Condenser device for a refrigerating appliance, refrigerating appliance and method for mounting a condenser device in a refrigerating appliance

Abstract

A Condenser device (1) for a refrigerating appliance (10), comprises a condenser body (BD) with a plurality of channels (CH) for an air flow through the channels (CH); a base (B) which extends at a bottom of the condenser body (BD), wherein the condenser body (BD) is arranged on the base (B), wherein the base (B) has a longitudinal extent (LE); wherein the base (B) has a flat shape with a predefined width (W) and a projecting end (PE) at a first longitudinal end and an upwardly bent edge face (EF) at a second longitudinal end which is opposite the first longitudinal end, and wherein the projecting end (PE) can be placed into a duct member (DM) of a holding device (HD) and the upwardly bent edge face (EF) can be snapped into a clamp region (CR) of the holding device (HD) and fixedly arranged at a predefined position.

Description

[0001] Condenser device for a refrigerating appliance, refrigerating appliance and method for mounting a condenser device in a refrigerating appliance

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a condenser device for a refrigerating appliance, a refrigerating appliance and a method for mounting a condenser device in a refrigerating appliance.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Typical solutions for mounting a condenser in a refrigerating device often use screws or other means for fixation and such solutions for mounting the condenser require an increased amount of time and require a particular or special tool for assembly and disassembly.

[0006] Condensers can be arranged in a refrigerating appliance, which can be a domestic refrigerator or a wine chiller for example.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is an object of the invention to improve the way of mounting a condenser device in a refrigerating appliance.

[0009] The object is solved by the subject-matter of the independent claims.

[0010] The present invention pertains a condenser device for a refrigerating appliance according to claim 1, to a refrigerating appliance according to claim 5 and to a method for mounting a condenser device in a refrigerating appliance according to claim 11.

[0011] Preferred embodiments are subject of the dependent claims. According to the invention the condenser device for a refrigerating appliance comprises a condenser body with a plurality of channels for an air flow through the channels; a base which extends at a bottom of the condenser body, wherein the condenser body is arranged on the base, wherein the base has a longitudinal extent; wherein the base has a flat shape with a predefined width and a projecting end at a first longitudinal end and an upwardly bent edge face at a second longitudinal end which is opposite the first longitudinal end, and wherein the projecting end can be placed into a duct member of a holding device and the upwardly bent edge face can be snapped into a clamp region of the holding device and fixedly arranged at a predefined position.

[0012] According to the invention the refrigerating appliance comprises a mounting region for a condenser device, wherein the mounting region comprises a holding device with a duct member and with a clamp region; a condenser device according to the invention, which is arranged with its base at the holding device; a fan, which is arranged opposite the condenser device at the mounting region and facing the condenser device, wherein the fan is configured to provide an airflow to the condenser device.

[0013] The condenser body can be arranged on the base by welding, for example.

[0014] The base can have a flat shape with a predefined width and predefined thickness, wherein the thickness can be the same along the whole base. Further, the upwardly bent edge face can be bent by a predefined angle, for example 90 degrees or between 90 and 110 degrees with respect to the longitudinal extent of the base. In the sense of the invention "upwardly" or "vertically" represents the direction perpendicular (within some possible tolerances) to a longitudinal extent of the base (and away from a bowl region which can be below the base).

[0015] A condenser fan can be configured for pulling air through the condenser to ensure air circulation and good heat dissipation. By means of the invention a faster assembly and disassembly of the condenser with its base is possible with a lower assembly complexity and a minimum number or no tools needed. As a further embodiment, the condenser body can also be fixed to the mounting region or plugged to the holding device in a lateral manner from a side perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the base.

[0016] According to the invention the method for mounting a condenser device in a refrigerating appliance comprises providing a condenser device according to the invention; providing a mounting region with a bowl region with a first lateral side wall and a second lateral side wall; placing the projecting end at a predefined angle with respect to a horizontal mounting position of the base in the opening between a first edge and an upper edge of a duct member at the second lateral side wall and on the first edge and rotate the base around the first edge to a horizontal position, wherein a top side of the projecting end contacts the upper edge when rotated to the horizontal mounting position; wherein the clamp region has a vertically projecting clamp, which clamps a bent edge face of the base into a fixed position when the base is pushed to the horizontal mounting position, wherein the clamp region is located at the first lateral side wall.

[0017] As an advantage, a snapping of the (microchannel) condenser in place without any tools and additional parts can be achieved. Further, the base can directly snap into an injection molded plastic base, in particular the mounting region.

[0018] The condenser serves as a heat dissipation part combined with a condenser fan to ensure air circulation.

[0019] Having a condenser tightly positioned into a plastic base serves as not needing additional parts or housings. Additionally, no or a minimum of tools are needed for assembly or disassembly.

[0020] The condenser body can have a cooling liquid guide arranged between the channels.

[0021] According to a further embodiment of the condenser device according to the invention the channels extend perpendicular to the longitudinal extent and in a width direction of the base.

[0022] According to a further embodiment of the condenser device according to the invention the channels are microchannels. The condenser can be a microchannel condenser, wherein used microchannel condenser coils are all aluminum coils with multiple flat tubes containing small channels (microchannels) through which a refrigerant flows. A heat transfer is maximized by the insertion of angled and louvered fins in-between the flat tubes.

[0023] According to a further embodiment of the condenser device according to the invention the base comprises a metal, for example aluminium, or a material of predefined hardness.

[0024] According to a further embodiment of the refrigerating appliance according to the invention the duct member is configured to fit the projecting end into the duct member.

[0025] According to a further embodiment of the refrigerating appliance according to the invention the duct member has a first edge for placing the projecting end on and an upper edge and an opening of the duct member between the first edge and the upper edge, wherein the projecting end can be initially placed at a predefined angle with respect to a horizontal mounting position of the base in the opening and on the first edge and rotated around the first edge to the horizontal mounting position, wherein a top side of the projecting end can contact the upper edge when rotated to the horizontal mounting position.

[0026] According to a further embodiment of the refrigerating appliance according to the invention the clamp region has a vertically projecting clamp, which is configured to clamp the bent edge face into a fixed position when the base is pushed to the horizontal mounting position.

[0027] The vertically projecting clamp can have a flat and vertically extending part and a protrusion on its top which can then engage with the upwardly bent part and hold the latter fixedly. After clamping in the protrusion around the bent edge face the vertical orientation of the bent edge face can be slightly changed due to acting forces. The wording "vertically" can also include some additional tolerances in the angle with respect to the longitudinal extent of the base, for example for representing an angle of more or less than 90 degrees, for example +- 5 or 10 degrees or between.

[0028] According to a further embodiment of the refrigerating appliance according to the invention the clamp region has a clip detail at an edge region of the clamp region, wherein the base can be placed on the edge region of the clamp region when mounting the base, and wherein the clip detail is configured to push the base with the bent edge face in a vertical direction and against the vertically projecting clamp when engaged with the vertically projecting clamp.

[0029] According to a further embodiment of the refrigerating appliance according to the invention the mounting region has a bowl region with a first lateral side wall and a second lateral side wall and the edge region of the clamp region is located on an upper part of the first lateral side wall and the first edge and the upper edge are located at an upper part of the second lateral side wall, and wherein the first lateral side wall and the second lateral side wall are located opposite each other along a horizontal direction.

[0030] The bowl region is configured to receive the condense water from the condenser.

[0031] According to a further embodiment of the method according to the invention the base is placed on an edge region of the clamp region at the first lateral side wall when rotating the base to the horizontal position, and a clip detail at the edge region of the clamp region pushes the base with the bent edge face in a vertical direction and against a protrusion of the vertically projecting clamp when engaged with the vertically projecting clamp.

[0032] BRIEF DESCIRPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The invention will be explained in greater detail with reference to exemplary embodiments depicted in the drawings as appended.

[0034] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate a comparative embodiment and embodiments of the present invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. Other embodiments of the present invention and many of the intended advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other. Like reference numerals designate corresponding similar parts. Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of a condenser device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0035] Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of a refrigerating appliance according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0036] Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b show schematic views on a holding device for a condenser device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0037] Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b show steps of a method for mounting a condenser device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0038] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and / or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present invention. Generally, this application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein.

[0040] Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of a condenser device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0041] The condenser device 1 for a refrigerating appliance 10 comprises a condenser body BD with a plurality of channels CH for an air flow through the channels CH; base B which extends at a bottom of the condenser body BD, wherein the condenser body BD is arranged on the base B, wherein the base B has a longitudinal extent LE; wherein the base B has a flat shape with a predefined width and a projecting end PE at a first longitudinal end and an upwardly bent edge face EF at a second longitudinal end which is opposite the first longitudinal end, and wherein the projecting end PE can be placed into a duct member DM of a holding device HD and the upwardly bent edge face EF can be snapped into a clamp region CR of the holding device HD and fixedly arranged at a predefined position. Between the channels CH a guide G for a cooling means can be arranged.

[0042] Further, the condenser device 1 can be arranged above a bowl region BR as part of the mounting region MR, wherein Fig. 1 shows the horizontal mounting position. The clamp region CR has a vertically projecting clamp VC, which is configured to clamp the bent edge face EF with a protrusion PR on top into a fixed position when the base B is pushed to the horizontal mounting position. The duct member DM has a first edge FE for placing the projecting end PE on and an upper edge UE and an opening of the duct member DM between the first edge FE and the upper edge UE, wherein the projecting end PE can be initially placed at a predefined angle with respect to a horizontal mounting position of the base B in the opening and on the first edge FE and rotated around the first edge FE to the horizontal mounting position, wherein a top side of the projecting end PE can contact the upper edge UE when rotated to the horizontal mounting position.

[0043] Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of a refrigerating appliance according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0044] The refrigerating appliance 10 shown in Fig. 2 comprises a mounting region MR for a condenser device 1, wherein the mounting region MR comprises a holding device with a duct member DM and with a clamp region, which has an protrusion PR for holding the upwardly bent edge face EF when snapped in. Further, a fan F is arranged opposite the condenser device 1 at the mounting region MR and facing the condenser device 1, wherein the fan F is configured to provide an airflow to the condenser device 1.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 2, the mounting region MR has a bowl region BR with a first lateral side wall W1 and a second lateral side wall W2 wherein the first lateral side wall and the second lateral side wall are located opposite each other along a horizontal direction.

[0046] Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b show schematic views on a holding device for a condenser device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0047] Fig. 3a shows a top view on the mounting region MR, with the bowl region BR. On the left side the duct member DM is shown with the first edge FE and the upper edge UE and an opening of the duct member DM between the first edge FE and the upper edge UE. On the right side the clip region CR and the protrusion PR are shown. When the base (not shown) spans the region between the lateral side walls it overspans the bowl region BR. Further, the duct member DM and the clip region CR have a width which is similar or slightly larger to the width of the base. The mounting region MR can have further side walls around the clip region CR and the duct member DM, for example around the first edge FE for laterally holding the base at a predefined position. The clip region CR has the clip detail CD and the protrusion PR.

[0048] Fig. 3b shows details of the duct member DM at the upper region of the second wall W2 and details of the clip region CR at the upper region of the first wall W1, both as regions of the holding device HD and according to Fig. 3a.

[0049] Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b show steps of a method for mounting a condenser device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0050] When mounting a condenser device in a refrigerating appliance the step of providing S1 a condenser device according to the invention is performed. Further, the step of providing S2 a mounting region with a bowl region with a first lateral side wall and a second lateral side wall is performed. Further, the step of placing S3 the projecting end PE at a predefined angle with respect to a horizontal mounting position of the base B in the opening between a first edge and an upper edge of a duct member DM is performed (Fig. 4a) and the base rotated around the first edge to the horizontal mounting position (Fig. 4b). Then the base B is placed on the clip detail CD at the edge region and clipped in to the vertically projecting clamp VC when engaged with the vertically projecting clamp VC.

[0051] In the foregoing detailed description, various features are grouped together in one or more examples or examples with the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. It is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . Condenser device (1) for a refrigerating appliance (10), comprising:- a condenser body (BD) with a plurality of channels (CH) for an air flow through the channels (CH);- a base (B) which extends at a bottom of the condenser body (BD), wherein the condenser body (BD) is arranged on the base (B), wherein the base (B) has a longitudinal extent (LE); wherein the base (B) has a flat shape with a predefined width (W) and a projecting end (PE) at a first longitudinal end and an upwardly bent edge face (EF) at a second longitudinal end which is opposite the first longitudinal end, and wherein the projecting end (PE) can be placed into a duct member (DM) of a holding device (HD) and the upwardly bent edge face (EF) can be snapped into a clamp region (CR) of the holding device (HD) and fixedly arranged at a predefined position.

2. Condenser device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the channels (CH) are microchannels.

3. Condenser device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the base (B) comprises a metal or a material of predefined hardness.

4. Condenser device (1) according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the channels (CH) extend perpendicular to the longitudinal extent (LE) and in a width direction of the base (B).

5. Refrigerating appliance (10) comprising: a mounting region (MR) for a condenser device (1), wherein the mounting region (MR) comprises a holding device (HD) with a duct member (DM) and with a clamp region (CR); a condenser device (1) according to any of claims 1 to 4, which is arranged with its base (B) at the holding device (HD); a fan (F), which is arranged opposite the condenser device (1) at the mounting region (MR) and facing the condenser device (1), wherein the fan (F) is configured to provide an airflow to the condenser device (1).

6. Refrigerating appliance (10) according to claim 5, wherein the duct member (DM) is configured to fit the projecting end (PE) into the duct member (DM).

7. Refrigerating appliance (10) according to claim 6, wherein the duct member (DM) has a first edge (FE) for placing the projecting end (PE) on and an upper edge (UE) and an opening of the duct member (DM) between the first edge (FE) and the upper edge (UE), wherein the projecting end (PE) can be initially placed at a predefined angle with respect to a horizontal mounting position of the base (B) in the opening and on the first edge (FE) and rotated around the first edge (FE) to the horizontal mounting position, wherein a top side of the projecting end (PE) can contact the upper edge (UE) when rotated to the horizontal mounting position.

8. Refrigerating appliance (10) according to any of claims 5 to 7, wherein, the clamp region (CR) has a vertically projecting clamp (VC), which is configured to clamp the bent edge face (EF) into a fixed position when the base is pushed to the horizontal mounting position.

9. Refrigerating appliance (10) according to claim 8, wherein the clamp region (CR) has a clip detail (CD) at an edge region (ER-CR) of the clamp region, wherein the base can be placed on the edge region (ER-CR) of the clamp region when mounting the base (B), and wherein the clip detail (CD) is configured to push the base (B) with the bent edge face (EF) in a vertical direction and against the vertically projecting clamp (VC) when engaged with the vertically projecting clamp (VC).

10. Refrigerating appliance (10) according to any of claims 5 to 9, wherein the mounting region (MR) has a bowl region (BR) with a first lateral side wall (W1) and a second lateral side wall (W2) and the edge region (ER-CR) of the clamp region is located on an upper part of the first lateral side wall (W1) and the first edge (FE) and the upper edge (UE) are located at an upper part of the second lateral side wall (W2), and wherein the first lateral side wall (W1) and the second lateral side wall (W2) are located opposite each other along a horizontal direction.

11. Method for mounting a condenser device (1) in a refrigerating appliance (10), comprising the following steps: providing (S1) a condenser device according to any of claims 1 - 4; providing (S2) a mounting region (MR) with a bowl region (BR) with a first lateral sidewall and a second lateral side wall; placing (S3) the projecting end (PE) at a predefined angle with respect to a horizontal mounting position of the base (B) in the opening between a first edge (FE) and an upper edge (UE) of a duct member at the second lateral side wall and on the first edge (FE) and rotate the base (B) around the first edge (FE) to the horizontal mounting position, wherein a top side of the projecting end (PE) contacts the upper edge (UE) when rotated to the horizontal position; wherein the clamp region (CR) has a vertically projecting clamp (VC), which clamps a bent edge face (EF) of the base (B) into a fixed position when the base (B) is pushed to the horizontal mounting position, wherein the clamp region (CR) is located at the first lateral side wall.

12. Method according to claim 11, wherein the base (B) is placed on an edge region (ER-CR) of the clamp region at the first lateral side wall when rotating the base (B) to the horizontal position, and a clip detail (CD) at the edge region (ER-CR) of the clamp region pushes the base (B) with the bent edge face (EF) in a vertical direction and against a protrusion (PR) of the vertically projecting clamp (VC) when engaged with the vertically projecting clamp (VC).

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