Subflow protection for refrigeration cycle machine, refrigeration cycle machine, and method

Abstract

The invention relates to an underflow guard (10) for a refrigeration unit (1), in particular a domestic appliance for ventilation, heating, hot water preparation and / or cooling, wherein the refrigeration unit (1) has an evaporator (2) and a condensate tray (4) arranged below the evaporator (1), wherein the underflow guard (10) is designed to be mounted in a mounting position between the evaporator (2) and the condensate tray (4) in a downwardly sealing manner, wherein the underflow guard (10) has two side sections (11, 13) and a central section (12), wherein the central section (12) is designed to be mounted along an insertion direction (E) between both of the side sections (11, 13) and thereby form a positive fit, wherein the positive fit prevents further movement in the insertion direction (E) as well as movement of the central section (12) in the direction of both of the side sections (11, 13).wherein the central section (12) further comprises a handle element (30) which is designed to remove the central section (30) from the assembly position in the opposite direction to the insertion direction (E).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an underflow protection device for a refrigeration cycle machine, in particular a domestic appliance for ventilation, heating, hot water preparation and / or cooling, an associated refrigeration cycle machine and an associated method.

[0002] Refrigeration cycle machines are well known. They often comprise a refrigeration circuit containing an evaporator in which a refrigerant evaporates in at least one operating mode, absorbing heat from the environment.

[0003] The evaporator, for example, is designed to absorb heat from the air flowing through it. To operate efficiently, the air flow passing over the evaporator must be directed as completely as possible through the evaporator and not past it. Air flowing past the evaporator reduces the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle.

[0004] It is also known that condensation can occur on evaporators. To avoid risking damage to the refrigeration cycle, a condensate tray is provided below and spaced from the evaporator. The distance between the evaporator and the condensate tray is necessary to provide the required collection volume for condensate.

[0005] The gap between the evaporator and the condensate pan causes part of the airflow to flow under the evaporator, which, as mentioned, is undesirable for efficiency reasons. At the same time, a permanent seal between the evaporator and the condensate pan is undesirable, as it makes it impossible to remove the evaporator or access the space behind the evaporator during maintenance. This is particularly serious in refrigeration cycle machines where maintenance access is only possible from one side, for example, the front of the evaporator.

[0006] Against this background, it was an object of the present invention to prevent the underflow between the evaporator and the condensate pan without impairing the maintainability of the refrigeration cycle machine.

[0007] According to the invention, the object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0008] In a first aspect, an underflow protection device is proposed for a refrigeration cycle machine, in particular a domestic appliance for ventilation, heating, hot water preparation and / or cooling, wherein the refrigeration cycle machine has an evaporator and a condensate tray arranged below the evaporator, wherein the underflow protection device is designed to be mounted in a mounting position between the evaporator and the condensate tray in a downwardly sealing manner to the evaporator, wherein the underflow protection device has two side sections and a central section, wherein the central section is designed to be mounted along an insertion direction between both of the side sections and thereby form a positive connection, wherein the positive connection blocks further movement in the insertion direction as well as movement of the central section in the direction of both of the side sections, wherein the central section further has a handle element which is designed toremove the middle section from the mounting position in the opposite direction to the insertion direction.

[0009] The underflow protection preferably corresponds in its extension to the lower surface of the evaporator in order to seal it as efficiently as possible. The underflow protection is thus approximately linear, with the three sections—the side sections and the center section—forming sections of this linear shape. The three sections are therefore preferably arranged side by side or one behind the other in the longitudinal extension of the underflow protection.

[0010] The underflow protection allows for particularly simple installation and removal beneath the evaporator, ensuring easy access to all components even during maintenance or cleaning. This is made possible by the fact that the underflow protection consists of three sections, which can be inserted one after the other into the space between the evaporator and the condensate pan.

[0011] No fastening devices such as screws are required. Nor are permanent or irreversible fasteners such as adhesives or welds necessary. On the contrary, simply inserting the individual sections of the underflow protection is sufficient to achieve a sufficient and secure seal. The core of the invention is the positive fit between the side sections and the center section. This ensures that insertion in one direction—namely, the insertion direction, which typically corresponds to the direction of air flow through the evaporator—blocks the movement of the underflow protection in several directions.

[0012] More precisely, the positive locking prevents the center section from being pushed further in the insertion direction. The positive locking simultaneously functions as a stop for the center section and the two side sections in the insertion direction. The positive locking also prevents the side sections from moving translationally or rotationally in the insertion direction, meaning they cannot shift or twist. No special design of the evaporator underside or the condensate pan is required; in particular, no additional stop is required. This ensures the compatibility of the underflow protection with various evaporators.

[0013] In addition, the positive locking mechanism blocks the direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, namely from the center section to the side sections. This ensures the stability of the entire underflow protection device in the installed position.

[0014] The underflow protection prevents movement in the third dimension, i.e., in the direction between the condensate pan and the evaporator, by forming a seal. The underflow protection is thus wedged between the condensate pan and the evaporator, preventing movement in this direction.

[0015] Removing the underflow protection is just as easy, and requires just a few steps. By reversing the sequence, first remove the center section using the handle in the opposite direction to the insertion direction, before removing the side sections.

[0016] Preferably, the form fit forms the blocking of the movement of the central section in the direction of insertion by a step-like contour of a contact surface between the central section and each of the side sections.

[0017] The stepped contour is easy to implement because, for example, there are no curves. Furthermore, the stepped contour is very effective in preventing the individual sections from twisting relative to each other.

[0018] Preferably, the step-like contour of the contact surface is formed, in the insertion direction, by an initially substantially constant extension, followed by a tapered extension, and finally a substantially constant extension of the central section. More than the exemplary three sections of the step-like contour are also advantageous.

[0019] Preferably, the underflow protection has, in the insertion direction, an increasing thickness, a sealing section with a substantially constant thickness, and a thickness decreasing again from the sealing section.

[0020] The thickness gradient of the underflow protection ensures that the sealing section in the center of the underflow protection effectively seals the evaporator from below. The adjacent rising and falling thicknesses ensure that condensate accumulating on the evaporator and encountering the underflow protection can drain away by gravity and does not remain on the underflow protection.

[0021] Preferably, the side sections and the middle section are flush with each other and form a stepless, linear underflow protection.

[0022] In other words, the three sections are designed as part of a continuous linear underflow protection system, with the respective ends of the sections that are brought into contact with each other correspondingly. This eliminates any protruding corners or edges, which is advantageous from a cleaning perspective as well as aesthetically.

[0023] Preferably, a length of the underflow protection, which results from the sum of the lengths of the two side sections and the central section, corresponds at least to the length of the evaporator.

[0024] Preferably, the handle element is designed as two handle openings that can be gripped from below.

[0025] By making the handles accessible from below, condensate cannot collect in them. Protruding sections such as handles, on which condensate could undesirably collect, are also eliminated. Furthermore, the underflow protection is located below the evaporator near ground level, so it is usually accessed from above. From this position, it is ergonomic to grasp the handle element and grip it with your fingers from below.

[0026] Preferably, locking means, in particular clamp openings and clamps, are provided for locking the side sections to the central section.

[0027] In a further aspect, a refrigeration cycle machine, in particular of a domestic appliance for ventilation, heating, hot water preparation and / or cooling, is proposed, with an evaporator and a condensate tray arranged below the evaporator, characterized in that the refrigeration cycle machine has an underflow protection according to the invention for sealing the evaporator downwards to the condensate tray.

[0028] In a further aspect, a method for servicing a refrigeration cycle machine, in particular a domestic appliance for ventilation, heating, hot water preparation and / or cooling, is proposed, wherein the refrigeration cycle machine has an evaporator and a condensate tray arranged below the evaporator and an underflow protection according to the invention, which is mounted in a mounting position between the evaporator and the condensate tray so as to seal the evaporator downwards, wherein the method comprises the following steps: removing the middle section of the underflow protection against the insertion direction by means of the handle element, and subsequently

[0029] Remove the side sections using the space below the evaporator created by the previously removed central section.

[0030] The described refrigeration cycle machine and the described method enable the same advantages as the described underflow protection to be achieved. Furthermore, they can be combined in any way with the described preferred embodiments of the underflow protection to achieve the same advantages.

[0031] Further advantages and preferred embodiments are described below with reference to the attached figures. Herein: Fig. 1 shows a schematic and exemplary underflow protection device in the assembled state; Fig. 2 shows a schematic and exemplary underflow protection device in a perspective view; and Fig. 3 shows a schematic and exemplary underflow protection device in cross-section.

[0032] Fig. 1shows schematically and exemplarily a section of a refrigeration cycle machine 1. The refrigeration cycle machine 1 is in particular a domestic technology device for ventilation, heating, hot water preparation and / or cooling and particularly preferably a combination device which is designed for each of these functions.

[0033] The refrigeration cycle machine 1 has a refrigeration circuit with an evaporator 2. As is known, a refrigerant is first compressed in the refrigeration circuit between the evaporator 2 (shown) and a condenser (not shown) using a compressor (also not shown). After flowing through the condenser, the refrigerant is then expanded via an expansion device before flowing back to the evaporator. Further embodiments of such refrigeration circuits are also conceivable in the present invention; for example, a subcooler or a recuperator may be provided.

[0034] In the example shown, the evaporator 2 is designed as a finned heat exchanger and, in the refrigeration cycle machine 1 shown, it is located at a certain distance above a condensate tray 4. The evaporator 2 is spaced apart from the condensate tray 4 so that it forms a reservoir for collecting any condensate.

[0035] The refrigeration cycle machine 1 is particularly efficient when no volume flow is bypassed by the evaporator 2, but rather the entire volume flow is passed through the evaporator 2. For this reason, according to the invention, an underflow protection device 10 is sealingly formed between the evaporator 2 and the condensate pan 4. The underflow protection device 10 seals the evaporator 2 at the bottom and prevents any volume flow from passing below the evaporator 2.

[0036] The underflow protection 10 is isolated in perspective view in Fig. 2 shown. In Fig. 1The underflow protection 10 is shown in an assembled position, in which it seals the evaporator as mentioned. The underflow protection has two side sections 11, 13 and a central section 12. All three sections are in Fig. 2 shown.

[0037] The underflow protection 10 is designed to be installed in the space between the evaporator 2 and the condensate pan 4 after the condensate pan 4 and the evaporator 2 have been installed. It is also a requirement that the underflow protection 10 can be removed for cleaning or maintenance purposes. This is achieved according to the invention by the multiple sections 11, 12, 13, which can be installed one after the other. First, the two side sections 11, 13 are inserted between the evaporator 2 and the condensate pan 4.

[0038] The central section 12 is then inserted in an insertion direction E between the side sections 11, 13. By inserting the central section 12, a positive connection is formed between the side section 11 and the central section 12, as well as between the central section 12 and the side section 13. The positive connection prevents further movement of the central section 12 in the insertion direction E. In addition, the positive connection prevents the central section 12 from moving laterally in the direction of the side sections 11, 13. The central section 12 can also be referred to as a fit between the two side sections 11, 13.

[0039] The form fit is implemented according to the invention by the multi-stage contour of the contact surface between side sections 11, 13 and central section 12. The contact surface initially runs essentially constant in a section 21, before a tapered section 22 follows and finally ends in a likewise essentially constant section 23. Other contours are also possible; the one shown and in Fig. 2 The particularly clearly visible geometry enables a particularly advantageous form fit. In particular, the stepped design also prevents the central section 12 from twisting around itself.

[0040] The further geometry, in particular of the side sections 11, 13, is adapted to the geometry of the condensate tray so that a good seal can be achieved between the underflow protection 10 and the condensate tray 4.

[0041] On its front side in the insertion direction E, the underflow protection device 10 further comprises a handle element 30. In the example shown, the handle element 30 is designed as two spaced-apart handle openings for pulling out the central section 12. Once the central section 12 has been removed using the handle element 30, the side sections 11, 13 can subsequently also be removed. Clamp openings 40 are provided in the vicinity of the contact surface between the side sections 11, 13 and the central section 12. The individual sections of the underflow protection device 10 can be secured using a clamp (not shown), thus preventing accidental release.

[0042] Fig. 3shows a schematic and exemplary cross-section through the evaporator 2 and the underflow protection 10. It can be seen that the underflow protection 10, in cross-sectional view, has a profile composed of three sections on its upper side. Rising surfaces 52, 54 are provided on both sides in the insertion direction E, i.e., along a longitudinal direction of the underflow protection 10. The rising surfaces 52, 54 ensure that defrosting condensate does not remain on the underflow protection 10, but can flow into the condensate pan 4. A sealing section 56 is located between them, which forms the sealing effect with the evaporator 2. List of reference symbols

[0043] 1Refrigeration cycle machine 2Evaporator 4Condensate tray 10Underflow protection 11Side section 12Middle section 13Side section 21Contact surface section 22Tapered contact surface section 23Contact surface section 30Handle element 40Clamp openings 52Rising surface 54Rising surface 56Sealing section EInsertion direction

Claims

1. Underflow protection (10) for a refrigeration cycle machine (1), in particular a domestic appliance for ventilation, heating, hot water preparation and / or cooling, wherein the refrigeration cycle machine (1) has an evaporator (2) and a condensate tray (4) arranged below the evaporator (1), wherein the underflow protection (10) is designed to be mounted in a mounting position between the evaporator (2) and the condensate tray (4) in a downwardly sealing manner, wherein the underflow protection (10) has two side sections (11, 13) and a central section (12), wherein the central section (12) is designed to be mounted along an insertion direction (E) between both of the side sections (11, 13) and thereby form a positive connection, wherein the positive connection blocks further movement in the insertion direction (E) as well as movement of the central section (12) in the direction of both of the side sections (11, 13),wherein the central portion (12) further comprises a gripping element (30) which is designed to remove the central portion (30) from the mounting position counter to the insertion direction (E).

2. Underflow protection (10) according to claim 1, wherein the positive connection forms the blocking of the movement of the central section (12) in the direction of the insertion direction (E) by a step-like contour (21, 22, 23) of a contact surface between the central section (12) and the respective side sections (11, 13).

3. Underflow protection (10) according to claim 2, wherein the step-like contour of the contact surface, in the insertion direction (E), is formed on the central portion (12) by initially a substantially constant extension (21), then a tapered extension (22) and finally a substantially constant extension (23) of the central portion (12).

4. Underflow protection (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the underflow protection (10) has, in the insertion direction, an increasing thickness (52), a sealing section (56) with a substantially constant thickness, and a thickness (54) decreasing again from the sealing section.

5. Underflow protection (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the side sections (11, 13) and the central section (12) are flush with one another and form a step-free, linear underflow protection (10).

6. Underflow protection (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a length of the underflow protection (10), which results from the sum of the lengths of the two side sections (11, 13) and the central section (12), corresponds at least to the length of the evaporator (2).

7. Underflow protection (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the handle element (30) is designed as two handle openings that can be gripped from below.

8. Underflow protection (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein locking means (40), in particular clamp openings and clamps, are provided for locking the side sections (11, 13) to the central section (12).

9. Refrigeration cycle machine (1), in particular of a domestic appliance for ventilation, heating, hot water preparation and / or cooling, with an evaporator (2) and a condensate tray (4) arranged below the evaporator (2), characterized in that the refrigeration cycle machine (1) has an underflow protection (10) according to one of the preceding claims for sealing the evaporator (2) downwards to the condensate pan (4).

10. A method for servicing a refrigeration cycle machine (1), in particular a domestic appliance for ventilation, heating, hot water preparation and / or cooling, wherein the refrigeration cycle machine (1) has an evaporator (2) and a condensate pan (4) arranged below the evaporator (2) and an underflow protection (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, which is mounted in a mounting position between the evaporator (2) and the condensate pan (4) so as to seal the evaporator (2) downwards, the method comprising the following steps: removing the central section (12) of the underflow protection (10) counter to the insertion direction by means of the handle element (30), and then removing the side sections (11, 13) using the space below the evaporator (2) freed up by the previously removed central section (12).

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