which protrude into the first opening 11 on opposite sides. For example, at least one transverse web 62 can be provided on each of the two second side walls 16C, 16D, which extends in the transverse direction C1 and protrudes from the respective second side wall 16C, 16D with respect to the vertical direction H1. In Figs. 2 and 3, it is shown purely by way of example that two transverse webs 62 are provided on each second side wall 16C, 16D, which are arranged at a distance from one another in the transverse direction C1.

[0043] The transverse webs 62 can in particular be part of a guide structure 60 running in the receiving space 10, which extends in the transverse direction C1 aligned with the side opening 15. As shown by way of example in Fig. 3, the guide structure 60 can have first guide webs 61 and second guide webs 63, wherein the second guide webs 63 are formed by the transverse webs 62. The first and second guide webs 61, 63 each extend parallel to one another in the transverse direction C1 and are arranged at a distance from one another along the longitudinal axis L1. In Fig. 3, it is shown by way of example that the guide webs 61, 63 are formed on one of the second side walls 16C, 16D, namely on the side wall 16C. Alternatively or additionally, first and second guide webs 61, 63 can also be provided on the other second side wall 16D.

[0044] The locking structure 50 is generally formed in the region of the side opening 15 and serves to lock the fan 3 to the housing 1, as will be explained in more detail below. As shown in particular in Fig. 3, the locking structure can be formed, for example, on the wall section 65. For example, the locking structure 50 can be formed integrally with the housing 1 and protrude from the wall section 65 with respect to the longitudinal axis L1, so that the locking structure 50 projects into the side opening 15. Fig. 3 shows, by way of example, a locking structure 50 implemented as a locking hook 52.The locking hook 52 has a first leg 52A formed integrally with the first side wall 16A, in which the side opening 15 is formed, a second leg 52B connected to the first leg 52A, which runs parallel to the wall section 65 in the transverse direction C1, and a locking projection 52C, which protrudes from one end of the second leg 52A and thus from the wall section 65 with respect to the longitudinal axis L1 and projects into the side opening 15. The first and second legs 52A, 52B are separated from the side wall 16A and the wall section 65 by a continuous slot 53 with respect to the vertical direction H1, and the second leg is additionally separated with respect to the transverse direction C1. A locking hook 52 can also be realized solely by the second leg 52B and the locking projection 52C. In this case, the slot 53 ends at the transition of the wall section 65 to the side wall 16A.

[0045] The locking structure 50 is elastically deformable, in particular along the longitudinal axis L1. In the locking hook 52 shown as an example in Fig. 3, elastic deformation is possible such that the locking projection 52C can be pushed back out of the side opening 15 by applying a force directed along the longitudinal axis L1.

[0046] The heat exchanger 2 can, for example, be integrated as a condenser 233 into the refrigerant circuit 230 of the refrigeration device 200. In Fig. 1, the heat exchanger 2 is shown merely symbolically as a block. As shown by way of example in Fig. 3, the heat exchanger 2 can have a meandering line arrangement 20 for conducting the refrigerant. Furthermore, fins or other cooling structures 22 can be connected to the line arrangement 20 in order to enlarge the heat-conducting surface of the heat exchanger 2. Furthermore, the heat exchanger 2 can have line connections 24, 26 through which the refrigerant can be supplied to and discharged from the line arrangement 20. In Fig. 3, a heat exchanger 2 implemented as an MCH E condenser is shown purely as an example.

[0047] The heat exchanger 2 is accommodated in the receiving space 10 of the housing 1. For example, the heat exchanger 2 can be arranged in the area or adjacent to the second opening 12, as shown by way of example in Figs. 1 and 2. Optionally, the heat exchanger 2 can rest against the inner surface 1a. Furthermore, optionally, the heat exchanger 2 can be locked to the housing 1 at its edge region 23 by elastic clips 56, 58 formed on the second side walls 16C, 16D. Generally, the heat exchanger 2 is held in position by the housing 1 itself.

[0048] The fan 3 can in particular be designed as an axial fan, as shown by way of example in Figs. 1 to 3. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the fan 3 can have a blade arrangement 31, a drive motor 31A, e.g. in the form of an electric motor, and a frame 32. The frame 32 can be a closed, e.g. rectangular frame and have a central recess 32A, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. Furthermore, the frame 32 can have a holding structure 32B which projects into the central recess 32A. The blade arrangement 31 is arranged in the central recess 32A of the frame 32 and is mounted on the holding structure 32B so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis A3. The motor 31A is also mounted on the holding structure 32B and coupled to the blade arrangement 31 in order to drive it.

[0049] 1 and 2, the fan 3 is accommodated in the receiving space 10 of the housing 1. By rotating the blade arrangement 31 about the axis of rotation A3, which can be arranged, for example, coaxial with the longitudinal axis L1, as shown in Fig. 2, a gaseous fluid can be sucked in through the first or second opening 11, 12 of the housing 1 by means of the fan 3, passed over the heat exchanger 2 and blown out through the other opening 12, 11 of the housing 1. In Figs. 2 and 3 it is shown by way of example that the heat exchanger 2 is arranged on a suction side of the fan 3, i.e. the fan 3 sucks in air through the second opening 12 and expels it through the first opening 11. However, a reversed air flow is also conceivable.

[0050] For assembly, the fan 3 can be inserted through the side opening 15 along the transverse direction C1 into the receiving space 10. Fig. 2 shows the fan 3 in the assembled state, in which it is arranged in the receiving space 10 of the housing 1. In this case, an edge region 34 of the fan 3, e.g. an edge or end region of the frame 32, lies in the side opening 15. The locking structure 50 further engages behind the edge region 34 of the fan 3 with respect to the transverse direction C1, so that the edge region 34 is locked to the housing 1 by means of the locking structure 50. As can be seen in particular in Fig. 2, for example the locking projection 52C of the locking hook 52 can overlap the frame 32 of the fan 3 with respect to the longitudinal axis L1 and thus engage behind it. Optionally, the frame 32 of the fan 3 abuts with an end opposite to the locking structure 50 in relation to the transverse direction C1 against a contact surface 50a of the housing 1, which e.g.can be formed by the first side wall 16B, as shown by way of example in Fig. 3. In general, the fan 30 can be held with respect to the transverse direction C1 between the locking structure 50 and a contact surface 50a of the housing 1 located opposite the side opening 15. With respect to the longitudinal direction L1, the fan 3 can be held by the guide structure 60, e.g. by the first and second guide webs 61, 63, between which the frame 32 is arranged, as shown in Fig. 2. In the region of the side opening 15, the edge region 34 of the fan 3 can be arranged with respect to the longitudinal axis L1 between the wall section 65 and the transverse webs 62, as is also shown in Fig. 2.

[0051] The electrical connection of the motor 31A of the fan 3 can be made via a cable 36. In order to lay the cable 36 on the housing 1 in a space-saving manner and protected from external influences, a receiving slot 18 can be formed in an end region of the wall section 65 and in the adjoining second side wall 16D, into which slot the cable 36 can be laid. This can prevent contact, which could cause corrosion, between the cable 36, which typically has a PVC sheath, and the cable connection 24, which is generally made of aluminum. Furthermore, a rib 17 protruding from the second side wall 16D in the vertical direction H1 in the region of the second opening 12 can be provided with a groove 19 to facilitate cable passage.

[0052] Thanks to the side opening 15 and the locking structure 50 provided thereon, the fan 3 can be mounted particularly easily in the housing 1 and is also securely fixed in the housing 1, which reduces noise emissions during operation of the heat exchanger assembly 100. Accordingly, a method M100 for mounting the fan 3 in the housing 1 can be carried out particularly easily. Fig. 4 shows the sequence of such a method M100, which is explained below with reference to Figs. 2 and 3.

[0053] The method M100 for assembling the fan 3 comprises a step M2 in which the fan 3 is inserted along the transverse direction C1 through the side opening 15 into the receiving space 10. The frame 32 of the fan 3 exerts a force on the locking structure 50, e.g. on the locking projection 52C, and thus deforms the locking structure 50 such that it is pushed back and clears the way for the fan 3. While the force is applied to the locking structure 50 by the fan 3, the second guide webs 63, for example, can serve as counterbearings against which the fan 3 is supported. To insert the fan 3 through the side opening 15, it is advantageous if the locking structure 50 is arranged in an edge region of the side opening 15 with respect to the vertical direction H1, as shown in Figs.2 and 3 as an example, since this prevents undesirable deformations of the fan 3, particularly in the area of ​​the blade arrangement 31 or the motor 31A.

[0054] The fan 3 is inserted into the housing 1 along the transverse direction C1 until the edge region 34 of the fan 3 is positioned in the side opening 15 and the locking structure 50 is locked to the housing 1. In particular, the elastically deformed locking structure 50, e.g. in the form of the locking hook 52, can snap back along the longitudinal axis L1 so that it projects into the side opening and engages behind the edge region 34 of the fan 3. Optionally, the fan 3 is pushed into the housing 1 along the transverse direction C1 until it abuts the contact surface 50a. A distance between the contact surface 50a and the locking structure 50 along the transverse direction C1 can in particular be dimensioned such that the locking structure 50 applies a clamping force to the fan 3 directed along the transverse direction C1.During insertion, the fan 3 is guided by the guide structure 60, if provided, in particular by its guide webs 61, 63 in the transverse direction C1.

[0055] As schematically shown in Fig. 4, the method M100 for assembling the fan 3 can be part of a method M for manufacturing the heat exchanger assembly 100. However, the method M100 can also be carried out separately, e.g. during servicing when the fan 3 on the heat exchanger assembly 100 mounted in the machine room 220 needs to be replaced. In this context, a further advantage of the invention becomes clear from Fig. 1: The heat exchanger assembly 100 can, in particular, be positioned in the machine room 220 such that the longitudinal axis L1 runs transversely to the side walls 224, 225 and the transverse direction C1 runs transversely to the rear wall 223, wherein the side opening 15 (not visible in Fig. 1 due to the sectional view) is located facing away from the rear wall 223.Thus, the side opening 15 is located facing an access opening of the machine room 220, and the fan 3 can be easily removed from the rear of the heat exchanger assembly 100 and reinserted.

[0056] As already mentioned, the design of the housing 1 with the side opening 15 also offers the advantage of simple and quick assembly of the heat assembly 100 in the manufacturing method M. As shown schematically in Fig. 4, the method M for manufacturing the heat exchanger assembly 100 comprises a step M1 in which the heat exchanger 2 is introduced into the receiving space 10. For example, the heat exchanger 2 can be inserted through the second opening 12, wherein the heat exchanger 2 can be locked to the housing 1, for example by means of the clips 56, 58. As a result, the heat exchanger 2 is held by the housing 1 itself. Of course, the heat exchanger 2 can also be fixed in the receiving space 10 in another way, by the housing 1 itself or in another way.

[0057] Step M2 of method M comprises inserting the fan 3 through the side opening 15 into the receiving space 10 along the transverse direction C1, as described above. It should be noted that the order of steps M1 and M2 can be freely selected.

[0058] Although the present invention has been explained above using exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto but can be modified in a variety of ways. In particular, combinations of the above embodiments are also conceivable.

[0059] REFERENCE SYMBOL

[0060] 1 housing

[0061] 1a inner surface

[0062] 1b Outer surface

[0063] 2 heat exchangers

[0064] 3 Fan

[0065] 10 Recording room

[0066] 11 first opening

[0067] 12 second opening

[0068] 15 Side opening

[0069] 16A, 16B first side walls

[0070] 16C, 16D second side walls

[0071] 17 rib

[0072] 18 Recording slot

[0073] 19 grooves

[0074] 20 Line arrangement

[0075] 22 Cooling Structures

[0076] 24, 26 cable connections

[0077] 31 Blade arrangement

[0078] 31 A motor

[0079] 32 ramen

[0080] 32A central recess of the frame

[0081] 32B support structure

[0082] 34 Edge area of ​​the valve gate

[0083] 36 cables

[0084] 50 locking structure

[0085] 50a contact surface

[0086] 52 locking hooks

[0087] 52A first leg

[0088] 52 B second leg

[0089] 52C locking projection

[0090] 53 Slot 56, 58 Clips

[0091] 60 Management structure

[0092] 61 first guide bridges

[0093] 62 crosspieces

[0094] 63 second guide rails

[0095] 100 heat exchanger assembly

[0096] 200 refrigeration unit

[0097] 210 refrigeration compartment

[0098] 220 Engine room

[0099] 221 floor

[0100] 222 Ceiling

[0101] 223 Rear wall

[0102] 224 side wall

[0103] 225 side wall

[0104] 230 Refrigerant circuit

[0105] 231 compressors

[0106] 232 evaporators

[0107] 233 Condenser

[0108] C1 transverse direction

[0109] H1 vertical direction

[0110] L1 Longitudinal axis

[0111] M Manufacturing process

[0112] M100 assembly procedure

[0113] M1, M2 process steps

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Heat exchanger assembly (100) comprising: a housing (1) which defines a receiving space (10) extending along a longitudinal axis (L1) between a first opening (11) and a second opening (12); a heat exchanger (2) which is received in the receiving space (10) of the housing (1); and a fan (3) which is received in the receiving space (10) of the housing (1) and is configured to draw in a gaseous fluid through the first or the second opening (11, 12) of the housing (1), to pass it over the heat exchanger (2), and to blow it out through the other opening (12, 11) of the housing (1); characterized in that the housing (1) has a side opening (15) and a [missing information] in the region of the side opening. (15) has a locking structure (50) arranged, and the fan (3) can be inserted into the receiving space (10) through the side opening (15) along a transverse direction (C1) extending transversely to the longitudinal axis (L1) and is locked to the housing (1) at an edge area (34) located in the side opening (15) by means of the locking structure (50).

2. Heat exchanger assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein the fan (30) is held in the transverse direction (C1) between the locking structure (50) and a contact surface (50a) of the housing (1) located opposite the side opening (15).

3. Heat exchanger assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the grid structure (50) projects into the side opening (15) along the longitudinal axis (L1) and is elastically deformable along the longitudinal axis (L1).

4. Heat exchanger assembly (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking structure (50) has at least one locking hook (52) which The edge region (34) of the fan (30) engages with respect to the transverse direction (C1). A heat exchanger assembly (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fan (3) has a blade arrangement (31) rotatable about a rotational axis (A3) by means of a motor (31A), wherein the motor (31A) and the rotational axis (A3) are arranged in the region of the longitudinal axis (L1) of the housing (1), in particular coaxially to the longitudinal axis (L1), and wherein the locking structure (50) is arranged in a first edge region and / or a second edge region of the side opening (15) with respect to a vertical direction (H1) extending transversely to the longitudinal axis (L1) and to the transverse direction (C1).Heat exchanger assembly (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (1) has a guide structure (60) extending in the transverse direction (C1) aligned with the side opening (15), which holds the fan (3) with respect to the longitudinal axis (L1) and guides it in the transverse direction (C1) when the fan (3) is inserted into the side opening (15). Heat exchanger assembly (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the side opening (15) is formed in the region of the first opening (11) of the housing (1).Heat exchanger assembly (100) according to claim 7, wherein the housing (1) has a first wall section (65) which limits the side opening (15) with respect to the longitudinal axis (L1) in a first direction, and transverse webs (62) extending in the transverse direction (C1) which project into the first opening (11) on opposite sides and limit the side opening (15) with respect to the longitudinal axis (L1) in a second direction, wherein the edge region (34) of the fan (3) is arranged with respect to the longitudinal axis (L1) between the first wall section (65) and the transverse webs (62). Heat exchanger assembly (100) according to claim 8, wherein the locking structure (50) is arranged on the first wall section (65).

10. Heat exchanger assembly (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the heat exchanger (2) is designed as an MCH E heat exchanger.

11. Heat exchanger assembly (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (1) is formed from a solid material.

12. Heat exchanger assembly (100) according to claim 11, wherein the housing is made of a plastic material, such as polypropylene, in particular by an injection molding process.

13. Refrigeration appliance (200), in particular a household refrigeration appliance, comprising: at least one refrigeration compartment (210) for holding goods to be cooled; a machine room (220) separate from the refrigeration compartment (210); and a refrigerant circuit (230) for heat removal from the refrigeration compartment (210) to the environment, wherein the refrigerant circuit (230) comprises a heat exchanger assembly (100, 00) according to one of the preceding claims, which is arranged in the machine room (220).

14. Method (M) for manufacturing a heat exchanger assembly (100), in particular a heat exchanger assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 comprising: Insertion (M1) of a heat exchanger (2) into a receiving space (10) of a housing (1), wherein the housing (1) has a first and a second opening (11, 12) between which the receiving space (10) extends along a longitudinal axis (L1); and Insertion (M2) of a fan (3) through a side opening (15) of the housing (1) into a receiving space (10) along a transverse direction (C1) extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L1), such that an edge region (34) of the fan (3) is positioned in the side opening (15) and is locked to the housing (1) by means of a locking structure (50) formed in the area of ​​the side opening (15).

15. Method (M100) for mounting a fan (3) in a housing (1) of a heat exchanger assembly (100), wherein the housing (1) has a longitudinal axis (L1) extending between a first opening (11) and a second opening (12) extending recording space (10) and has a side opening (15) and a grid structure (50) arranged in the area of ​​the side opening (15), wherein the method (M) comprises: Insertion (M2) of the fan (3) through the side opening (15) into the receiving space (10) along a transverse direction (C1) extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L1), such that an edge region (34) of the fan (3) is in the side opening (15) is positioned and locked to the housing (1) by means of the locking structure (50).

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