Refrigeration device and method for installing a refrigeration device

Abstract

The invention relates to a refrigeration device (100), in particular a domestic refrigeration device, having: a body (110) which defines a storage compartment (10), for receiving goods to be refrigerated, and a machine space (2), wherein the machine space (2) is delimited by a machine space ceiling (20) in the vertical direction (V), by opposing first and second machine space lateral walls (21, 22) in the transverse direction (C), and by a machine space inner wall (23) in the depth direction (T); and a refrigerant circuit (4) which is designed to draw heat from the storage compartment (10), thereby evaporating refrigerant, and release heat into the surroundings, thereby condensing refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit (4) has a compressor (42), which is positioned in the machines space (2), for circulating the refrigerant and a valve (44) for varying the flow of condensed refrigerant. The invention is characterized in that the valve (44) is positioned in an end region of the second machine space lateral wall (22), said end region facing away from the machine space ceiling (20) with respect to the vertical direction (V) and facing the machine space inner wall (23) with respect to the depth direction (T), a suction tube (50) which is connected to a suction connection (42A) of the compressor (42) protrudes into the machine space (2) between the machine space ceiling (23) and the valve (44) in the vertical direction (V), and an end portion (51) of the suction tube (50), said end portion extending in the machine space (2), runs along the depth direction (T) at least in some regions.

Description

[0001] Refrigeration device and method for assembling a refrigeration device

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to a refrigeration appliance, in particular a household refrigeration appliance such as a refrigerator, a freezer or a freezer chest or a fridge-freezer combination, and a method for assembling a refrigeration appliance.

[0004] STATE OF THE ART

[0005] Household refrigeration appliances typically include a storage compartment for refrigerated goods such as food, beverages, medications, or the like, from which heat is extracted using a refrigerant circuit. The hydraulic components of the refrigerant circuit, in particular a refrigerant compressor for circulating and compressing the refrigerant, are typically located in a separate machine room in modern refrigeration appliances. To maximize the storage compartment's volume, it is desirable to keep the machine room's volume as small as possible, which requires a space-saving design and arrangement of the components housed in the machine room.

[0006] To efficiently utilize the space within the engine room, it is desirable to position the components located within the engine room as close as possible to the engine room's boundaries in all spatial directions. The side walls of the engine room are typically used to install a valve for varying the refrigerant flow. Furthermore, the refrigerant lines are usually introduced into the engine room near the side wall.

[0007] For example, DE 10 2022 201 627 A1 shows a refrigeration unit with a frame heater and a sidewall condenser. A valve is arranged centrally on a sidewall of the machine room, and end sections of pipe loops of the frame heater and the sidewall condenser, as well as a suction pipe, are routed around the valve on the sidewall. Due to the limited space, installing the valve and connecting the refrigerant lines to each other or to the compressor can be difficult.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] It is one of the objects of the present invention to provide improved solutions for accommodating a valve and at least one refrigerant line in a machine room of a refrigeration device.

[0010] This object is achieved according to the invention by a refrigeration device having the features of claim 1 and by a method having the features of claim 13.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the invention, a refrigeration appliance, in particular a household refrigeration appliance, comprises a body which defines a storage compartment for receiving refrigerated goods and a machine room, wherein the machine room is delimited with respect to a vertical direction by a machine room ceiling, with respect to a transverse direction by opposing first and second machine room side walls, and with respect to a depth direction by a machine room interior wall. Furthermore, the refrigeration appliance comprises a refrigerant circuit which is designed to extract heat from the storage compartment by evaporating refrigerant and to release heat to the environment by condensing refrigerant, wherein the refrigerant circuit has a compressor positioned in the machine room for circulating the refrigerant and a valve for varying a flow rate of the condensed refrigerant.The valve is positioned in an end region of the second machine room side wall facing away from the machine room ceiling in the vertical direction and facing the machine room interior wall in the depth direction. A suction pipe connected to a suction port of the compressor extends into the machine room between the machine room ceiling and the valve in the vertical direction, with an end section of the suction pipe extending into the machine room running at least partially along the depth direction.

[0012] According to a second aspect of the invention, a method for assembling a refrigeration appliance according to the first aspect of the invention comprises laying the suction pipe in the body and the machine room such that the end section of the suction pipe projects into the machine room in an end region of the machine room side wall facing the machine room ceiling with respect to the vertical direction and runs at least partially along the depth direction; mounting the valve on the second machine room side wall in the end region of the second machine room side wall facing away from the machine room ceiling with respect to the vertical direction and facing the machine room inner wall with respect to the depth direction; mounting the compressor in the machine room and connecting the suction pipe to the suction connection of the compressor.

[0013] One idea underlying the invention is to position a valve, which is integrated into a cold side of the refrigerant circuit, in the lower, rear area of ​​a machine room side wall and to introduce a suction pipe, through which the compressor draws in vaporous refrigerant, above the valve in the machine room. This facilitates the installation of the refrigeration unit, since the front area of ​​the machine room side wall, facing away from the interior wall of the machine room, is completely available for routing lines, especially the suction pipe. Furthermore, the suction pipe can be connected to the compressor's suction connection in the front area of ​​the machine room.

[0014] The machine room is delimited in the transverse direction by a first and a second machine room side wall opposite the first. The machine room side walls each extend in a depth direction running transversely to the transverse direction. An inner machine room wall extends in the transverse direction between the machine room side walls, and a machine room ceiling delimits the machine room in a vertical direction extending transversely to the depth and transverse directions and extends between upper end regions of the machine room side walls. The valve is thus positioned in a lower end region facing away from the machine room ceiling and adjacent to the inner machine room wall. The valve can, for example, have an inlet and one or more outlets, to each of which a capillary line is connected.The valve can generally be designed to vary a refrigerant flow through the lines connected to the outlet or through the lines connected to the outlets. The valve can be designed, for example, as a shut-off valve or a rotary slide valve. The suction pipe protrudes with an end region into an upper region of the machine room, i.e., it is positioned between the valve and the machine room ceiling with respect to the vertical direction. The end region of the suction pipe runs, with respect to the depth direction, from a rear region of the machine room along the depth direction into the front region of the machine room, which further facilitates installation.

[0015] Advantageous embodiments and further developments arise from the subclaims which refer back to the independent claims in conjunction with the description.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the refrigeration appliance may be a refrigerator, a freezer or a freezer chest or a fridge-freezer combination.

[0017] According to some embodiments, it can be provided that the end section of the suction pipe extends from an end region of the machine room facing the machine room's inner wall in relation to the depth direction to an end region of the machine room facing away from the machine room's inner wall in relation to the depth direction. Optionally, the end section of the suction pipe extends from the end region of the machine room facing the machine room's inner wall to the end region facing away from the machine room's inner wall in relation to the transverse direction in the region of the second side wall. This achieves a space-saving route for the suction pipe in the machine room.

[0018] According to some embodiments, it can be provided that the suction pipe is introduced into the machine room in the region of the machine room inner wall with respect to the depth direction, e.g. through an opening in the machine room ceiling or in the machine room inner wall.

[0019] According to some embodiments, it can be provided that the suction pipe is introduced into the machine room in the region of the second machine room side wall with respect to the transverse direction, e.g. through an opening in the machine room ceiling or in the machine room inner wall. According to some embodiments, it can be provided that at least the end section of the suction pipe is designed as an aluminum pipe, and that the end section is connected, in particular soldered, at a connection point to a copper pipe connected to the suction connection of the compressor, wherein the connection point is located at the same level as the valve or between the valve and the machine room ceiling with respect to the vertical direction. With respect to the vertical direction, the copper pipe thus runs exclusively below or on a side of the aluminum pipe facing away from the machine room ceiling.Since the refrigeration unit is typically installed vertically along the direction of gravity during proper use, any condensate that forms on the intake manifold can be more easily drained or directed away from the aluminum pipe. This reduces the risk of corrosion.

[0020] According to some embodiments, it can be provided that the storage compartment is delimited by an inner container surrounded by insulating foam, wherein the suction pipe runs partially in the foam insulation. The method for assembling the refrigeration appliance can accordingly additionally comprise foaming the inner container with the insulating foam after laying the suction pipe, wherein during the foaming the machine room ceiling is supported by a support tool positioned in the machine room, which is removed from the machine room again after the foaming. During the foaming of the inner container, the machine room ceiling is supported. This requires that the machine room is essentially empty. At the same time, however, the suction pipe runs within the foam layer to be produced and must therefore be laid beforehand. In particular, if the suction pipe is introduced into the machine room in the region of the second machine room side wall with respect to the transverse direction orprotrudes into the machine room, the suction pipe can be positioned on the second side wall to save space during foaming. The valve is preferably installed after foaming.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the refrigerant circuit can have a sidewall condenser integrated into a sidewall of the body and a frame heater arranged on a front side of the body, wherein the sidewall condenser has a first pipe loop whose end sections protrude into the machine room on the second machine room sidewall, wherein the frame heater has a second pipe loop whose end sections protrude into the machine room on the second machine room sidewall, wherein the end sections of the first and second pipe loops are connected to one another and neither of the end sections extends between the machine room inner wall and the valve with respect to the depth direction. The frame heater and the sidewall condenser can, in particular, be hydraulically connected in series.An end section of a first conduit pipe of the frame heater is therefore connected to a first end section of a conduit pipe of the sidewall condenser, and an end section of a second conduit pipe of the frame heater is therefore connected to a second end section of the conduit pipe of the sidewall condenser. The conduit pipe of the sidewall condenser runs within a side wall of the body and can in particular be thermally conductively connected to an outer skin of the body. The conduit pipes of the frame heater run on a front side of the refrigeration appliance, in particular along a circumference of an access opening in the body through which the storage compartment is accessible. The end sections of the pipes protruding into the machine room on the second machine room side wall are connected to one another and all run in front of or above the valve on the second machine room side wall.This makes it easier to connect the end sections of the pipes because the connection points are more easily accessible.

[0022] According to some embodiments, it can be provided that the end sections run with respect to the vertical direction between the machine room ceiling and the valve and / or with respect to the depth direction between an end of the second side wall facing away from the machine room inner wall and the valve.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the end sections can be connected to one another, in particular soldered, at connection points located in an end region of the second engine room side wall facing away from the engine room interior wall in relation to the depth direction. This makes the connection points very easily accessible, which further facilitates assembly. According to some embodiments, the end sections can be provided to extend parallel to the second engine room side wall. This allows for an even more space-saving arrangement of the pipe ends in the engine room.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the refrigerant circuit may include a capillary line arrangement connected to the valve, which has a capillary coil connected to the valve, which is thermally conductively connected to the intake manifold and arranged, with respect to the vertical direction, between the valve and the machine room ceiling on the second machine room side wall. Since the valve is positioned in a lower end region of the machine room side wall facing away from the machine room ceiling, the capillary coil can be positioned above it without difficulty and in a space-saving manner. This also further facilitates assembly.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the refrigeration appliance can have an evaporation tray arranged in the machine room for collecting condensate from the storage compartment, which is positioned between the compressor and the machine room ceiling in relation to the vertical direction and extends in the transverse direction from at least one region facing the machine room interior wall to the second machine room side wall. The evaporation tray can, for example, be positioned on the compressor or connected to it. Since the valve is positioned in a lower end region of the machine room side wall facing away from the machine room ceiling, the evaporation tray can be extended in the direction of the second machine room side wall.

[0026] The features and advantages disclosed herein in connection with one aspect of the invention are also disclosed for the other aspect and vice versa.

[0027] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The invention is explained below with reference to the figures of the drawings. The figures show:

[0029] Fig. 1 shows a simplified, schematic sectional view of a refrigeration device according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 shows a perspective partial view of a refrigeration device according to an embodiment of the invention in the region of a side wall of a machine room;

[0030] Fig. 3 is a plan view of the side wall of the engine room of Fig. 2, omitting the valve shown in Fig. 2; and

[0031] Fig. 4 is a simplified perspective view of a refrigeration device according to a further embodiment of the invention;

[0032] Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration device according to a further embodiment of the invention; and

[0033] Fig. 6 is a flowchart of a method for assembling a refrigeration device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0034] In the figures, the same reference symbols denote identical or functionally identical components, unless otherwise stated.

[0035] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0036] Fig. 1 shows an example of a refrigeration appliance 100 in the form of a refrigerator. However, the invention is not limited to this; the refrigeration appliance can also be a refrigerator-freezer combination, a freezer chest, a freezer cabinet, or a general household refrigeration appliance.

[0037] As shown schematically in Fig. 1, the refrigeration device 100 has a body 110, a refrigerant circuit 4 and optionally also an evaporation tray 6.

[0038] The body 110 can, for example, have the shape of a cuboid, as shown schematically in Fig. 1. As shown by way of example in Fig. 1, the body 110 can have an inner container 1, a base housing 115 and a foam insulation 3. The inner container 2 defines or delimits a storage compartment 10 for receiving refrigerated goods, such as food, drinks, medicines or the like. As shown schematically in Fig. 4, the body 110 can have an access opening 111 through which the storage compartment 10 is accessible. A door (not shown) can be mounted on the front side of the body 110, on which the access opening 111 is formed, in order to close or open the access opening 111. The inner container 1 is surrounded by the foam insulation 3 and is thus thermally insulated.

[0039] The base housing 115 defines a machine room 2. The machine room 2 is delimited with respect to a vertical direction V by a machine room ceiling 20 and optionally additionally by a machine room floor 24, which is arranged opposite the machine room ceiling 20. With respect to a transverse direction C extending transversely to the vertical direction V, the machine room 2 is delimited by opposing first and second machine room side walls 21, 22, wherein the machine room floor 24 and the machine room ceiling 20 extend in the transverse direction C between the machine room side walls 21, 22. The machine room side walls 21, 22 in turn extend in the vertical direction V and in a depth direction T extending transversely to the vertical direction V and the transverse direction C.With respect to the depth direction T, the engine room 2 is delimited by an engine room interior wall 23 which extends in the transverse direction C between the engine room side walls 21, 22. The engine room 2 can have an engine room opening 24 which is delimited by the side walls 21, 22, the engine room ceiling 20 and, if appropriate, the engine room floor 24.

[0040] The refrigerant circuit 4 is shown only schematically in Fig. 1 and is generally designed to extract heat from the storage compartment 10 by evaporating refrigerant and to release heat to the environment by condensing refrigerant. As shown in Fig. 1, the refrigerant circuit 4 has an evaporator 41 thermally coupled to the storage compartment 10, a condenser 43 thermally coupled to the environment, a compressor 42 and a valve 44. Optionally, the refrigerant circuit 4 can additionally have a sidewall condenser 45 and a frame heater 46, as shown schematically in Figs. 4 and 5. The compressor 42 is positioned in the machine room 2 and has a suction port 42A and a pressure port 42B, wherein the compressor 42 is designed to suck in gaseous refrigerant at the suction port 42A, to compress it and to discharge it at the pressure port 42B. As shown in Figs.1 and 5, the evaporator 41 is connected to the suction port 42A of the compressor 42 by a suction line 50.

[0041] The condenser 43 is connected to the pressure port 42B of the compressor 42. As shown by way of example in Fig. 1, the condenser 43 can be arranged, for example, in the machine room 1. Optionally, the condenser 43 can be positioned in the machine room 2 together with a fan 49, which is designed to transport an air flow over or through the condenser 49 in order to promote the release of heat to the environment. The condenser 43 can be, for example, an MCHE condenser or generally a compact condenser. The condenser 43 is connected to the evaporator 41 via a capillary line arrangement 46, wherein the capillary line arrangement or an additional throttle valve (not shown) acts as a throttle in order to expand the refrigerant at least partially condensed in the condenser 43.

[0042] As shown schematically in Fig. 1, the valve 44 is connected to the condenser 46 by a first capillary line 48A and to the evaporator 41 by a second capillary line 48B. The valve 44 can, for example, be a shut-off valve designed to stop or allow a flow of refrigerant through the capillary lines 48A, 48B. Alternatively, the valve 44 can also be designed as a control valve designed to set different flow rates. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the refrigerant circuit 4 to have a plurality of evaporators 41, each of which is connected to the valve 44 by a capillary line, wherein the valve 44 can be designed to vary an inflow of refrigerant into each of the evaporators 41. In this case, the valve 44 can be designed as a rotary slide valve. In general, the valve 44 is designed to vary a flow of condensed refrigerant.

[0043] As further illustrated in Fig. 5, the optional sidewall condenser 45 and the optional frame heater 46 can be connected in series with the condenser 43. The sidewall condenser 45 can have a first pipe loop 55 with a pipe running in a sidewall 112 of the body 100. This pipe is in thermally conductive contact with a cladding (not shown) of the body, allowing the large surface area of ​​the sidewall 112 to be used to dissipate heat to the environment.

[0044] The frame heater 46 can have a second pipe loop 56 with a first pipe 46A and a second pipe 46B. As schematically shown in Fig. 4, the first and second pipes 46A, 46B can be laid on the front of the body 110, in particular such that they together at least partially, optionally substantially completely, enclose the access opening 111. As shown in Fig. 5, for example, the first pipe 46A can be connected to the pressure connection 42B of the compressor 42. A first pipe end 55A of the first pipe loop 55 of the sidewall condenser 45 can be connected to a pipe end 56A of the first pipe 56. A second pipe end 55B of the first pipe loop 55 of the sidewall condenser 45 can be connected to a pipe end 56B of the second pipe 46B of the frame heater 46, which in turn is connected to the condenser 43.Alternatively, the condenser 43 can also be connected between the compressor 42 and the first pipe 46B of the frame heater 46.

[0045] As shown by way of example in Fig. 2, the valve 44 is positioned in an end region of the second machine room side wall 22 facing away from the machine room ceiling 20 with respect to the vertical direction V and facing the machine room inner wall 23 with respect to the depth direction T. Illustratively speaking, the valve 44 is positioned in the region of the corner formed by the second machine room side wall 22 and the machine room rear wall 23, close to the machine room floor 24. As shown by way of example in Figs. 2 and 3, the valve 44 can be fastened to the second machine room side wall 22. For example, a fastening structure 7 can be provided on the second machine room side wall 22, which fastening structure 7 can, for example, have a plurality of pins 71 protruding from the second machine room side wall 22 in the transverse direction C, as shown by way of example in Fig. 3. The valve 44 can have a flange 72 which can be fixed to the pins 71, for example in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.

[0046] As further shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the suction pipe 50 projects with an end section 51 into the machine room 2. A main section 54 of the suction pipe 50 running outside the machine room 2 can run at least partially within the foam insulation 3. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the end section 51 of the suction pipe 50 is arranged between the machine room ceiling 23 and the valve 44 with respect to the vertical direction V and extends at least partially along the depth direction T. The suction pipe 50 thus projects generally through an opening 26 into the machine room 2 which is formed between the valve 44 and the ceiling 20 or in the ceiling 20 with respect to the vertical direction V. For example, the suction pipe 50 can be introduced into the machine room 2 in the region of the machine room inner wall 23 with respect to the depth direction T, e.g. through an opening 26 in the machine room inner wall, as shown in Figs.2 and 3 by way of example, or through an opening in the machine room ceiling 20. With respect to the transverse direction C, the opening 26 can be positioned in particular in the region of the second machine room side wall 22, as can be seen in particular in Fig. 2. In general, the end section 51 of the suction pipe 50 can extend from an end region of the machine room 2 facing the machine room inner wall 23 with respect to the depth direction T to an end region of the machine room 2 facing away from the machine room inner wall 23 with respect to the depth direction T, that is to say directly adjacent to the machine room opening 25. As shown in Fig.2, a space-saving arrangement of the valve 44 is achieved by arranging the valve 44 in the area of ​​the corner of the machine room side wall 22 and the machine room inner wall 23 and with respect to the vertical direction V below, and the end section 51 of the suction pipe 50 can also be laid in the machine room 2 in a space-saving manner.

[0047] As schematically shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the end portion 51 of the suction pipe 50 may have a knee or a curved portion 51A connecting a first linear portion 51B facing the machine room inner wall 23 and extending along the depth direction T with a second linear portion 51C extending along the vertical direction V.

[0048] The suction pipe 50 can be connected to the suction port 42A of the compressor 42 via a connecting pipe 53, which is connected to the end of the suction pipe 50 at a connection point 42, e.g., soldered thereto. The connecting pipe 53 can, in particular, be a copper pipe, while the suction pipe 50 or at least its end section 51 can optionally be an aluminum pipe. As shown in Fig. 2, the connection point 52 can be located between the valve 44 and the machine room ceiling 20 with respect to the vertical direction V, or at the same level as the valve 44. As shown by way of example in Figs. 2 and 3, the connection point 52 can be formed at the end of the second linear section 51C of the end section 51 of the suction pipe 50. In general, the connecting pipe 53 thus runs exclusively below the end section 51 of the suction pipe 50 with respect to the vertical direction V.In the event of condensate formation at the end section 51 of the suction pipe, the condensate can thus drain more effectively from the aluminum end section 51, reducing the risk of corrosion. Since the connection point 52 is located in the area of ​​the engine room opening 25 and is not positioned below the valve 44 in the vertical direction, the connection point 52 is easily accessible, which facilitates assembly.

[0049] As further shown in Figs. 2 and 3, end sections 55A, 55B of the first pipe loop 55 of the sidewall condenser 45 protrude into the machine room 2 at the second machine room side wall 22. As shown by way of example in Fig. 3, the end sections 55A, 55B of the first pipe loop 55 can be laid parallel to one another in an S-shape along the second machine room side wall 22, wherein in an end region facing the machine room opening 25, linear sections extending along the vertical direction V are provided, which form the end of the first pipe loop 55. End sections 56A, 56B of the second pipe loop 56 or of the first and second pipes 46A, 46B of the optional frame heater 46 also protrude into the machine room 2 at the second machine room side wall 22. As shown in Fig. 3, the end portions 56A, 56B of the second pipe loop 56 may be arranged with respect to the depth direction T, for examplebetween the end sections 55A, 55B of the first pipe loop 55 and the machine room inner wall 23 protrude into the machine room 2. As also shown in Fig. 3, the end sections 56A, 56B of the second pipe loop 56 can be laid parallel to one another along the second machine room side wall 22 in the direction of the machine room opening 25, e.g. in a U-shape, wherein in the end region facing the machine room opening 25, linear sections extending along the vertical direction V are provided, which are positioned in alignment with the linear sections of the end sections 55A, 55B of the first pipe loop 55. The end sections 55A, 55B, 56A, 56B can extend parallel to the second machine room side wall 22. For example, the end sections 55A, 55B, 56A, 56B can all be arranged in one plane within the engine room 2. This generally results in a space-saving arrangement.The end sections 55A, 55B, 56A, 55B of the first and second pipe loops 55, 56 are connected to one another at connection points 57A, 57B, e.g., soldered. As clearly visible in Fig. 3, these connection points 57A, 57B can be positioned in an end region of the second engine room side wall 22 facing away from the engine room inner wall 23 with respect to the depth direction T, i.e., in the region of the engine room opening 25, and are thus easily accessible. As further shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the end sections 55A, 55B, 56A, 56B extend exclusively above or in front of the valve 44 with respect to the depth direction T and the vertical direction V.The end sections 55A, 55B, 56A, 55B can extend, for example, between the engine room ceiling 20 and the valve 44 with respect to the vertical direction V and / or between the end of the second engine room side wall 22 facing away from the engine room inner wall 23 and the valve 44 with respect to the depth direction T. Generally speaking, none of the end sections 55A, 55B, 56A, 56B extends between the engine room inner wall 23 and the valve 44 with respect to the depth direction T. This facilitates both the mounting of the valve 44 on the second engine room side wall 22 and the connection of the end sections 55A, 55B, 56A, 56B.

[0050] As further shown in Figs. 2 and 3, a capillary line connected to the valve 44, e.g., the capillary line 48B leading from the valve 44 to the evaporator 41, can be wound into a capillary coil 48C in the machine room 2. This is thermally conductively connected to the suction pipe 50, e.g., to form a suction throttle tube heat exchanger, and is arranged on the second machine room side wall 22 between the valve 44 and the machine room ceiling 20 with respect to the vertical direction V. As further shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the capillary coil 48C can optionally be positioned between the end section 51 of the suction pipe 50 and the valve 44.

[0051] The evaporation tray 6 serves to collect condensate from the storage compartment 10 and is arranged in the machine room 2. As shown schematically in Fig. 1, the evaporation tray 6 can be positioned, for example, on the compressor 42. Generally, the evaporation tray 6 is positioned between the compressor 44 and the machine room ceiling 20 with respect to the vertical direction V. As shown only schematically in Fig. 1, the evaporation tray 6 can also be positioned between the valve 44 and the machine room ceiling 20 with respect to the vertical direction V. Due to the arrangement of the valve 44 in the end region of the second side wall 22 facing away from the machine room ceiling 20 with respect to the vertical direction V, the evaporation tray 6 can extend in the transverse direction C up to the second machine room side wall 22, at least in a region facing the machine room inner wall 23.

[0052] Fig. 6 shows schematically the sequence of a method M for assembling a refrigeration device 100, which is described below with reference to the refrigeration device 100 described above.

[0053] In a step M1, the suction pipe 50 is laid in the body 110 and the machine room 2 such that the end section 51 of the suction pipe 50 projects into the machine room 2 in an end region of the machine room side wall 22 facing the machine room ceiling 20 with respect to the vertical direction V and runs at least partially along the depth direction T. For example, the suction pipe 50 can be passed through the opening 26. If necessary, the end sections 55A, 55B, 56A, 56B of the pipe loops 55, 56 of the optional side wall condenser 45 and the optional frame heater 46 can also be laid in the body 110 and in the machine room 2 such that the end sections 55A, 55B, 56A, 56B on the second machine room side wall 22 project into the machine room 2. The connection of the end sections 55A, 55B, 56A, 56B, e.g. by soldering, can also be carried out in step M1.

[0054] In an optional step M2, which takes place after the installation M1 of the suction pipe 50 and, if applicable, the optional pipe loops 55, 56, the inner container 1 is foam-coated with the insulating foam. Before this step M2, a support tool (not shown), e.g., in the form of a block or a frame, can be positioned in the machine room 2, which supports the machine room ceiling 20 with respect to the vertical direction V. This supports the machine room ceiling 20 during the foaming process. After the foaming, the support tool is removed from the machine room 2.

[0055] In step M3, the valve 44 is mounted M3 on the second machine room side wall 22 in the end region of the second machine room side wall 22 facing away from the machine room ceiling 20 with respect to the vertical direction V and facing the machine room inner wall 23 with respect to the depth direction T. For example, the valve 44 can be fixed to the fastening structure 7, e.g. by the flange 72 being connected to the pins 71 in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner.

[0056] In step M4, the compressor 41 is mounted in the machine room 2. Optionally, the condenser 43, if provided in the machine room 2, can also be mounted in step M4, optionally together with the fan 49. For example, it can be provided that the compressor 41, as well as the condenser 43 and the fan 49, are mounted on the machine room floor 24 outside the machine room 2 and are pushed into the machine room 2 along the depth direction T on the machine room floor 24.

[0057] In step M5, the suction pipe 50 is connected to the suction port 42A of the compressor 42, e.g., by connecting, in particular soldering, the connecting pipe 53 to the end section 51 of the suction pipe 51. In step M5, the capillary tubes 48A, 48B can also be connected to the valve 44.

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

[0059] REFERENCE SYMBOL

[0060] 1 inner container

[0061] 2 engine rooms

[0062] 3 Foam insulation

[0063] 4 Refrigerant circuit

[0064] 6 evaporation tray

[0065] 7 Mounting structure

[0066] 10 storage compartments

[0067] 20 Engine room ceiling

[0068] 21 first engine room side wall

[0069] 22 first engine room side wall

[0070] 23 Engine room ceiling

[0071] 24 Engine room floor

[0072] 25 Engine room opening

[0073] 26 Opening

[0074] 41 evaporators

[0075] 42 compressors

[0076] 42A suction connection

[0077] 42B pressure connection

[0078] 43 Condenser

[0079] 44 Valve

[0080] 45 sidewall condensers

[0081] 46 frame heating

[0082] 46A first pipe of the frame heating

[0083] 46B second pipe of the frame heating

[0084] 48 Capillary line arrangement

[0085] 48A first capillary line

[0086] 48B second capillary line

[0087] 48C capillary coil

[0088] 49 fans

[0089] 50 intake manifold

[0090] 51 End section of the intake manifold

[0091] 51 A Arch section / knee 51 B First linear section

[0092] 51C second linear section

[0093] 52 junction point

[0094] 53 Connecting pipe

[0095] 54 Main section of the intake manifold

[0096] 55 first pipe loop

[0097] 55A, 55B End section of the first pipe loop

[0098] 56 second pipe loop

[0099] 56A, 56B End section of the second pipe loop

[0100] 100 refrigeration appliances

[0101] 110 Corpus

[0102] 111 Access opening

[0103] 112 Side wall of the body

[0104] M procedure

[0105] M1-M5 process steps

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. A refrigeration appliance (100), in particular a household refrigeration appliance, comprising: a body (110) defining a storage compartment (10) for receiving refrigerated goods and a machine room (2), wherein the machine room (2) is delimited with respect to a vertical direction (V) by a machine room ceiling (20), with respect to a transverse direction (C) by opposing first and second machine room side walls (21, 22), and with respect to a depth direction (T) by a machine room inner wall (23); and a refrigerant circuit (4) designed to extract heat from the storage compartment (10) by evaporating refrigerant and to release heat to the environment by condensing refrigerant, wherein the refrigerant circuit (4) has a compressor (42) positioned in the machine room (2) for circulating the refrigerant and a valve (44) for varying a flow rate of the condensed refrigerant;characterized in that the valve (44) is positioned in an end region of the second machine room side wall (22) facing away from the machine room ceiling (20) with respect to the vertical direction (V) and facing the machine room inner wall (23) with respect to the depth direction (T), a suction pipe (50) connected to a suction connection (42A) of the compressor (42) projects into the machine room (2) between the machine room ceiling (23) and the valve (44) with respect to the vertical direction (V), and an end section (51) of the suction pipe (50) extending in the machine room (2) runs at least partially along the depth direction (T); 2. Refrigeration device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the end portion (51) of the suction pipe (50) extends from an end region of the machine room (2) facing the machine room inner wall (23) in relation to the depth direction (T) to an end region of the machine room (2) facing away from the machine room inner wall (23) in relation to the depth direction (T).

3. Refrigeration appliance (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the suction pipe (50) is introduced into the machine room (2) in the region of the machine room inner wall (23) with respect to the depth direction (T).

4. Refrigeration appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the suction pipe (50) is introduced into the machine room (2) in the region of the second machine room side wall (22) with respect to the transverse direction (C).

5. Refrigeration appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the end section (51) of the suction pipe (50) is designed as an aluminum pipe, and wherein the end section (51) is connected, in particular soldered, at a connection point (52) to a copper pipe (53) connected to the suction connection (42A) of the compressor (42), wherein the connection point (52) is located at the same level as the valve (44) or between the valve (44) and the machine room ceiling (20) with respect to the vertical direction (V).

6. Refrigeration appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage compartment (10) is delimited by an inner container (1) surrounded by an insulating foam (3), and wherein the suction pipe (50) runs partially in the foam insulation (3).

7. Refrigeration appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the refrigerant circuit (4) comprises a side wall condenser (45) which is integrated into a side wall (111, 112) of the body (110), and a frame heater (46) which is arranged on a front side of the body (110), wherein the side wall condenser (45) has a first pipe loop (55), the end sections (55A, 55B) of which protrude into the machine room (2) on the second machine room side wall (22), wherein the frame heater (46) has a second pipe loop (56), the end sections (56A, 56B) of which protrude into the machine room (2) on the second machine room side wall (22), wherein the end sections (55A, 55B, 56A, 55B) of the first and the second pipe loop (55, 56) are connected to each other and none of the end sections (55A, 55B, 56A, 56B) extends between the engine room inner wall (23) and the valve (44) with respect to the depth direction (T).

8. Refrigeration appliance (100) according to claim 7, wherein the end sections (55A, 55B, 56A, 55B) extend with respect to the vertical direction (V) between the machine room ceiling (20) and the valve (44) and / or with respect to the depth direction (T) between an end of the second side wall (22) facing away from the machine room inner wall (23) and the valve (44).

9. Refrigeration appliance (100) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the end sections (55A, 55B, 56A, 56B) are connected to one another, in particular soldered, at connection points (57A, 57B) which are positioned in an end region of the second machine room side wall (22) facing away from the machine room inner wall (23) with respect to the depth direction (T).

10. Refrigeration appliance (100) according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the end sections (55A, 55B, 56A, 56B) extend parallel to the second machine room side wall (22).

11. Refrigeration appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the refrigerant circuit (4) has a capillary line arrangement (48) connected to the valve (44) with a capillary coil (48C) connected to the valve (44), which is thermally conductively connected to the suction pipe (50) and is arranged with respect to the vertical direction (V) between the valve (44) and the machine room ceiling (20) on the second machine room side wall (22).

12. Refrigeration appliance (100) according to one of the preceding claims, additionally comprising: an evaporation tray (6) arranged in the machine room (2) for receiving condensate from the storage compartment (10), which evaporation tray is positioned between the compressor (44) and the machine room ceiling (20) with respect to the vertical direction (V) and extends in the transverse direction (C) from at least one region facing the machine room inner wall (23) to the second machine room side wall (22).

13. Method (M) for assembling a refrigeration device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: Laying (M1) the suction pipe (50) in the body (110) and the machine room (2) such that the end section (51) of the suction pipe (50) projects into the machine room (2) in an end region of the machine room side wall (22) facing the machine room ceiling (20) with respect to the vertical direction (V) and runs at least partially along the depth direction (T); Mounting (M3) the valve (44) on the second machine room side wall (22) in the end region of the second machine room side wall (22) facing away from the machine room ceiling (20) with respect to the vertical direction (V) and facing the machine room inner wall (23) with respect to the depth direction (T); Mounting (M4) the compressor (41) in the machine room (2); and connecting (M5) the suction pipe (50) to the suction connection (42A) of the compressor (42).

14. Method (M) according to claim 13 with reference to claim 6, additionally comprising: Foaming (M2) the inner container (1) with the insulating foam after laying (M1) the suction pipe (50), wherein during foaming (M2) the machine room ceiling (20) is supported by a support tool positioned in the machine room (2), which is removed from the machine room (2) again after foaming (M2).

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