Cooling device for food, in particular refrigerator and / or freezer, and insulation module for a cooling device for food

Abstract

A cooling device (1.1) for food, in particular a refrigerator and / or freezer, comprises a cooling chamber (2) with a chamber wall, wherein the chamber wall has in at least one wall section (9.1 to 9.6) an insulating body with an insulating core and a covering medium that hermetically encloses the insulating core, which is pressurized, and two cover layers between which the insulating body is received, wherein the insulating body has a thickness of at least 5 mm, and wherein the cover layers (14.1, 14.2) each have a thickness in the range of 0.1 mm to 25 mm. An insulating module, in particular for such a cooling device (1.1).

Description

[0001] The content of the German patent application DE 10 2024 208 947.8 is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The invention relates to a cooling device for food, in particular a refrigerator and / or a freezer. Furthermore, the invention relates to a novel insulation module, particularly for such a cooling device.

[0003] From EP 1 338 854 A1, a refrigerator is known comprising a frame structure, an evacuated insulating core, and two cover layers that hermetically enclose the insulating core together with the frame structure. Disadvantages include the cost of the frame structure, the need to vacuum the insulating core while it is still attached to the bulky frame structure, and the fact that the connection between the cover layers and the frame structure is prone to defects and is time-consuming and expensive to manufacture.

[0004] It is an object of the invention to provide an improved cooling device which is particularly economical to manufacture, as well as energy-efficient and robust in operation.

[0005] This problem is solved by a food cooling device with the features of claim 1, in particular by means of a completely novel design based on novel negative pressure insulating panels for a frameless cooling device. The preferably frameless design avoids a thermal bridge in the frame construction, resulting in particularly high energy efficiency. It has been recognized that a food cooling device, in particular a refrigerator and / or a freezer, can have a cooling chamber with a chamber wall, whereby particularly comprehensive insulation, robust design, and economical manufacturing are achievable if the at least one wall section of the chamber wall has an insulating body with an insulating core and a covering material sandwiched between two cover layers.The insulating core is preferably pressurized and hermetically sealed by the cladding material. The insulating body is optionally at least 5 mm thick, and the thickness of at least one, and preferably both, cover layers is optionally at least 0.1 mm and / or a maximum of 25 mm. Smaller or larger thicknesses are also possible. The insulating body with the pressurized insulating core ensures improved insulation performance, especially with a very small thickness. The cladding material reliably seals the insulating core airtight and ensures economical production of the insulating body. The cover layers have multiple functions: they protect the cladding from mechanical damage, contribute to the airtight seal of the insulating core, increase the strength of the chamber wall, and create an aesthetically pleasing appearance.The chamber wall, despite its thinness, provides excellent insulation, saving installation space that can be used for storage, particularly within the cooling unit. Manufacturing the chamber wall, and therefore the cooling unit itself, can be particularly cost-effective. Different cooling chamber geometries can be produced quickly and cost-efficiently, resulting in high application flexibility.

[0006] According to one aspect, a novel panel construction is provided in which an insulating body, preferably the insulating body pressurized with negative pressure and covered on both sides with surface layers, in particular HPL layers, has a filler, in particular a panel connection element, at its edges. This filler material can have both an insulating effect and a constructive, structural, or load-bearing function. Preferably, the filler incorporated between the surface layers is formed into the shape of a panel connection element, in particular with a miter / tongue joint or similar. This panel connection element enables easy assembly with further insulating panels and extremely economical carcass production, as is known from furniture manufacturing, whereby a highly energy-efficient cooling system can be produced.

[0007] The insulating body is preferably a vacuum insulation panel (VIP). Compared to a conventional insulating body, especially one without negative pressure, for example made of polyurethane foam (PU foam), the insulating body can exhibit a significantly higher insulating effect, particularly by a factor of at least five, and in particular at least ten, due to the negative pressure, especially the vacuum. The thermal conductivity coefficient can be reduced accordingly.

[0008] The design of the cooling device, the insulation module, or the insulating plate with the two cover layers is not mandatory. According to the invention, these can also be designed without a cover layer or with a single cover layer, in particular with at least one, and in particular at least two, cover layers.

[0009] The term "at least one cover layer" preferably refers to a layer that forms a surface, in particular an unobstructed, unenclosed and / or visible surface, of the cooling device, for example an interior surface and / or an outer surface of the cooling device.

[0010] The at least one cover layer is preferably an outermost layer or layer of the cooling device, the chamber wall, the insulating plate, or the insulating module.

[0011] The cooling chamber preferably comprises predominantly flat wall sections. In particular, the chamber wall consists of flat wall sections. The cooling chamber is preferably a polygonal body.

[0012] The outer layers and / or the insulating core can be essentially flat. Preferably, the cooling chamber is rectangular in at least one cross-sectional plane, particularly in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to a principal direction of extension, especially in the top view and / or the front view and / or in a side view. The cooling chamber can also be cuboid.

[0013] The chamber wall preferably comprises reversibly or irreversibly connected, in particular flat, wall sections, with at least one insulating element. Such a wall section, with the insulating element sandwiched between two cover layers, is also referred to as an insulating module. Such an insulating module constitutes a special, and in particular independently relevant, aspect of the invention. The insulating module will be discussed in more detail below.

[0014] The chamber wall is preferably composed of flat wall sections. A wall section is preferably defined by having at least one, and in particular exactly one, insulating body or insulating core adjacent to its edge. In the thickness direction, one or more of the insulating bodies and / or insulating cores may be present, in particular adjacent to one another.

[0015] A single encapsulation medium can contain one or more insulating bodies, in particular, they can be enclosed airtight.

[0016] Between two adjacent wall sections, at least one covering layer, and in particular both covering layers, can extend continuously, especially in one piece. This increases mechanical stability. Alternatively, at least one covering layer, and in particular both covering layers, can be separated between adjacent wall sections, i.e., not continuous. This promotes a modular, flexible construction method.

[0017] The combination comprising the at least one insulating body and the cover layers, or the at least one wall section, is also referred to as an insulating panel, particularly if it is flat, especially if it forms a flat wall section. An insulating panel designed as a unit, especially as a single piece, is also referred to as an insulating module, particularly if it is designed for connection with other insulating panels or insulating modules, especially for the production of an insulating chamber, particularly a cooling chamber.

[0018] Whether the insulation modules are plate-shaped or connected to each other to form the cooling chamber is basically optional.

[0019] The cooling chamber preferably comprises at least one, in particular at least two, in particular at least four, in particular at least five, in particular at least six, and / or a maximum of 30, in particular a maximum of 20, in particular a maximum of 12, in particular a maximum of eight, of the insulating plates, in particular of the insulating modules, in particular it consists of these.

[0020] At least one, in particular every, wall of the cold storage chamber, especially a floor wall and / or a side wall and / or a rear wall and / or a ceiling wall, can have at least one, in particular a single, or at least two, in particular at least three, insulating panels, in particular insulating modules, and in particular consist of them. This allows a large number of different overall dimensions of the cooling device to be created based on just a few insulating panels with different dimensions.

[0021] The insulating panels can be mounted together, particularly in parallel and / or perpendicular orientations. The cold storage chamber can be equipped with appropriate mounting devices for connecting adjacent, especially adjoining, insulating panels. This modular design reduces manufacturing costs while allowing for high dimensional flexibility.

[0022] The cooling device is preferably a refrigerator and / or freezer. The cooling device may include a cooling unit for reducing the temperature within the cooling chamber. Preferably, the cooling unit is a heat exchanger, particularly an electrically operated one.

[0023] Alternatively, the cooling device can be a passive cooling device, for example a cooler, especially an insulated box.

[0024] The cooling chamber preferably has at least one opening for introducing food, particularly into an interior space of the cooling chamber. The opening can be reversibly closed by a closure, particularly a door, especially a refrigerator door. Preferably, the closure has a glass panel to allow a view into the interior. Alternatively or additionally, the closure can have an insulating panel as described above, with or without a glass insert, e.g., for a cabinet door to be installed by a kitchen fitter in a fitted kitchen.

[0025] The insulating core preferably comprises a porous, in particular microporous, and / or open-pored and / or pourable and / or fibrous, in particular random fibrous, material; in particular, the insulating core consists of such a material.

[0026] The insulating core material can comprise a ceramic material, in particular silicon, especially silicon dioxide, and / or silica, in particular amorphous and / or pyrogenic silica, and / or perlite and / or glass, for example glass fibers, and / or rock, in particular volcanic rock, and / or a plastic, in particular polyurethane and / or polyethylene and / or polycarbonate. In particular, it consists of such materials.

[0027] The insulating core material can comprise, and in particular consist of, a foamed material, especially an open-cell foamed material, and / or fibrous material, especially glass and / or plastic fibers. For example, the insulating core consists of foamed glass and / or foamed polyurethane foam.

[0028] Preferably, the insulating body, in particular the insulating core, and / or the insulating plate have a thermal conductivity of at most 0.05 W / mK, in particular at most 0.03 W / mK, in particular at most 0.02 W / mK, in particular at most 0.01 W / mK, and / or of at least 0.001 W / mK.

[0029] The insulating core can be self-supporting, in particular designed as a continuous, solid structure, or consist of loose granules and / or bulk material, with the structural stability preferably being generated by the combination with the encasing material and the negative pressure.

[0030] The encapsulation material preferably comprises a film, in particular comprising a metal, especially a steel and / or aluminum foil, and / or a plastic, in particular a PE, PVC, PC and / or PTFE film, in particular a multilayer or coated film, in particular with a metallic layer, in particular a vapor-deposited film. The plastic film is preferably self-welding, in particular the encapsulation material can be welded to create an airtight seal around the insulating core.

[0031] Preferably, an intermediate layer, particularly made of nonwoven fabric, is provided between the insulating core and the encasing material. This intermediate layer preferably covers the entire surface of the insulating core. This improves the mechanical protection of the encasing material and / or the air release during the creation of the negative pressure.

[0032] The negative pressure, particularly relative to ambient pressure, especially at standard atmosphere, is preferably at least 0.5 bar, particularly at least 0.8 bar, and particularly at least 0.9 bar. In other words, the pressure within the encapsulation material or acting upon the insulating core, particularly relative to a vacuum, is at most 0.5 bar, particularly at most 0.3 bar, particularly at most 0.1 bar, particularly at most 0.05 bar, particularly at most 0.02 bar, particularly at most 0.01 bar, particularly at most 0.005 bar, and particularly at most 0.001 bar. This allows for particularly comprehensive thermal insulation.

[0033] The presence of a negative pressure on the insulating body is optional. Alternatively, according to the invention, no negative pressure is present on at least one insulating body, and in particular on all insulating bodies. The insulating effect of the insulating body material ensures good insulation properties even without the negative pressure, although these can be significantly increased by the negative pressure. Many of the other aspects of the invention, for example, the modular design of the cooling device with the at least one insulating plate, are advantageous and in accordance with the invention both with and without the negative pressure.

[0034] The encapsulation material can contain a fluid-tight insulating fluid, in particular an insulating gas, especially a noble gas, particularly argon and / or helium. In particular, the insulating body can be pressurized with this fluid. This achieves improved insulation with or without negative pressure. The volume fraction of the insulating fluid relative to the volume enclosed by the encapsulation material is preferably at least 30%, in particular at least 50%, and in particular at least 80%. The volume fraction of nitrogen within the encapsulation material is preferably a maximum of 50%, in particular a maximum of 20%, and in particular a maximum of 10%.

[0035] The at least one insulating body and / or the at least one insulating plate preferably have a thickness in the range of 5 mm to 100 mm, in particular 8 mm to 80 mm, in particular 10 mm to 60 mm, in particular 20 mm to 50 mm, in particular 20 mm to 30 mm, in particular 25 mm, wherein the aforementioned range limits are advantageous in any combination.

[0036] The at least one cover layer, and in particular both cover layers, preferably have a thickness in the range of 0.1 mm to 25 mm or up to 20 mm, in particular from 0.15 mm to 15 mm, in particular from 0.2 mm to 10 mm, in particular from 0.3 mm to 5 mm, in particular from 0.4 mm to 3 mm, in particular from 0.5 mm to 2 mm, in particular from 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, in particular from 1.2 mm, wherein the limits of the ranges can preferably be combined arbitrarily. The thickness of the sheet metal can, for example, be less than the thickness of the HPL.

[0037] The at least one cover layer, in particular both cover layers, preferably form a surface of the insulating board, in particular of the cooling chamber, that is exposed, in particular predominantly, in particular completely.

[0038] It is optional that the cover layers each have a thickness in the range of 0.1 mm to 20 mm. It is also optional that the insulating body has a thickness of at least 5 mm. Furthermore, it is optional that the cooling device, in particular the at least one insulating plate, and especially the insulating module, has more than one cover layer. The invention also includes items without these features.

[0039] The coating material preferably has a thickness in the range of 0.05 mm to 3 mm, in particular from 0.1 mm to 2.5 mm, in particular from 0.3 mm to 2 mm, in particular from 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm.

[0040] According to one aspect, at least one of the cover layers, and in particular both cover layers, completely overlaps the insulating body in an orthogonal projection onto a principal extension plane of the insulating body. Preferably, a smallest convex envelope of the chamber wall, in particular of a wall section, and especially of the respective insulating plate, is formed exclusively by the cover layers and not by the insulating body. Because the cover layers completely overlap the insulating body, it is particularly reliably protected against mechanical impacts. Furthermore, the airtight seal is improved, as the diffusion of air to the insulating core is counteracted.

[0041] According to one aspect, at least one insulating body, and in particular the two cover layers, and / or one insulating plate has an opening through it. This opening can establish a connection between the interior of the cooling chamber and the environment. Preferably, at least one fluid channel, in particular a condensate channel for draining condensed water from the cooling device, especially to the cooling unit, extends through the opening. The opening can alternatively or additionally serve for the passage of further fluid lines and / or electrical lines. The at least one opening can be designed as a mounting opening, in particular for connecting to adjacent cabinets, especially for force-fit screwing.

[0042] The invention relates in particular to an insulating body and / or an insulating plate with the opening or penetration, in particular as the outer wall of the cooling device.

[0043] The opening can have a maximum dimension in a range of 1 mm to 300 mm, in particular 2 mm to 200 mm, in particular 5 mm to 100 mm, in particular 10 mm to 50 mm.

[0044] The opening can also be designed as a removal opening for objects from the cold storage chamber, in particular in the closing device, especially in the refrigerator door, in particular as an additional removal opening that is smaller than the chamber opening.

[0045] Preferably, the at least one insulating body surrounds the opening. The enclosing element can be completely airtight sealed adjacent to the opening, in particular welded.

[0046] To create the opening, an insulating core with a core opening through it is preferably provided. The casing with the insulating core arranged therein can then be sealed airtight, particularly in the area of ​​the core opening, especially by welding the casing in the area of ​​the core opening. The opening can be cut out, in particular such that the opening is smaller than the core opening and that the opening is surrounded by the welded casing, thus maintaining the seal of the casing.

[0047] Such an opening can be provided in any wall of the cooling device, but preferably in the rear wall and / or in the front wall, in particular in the closing means.

[0048] According to one aspect, the cooling unit can be designed without a frame, in particular without a supporting frame for carrying multiple insulating panels, especially for connecting the insulating panels, and / or for transferring the weight of the cooling unit or objects contained within it to a surface or the floor, such as a kitchen floor. Instead, the at least one insulating panel, and in particular all vertical insulating panels, can be designed to perform the aforementioned functions, especially the connection and / or load bearing. Such insulating panels function, in particular, like a cabinet wall, but with excellent insulating properties.

[0049] For frameless designs, the multiple insulation panels can be directly connected to one another, particularly by bonding, preferably via the edge element described below. In conjunction with bonding, the frameless design ensures that the often significant dimensional tolerances of at least one insulation panel, especially the insulating core, can be compensated for by the adhesive seam and / or the frame element. This results in a particularly reliable and economically viable connection between adjacent insulation panels. Furthermore, the frameless design improves the utilization of installation space.

[0050] According to one aspect, the insulating body is plate-shaped; in particular, the combination of the insulating body and the facing layers is plate-shaped in at least one wall section, and especially in all wall sections of the chamber wall. Alternatively, at least one insulating body can be non-plate-shaped, in particular curved, in particular bent, and especially with a 90° angle. The at least one facing layer can be plate-shaped and / or curved, in particular with a 90° angle. The plate-shaped design of the insulating body and / or the facing layers is particularly economical to manufacture.

[0051] According to another aspect, the insulating body can be bonded to at least one, and in particular both, cover layers, especially by adhesive bonding, and / or positively bonded, especially by interlocking. In particular, the cover layers can be interlocked with each other, including the insulating body. This creates a particularly mechanically stable unit that also ensures an improved airtight seal of the insulating core. The bonding of the at least one cover layer to the insulating body can take place on a main surface of the insulating body, for example, at the edge, especially exclusively at the edge, or across the entire surface, especially at the level of the insulating core, i.e., ideally between the two cover layers.

[0052] The plate connection material can surround the insulating body at the edges, in particular completely.

[0053] Particularly preferably, a distance, especially a mean distance, which is determined in particular by the thickness of an adhesive layer, between the at least one cover layer, in particular the respective cover layer, and the insulating body, in particular the insulating core, is a maximum of 60 mm, in particular a maximum of 40 mm, in particular a maximum of 20 mm, in particular a maximum of 10 mm, in particular a maximum of 5 mm, in particular a maximum of 3 mm, in particular a maximum of 2 mm, in particular a maximum of 1 mm, in particular a maximum of 0.5 mm, in particular a maximum of 0.3 mm, in particular a maximum of 0.1 mm, and / or at least 0.01 mm, in particular a minimum of 0.5 mm, in particular a minimum of 1 mm, in particular a minimum of 2 mm, in particular a minimum of 5 mm. An adhesive layer between the at least one cover layer and the insulating body, in particular the insulating core, can have a corresponding thickness.A correspondingly low thickness, especially with thin-walled cover plates and / or a frameless cooling unit, significantly improves the ratio of insulation performance to installation space requirement. The adhesive layer can ensure particularly precise dimensional adjustment of the cooling unit.

[0054] Preferably, the adhesive layer comprises an insulating material, in particular one of the materials described herein, in particular a material of the edge element, and / or a plastic material and / or a foam material, in particular a PU foam.

[0055] Preferably, the ratio between the thickness of the insulating core and the thickness of the insulating plate is at least 1:1, in particular at least 2:1, in particular at least 3:1, in particular at least 5:1, in particular at least 5:1, in particular at least 8:1, in particular at least 10:1.

[0056] According to a further aspect, at least one edge element, in particular an insulating edge, especially an insulating edge located between the cover layers, can be provided, which surrounds or borders the insulating body and / or the insulating panel at least partially, and in particular completely. The edge element can be accommodated at least partially, and in particular completely, between the cover layers. Preferably, the cover layers overlap the edge element at least partially, and in particular completely, in a top view of a principal extension plane of the insulating body. Preferably, the edge element is bonded to at least one, and in particular both, of the cover layers and / or to the insulating body, and in particular by adhesive bonding.

[0057] Particularly preferably, the at least one edge element can be integrally formed, especially injection-molded, onto the insulating body. For example, an area of ​​the insulating panel open towards the edge, especially with a U-shaped cross-section, can be filled with a material that forms the at least one frame element.

[0058] The edge element preferably comprises a foamed material, and in particular consists of such material. In principle, the frame element can comprise, and in particular consist of, a foamed, partially foamed, or non-foamed material, for example, materials such as silicones, in particular polysiloxane, or fillers or adhesives such as polyurethane (PU), SMP (silyl modified polymers), or acrylate.

[0059] The edge element can be made in one piece or, alternatively, in multiple pieces.

[0060] Preferably, the edge element can comprise a plastic, in particular a two-component plastic, in particular polyurethane, in particular a PU foam, and / or a filling material, in particular a thermally insulating filling material, for example expanded granules, in particular hollow glass spheres, and / or one of the materials mentioned in connection with the insulating core, in particular consist of.

[0061] The at least one edge element and at least some, in particular all, of the adhesives used for the various bonding processes preferably have the same base material, for example polyurethane, and in particular consist of the same material.

[0062] The edge element preferably borders directly on the insulating core, in particular the cladding material, and / or the at least one cover layer, in particular the edge element is in contact with it and / or is materially bonded to it, in particular glued on.

[0063] The encapsulation material can be omitted optionally. A cooling device or an insulating panel, in particular an insulating module, without the encapsulation material are also variants according to the subject matter of the invention. The encapsulation material can be replaced, for example, by the cover layers airtightly enclosing the insulating core at least partially, in particular on the two opposing main sides. The cover layers can airtightly enclose the insulating core alone or together with the edge element. The connection between the cover layers or between the cover layers and the edge element can be material-bonded, in particular by adhesive bonding.

[0064] The edge element is preferably a component of the chamber wall, in particular the insulating plate, in particular the insulating module.

[0065] According to a further aspect, a plate connection means for joining adjacent insulating plates, in particular insulating modules, can be provided, which is preferably connected to at least one of the cover layers. The plate connection means is preferably a component of the chamber wall, in particular of the insulating plate, in particular of the insulating module. The plate connection means can adjoin or be attached to the insulating body and / or the edge element, in particular by bonding, in particular by adhesive bonding, and / or by positive locking and / or by force locking.

[0066] The panel connection element is preferably located between the cover layers. It can be completely overlapped by at least one, in particular both, cover layers and / or protrude between them.

[0067] The plate connection element and the edge element can be formed in one piece.

[0068] The plate connection means is preferably formed by the at least one edge element, or vice versa.

[0069] According to another aspect, the panel connection material can include, or in particular consist of, an insulating foam, for example a PU foam.

[0070] According to another aspect, the panel connection element and / or the edge element can be bonded, in particular glued, to the insulating body, in particular the cladding, and to at least one, in particular both, cover layers. This results in a particularly strong mechanical connection. The resulting insulating panel, in particular the insulating module, can be connected to further insulating panels in a particularly time- and cost-efficient manner.

[0071] According to another aspect, the panel connection can have a corrugated connecting profile, particularly for an enlarged bonding surface, and / or a bolted connection, in particular a screwed connection, and / or a riveted connection, and / or an eccentric connection, and / or a positive locking connection, in particular a dovetail profile, and / or a tongue and groove connection, and / or a furniture spline, and / or a hinge, in particular a furniture joint. The bolted connection is also referred to as a pin connection. The panel connection preferably has a furniture spline, in particular a furniture spline. This advantageously allows the insulating panels to be combined to form the cold storage chamber, in particular analogous to the walls of a piece of furniture.The result is a cold storage chamber that can be manufactured in a time- and cost-efficient manner, and which is also modular in design and therefore particularly flexible in its construction, especially with regard to rapid scalability to different installation sizes.

[0072] According to a further aspect, the at least one edge element can have a sealing function, in particular a sealant, for creating an airtight panel connection, the panel connection preferably being formed with a further insulating panel. The sealant can be formed as a separate body or by the edge element, in particular consisting of the material of the edge element. The sealant is preferably arranged between two insulating panels, in particular insulating modules as described above. Additionally, a sealant can be provided between the chamber wall, in particular the wall section, especially the insulating panel, and the closure element, in particular the refrigerator door. The sealant can comprise a polyurethane foam and / or a rubber material, in particular NBR.The sealant preferably borders the at least one cover layer and / or the edge element and / or the insulating body, in particular by contact.

[0073] According to a further aspect, the insulating body can be designed to be reversibly removable, in particular from the chamber wall, especially from the space between the two cover layers, and / or reversibly insertable into a space between the two cover layers, especially into an insulating support. Preferably, the insulating body is removable from an insulating support. The insulating support can be formed by the two cover layers and / or a guide device, in particular a guide rail and / or a guide groove.

[0074] The chamber wall can have an access opening for the reversible insertion, and in particular replacement, of the insulating element. The access opening can be reversibly closed, in particular by means of an insulating seal. The insulating seal can be an integral part of the edge element. The access opening is preferably provided on a narrow side of the chamber wall, in particular of the insulating plate, and especially of the insulating module. Because the insulating element is provided in a replaceable manner within the chamber wall, it can be replaced if, for example, the negative pressure is lost, such as due to diffusion or leakage. Thus, the insulating effect of the insulating element can be restored in a particularly simple manner.

[0075] According to another aspect, edge insulation can be provided that overlaps at least one edge of the cooling chamber. The edge insulation can be provided on an inner and / or an outer side of the cooling chamber and / or between adjacent wall sections. The edge insulation can be an integral part of the respective insulation panel, in particular the insulation module, or designed as a separate part, in particular as a separate seal. The edge insulation can be formed as a single unit with the edge element. The edge insulation can be clamped between two insulation panels and / or bonded, in particular glued, to at least one, in particular both, adjacent insulation panels.

[0076] Longitudinal joint insulation can be provided, particularly between two adjacent, especially parallel, insulating panels. The longitudinal joint insulation can be designed in the same way as the edge insulation.

[0077] The edge insulation and / or the longitudinal joint insulation can comprise an additional insulating body, in particular an edge insulating body. The additional insulating body preferably overlaps a contact area, in particular the edge area where the adjacent wall sections, especially the insulating panels, abut each other. The additional insulating body can have an additional insulating core and an additional covering material, in particular an edge insulating core and an edge covering material, wherein the additional covering material airtightly encloses the additional insulating core, which is pressurized. Preferably, at least one, in particular two, opposing additional cover layers, in particular edge cover layers, are attached to the additional insulating body. This further improves the insulating effect of the chamber wall.

[0078] According to another aspect, a suction port may be provided, particularly on the insulating body, to renew the negative pressure at the insulating core. The suction port may include a valve, in particular a check valve. The suction port may be designed for connection to a suction line.

[0079] According to another aspect, the cooling device, in particular the cooling chamber, may have a vacuum pump connected to the suction port. The vacuum pump may be integrated into the cooling device, in particular the cooling chamber, and in particular be permanently attached to it. Alternatively, the vacuum pump may be installed separately, for example, in a kitchen cabinet, and / or be freely movable, in particular portable. Especially when the vacuum pump is integrated, the vacuum can be restored quickly and easily.

[0080] Preferably, the cooling device, in particular the insulating body, has a pressure sensor for determining the negative pressure with which the insulating core is subjected.

[0081] A control unit can monitor the measured value from the pressure sensor. When a limit value is reached, particularly a predefined maximum vacuum value, the control unit can issue a warning and / or activate the vacuum pump to automatically restore the vacuum. The vacuum pump can be started manually by the user and / or automatically. This ensures a particularly reliable and long-lasting insulating effect.

[0082] According to a further aspect, at least one electrical conductor and / or at least one fluid conductor can be accommodated in a receiving space of the insulating body and / or between the two cover layers. The receiving space can be designed as a receiving channel, in particular as a conductor channel. The receiving space preferably lies within a smallest convex envelope spanned by the enveloping element. In the region of the receiving space, the insulating body is preferably concave. In particular, the receiving space can be designed as a receiving groove within the insulating body and / or the at least one cover layer. The electrical conductor can be a power line and / or a data line, in particular a network cable. The fluid line can be an air line, in particular for restoring negative pressure, and / or a cooling line, in particular for coolant, especially of the cooling circuit, and / or a water line.The cooling line can be arranged in a meandering shape within a corresponding receiving channel, particularly for effective heat exchange.

[0083] According to another aspect, the cooling device may include a filter, in particular an odor filter, especially an activated carbon filter. The filter may be connected to the suction port.

[0084] The chamber wall and / or the insulation module and / or the insulating body may have at least one opening, particularly for draining condensation. Such an opening is also referred to as a penetration. The opening is preferably completely surrounded by and / or penetrates the chamber wall and / or the insulation module and / or the insulating body. The at least one opening preferably extends between the interior of the cooling device and the surrounding environment or the outside.

[0085] Preferably, the cooling device has at least one insulating plate, in particular an insulating module, with an evaporator integrated therein.

[0086] According to one aspect, an evaporator can be arranged between the insulating body and at least one cover layer. The evaporator can be positively connected and / or force-fit and / or materially bonded, in particular by means of adhesive bonding, between the insulating body and the at least one cover layer, and in particular between both cover layers. Preferably, the evaporator is bonded to the insulating body and / or to at least one of the two cover layers. The insulating panel with the evaporator preferably forms a rear wall and / or a side wall and / or a top wall and / or a bottom wall and / or an intermediate wall, in particular with a horizontal and / or vertical orientation. The evaporator is preferably arranged on the side of the cooling element facing the interior of the cooling chamber.

[0087] According to another aspect, the cooling chamber has an intermediate wall that can be reversibly removed from the cooling chamber or permanently connected to the chamber wall. The intermediate wall can be horizontally oriented, in particular designed as a shelf, and / or vertically oriented. Preferably, the intermediate wall includes an integrated evaporator.

[0088] As an alternative to integrating the evaporator between the insulating body and the cover layer, the evaporator can be permanently or detachably attached to at least one of the cover layers from the outside, in particular to the surface of the cover layer opposite the insulating body. The evaporator can be connected to the cover layer by a positive fit, a force fit, and / or a material bond, in particular by adhesive bonding.

[0089] Preferably, at least one insulating plate, in particular at least two, in particular at least three, in particular at least four, insulating plates have an evaporator. The insulating plates with the evaporator can be reversibly connected to each other, oriented parallel to each other, oriented at right angles to each other and / or bonded together.

[0090] To connect the at least one evaporator, it, and in particular the insulating plate formed with it, can have a coolant connection. The coolant connection can be designed for reversible or permanent connection to a coolant line.

[0091] According to another aspect, the cooling device includes lighting. The lighting can be integrated into the at least one insulating panel and / or the at least one panel connection element and / or the at least one edge element, in particular an edge strip. A central beam direction preferably has a directional component oriented towards the center of the cooling chamber and / or to the rear, in particular to the rear wall, and / or to an opposite chamber wall.

[0092] The cooling chamber can have a support frame made of a metallic material, in particular steel and / or aluminum. The at least one insulating panel can be connected to the support frame by frictional, form-fitting, and / or material bonding, in particular by adhesive bonding. The support frame can have at least one rectangular frame section and / or be polygonal in shape, in particular cuboid.

[0093] According to another aspect, the cold storage chamber may have a maintenance opening, in particular to ensure accessibility to the cooling electrical and / or electronic components and / or the cooling unit, especially a refrigerant compressor, particularly through an interior space of the cold storage chamber. The maintenance opening may be reversibly closed with a maintenance cover.

[0094] The maintenance access panel may comprise a thermally insulating material, in particular at least one insulating plate as described above, and may consist of such material. The maintenance access panel is preferably located on a bottom wall and / or a side wall and / or a rear wall of the cooling chamber. Preferably, the maintenance opening is located on a lower rear edge of the cooling chamber.

[0095] In general, any material-bonded connection described herein, in particular an adhesive bond, may include a two-component adhesive and / or an epoxy adhesive and / or a PU adhesive, in particular a PU foam adhesive and / or a foam-free PU adhesive.

[0096] According to another aspect, connecting elements, in particular corner connectors and / or connecting profiles and / or connecting strips, especially for connecting adjacent insulating panels, may be provided, in particular in a corresponding recess, in particular milling, of the insulating core.

[0097] In principle, HPL layers (High Pressure Laminate), preferably as an inner layer, and / or CPL layers (Continuous Pressure Laminate) and / or other plastic layers, in particular films, for example made of PVC, and / or sheet metal, in particular metal sheet, preferably as an outer layer, can be used as cover layers.

[0098] An outer top layer and an inner top layer can be made of the same material or of different materials.

[0099] The cooling chamber, in particular its edge element, may have edge protection, especially at a front edge and / or at the edge of the chamber opening. The edge protection may be designed as an edge profile and / or as a front edge element, in particular as a front support structure. Preferably, the edge protection surrounds the chamber opening at least partially, and in particular completely. The edge protection increases the strength, especially in the front area, which is subject to greater mechanical stress, particularly impact stress. The edge protection preferably extends in a U-shape and / or a rectangular shape, particularly around the chamber opening. The edge protection preferably comprises a metal, in particular steel and / or aluminum, and / or a plastic, in particular an impact-resistant one.

[0100] The at least one insulating plate and / or the edge protection can be designed to at least partially bear the weight of the cooling device and / or the objects contained therein and / or have a ground contact element to introduce the weight forces into the ground.

[0101] The lighting can be recessed into the front edge element, in particular an angled profile, of the front edge element, especially in such a way that it cannot shine towards the front or the chamber opening or cause glare.

[0102] The edge protection and / or the insulating panel, in particular the at least one edge element, especially the front edge element, may have a conduit, especially for electrical cables, particularly for lighting, and / or fluidic cables. This avoids the need to integrate cables into the insulating body. These cables can be routed, in particular, from the rear via the upper and / or lower inner edges.

[0103] A door hinge or a hinge for articulated support of the locking device for the chamber opening may be attached to the edge protection and / or the insulating panel, in particular to the at least one edge element, in particular the front edge element.

[0104] The edge protector can preferably have a U-shaped and / or L-shaped cross-section. The edge protector is preferably made of a steel U-profile.

[0105] The edge protection can preferably have the function of promoting the mechanical strength or statics of the cooling device, in particular establishing it in the first place, especially establishing the required torsional stiffness.

[0106] The edge element, in particular the edge protection, can have a sealing surface and / or a sealing means for sealing against the closing means, in particular against the refrigerator door, preferably in the interior of the cooling device.

[0107] The locking device, in particular a locking device joint, and / or a support for shelves can be formed and / or attached, in particular glued, to the at least one insulating panel and / or the supporting frame and / or the edge element, in particular the edge protection.

[0108] Supports, especially fixing points, can be attached, especially glued, to the inside of the insulating panels, particularly individually or on a vertical support strip, in order to support the shelves, especially in the front area of ​​the cooling device.

[0109] The edge protection and / or the support frame are preferably bonded to at least one insulating panel, in particular to all adjacent insulating panels.

[0110] Alternatively, the edge protection can be a component of the support frame.

[0111] Another object of the invention is to provide an improved insulation module which is particularly time- and cost-efficient to manufacture and particularly flexible in its use.

[0112] This problem is solved by an insulating module for an insulating device, in particular a cooling device, as described above. The insulating module preferably comprises an insulating body with an insulating core and a covering element that hermetically encloses the insulating core, which is pressurized. The insulating module may have two cover layers between which the insulating body is mounted. The thickness of the insulating body is preferably at least 10 mm. The thickness of at least one, and in particular both, cover layers is preferably at least 0.5 mm each. The advantages of the insulating module preferably correspond to the advantages of the cooling device described above. The insulating module is preferably further developed with at least one of the features described above in connection with the cooling device, in particular the chamber wall, especially the at least one wall section or the at least one insulating plate.

[0113] The insulation module is preferably plate-shaped, in particular designed as an insulating plate.

[0114] The insulation module can be a component of the cooling chamber. Preferably, the cooling chamber comprises at least one, in particular at least two, in particular at least three, in particular at least four, in particular at least six, and / or a maximum of 20, in particular at most 12, in particular at most eight, insulation modules.

[0115] The insulation modules can be reversibly detachable, in particular by means of the plate connection means, and / or permanently detachable, in particular not non-destructively.

[0116] According to another aspect, the insulation module can include the plate connection means, which is preferably connected to at least one of the cover layers, and in particular to both cover layers. Due to the plate connection means, the insulation device, especially the cooling device, can be manufactured economically, in a modular system similar to a piece of furniture. The insulation module ensures the production of a corresponding insulation device in a particularly economical and flexible manner.

[0117] An edge element can surround the insulating body and / or a panel connection element can be connected to at least one of the cover layers.

[0118] The cooling unit or the insulation unit, in particular the insulation panel, may include lighting. The lighting may be integrated into the chamber wall and / or the insulation module.

[0119] The insulation device, in particular the cooling device, preferably has at least one support for shelves. The support can be integrated into and / or attached to the chamber wall and / or the insulation module, in particular bonded to it. The support can be connected to and / or integrally formed with the panel connection element and / or the edge element and / or the edge insulation and / or the longitudinal joint insulation.

[0120] A cooling control unit, particularly for setting the temperature, and / or a display, particularly for showing the temperature, and / or a temperature sensor, and / or a control panel can be integrated into the chamber wall and / or the insulation module. The control panel and / or the display are preferably flush with a surface of the chamber wall, particularly a surface of the at least one cover layer. These elements can be located on an outside and / or an inside of the cooling chamber.

[0121] Another object of the invention is to provide an improved method for manufacturing an insulating panel, in particular an insulating module.

[0122] This problem is solved by a method for manufacturing an insulating panel, in particular an insulating module, especially according to the preceding description. The method may comprise the steps of: providing an insulating body with an insulating core and a covering material that hermetically encloses the insulating core, which is pressurized, and bonding the insulating body to at least one, in particular two, cover layers between which the insulating body is received. The advantages of the method preferably correspond to the advantages of the cooling device or the insulating panel described above. The method is preferably further developed with at least one of the features described above in connection with the cooling device or the insulating panel.

[0123] Preferably, an insulating core is provided for manufacturing the insulating body. The insulating core can be inserted into the casing. To form the insulating body, the casing can be hermetically sealed, whereby the insulating core arranged therein is subjected to a vacuum.

[0124] The edge element can be cast and / or injection-molded onto the insulating body and / or cast and / or injected between the cover layers, in particular manually and / or by means of a metering machine and / or a multi-axis machine, in particular by means of a multi-jointed robot.

[0125] The insulating panel, in particular the edge element and / or the cover layers, especially after the edge element has cured or bonded to the insulating body, can be machined, in particular milled, for example using a profile milling cutter. In particular, the connecting profile can be produced by profile milling the insulating panel, especially the edge element and / or the at least one cover layer.

[0126] Another object of the invention is to provide an improved cooling device for food, which is particularly economical to manufacture, flexibly configurable and energy-efficient in operation.

[0127] This problem is solved by a cooling device for food, in particular by a refrigerator and / or a freezer, comprising a cooling unit for reducing the temperature in the cooling device, a cooling chamber with a chamber wall having several wall segments, comprising a bottom segment and at least one top segment, wherein at least one of the wall segments has a negative pressure insulation structure, in particular at least one insulating panel, in particular at least one insulating module, comprising at least one insulating body with an insulating core and a covering medium that airtightly encloses the insulating core subjected to a negative pressure, and two cover layers between which the at least one insulating body is received, wherein the at least one top segment is preferably attached to the bottom segment.The segmented and / or separate design of the floor of the cooling chamber offers the advantage of making it particularly robust, economical to manufacture, and able to combine a variety of functions in a single, especially modular, component, thus promoting a modular construction method.

[0128] It is optional that at least one of the wall segments has a negative pressure insulation structure. Alternatively, the at least one wall segment, and in particular all wall segments, can have any structure, especially any insulation structure, in particular with and / or without an insulating core pressurized by negative pressure.

[0129] Preferably, the wall segments, in particular all wall segments, consist of insulating panels, in particular insulating modules.

[0130] The cooling unit can be permanently connected to an evaporator and / or a condenser, in particular by a material bond, and / or reversibly detachable.

[0131] The base segment can be connected to at least one top segment, which has at least one evaporator and / or condenser, in particular to the rear wall segment, in particular in a way that is inseparable, in particular not detachable without damage, and / or reversible.

[0132] Preferably, the at least one attachment segment is mounted on the base segment in such a way that the weight force acting on the respective attachment segment is transferred to the base segment, in particular being introduced into the ground via the base segment.

[0133] The base segment and the at least one top segment can be permanently connected, in particular not detachable without damage and / or reversible. The connection can be factory-made. Alternatively, the connection can be provided for final assembly at the customer's site.

[0134] According to one aspect, the cooling unit, in particular the cooling chamber, is designed without a frame. In other words, the load is transferred, in particular exclusively, via the wall segments, and not via a separate frame.

[0135] According to another aspect, the floor segment has at least one insulating element, none of which is subject to negative pressure. In other words, the floor segment comprises exclusively conventional insulating elements that provide the necessary insulation without the need for negative pressure. Alternatively, the floor segment can also have a negative pressure insulation structure, in particular at least one insulating element.

[0136] According to a further aspect, the bottom segment has a bottom tray, particularly for receiving liquid. In particular, an inner lining layer of the bottom segment, especially of the bottom wall, can be designed as a bottom tray. The bottom tray preferably has a capacity of at least 0.5 l, in particular at least 1 l, in particular at least 3 l, in particular at least 5 l, and / or a maximum of 20 l. A vertical extent of the bottom segment, in particular the bottom tray, is preferably at least 2 cm, in particular at least 5 cm, in particular at least 10 cm, in particular at least 20 cm, and / or a maximum of 50 cm, in particular a maximum of 30 cm.

[0137] According to a further aspect, the at least one top section comprises two side wall segments, a rear wall segment, and / or a ceiling wall segment, which are preferably connected to each other and to the floor segment. The connection can be permanent, in particular not detachable without damage, and / or reversibly detachable. Preferably, the respective segments are designed as modules and / or can be assembled at the factory or at the customer's site. According to another aspect, at least one wall segment, in particular a side wall segment and / or a rear wall segment and / or a ceiling wall segment and / or a floor segment, of the cold chamber is composed of at least two, in particular at least three, in particular at least four, and / or a maximum of 20, in particular a maximum of ten, in particular a maximum of six, sub-segments. In particular, the respective wall segment is segmented into at least two sub-segments.The sub-segments are preferably oriented in parallel and adjoin each other at their short ends. This results in a modular design. By combining identical or different sub-segments, a high degree of flexibility regarding the overall dimensions of the cold storage chamber, and especially the cooling unit, can be easily achieved. The sub-segments can be assembled at the factory or at the user's / customer's site. The connection between the sub-segments can be permanent and / or reversibly detachable.

[0138] According to a further aspect, the base segment has a wall connector, in particular a connecting profile, for connecting the base segment to the at least one top segment. The connecting profile is preferably an extruded profile, in particular made of a metal, especially aluminum. Preferably, the at least one top segment is positively connected to the base segment by means of the wall connector, in particular in the form of a tongue-and-groove connection.

[0139] The wall connector is particularly preferably designed to reversibly connect the base segment to the at least one top segment. In particular, the wall connector can be designed to connect the base segment to two side wall segments and the rear wall segment. Further wall connectors can be provided between at least two top segments to connect them to each other, in particular reversibly or permanently.

[0140] According to another aspect, the cooling unit, in particular the evaporator or condenser for the refrigerant, and the base segment can be combined into a single assembly unit. In a modular design of the cooling system, a base segment with a cooling function is thus provided, which can then be flexibly combined with different superstructure segments, particularly those differing in number and dimensions.

[0141] According to a further aspect, the base segment can have at least one opening through which preferably at least one fluid channel, in particular a condensate channel, extends for draining condensed water from the cooling chamber. The condensate channel can be located, in particular, in the base tray, especially at its lowest position. Alternatively or additionally, the opening can be provided for the passage of at least one electrical cable.

[0142] According to one aspect, the bottom segment may have a reversibly closable maintenance opening for access to cooling electrical components and / or cooling electronics and / or the cooling unit through an interior of the cooling chamber.

[0143] According to another aspect, the floor segment can have at least one floor contact element, in particular at least one adjustable foot, for supporting the weight of the cooling device, in particular for transferring the weight to the floor.

[0144] According to another aspect, the ratio between the thickness of the insulating core and / or the insulating body and the thickness of the insulating plate can be at least 2:1, and in particular at least 5:1. Preferably, the insulating body comprises several partial insulating bodies that abut each other at their main surfaces, in particular the surfaces oriented parallel to the main extension plane.

[0145] An insulating body can be composed of at least two, in particular at least three, in particular at least four, partial insulating bodies.

[0146] Preferably, each insulating body comprises its own encapsulation to form an individual vacuum chamber. By constructing the insulating body with multiple partial insulating bodies, a predetermined thickness can be achieved through the combination of several thinner insulating bodies, which are generally more economical to manufacture and / or, due to the multiple individually sealed encapsulations or vacuum chambers, ensure higher reliability and thus greater robustness in operation.

[0147] According to another aspect, several of the insulating body panels can be formed separately and connected to a one-piece chamber shell, in particular by a material bond, especially by adhesive bonding. The one-piece chamber shell is preferably at least simply curved, in particular double curved, and / or extends over at least two wall sections and / or wall segments of the chamber wall oriented perpendicular to each other.

[0148] Preferably, the one-piece chamber shell extends over the bottom wall, at least one, and in particular both, side walls, the rear wall, and / or the top wall, and / or the bottom wall, especially if no separate bottom segment is present. The chamber wall can be designed as a facing layer, in particular as an inner facing layer or as an inner shell. Preferably, the respective insulating body is bonded to the chamber shell. An outer shell can be bonded to the respective insulating body. The outer shell can be designed as a single piece or in multiple parts. The respective insulating body is preferably plate-shaped and / or L-shaped and / or U-shaped.

[0149] Another object of the invention is to create an improved method for manufacturing a cooling device for food, which is particularly economical and ensures the production of a particularly robust and energy-efficient cooling device.

[0150] This problem is solved by a method for manufacturing a cooling device for food, in particular a refrigerator and / or a freezer, especially according to the foregoing description, comprising the steps of: providing a base segment, providing at least one top segment, and mounting the at least one top segment to the base segment. Preferably, several top segments are connected to one another. The connection of the top segments to one another and / or to the base segment is preferably carried out in such a way that a permanent, in particular non-destructively detachable, for example, material-bonded, and / or reversibly detachable connection is formed. The connection is preferably fluid-tight, in particular airtight and liquid-tight.

[0151] According to another aspect, the respective attachment segment, in particular a wall segment, especially a side wall segment, a rear wall segment and / or a ceiling wall segment, and / or the floor segment, consists of several sub-segments that are connected to one another. The sub-segments preferably comprise separate insulating bodies and / or covering layers. The sub-segments can be permanently or reversibly connected to one another.

[0152] Further features, advantages, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of several exemplary embodiments with reference to the figures. The figures show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a cooling device, in particular a refrigerator, comprising a cooling chamber with a cooling wall and a chamber opening which can be reversibly closed with a closing means, in particular a refrigerator door; Fig. 2 an exploded view of an insulating plate, in particular an insulating module, which forms part of the chamber wall of the cooling device Fig. 1 forming, wherein the insulating panel has an insulating body with an insulating core and a covering medium and two cover layers between which the insulating body is received, Fig. 3 a schematic sectional view of a corner joint between two insulating panels according to the Fig. 2 Fig. 4A, 4B schematic sectional views of corner joints between two insulating panels according to alternative embodiments, Fig. 4C a schematic sectional view of a longitudinal joint between two insulating panels, Fig. 5A, 5B schematic sectional views of corner joints between two insulating panels according to alternative embodiments, Fig. 6 a schematic sectional view of a contact point between the body and the closing means, in particular the refrigerator door, Fig. 7 a schematic representation of an insulating panel according to a further embodiment with an insulating body that can be reversibly inserted between two cover layers, Fig. 8A to 8F schematic representations of cooling chambers according to further embodiments, which differ in particular in the design of the corner areas, especially corner joints, Fig. 9 a perspective view of a section of a cooling chamber according to a further embodiment, Fig.10 a sectional view of the section of the cooling chamber along the section line XX in the . Fig. 9 Fig. 11 a schematic representation of a cooling device according to a further embodiment, wherein the cooling chamber has a maintenance opening through which the cooling unit is accessible, in particular through the interior of the cooling chamber; Fig. 12 a schematic sectional view of a cooling device according to a further embodiment, wherein a bottom wall is designed as a separate bottom segment, in particular without a negative pressure insulation structure; Fig. 13A, 13B a ​​schematic representation of a cooling device according to a further embodiment, wherein an insulating body is bonded to a chamber shell, in particular an inner shell, as an inner cover layer; Fig. 14 a schematic representation of a cooling device according to a further embodiment, wherein an additional plate connection means 57 is provided, or Fig.15 A schematic representation of the layer structure of an insulating panel 10 according to a further embodiment, with several insulating bodies adjacent to and overlapping each other in the thickness direction between the two cover layers.

[0153] Based on the Fig. 1 bis 3 A first embodiment of a cooling device 1.1, in particular a refrigerator, is described. The cooling device comprises a cooling chamber 2 and preferably also a cooling unit 3 for reducing the temperature within the cooling chamber 2, in particular for heat transfer from the cooling chamber 2 to the environment.

[0154] The cooling chamber 2 comprises a basic housing 4, in particular a body, a chamber opening 5 for reversibly introducing the objects to be cooled, in particular foodstuffs, into the cooling chamber 2 and a closing means 6, in particular a refrigerator door.

[0155] The closure means 6 preferably has a glass pane that allows a view from the outside into the cooling chamber 2.

[0156] In the cooling chamber 2, in particular in the base housing 4 and / or in the sealing means 6, a lighting 7a, 7b is provided for illuminating the interior 8 of the cooling chamber 2.

[0157] The cooling chamber 2 is essentially cuboid in shape. Accordingly, the cooling chamber 2 has a chamber wall with six wall sections 9.1 to 9.6, namely a bottom wall 9.1, a top wall 9.2, a rear wall 9.3, two side walls 9.4, 9.5, and a front wall 9.6. The front wall 9.6 is formed by the closing element 6. The chamber walls 9.1 to 9.5 comprise special insulating panels 10, in particular insulating modules.

[0158] Furthermore, partition walls 9.7, preferably with a vertical or horizontal orientation, in particular intermediate floors, can be provided. These can preferably also be designed as insulating panels. Preferably, the cooling unit 3 has a unit housing 3a. The unit housing can be attached to the bottom wall 9.1 and the rear wall 9.3.

[0159] Based on the Fig. 2 and 3 The structure of the chamber walls 9.1 to 9.5 is described in further detail. The chamber walls 9.1 to 9.5 each comprise an insulating body 11 with an insulating core 12 and a cladding medium 13, wherein the insulating core 12 is subjected to a negative pressure and the cladding medium 13 hermetically encloses the insulating core 11, thus preventing pressure equalization with the environment.

[0160] The pressure within the encapsulation medium 13 is preferably a maximum of 0.5 bar, more particularly a maximum of 0.1 bar, and especially a maximum of 0.01 bar. This means that the pressure within the encapsulation medium 13 is significantly lower than the ambient pressure, and in particular lower than the pressure of the international standard atmosphere of approximately 1 bar. The low pressure reduces the thermal conductivity of the insulating body 11 and improves its insulating effect.

[0161] The covering material 13 is preferably a film, in particular comprising a metal, in particular aluminium, and / or a plastic, in particular a PE, PVC, PC and / or PTFE film, in particular a multilayer or coated film, in particular with a metallic layer, in particular a vapor-deposited film.

[0162] Preferably, the covering material 13 is sealed airtight for the insulating core 12 by means of a material bond, in particular by gluing and / or welding.

[0163] The insulating core 12 can comprise a porous and / or open-pored and / or foamed material, in particular consisting of, for example, a preferably pressure-resistant plastic foam, in particular a PU and / or an epoxy foam, and / or a ceramic foam, in particular foamed glass and / or rock.

[0164] The insulating core 12 can consist of bulk material without a fixed shape, and / or a body with a fixed shape; in particular, the insulating core 12 can consist of such material.

[0165] The insulating body 11 is arranged between two cover layers 14.1, 14.2. In particular, the cover layers 14.1, 14.2 are bonded to the insulating body 11, especially to the covering material 13.

[0166] Preferably the cover layers 14.1, 14.2 comprise a plastic, in particular phenolic resin and / or melamine and / or epoxy, and / or a metal, in particular stainless steel, in particular they consist of.

[0167] The surface layers are particularly preferably made of a plastic composite material, in particular comprising plastic and paper layers embedded therein. The surface layers 14.1, 14.2 can be so-called "high pressure laminate" products, in particular HPL panels.

[0168] An adhesive layer 15 for bonding the cover layers 14.1, 14.2 to the insulating body 11 preferably comprises an epoxy resin.

[0169] The insulating body 11 has a thickness tB of 30 mm. The thickness tL1, tL2 of the cover layers 14.1, 14.2 is 1 mm. The thickness tc of the insulating core 12 is 29 mm. The cladding medium 13 has a thickness of 0.5 mm.

[0170] To connect to an adjacent structure, the insulating panels 10 have an edge element or panel connection element 16. The panel connection element 16 is connected to the cover layers 14.1, 14.2, in particular by adhesive bonding. Specifically, the adhesive layer 15 extends into the area of ​​the panel connection element 16.

[0171] The combination of the insulating body 11, the cover layers 14.1, 14.2 and the at least one plate connection means 16 forms the insulating plate 10, in particular an insulating module.

[0172] The plate connection means 16 preferably comprises an insulating material, in particular a foamed material, for example a foamed plastic, in particular a PU foam and / or a polystyrene foam.

[0173] The plate connection means 16 preferably surrounds the insulating body 11 at least partially, and in particular completely, and / or in the region of its narrow sides. Preferably, the plate connection means 16 frames the insulating body 11.

[0174] The plate connection means 16 can have a corrugated connecting profile 17 for an enlarged bonding surface and / or a bolted connection, in particular a screw connection and / or an eccentric connection, and / or a positive locking profile, for example a dovetail profile and / or a tongue and groove connection 32.

[0175] An adhesive layer 18 extends over the corrugated connecting profile 17 of the panel connection element 16. The adhesive layer 18 also forms a sealant for creating an airtight connection between the adjacent insulating panels 10.

[0176] Furthermore, an edge insulation 19, in particular as a body formed separately from the insulating panels, is provided, which overlaps at least one edge 20 of the cooling chamber 2 at least partially, and in particular completely. The edge insulation 19 can consist of a foamed material, in particular a foamed plastic, especially a PU foam. Preferably, the edge insulation 19 is arranged on the inside of the edge 20. Alternatively, the edge insulation 19 can be arranged on the outside of the edge 20, in particular of the cooling chamber 2.

[0177] The cooling device 1.1 preferably comprises at least one support 21 for one or more shelves. The at least one support 21 is preferably, in particular directly, connected to at least one of the cover layers 14.1, 14.2, in particular by a material bond, in particular by adhesive bonding.

[0178] The edge insulation 19 is particularly advantageous when designed as a support 21 for shelves. This results in a particularly small required installation space and a particularly large storage space available for the items to be cooled, especially food.

[0179] The operation of the cooling device 1.1, in particular the refrigerator, corresponds to the operation of previously known cooling devices.

[0180] The cooling chamber 2 thermally insulates the interior 8 from the environment.

[0181] The cooling unit 3 removes heat from the interior 8 into the surrounding environment. The cooling process can be regulated to maintain the desired temperature in the interior 8.

[0182] Food can be placed into the interior 8 through the chamber opening 5 when the refrigerator door 9.6 is open. The closed refrigerator door 9.6, together with the chamber walls 9.1 to 9.5, insulates the interior 8 from the environment.

[0183] The design of the basic housing 4 with the insulating panels 10 described above provides a particularly high degree of thermal insulation to the interior 8 from the environment. The insulating panels 10 are also particularly lightweight and space-saving. The negative pressure prevailing in the insulating body 11, especially in conjunction with the insulating material of the insulating core 12, ensures exceptionally strong thermal insulation, particularly with regard to the required installation space, and especially the thickness t of the insulating panel 10.

[0184] Because each insulating panel 10 has the cover layers 14.1 and 14.2, it is particularly robust in handling and exhibits increased airtightness. In other words, the negative pressure exerted on the insulating core 12 is maintained for a particularly long time. The insulating body 11 is well protected against mechanical stresses, such as contact with sharp objects, by the cover layers 14.1 and 14.2. This also contributes to the stability of the negative pressure within the insulating body 11.

[0185] The integral design of the respective insulating panel 10, in particular as an insulating module, with the insulating body 11, the cover layers 14.1, 14.2 and preferably the panel connection means 16, ensures simple and economical assembly.

[0186] In particular, the cooling device 1.1, especially the cooling chamber 2, can be assembled with the insulating panels 10 in a modular system. This increases application flexibility.

[0187] Based on the Fig. 4A Another embodiment of a cooling device 1.2 is described. In contrast to the embodiment described above, the insulating plates 10 have alternative plate connection means 16. The plate connection means 16 consist of a polyurethane foam. The plate connection means 16 have a rectangular cross-section, in particular without a corrugated connecting profile. Furthermore, the plate connection means 16 are bonded to the cover layers 14.1, 14.2, in particular arranged between them. In the area of ​​the plate connection means 16, the two insulating plates 10 are bonded together by means of an adhesive layer 18.

[0188] For better insulation, the insulating body 11 of a first insulating plate 10 overlaps the insulating body 11 of the adjacent second insulating plate 10 when viewed perpendicular to the first insulating plate 10.

[0189] To further improve the insulation capacity, an additional edge insulating body 22 is provided. This comprises an edge insulating core 22a and an edge covering 22b. Furthermore, the edge insulating body 22 is covered, at least partially, by at least one cover layer 22c. The cover layer 22c is bonded to the edge insulating body 22.

[0190] The edge insulating body 22 overlaps the adhesive gap between the two insulating plates 10. A thermal bridge across this adhesive gap, in particular the adhesive layer 18, is thus reliably avoided.

[0191] Based on the Fig. 4B A further embodiment of a cooling device 1.3 is described. In contrast to the embodiments described above, at least one of the insulating plates 10, and in particular all insulating plates 10, comprises a suction port 23 on the insulating body 11 for renewing the negative pressure within the encasing medium 13. The suction port 23 can establish a fluid-conducting connection to the insulating core 12, in particular through the encasing medium 13, and in particular a reversibly closable connection. The negative pressure acting on the insulating body 11 can be renewed by means of a schematically illustrated vacuum pump 24, which is connected to the suction port 23.

[0192] The vacuum pump 24 can be a component of the cooling device 1.3, in particular permanently installed with it, for example in a base area of ​​the cooling device 1.3. Alternatively, the vacuum pump 24 can be designed separately, in particular outside the cooling chamber 2 and / or be reversibly connectable to the suction port 23.

[0193] Preferably, at least one insulating panel 10, in particular all insulating panels 10, have at least one, in particular several, suction connections 23.

[0194] According to one aspect, a receiving space, in particular a receiving channel 25, is provided in the insulating body 11. In the area of ​​the receiving space, the insulating body 11 preferably has a concave shape. The receiving space, in particular the receiving channel 25, can have a rectangular cross-section. The receiving space can be designed to receive functional elements, for example, a connecting element and / or a lighting element and / or a sensor and / or an electrical line 26 and / or a fluid line 27, for example, an air and / or water line, and / or a coolant line.

[0195] The receiving space is preferably arranged between the insulating body 11 and at least one cover layer 14.1, 14.2. The receiving space can be completely bounded in cross-section by the insulating body 11 and the at least one cover layer 14.1, 14.2.

[0196] Based on the Fig. 4C Another embodiment of a plate connection means 16 is described. A longitudinal butt joint between two insulating bodies 11 is shown. The insulating bodies 11 have complementary, corrugated connecting profiles 17. The insulating bodies 11 are bonded in the area of ​​these connecting profiles 17. However, the edge element 16 with the connecting profile 17 ensures a structurally stronger connection.

[0197] To increase strength and improve insulation properties, the cover layers 14.1, 14.2 extend over the plate connection element 16, in particular over the adhesive gap 18. In other words, the two insulating bodies 11 are sandwiched between the same two integrally formed cover layers 14.1, 14.2.

[0198] Based on the Fig. 5A Another embodiment of a cooling device 1.4 is described. This largely corresponds to the embodiment described in the Fig. 4A as shown. In contrast, a cover 28 is provided. The cover 28 can be attached to the insulating plate 10, in particular glued on.

[0199] Preferably, the cover 28 is arranged essentially flush with the edge insulating body 22, in particular with an outer surface of the edge insulating body 22. The cover 28 further improves the insulation and ensures a particularly attractive appearance.

[0200] The cover 28 may include insulation, in particular a foamed material and / or a decorative layer 29.

[0201] In addition to the cover 28, according to a further embodiment a condenser for coolant can be attached to one of the insulating plates 10, in particular to the rear wall 9.3.

[0202] Based on the Fig. 5B Another embodiment of a cooling device 1.5 is described. In contrast to the embodiment according to the Fig. 4A The edge insulation body 22 is designed at right angles, in particular L-shaped. This allows for even better thermal insulation of the area of ​​the edge 20, especially the connection area between the insulation panels 10. The edge insulation body 22 forms edge insulation on the outside of the cooling chamber 2. Edge insulation 19 can also be provided on the inside of the cooling chamber 2, in the area of ​​the edge 20. The latter can additionally serve as a support for shelves 21.

[0203] Based on the Fig. 6 Another embodiment of a cooling device 1.6 is described. A door hinge 30, in particular with a sealing gasket, is arranged between the locking element 6 and the base housing 4, in particular the insulating plate 10. The door hinge 30 is attached to the base housing 4 or to the locking element 6, in particular by gluing. Thus, the cooling device 1.6 is also particularly well insulated in the area of ​​the locking element 6.

[0204] Based on the Fig. 7 A further embodiment of an insulating plate 10 for a cooling device 1.1 to 1.11 is described. The insulating body 11 can be reversibly inserted into an insulating support 31. The insulating support 31 can have, and in particular consist of, the cover layers 14.1, 14.2. Alternatively, the cover layers 14.1, 14.2 can be permanently connected to the insulating body 11 or be reversibly insertable into the insulating support 31 together with the insulating body 11. For example, the insulating plate 10 described above can be designed to be inserted into the insulating support 31.

[0205] The reversible removal, at least of the insulating body 11, advantageously ensures that it can be replaced as soon as its insulating performance decreases, in particular as soon as the negative pressure is no longer sufficient.

[0206] Based on the Fig. 8A bis 8F Further embodiments of various cooling chambers 2 are described.

[0207] In the embodiment according to the Fig. 8A The insulating body 11 is not plate-shaped, but U-shaped. The integral design of the insulating body 11 essentially eliminates the need for a plate connection 16.

[0208] The Fig. 8B bis 8F Figure 1 shows various geometries of panel connection means, in particular of contact surfaces between two adjacent insulating panels 10. These include a tongue and groove connection 32, the corrugated connection profile 17, a miter joint 33 and a butt joint 34.

[0209] Based on the Fig. 9 and 10 Another embodiment of a cooling device 1.7 is described. In the Fig. 9 A side lower edge of cooling chamber 2 is shown. In the Fig. 10 The back wall 9.3 and the side wall 9.4 are shown in section.

[0210] The cooling device 1.7 has a support frame 35, in particular made of a metallic material, especially steel and / or aluminum. The chamber walls 9.3, 9.4, in particular the insulating panels 10, can be attached to the support frame 35, in particular by bonding, in particular by adhesive bonding. However, such a support frame 35 is preferably avoided altogether.

[0211] The plate connection element 16 is formed by the respective insulating body 11. The respective insulating body 11 is shaped such that a tongue-and-groove connection is formed between the two adjacent insulating plates 10.

[0212] In the area of ​​the tongue-and-groove joint, the insulating panels 10 can additionally be connected by means of the adhesive layer 18. Alternatively, a corresponding adhesive layer can be omitted.

[0213] Furthermore, a connecting profile 36, in particular a connecting angle, can be provided which overlaps both insulating panels 10 in the area of ​​one of the edges 20. The connecting profile can be designed as edge protection.

[0214] A shield 37, in particular a shielding plate, in particular made of metal and / or plastic, is arranged on the rear wall 9.3 of the cooling chamber 2, in particular attached, in particular connected to the rear wall 9.3, in particular its inner cover layer 14.1, in particular bonded, in particular glued.

[0215] The shielding 37 is arranged at a distance d from the chamber wall 9.3, in particular the rear wall. An air gap 38, in particular a vertical air channel, is formed between the chamber wall 9.3 and the shielding 37.

[0216] The shielding 37 preferably consists of an insulating material. The shielding 37 can be an insulating plate 10 as described above.

[0217] A cooling line 39 and / or an evaporator 40, particularly with meandering cooling lines 39, can be arranged in the cooling chamber wall, in particular in the at least one insulating panel 10, and especially in the rear wall 9.3. The evaporator 40 is preferably arranged on an inner side of one of the chamber walls 9.1-9.5. Preferably, the evaporator 40 is arranged between the insulating body 11 and the inner cover layer 14.1.

[0218] The evaporator 40 can be materially bonded to the insulating body and / or the cover layer 14.1, in particular bonded, especially with a PU material, in particular a PU foam, and / or be positively and / or force-fitted between the insulating body 11 and the cover layer 14.1.

[0219] In a top view of the insulating plate 10, the evaporator 40 preferably extends at least partially, and in particular predominantly, in overlap with the shielding 37 and / or the air gap 38. This advantageously achieves that the air in the air gap 38 is cooled, thereby enabling air circulation in the cooling device 1.7. For this purpose, the air gap 38 is open towards the interior 8 of the cooling chamber 2, in particular with at least two flow openings, especially a flow opening 41 on a lower side of the shielding 37 and a flow opening (not shown) on the upper side of the shielding 37.

[0220] An edge protection or front edge element 42, in particular a front support structure, in particular comprising a metallic material, in particular steel and / or aluminium, is provided on the front of the cooling chamber 2, in particular the side wall 9.4.

[0221] The edge profile 42 borders the side wall 9.4 and an edge strip 43. The edge strip 43 can be made of a metallic material, in particular steel and / or aluminium, and / or a plastic, in particular PU foam, and in particular consist of such a material.

[0222] A light source 7c is integrated into the edge strip 43. In particular, the light source 7c is arranged within a smallest convex envelope of the edge strip 43. The light source 7c is oriented such that it has a central emission direction 44, which has a directional component oriented towards the rear 9.3 and the opposite side wall 9.5.

[0223] As can be seen in particular from the Fig. 9 As can be seen, the edge profile 42 and the edge strip 43 can extend, preferably in a frame shape, in particular in a rectangular shape, around the entire front edge of the cooling chamber 2, in particular around the entire chamber opening 5.

[0224] The lighting 7c can also be arranged around the chamber opening 5, preferably in a frame-like shape, and in particular in a rectangular shape. This ensures improved stability and particularly uniform illumination of the interior 8.

[0225] The frame 35 preferably has at least one support element 48.1 for at least one shelf 49, in particular a glass shelf. The insulating panel 10, in particular on the side wall 9.4, can also have a support element 48.2 for supporting the at least one shelf 49.

[0226] The insulating panel 10, in particular the cover layers 14.1, 14.2, and the insulating body 11, in particular the rear wall 9.3, has an opening 50 that penetrates the insulating panel 10. The opening 50 preferably connects the interior 8 with the environment. Through the opening 50, condensate from the interior 8 can escape into the environment, in particular to the cooling unit 3.

[0227] Based on the Fig. 11 A further embodiment of a cooling device 1.8 is described. In contrast to the embodiments described above, the cooling chamber 2 has an insulating plate 10 designed as an intermediate wall 9.7. The intermediate wall 9.7 has a horizontally oriented main extension plane.

[0228] An evaporator 40 is preferably arranged on the underside of the partition wall 9.7, in particular between the insulating body 11 and the lower cover layer 14.1.

[0229] The cooling chamber 2 can be divided into two sub-chambers 45.1 and 45.2 by means of the partition 9.7. Different temperatures can be set in the two sub-chambers 45.1 and 45.2. Preferably, the lower sub-chamber 45.2 can be operated at a lower temperature than the upper sub-chamber 45.1. For example, the lower sub-chamber 45.2 can be a freezer chamber and the upper sub-chamber 45.1 can be a refrigerator chamber, or vice versa.

[0230] A further difference from the embodiments described above is that the cooling chamber 2 has a maintenance opening 46. The maintenance opening can be provided at the lower rear edge 20 of the cooling chamber 2. The maintenance opening 46 can ensure access to the cooling electronics and / or the cooling unit 3, in particular through the interior 8 of the cooling chamber 2. A maintenance cover 47 reversibly covers the maintenance opening for this purpose. The maintenance cover 47 preferably comprises an insulating material. Particularly preferably, the maintenance cover 47 comprises at least one insulating plate 10 as described above. In particular, the maintenance cover 47 can have two insulating plates 10, which are arranged orthogonally to each other and are connected to each other. The maintenance cover 47 can be pivotally connected to a chamber wall, in particular the rear wall 9.3, in particular about a horizontal axis.

[0231] In the open position of the maintenance hatch 47, the cooling electronics and / or the cooling unit 3 are preferably accessible for maintenance. In the closed position of the maintenance hatch 47, the cooling chamber 2 is preferably closed, and in particular thermally insulated in the direction of the cooling unit 3 and / or the cooling electronics. Thus, the cooling system can be serviced from the front or through the interior 8.

[0232] The opening 50 can be arranged on a horizontal base plate. Preferably, the rear wall 9.3 comprises at least one opening 50.

[0233] The frame 35 may have a seal, in particular for sealing an edge of the chamber opening 5 against the closing means 6, especially the door. The seal 51 preferably completely surrounds the chamber opening 5.

[0234] The cooling chamber 2 preferably comprises at least one opening 50, in particular a penetration of a chamber wall, in particular of an insulating plate 10, in particular per separately designed cooling chamber, in particular for each interior section for which the temperature can be set separately.

[0235] Based on the Fig. 12 Another embodiment of a cooling device 1.9 is described. The cooling device 1.9 has a special base segment 54.1, which forms the base wall 9.1. The base segment 54.1 preferably comprises an insulating medium 52 without an insulating core 12 subjected to a negative pressure. Alternatively, the base segment 54.1 can have an insulating body 11 with an insulating core 12 subjected to a negative pressure.

[0236] The insulating material 52 can consist of a conventional insulating material, in particular a foamed material, for example, PU foam. The insulating material 52 can be sandwiched between cover layers 53.1 and 53.2.

[0237] Preferably, the base segment 54.1, in particular the base wall 9.1, comprises at least one opening 50, in particular for the passage of at least one electrical line or at least one fluid line. The opening 50 can be integrated particularly easily into the conventionally designed base segment 54.1, in particular the base wall 9.1.

[0238] Preferably, the cooling chamber 2 comprises at least one top segment 54.2-54.5, in particular a top wall segment 54.2, a rear wall segment 54.3 and / or two side wall segments 54.4, 54.5, which are preferably attached to the bottom segment 54.1. A front wall segment 54.6, in particular the closing means 6, can be attached to one of the side wall segments 54.4, 54.5.

[0239] The top segments 54.2-54.5 and / or the front wall segment 54.6 and / or the bottom segment 54.1 may have an insulating panel 10, in particular according to the above description, and in particular may consist of it.

[0240] The bottom segment 52.1, in particular the bottom wall 9.1, comprises a bottom tray 55 for receiving liquids.

[0241] Each wall segment 54.1-54.6 can be formed in one piece or composed of several partial wall segments. For example, the wall segments 54.1-54.6 can be composed of several partial segments in the vertical and / or horizontal direction. This enables a modular design. In particular, individual overall dimensions of the cooling unit 1.9 can be flexibly produced at the factory or during installation at the customer's site, preferably using preconfigured partial wall segments, especially by individually combining a specific number of identical and / or different partial wall segments.

[0242] The base segment 54.1 has a wall connector 55a. The wall connector 55a is preferably designed for reversibly detachable connection of the base segment 54.1 with the respective top segment 54.3 - 54.5, in particular the rear wall segment 54.3 and the two side wall segments 54.4, 54.5, especially in the manner of a furniture system, in particular a modular kitchen furniture.

[0243] The base segment 54.1 and the cooling unit 3 are assembled into a single unit, particularly at the factory. This allows the base segment 54.1 to be selected as a module according to the desired size of the cooling unit 1.9 and combined with any top segments 54.2 - 54.6, which can be customized in terms of dimensions, shape and design.

[0244] The base segment 54.1 has several base contact elements 55b, in particular leveling feet.

[0245] Furthermore, the cooling device 1.9 can correspond in construction and function to the embodiments described above.

[0246] Based on the Fig. 13A und 13B A further embodiment of a cooling device 1.10 is described. In contrast to the embodiments described above, one, in particular the inner, cover layer 14.1 of the at least one wall section formed with the insulating body is curved, in particular doubly curved.

[0247] The inner covering layer 14.1 extends in particular over several flat, especially mutually perpendicular, wall sections 9.1-9.5 of the cooling chamber 2, preferably over the bottom wall 9.1, the ceiling wall 9.2, the rear wall 9.3 and / or the side walls 9.4, 9.5. The inner covering layer is designed as a chamber shell 56, in particular as an inner shell of the cooling device 1.10.

[0248] The at least one insulating body 11, in particular one insulating body 11 per flat wall section 9.1-9.5, is materially bonded to the inner cover layer 14.1 or to the chamber shell 56, in particular by bonding.

[0249] Preferably, the adhesive layer 15 is first applied to the insulating body 11. The insulating body 11 with the adhesive layer 15 is then preferably glued to the inner cover layer 14.1.

[0250] At least one outer top layer 14.2 can be used, as in the Fig. 13B The insulating body 11 is shown and can be glued to it either subsequently or beforehand. A corresponding adhesive layer 15 can first be applied to the outer cover layer 14.2.

[0251] Preferably, the outer cover layer 14.2 is substantially flat. This facilitates the joining process. Dimensional tolerances, particularly of the insulating body 11, can be effectively compensated for by means of the adhesive layer 15.

[0252] The outer cover layer 14.2 is preferably pressed against the at least one insulating body 11 applied to the inner shell 14.1 in such a way that an outer dimension of the cooling device 1.10 is precisely set. For this purpose, the outer cover layer 14.2 can be precisely pressed into position, in particular so that a flat, precisely positioned and aligned outer wall is created, for example by using a flat press die or one shaped according to the desired outer shape.

[0253] Based on the Fig. 14 A further embodiment of a cooling device 1.11 is described. In contrast to the embodiments described above, the cooling chamber 2 has an additional plate connection means 57 in the area of ​​an edge 20 between two adjacent insulating plates 10. The material of the additional plate connection means 57 can be a material that has been described above in connection with the plate connection means 16 or the edge insulation 19. Preferably, the additional plate connection means 57 is a rigid, in particular load-bearing, body, in particular made of a plastic material, especially a foamed plastic.

[0254] The at least one cover layer 14.1, 14.2, in particular the outer cover layer 14.2, can overlap the additional panel connection element 57. In particular, the cover layers of the adjacent insulating panels 10 abut directly against each other at the edge 20. An edge 20 designed in this way is particularly comprehensively insulated and easy to assemble or manufacture.

[0255] Furthermore, the cooling device 1.11 can correspond in construction and function to the embodiments described above.

[0256] Based on the Fig. 15Another embodiment of an insulating panel 10 is described. In contrast to the embodiments described above, the insulating panel 10 has three insulating cores 12.1 - 12.3, in particular partial insulating bodies 11.1, 11.3. Preferably, each insulating core 12.1 - 12.3 is individually hermetically sealed by means of a covering element 13. The partial insulating bodies 11.1 - 11.3 overlap each other in the thickness direction of the insulating panel 10. Advantageously, this design allows several thinner partial insulating bodies 11.1 - 11.3 to be used for a given thickness of the insulating layer 11.1 - 11.3, which are simpler and more cost-effective to manufacture.

[0257] The thickness t B of the insulating body 11 is composed of the thicknesses t B,1 to t B,3 of the partial insulating bodies 11.1 - 11.3.

[0258] The partial insulating bodies 11.1 - 11.3 extend overlapping each other between the cover layers 14.1, 14.2. Preferably, the partial insulating bodies 11.1 - 11.3 are bonded to each other and / or to the cover layers 14.1, 14.2.

[0259] A cooling device 1.1 to 1.11 according to the embodiments described above has particularly effective thermal insulation. Such cooling devices 1.1 to 1.11 are particularly energy-efficient in operation.

[0260] The insulating panels 10, and in particular the insulating modules, are especially economical to manufacture and can be flexibly combined with one another. In particular, the assembly of corresponding insulating modules for the cooling chamber 2 is especially time- and cost-efficient. The assembly of the insulating panels or insulating modules 10 is improved in particular by the panel connection devices 16. The panel connection devices 16 also ensure that thermal bridges are avoided in the transition area between adjacent insulating panels 10.

[0261] Due to the compact design of the insulating panels 10, particularly in the thickness direction, the available interior space 8, especially the available storage space, can be significantly increased within a given installation area. The resulting cooling unit 1.1 to 1.11 is particularly energy-efficient in operation, economical in manufacture, and ensures exceptionally high space utilization.

Claims

1. Cooling device (1.1 to 1.11) for food, in particular a refrigerator and / or freezer, comprising 1.1 a cooling chamber (2) with a chamber wall, 1.2 wherein several wall sections (9.1 to 9.6) of the chamber wall are designed as plate-shaped insulating modules, each comprising 1.2.1 an insulating body (11) with an insulating core (12) and a covering medium (13) that hermetically encloses the insulating core (12) which is pressurized, and 1.2.2 two cover layers (14.1, 14.2) between which the insulating body (11) is accommodated, 1.3 wherein the several insulating modules are connected to each other to form the cooling chamber (2), 1.4 wherein the insulating body (11) has a thickness t B of at least 5 mm, and 1.5 wherein the cover layers (14.1, 14.2) each have a thickness (t L1 , t L2 ) in a range of 0.1 mm to 25 mm.

2. Cooling device (1.1 to 1.11) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact thatthe multiple insulation modules have plate connection means (16) for connecting to an adjacent insulation module, which are preferably connected to at least one of the cover layers (14.1, 14.2).

3. Cooling device (1.1 to 1.11) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the insulating body (11) is formed in the shape of a plate.

4. Cooling device (1.1 to 1.11) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the insulating body (11) is materially bonded to at least one, in particular both, of the cover layers (14.1, 14.2), in particular bonded.

5. Cooling device (1.1 to 1.11) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a boundary element (16) that surrounds the insulating body (11) at least sectionally, in particular completely.

6. Cooling device (1.1 to 1.11) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bya plate connection means, in particular formed by the edge element (16), which is connected, in particular bonded, to at least one of the cover layers (14.1, 14.2).

7. Cooling device (1.1 to 1.11) according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that the plate connection means (16) comprises an insulating foam.

8. Cooling device (1.1 to 1.11) according to one of claims 6 to 7, characterized by the fact that the plate connection means (16) comprises a corrugated connecting profile (17) and / or a bolted connection, in particular a screw connection and / or an eccentric connection, and / or a positive locking connection, in particular a dovetail profile and / or a tongue and groove connection (32).

9. Cooling device (1.1 to 1.11) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that at least one of the top layers (14.1, 14.2), in particular an inner top layer (14.1), is designed as an HPL layer (High Pressure Laminate).

10. Cooling device (1.1 to 1.11) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an edge insulation (19) that overlaps at least one edge (20) of the cooling chamber (2).

11. Cooling device (1.1 to 1.11) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one electrical conductor and / or fluid conductor between the insulating body (11) and at least one of the cover layers (14.1, 14.2) and / or between the cover layers (14.1, 14.2).

12. Cooling device (1.1 to 1.11) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an evaporator (40) between the insulating body (11) and the at least one cover layer (14.1, 14.2).

13. Plate-shaped insulating module (10), in particular for a cooling device (1.1 to 1.11) according to one of claims 1 to 12, which is designed for connection with further insulating modules (10) to form a cooling chamber (2), comprising 13.1 an insulating body (11) with an insulating core (12) and a covering medium (13) which hermetically encloses the insulating core (12) which is pressurized, 13.2 two cover layers (14.1, 14.2) between which the insulating body (11) is received, 13.3 wherein the insulating body (11) has a wall thickness t B has a wall thickness of at least 5 mm, and 13.4 wherein the cover layers (14.1, 14.2) each have a wall thickness (t L1 , t L2 ) in a range of 0.1 mm to 20 mm.

14. Insulation module (10) according to claim 13, characterized by an edge element (16) that surrounds the insulating body (11) and / or a plate connection means (16) that is connected to at least one of the cover layers (14.1, 14.2).

15. Method for manufacturing an insulating panel (10), in particular an insulating module, particularly according to one of claims 13 or 14, comprising the steps of: 15.1 providing an insulating body (11) with an insulating core (12) and a covering medium (13) that hermetically encloses the insulating core (12) which is pressurized, 15.2 bonding the insulating body (11) with two cover layers (14.1, 14.2) between which the insulating body (11) is received, 15.3 wherein the insulating body (11) has a wall thickness (t B ) of at least 5 mm, and 15.4 wherein the cover layers (14.1, 14.2) each have a wall thickness (t L1 , t L2 ) in a range of 0.1 mm to 25 mm.

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