Cooling fan assembly for a refrigerator condenser cooling fan and method for providing a cooling fan assembly in a refrigerator

Abstract

A cooling fan assembly (100) for a refrigerator condenser cooling fan comprises a fan mounting frame (1), wherein the fan mounting frame (1) has a plurality of connecting regions (CR); a cooling fan (2), which is an axial fan and which has a plurality of resilient connecting means (RCM), wherein the cooling fan (2) is configured to be connected to the fan mounting frame (1) via the resilient connecting means (RCM) by placing the resilient connecting means (RCM) at the corresponding connecting regions (CR) and connecting the resilient connecting means (RCM) to the corresponding connecting regions (CR), wherein the resilient connecting means (RCM) are located each on a particularly predefined distance from an axis of rotation of the cooling fan (2), and wherein at least one of the resilient connecting means (RCM) has an unsymmetric vibration transfer property with a first vibration transfer property along a first direction of the resilient connecting means (RCM) and a second vibration transfer property along a second direction of the resilient connecting means (RCM).

Description

[0001] COOLING FAN ASSEMBLY FOR A REFRIGERATOR CONDENSER COOLING FAN AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A COOLING FAN ASSEMBLY IN A REFRIGERATOR

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a cooling fan assembly for a refrigerator condenser cooling fan and to a method for providing a cooling fan assembly in a refrigerator.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Classical refrigerators, particularly domestic ones, are equipped with a cooling system consisting of main components as an evaporator, a condenser, and a compressor, wherein the basic principle of such a cooling system is well known. The compressor transfers the cooling media through the system. The evaporator, usually installed inside the cooling space, absorbs heat and cools down the interior. The condenser is typically placed outside the cooling space and releases heat to the environment. In some refrigerators, the condenser is equipped with a fan that facilitates its cooling. This fan can be mounted on an appropriate mounting frame installed on the refrigerator housing, in the vicinity of the condenser.

[0006] During rotation the above-mentioned fan produces vibrations depending on its rotation frequency which can then be transmitted to the supporting structure of the cooling frame in the refrigerator, then for example leading to unwanted noise or even to potential damage of components. Therefore, it is desired to isolate or at least mitigate vibrations from the fan by finding a way to reduce or eliminate the transmission of vibrations to the surrounding structure. Conventional concepts use often preloaded vibroisolation components. In known concepts, different vibration frequencies may require specific approaches for effective isolation, complicating the design process.

[0007] For a cooling fan for a refrigerator condenser an improved vibration damping system is desired, that can provide an improved and effective mitigation of vibrations from the cooling fan to the refrigerator structure. US 2016 / 0146224 A1 describes a fan assembly for a refrigeration appliance. A fan system can have a fan frame and supporting ribs for holding an axial fan.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] It is an object of the invention to improve the damping of transfer of vibrations which are generated by a cooling fan in the refrigerator by choosing a particular way of connecting the cooling fan to a holding / supporting structure.

[0010] The object is solved by the subject-matter of the independent claims.

[0011] The present invention pertains a cooling fan assembly for a refrigerator condenser cooling fan according to claim 1 and to a method for providing a cooling fan assembly in a refrigerator according to claim 14.

[0012] Preferred embodiments are subject of the dependent claims.

[0013] According to the invention the cooling fan assembly for a refrigerator condenser cooling fan comprises a fan mounting frame, wherein the fan mounting frame has a plurality of connecting regions; a cooling fan, which is an axial fan and which has a plurality of resilient connecting means, wherein the cooling fan is configured to be connected to the fan mounting frame via the resilient connecting means by placing the resilient connecting means at the corresponding connecting regions and connecting the resilient connecting means to the corresponding connecting regions, wherein the resilient connecting means are located each on a particularly predefined distance from an axis of rotation of the cooling fan, and wherein at least one of the resilient connecting means has an unsymmetric vibration transfer property with a first vibration transfer property along a first direction of the resilient connecting means and a second vibration transfer property along a second direction of the resilient connecting means, which (transfer properties) can (as an example) differ such that resistance forces arising from the particular vibration transfer property and which counteract vibration forces are at least 50 % higher when the vibration forces are directed in the first direction than compared to those resistance forces for which the vibration forces are directed in the second direction.

[0014] The issue of isolating or damping vibrations transfer from a cooling fan refers to maintain an effective cooling of the condenser while minimizing vibration and noise.

[0015] The resistance forces can represent a response to the vibration forces, for example from the cooling fan, depending on the structural and / or material properties of the resilient connecting means.

[0016] Resilient connecting means can provide a significantly greater resistance (force of reaction against the forces exerted to the connecting means), i.e. at least 50%, against the movement (caused for example by vibrations) of the fan at expected forces- accelerations in normal operation when the forces of the movement act from the cooling fan towards the mounting frame than in the opposite direction.

[0017] The fan mounting frame can be mounted at the outside of the refrigerator or implemented inside of the refrigerator on / at an evaporator fan. The connecting regions represent regions for connecting the cooling fan to the fan mounting frame. The resilient connecting means represent at least one region and / or component which has a resilient (for example elastic) property.

[0018] Since the frequency range of said vibrations from the cooling fan can span a wide range of frequencies, the vibroisolation solution is preferably to effectively attenuate vibrations (mitigate a transfer of vibrations) across a wide range of frequencies to prevent or lower the transmission of noise and ensure or higher optimal performance.

[0019] Further, the solution for providing isolation or mitigation of vibration transfer is preferably robust and durable enough to withstand the appliance operating conditions over an extended period and is enough resistant to temperature variations, humidity, and potential wear and tear to ensure a long-term reliability. Since a determination of an appropriate amount of pretension or preload of the components for vibroisolation (mitigation of transfer of vibration), in particular the resilient connecting means, can be challenging, it is possible to consider a level of pretension carefully in order to ensure the stability and prevent or lower potential impact of the cooling fan with the surrounding structure. It can be preferred to strike a balance between vibration isolation and stability of the fan. In order to find an optimal preload it can be required to carefully consider the material properties, load conditions, and expected performance. Further, the isolation or mitigation of vibration transfer from the fan does advantageously not significantly avoid or impact the heat dissipation process since the cooling fan's primary function is to remove heat from the system.

[0020] According to a further embodiment of the cooling fan assembly, the cooling fan has a cooling fan frame and at least one of the resilient connecting means comprises a resilient connecting pin and / or a resilient attachment and / or a connecting hole in the cooling fan frame, and wherein the resilient connecting pin can extend into the connecting region and / or into the connecting hole for connecting the cooling fan to the fan mounting frame.

[0021] The resilient connecting means can be placed at and / or in a corresponding connecting region and connecting the fan and the fan mounting frame, wherein "connecting" can be plugged, leaned to, hanged to, clipped or any other form of attaching or mounting.

[0022] The resilient connecting pin and / or the resilient attachment can be made of rubber or another elastic material. The resilient attachment can for example be an elastic plate or cap located at the cooling fan frame at the region of the cooling fan or cooling fan frame which should be used to be connected to the fan mounting frame. The resilient connecting pin and / or the resilient attachment can be unloaded rubber components for establishing an unilateral contact between cooling fan and fan mounting frame or the resilient connecting pin can also be a preloaded / pretensioned rubber mount / pin.

[0023] As already mentioned, the resilient connecting pin can extend into the connecting region and / or into the connecting hole (and through it) for connecting the cooling fan to the fan mounting frame and thereby touch inside the cooling fan frame and / or the fan mounting frame or not

[0024] According to a further embodiment of the cooling fan assembly the first direction and the second direction are parallel to an axis of rotation of the cooling fan and the first direction pointing from the cooling fan towards the fan mounting frame and the second direction being opposite the first direction.

[0025] According to a further embodiment of the cooling fan assembly the resilient connecting pins comprise an elastic material and have a longitudinal extent, wherein one of the resilient connecting pins can be placed such that it extends at least inside the connecting region and prevents a direct contact between the fan mounting frame and the cooling fan.

[0026] The isolation of vibration transfer represents and corresponds to a mitigation of vibration transfer.

[0027] These different vibration transfer properties can be achieved by different material properties and / or by differences in the structure and / or dimension(s) of the particular resilient connecting means.

[0028] According to a further embodiment of the cooling fan assembly the cooling fan has a rectangular cooling fan frame and the resilient connecting means are located at corners of the rectangular cooling fan frame.

[0029] According to a further embodiment of the cooling fan assembly the predefined distances between the particular resilient connecting means and the axis of rotation are equal for all resilient connecting means or differ for up to 10 % or up to 15 % towards each other.

[0030] According to a further embodiment of the cooling fan assembly the fan mounting frame has a higher stiffness in at least a first connecting region than in at least a second connecting region and / or the cooling fan has a higher stiffness in at least a resilient connecting means at a first connecting region than in at least a resilient connecting means in at least a second connecting region, and / or wherein the resilient connecting means with the unsymmetric vibration transfer property is placed in the first connecting region.

[0031] Due to considering the particular stiffness and the related property of transferring vibrations it is possible to apply the particular resilient connecting means in or at the first connecting region where stronger vibration transfer from / to the frame structure and / or fan structure is expected and the use of the corresponding transfer of vibrations in the first direction and in the second direction allows a strategic placement of these resilient connection and to minimize the vibration transfer and prevent or at least lower impacts, resulting in improved performance and reduced noise levels in appliances. By utilizing this innovative configuration, the invention effectively addresses the issue of pretension while maintaining a secure position for the fan.

[0032] According to a further embodiment of the cooling fan assembly two first connecting regions are located along a first diagonal of the cooling fan and two second connecting regions are located along a second diagonal of the cooling fan.

[0033] According to a further embodiment of the cooling fan assembly the resilient connecting means with the unsymmetric vibration transfer property is placed at the connecting region where a maximum of a vibrational response of the fan mounting frame and / or of the mounted cooling fan is expected.

[0034] By utilizing the configuration having the resilient connecting means, the invention effectively addresses the issue of pretension by connecting the cooling fan to the fan mounting frame while maintaining a secure position for the fan. The location of the resilient connecting means which can as unilateral contacts provide support and stability to the cooling fan and can be strategically placed to minimize the contact area and pretension between the fan and its supporting structure (fan mounting frame etc.).

[0035] According to a further embodiment of the cooling fan assembly in at least one of the first connecting regions a resilient connecting pin is placed which comprises a cap to which the cooling fan can be leaned and wherein in at least one of the second connecting regions a resilient connecting pin extends through a connecting hole of the corresponding resilient connecting means and has a catch at an opposite side of the cooling fan relative to the fan mounting frame.

[0036] The fan can be pushed towards the fan mounting frame and to the connecting pin and leaned thereto (first direction) where a higher damping is desired and pulled from the fan mounting frame (by vibration) and separated (at least for small amount inside a tolerance) from the fan mounting frame in the particular connecting region which results in almost no vibrotransfer in the second direction.

[0037] According to a further embodiment of the cooling fan assembly in at least one of the first connecting regions a first resilient connecting pin is placed which extends through a first connecting hole of the corresponding (placed nearby the first connecting region) resilient connecting means and has a catch at an opposite side of the cooling fan relative to the fan mounting frame, wherein said first resilient connecting pin has inside the first connecting hole at least in one region a smaller diameter than the first connecting hole, wherein the diameter in said region of said resilient first connecting pin is smaller for 5 % to 10 % than the diameter of the first connecting hole and wherein in at least one of the second connecting regions a corresponding second resilient connecting pin which is inserted in a second connecting hole has a bigger diameter then the first resilient connecting pin in the corresponding region when compared inside the corresponding (first and second are compared to each other in the particular hole through which they extend) connecting hole.

[0038] According to a further embodiment of the cooling fan assembly in at least one of the first connecting regions a resilient connecting pin is placed which extends through a connecting hole of the corresponding resilient connecting means and has a catch at an opposite side of the cooling fan relative to the fan mounting frame, wherein said resilient connecting pin has a distance between the catch and the cooling fan on the opposite side of the fan mounting frame when inserted into the connecting hole. According to a further embodiment of the cooling fan assembly in at least one of the first connecting regions a resilient connecting pin is placed which extends through a connecting hole of the corresponding resilient connecting means and has a catch at an opposite side of the cooling fan relative to the fan mounting frame, wherein said resilient connecting pin has a distance between the catch and the cooling fan on the opposite side of the fan mounting frame when inserted into the connecting hole due to the cooling fan having a smaller thickness along the connecting hole in the resilient connecting means where said resilient connecting pin is placed than for example at resilient connecting means at a second connecting region.

[0039] According to the invention the method for providing a cooling fan assembly in a refrigerator, comprises the steps of providing a fan mounting frame, wherein the fan mounting frame has a plurality of connecting regions; providing a cooling fan, which is an axial fan and which has a plurality of resilient connecting means, wherein the cooling fan is connected to the fan mounting frame via the resilient connecting means by placing the resilient connecting means at the corresponding connecting regions and connecting resilient connecting means to the corresponding connecting regions, wherein the resilient connecting regions are located each on a particularly predefined distance from an axis of rotation of the cooling fan, and wherein at least one of the resilient connecting means has an unsymmetric vibration transfer property with a first vibration transfer property along a first direction of the resilient connecting means and a second vibration transfer property along a second direction of the resilient connecting means, which differ such that resistance forces arising from the particular vibration transfer property and which counteract vibration forces are at least 50 % higher when the vibration forces are directed in the first direction than compared to those resistance forces for which the vibration forces are directed in the second direction.

[0040] According to a further embodiment of the method a vibrational response of the fan mounting frame and / or of the connected cooling fan is evaluated or determined and a location of a maximum of the vibrational response of the fan mounting frame and / or of the connected cooling fan is determined and the resilient connecting means with the unsymmetric vibration transfer property is placed at the corresponding connecting region, for example where the maximum of the vibrational response is expected. The vibrational response of the fan mounting frame and / or of the connected cooling fan can be evaluated or determined for example from knowing the construction properties or from simulations.

[0041] The resilient connecting pins can be separated elements relative to the cooling fan and the fan mounting frame but can be understood as belonging to the resilient connecting means and thereby indirectly to the cooling fan even if physically separated from the cooling fan and attached to the fan mounting frame.

[0042] The method can be characterized by the same or similar features and corresponding advantages as already mentioned in conjunction with the cooling fan assembly and vice versa.

[0043] BRIEF DESCIRPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] The invention will be explained in greater detail with reference to exemplary embodiments depicted in the drawings as appended.

[0045] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate a comparative embodiment and embodiments of the present invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. Other embodiments of the present invention and many of the intended advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other. Like reference numerals designate corresponding similar parts.

[0046] Fig. 1 shows a cooling fan assembly with a cooling fan for a refrigerator condenser according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2 shows a perspective cut through a cooling fan assembly with a cooling fan and through a condenser along a vertical line of the cooling fan according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0047] Fig. 3 shows a perspective cut through a cooling fan assembly with a cooling fan and through a condenser along a diagonal line of the cooling fan according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0048] Fig. 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d show a longitudinal cut through a fan mounting frame and through a cooling fan according to different embodiments of the invention.

[0049] Fig. 5 shows a front view on a cooling frame with resilient connecting means according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0050] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0051] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and / or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present invention. Generally, this application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein.

[0052] Fig. 1 shows a cooling fan assembly with a cooling fan for a refrigerator condenser according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0053] The cooling fan assembly 100 for a refrigerator condenser cooling fan comprises a fan mounting frame 1, wherein the fan mounting frame 1 has a plurality of connecting regions CR; and a cooling fan 2, which is an axial fan and which has a plurality of resilient connecting means RCM, wherein the cooling fan 2 is configured to be connected to the fan mounting frame 1 via the resilient connecting means RCM by placing the resilient connecting means RCM at the corresponding connecting regions CR. The fan mounting frame 1 can be placed in front of a condenser of the refrigerator in order to achieve a cooling effect. The cooling fan 2 can have a cooling fan frame 2a which can be connected to the fan mounting frame 1 and in Fig. 1 it is shown that the fan mounting frame 1 can have (with higher stiffness) two first connecting regions CR1 and two second connecting regions CR2 (with lower stiffness), and wherein the resilient connecting means RCM with the unsymmetric vibration transfer property are placed in the first connecting regions CR1. Further, the two first connecting regions CR1 can be located along a first diagonal D1 of the cooling fan 2 and the two second connecting regions CR2 can be located along a second diagonal D2 of the cooling fan 2 or of the fan mounting frame 1. In the first connecting regions CR1 resilient connecting pins 3 can be placed, which extend as unloaded pins into the first connecting regions CR1, for example forming a cap to which the cooling fan frame 2a can be leaned (Fig. 2). These unloaded connecting pins 3 do in this embodiment not extend into the corresponding connecting holes CH of the cooling fan frame 2a.

[0054] In each of the second connecting regions CR2 a resilient connecting pin 3 can be placed, which extend as pre-loaded pin into the second connecting region CR2 and into the corresponding connecting holes CH (as specified in Fig. 2) of the cooling fan frame 2a since there the stiffness of the fan mounting frame and / or of the cooling fan itself seems being lower and the transport (maximum) of vibrations occuring there lower.

[0055] Fig. 2 shows a perspective cut through a cooling fan assembly with a cooling fan and through a condenser along a vertical line of the cooling fan according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0056] At the upper resilient connecting means RCM the cooling fan frame 2a has a connecting hole CH which is placed in front of a connecting region CR of the fan mounting frame 1 and wherein a resilient connecting pin 3 extends from an interior of the connecting region CR into the connecting hole CH. Fig. 2 can be a vertical cut along two adjacent resilient connecting means RCM of Fig. 1, wherein the upper connecting region can be a second connecting region CR2 and the lower connecting region can be a first connecting region CR1 as explained in Fig. 1. The resilient connecting pin 3 of this kind can be made of rubber and be preloaded (by a predefined tension) and fit the opening in the connecting hole CH and in the second connecting region CR2. Such a resilient connecting pin 3 can provide support for the cooling fan and hold it at the fan mounting frame 1. Usual appliances can have four of such connecting pins at corners of the cooling fan 2, wherein such a pre-tensioning between the supporting structure and the cooling fan 2 can in usual appliances amplify the contact area and subsequently enhances the transfer of vibrations from the fan 2 to the supporting structure. According to the present invention it can be evaluated at which connecting regions CR it is possible and suitable to apply resilient connecting means RCM for having a higher or lower vibroisolation and to which a (preloaded) connecting component can be applied. Therefore, it is possible that the resilient connecting means RCM with the unsymmetric vibration transfer property is / are placed at the first connecting region CR1 where a maximum of a vibrational response of the fan mounting frame 1 and / or of the mounted cooling fan 2 can be expected.

[0057] By limiting the resilient connecting means RCM (pin / attachment) pretension and with this the contact area the resilient connecting means RCM can effectively prevent vibrations traveling through the system. Such an unilateral connection can be placed in a way to assure the stability of the cooling fan 2 during operation and thus prevent a direct collision with the fan mounting frame 1, that would lead to increase of vibrations. The configuration shown in Fig. 2 includes a preloaded or pretensioned (resilient) connecting pin 3 at the upper connecting region CR2 and an adjacent resilient (and unloaded) connecting pin 3 at the lower connecting region CR1, that gives the stability of the cooling fan 2 through an unilateral contact. The shown and mentioned connecting regions CR1, CR2 are adjacent along a vertical line of the cooling fan 2 and represent an upper and lower connecting region CR. The lower resilient connecting pin 3 extends only through the connecting region CR and forms a head or cap CP at the side of the fan mounting frame 1 which faces the cooling fan 2 such that the cooling fan 2 can be leaned to the cap CP of the resilient connecting pin 3 at the lower connecting region CR1. When the cooling fan 2 leans to said cap CP the cap CP has a lower transport of vibrations towards the fan mounting frame 1 since in this lower connecting region CR1 it can be expected, in this example, that a maximum of a vibrational response of the fan mounting frame 1 and / or of the mounted cooling fan 2 can be expected here. The contact between the cooling fan 2 and the lower connecting region CR1 with the resilient connecting pin 3 and its cap CP can be understood as "unilateral" contact, since if the cooling fan 2 would be pulled away from the fan mounting frame 1 in the second direction there is no contact between them any more.

[0058] The innovative combination of preloaded connecting pins 3 together with unloaded resilient connecting pins 3 that present unilateral support for the cooling fan 2 can provide the benefit of reducing the pretension of connecting pins 3. In this sense unloaded connecting pins 3 that can present unilateral support help to reduce pretension of the given vibroisolation system. In the context of cooling fans 2, pretension can occur due to the fixation of the fan housing to the supporting structure. This pretension can lead to increased vibration transmission and potentially cause an increase of noise of the refrigerator. The preloaded connecting pins 3 can be placed in locations where the least vibration is expected, which typically corresponds to the most rigid fixation points on the fan mounting frame 1 and / or of the cooling fan 2. An implementation of unloaded resilient connecting pins 3 can due to its reduced contact area at the cap CP and since not extending into the cooling fan structure (frame), ensure a minimal transfer of vibrations from the cooling fan 2 to the fan mounting frame 1. Therefore, the use of the unilateral contact-based resilient connecting pin 3 aims to enhance the stability of the cooling fan 2.

[0059] A housing of the cooling fan 2 and the fan mounting frame 1 can be designed to allow only minimal clearance between the cooling fan 2 and the fan mounting frame 1 to lower the chance of dislocation of the cooling fan 2 from the fan mounting frame 1.

[0060] Fig. 3 shows a perspective cut through a cooling fan assembly with a cooling fan and through a condenser along a diagonal line of the cooling fan according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0061] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3 the two first connecting regions CR1 are located along a first diagonal D1 of the cooling fan 2 and two second connecting regions CR2 are located (only the rear one is shown in Fig. 3 since the second diagonal crosses the first diagonal D1) along a second diagonal D2 of the cooling fan 2 (when connected to the fan mounting frame 1). In the two first connecting regions CR1, for example, unilateral resilient connecting pins 3 are mounted as this is also shown for the lower connecting region CR1 of Fig. 2 (similar to the lower pin 3 in Fig. 4a).

[0062] The cooling fan 2 with the cooling fan frame 2a can have the resilient connecting means RCM comprising a resilient connecting pin 3, for example unloaded in the first connecting region CR1 and preloaded in the second connecting region CR2 and each or at least one a resilient attachment 4 and a connecting hole CH in the cooling fan frame 2a. The resilient attachment 4 is shown only in a symbolic manner since it is possible that the cooling fan frame 2a can comprise a resilient region RCM as a cap or resilient holding part with a hole in it where to lean to the resilient connecting pin 3.

[0063] In order to effectively reduce vibration transmission and maintain stability of the cooling fan 2 within the fan mounting frame 1 such an approach that utilizes two preloaded rubber mounts and two unloaded rubber mounts can be employed, wherein the preloaded connecting pins can be placed in the second regions CR2. The unloaded resilient connecting pins 3 can be applied as unilateral supports for the cooling fan 2, ensuring its stability. The placement of unloaded resilient connecting pins 3 can be determined by analysing the vibration shape of the cooling fan 2 and / or of the fan mounting frame 1. The unilateral contact-based resilient connecting pins 3 can thus be positioned at the fixation location (connecting region, for example the first connecting region CR1) where the biggest vibrational response of the supporting structure is expected. The implementation of unloaded connecting pins 3, thanks to its reduced contact area, can ensure the minimal transfer of vibrations from the cooling fan 2 to the fan mounting frame 1.

[0064] Fig. 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d show a longitudinal cut through a fan mounting frame and through a cooling fan according to different embodiments of the invention.

[0065] In Fig. 4a a first connecting region CR1 with an unloaded resilient connecting pin 3 is shown having a cap CP on which the cooling fan 2 can be leaned. This resilient connecting pin 3 transfers mostly loads and / or lowers vibrational transfer in the first direction (towards the fan mounting frame 1) and caused by pressure / vibration (force). On the upper side of the cooling fan 2 a second connecting region CR2 with a preloaded resilient connecting pin 3 is shown. The preloaded resilient connecting pin 3 can extend into the connecting hole CH of the resilient connecting means RCM at this side and in this embodiment touch the inner walls of the holes and extend through the entire cooling fan 2 and having a catch CT at the opposite side of the cooling fan 2. Said preloaded connecting pin 3 at the connecting hole CH of the resilient connecting means RCM at this side can be present in all embodiments shown in Fig. 4b - 4d.

[0066] In Fig. 4b the same configuration as mentioned in Fig. 4a is present with the difference that at the lower side the cooling fan 2 has at the corresponding resilient mounting (connecting) means at the first connecting region CR1 also a (first) connecting hole CH (not the case in Fig. 4a) into which (and through it) another form of resilient (first) connecting pin 3 can extend. Said resilient (first) connecting pin 3 in the (lower) first connecting hole CH can extend through said hole CH and also have a catch CT on the opposite side of the cooling fan 2 but differ from the connecting pin 3 in the upper hole CH by either being made of a more flexible or soft material and / or by having a thinner part which extends through the hole CH and thereby not touching the inner walls of the hole CH. In other words, the first pin 3 in the lower hole CH can be in said region inside the hole CH thinner than a pin 3 which is placed in the upper hole CH (in a second connecting region CR2) when compared at the corresponding regions inside the holes CH.

[0067] In Fig. 4c the connecting pin 3 in the upper hole (at a second connecting region) can be similar to the connecting pin 3 in the lower hole CH (at a first connecting region) but the lower pin 3 can be longer and have a distance between the catch CT and the opposite side of the cooling fan 2, since the connecting pin 3 at the lower side can be made such that the catch CT can also touch the opposite side of the cooling fan 2 (when the fan is moved thereto). The connecting pin 3 in the upper hole CH can transfer pressure (force) in both the first and the second direction whereas the connecting pin 3 in the lower hole CH can transfer pressure (force) in a normal mounting only in the first direction and hold the cooling fan 2 if moved from the mounting position and away from the fan mounting frame 1 (for example if the connecting pin 3 on the upper side brakes). In Fig. 4d both the connecting pins 3 at the lower hole CH and at the upper hole CH can be of similar shape but the cooling fan 2 can be thinner in the lower part (at a first connecting region) and therefore the connecting pin 3 in the lower hole CH can have a distance between the catch CT and the opposite side of the cooling fan 2.

[0068] Fig. 5 shows a front view on a cooling frame with resilient connecting means according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0069] The resilient connecting means RCM are located each on a particularly predefined distance from an axis of rotation of the cooling fan 2. The cooling fan 2 can have a rectangular shape with the resilient connecting means RCM, for example the connecting holes CH, being placed in corner of the cooling fan 2. Along the first diagonal D1 it is possible to provide connecting pins 3 with different vibration transfer properties than along the second diagonal D2. The particularly used connecting pins 3 can have different colors.

[0070] In the foregoing detailed description, various features are grouped together in one or more examples or examples with the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. It is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Cooling fan assembly (100) for a refrigerator condenser cooling fan, the cooling fan assembly (100) comprising:- a fan mounting frame (1), wherein the fan mounting frame (1) has a plurality of connecting regions (CR);- a cooling fan (2), which is an axial fan and which has a plurality of resilient connecting means (RCM), wherein the cooling fan (2) is configured to be connected to the fan mounting frame (1) via the resilient connecting means (RCM) by placing the resilient connecting means (RCM) at the corresponding connecting regions (CR) and connecting the resilient connecting means (RCM) to the corresponding connecting regions (CR), wherein the resilient connecting means (RCM) are located each on a particularly predefined distance from an axis of rotation of the cooling fan (2), and wherein at least one of the resilient connecting means (RCM) has an unsymmetric vibration transfer property with a first vibration transfer property along a first direction of the resilient connecting means (RCM) and a second vibration transfer property along a second direction of the resilient connecting means (RCM), which differ such that resistance forces arising from the particular vibration transfer property and which counteract vibration forces are at least 50 % higher when the vibration forces are directed in the first direction than compared to those resistance forces for which the vibration forces are directed in the second direction.

2. Cooling fan assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein the cooling fan (2) has a cooling fan frame (2a) and at least one of the resilient connecting means (RCM) comprises a resilient connecting pin (3) and / or a resilient attachment (4) and / or a connecting hole (CH) in the cooling fan frame (2a), and wherein the resilient connecting pin (3) can extend into the connecting region (CR) and / or into the connecting hole (CH) for connecting the cooling fan (2) to the fan mounting frame (1).

3. Cooling fan assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first direction and the second direction are parallel to an axis of rotation of the cooling fan (2) and the first direction pointing from the cooling fan (2) towards the fan mounting frame (1) and the second direction being opposite the first direction.

4. Cooling fan assembly (100) according to any of claims 2 to 3, and referenced to claim 2, wherein the resilient connecting pins (3) comprise an elastic material and have a longitudinal extent, wherein one of the resilient connecting pins (3) can be placed such that it extends at least inside the connecting region (CR) and prevents a direct contact between the fan mounting frame (1) and the cooling fan (2).

5. Cooling fan assembly (100) according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cooling fan (2) has a rectangular cooling fan frame (2a) and the resilient connecting means (RCM) are located at corners of the rectangular cooling fan frame (2a).

6. Cooling fan assembly (100) according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the predefined distances between the particular resilient connecting means (RCM) and the axis of rotation are equal for all resilient connecting means (RCM) or differ for up to 10 % or up to 15 % towards each other.

7. Cooling fan assembly (100) according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fan mounting frame (1) has a higher stiffness in at least a first connecting region (CR1) than in at least a second connecting region (CR2) and / or the cooling fan (2) has a higher stiffness in at least a resilient connecting means (RCM) at a first connecting region (CR1) than in at least a resilient connecting means (RCM) in at least a second connecting region (CR2), and / or wherein the resilient connecting means(RCM) with the unsymmetric vibration transfer property is placed in the first connecting region (CR1).

8. Cooling fan assembly (100) according to claim 7, wherein two first connecting regions (CR1) are located along a first diagonal (D1) of the cooling fan (2) and two second connecting regions (CR2) are located along a second diagonal (D2) of the cooling fan (2).

9. Cooling fan assembly (100) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein in at least one of the first connecting regions (CR1) a resilient connecting pin (3) is placed which comprises a cap (CP) to which the cooling fan (2) can be leaned and wherein in at least one of the second connecting regions (CR2) a resilient connecting pin (3) extends through a connecting hole (CH) of the corresponding resilient connecting means (RCM) and has a catch (CT) at an opposite side of the cooling fan (2) relative to the fan mounting frame (1).

10. Cooling fan assembly (100) according to any of claims 7 to 9, wherein in at least one of the first connecting regions (CR1) a first resilient connecting pin (3) is placed which extends through a first connecting hole (CH) of the corresponding resilient connecting means (RCM) and has a catch (CT) at an opposite side of the cooling fan (2) relative to the fan mounting frame (1), wherein said first resilient connecting pin (3) has inside the first connecting hole (CH) at least in one region a smaller diameter than the first connecting hole (CH), wherein the diameter in said region of said resilient first connecting pin (3) is smaller for 5 % to 10 % than the diameter of the first connecting hole (CH) and wherein in at least one of the second connecting regions (CR2) a corresponding second resilient connecting pin (3) which is inserted in a second connecting hole (CH) has a bigger diameter then the first resilient connecting pin (3) in the corresponding region when compared inside the corresponding connecting hole (CH).1 1 . Cooling fan assembly (100) according to any of claims 7 to 10, wherein in at least one of the first connecting regions (CR1) a resilient connecting pin (3) is placed which extends through a connecting hole (CH) of the corresponding resilient connecting means (RCM) and has a catch (CT) at an opposite side of the cooling fan (2) relative to the fan mounting frame (1), wherein said resilient connecting pin (3) has a distance between the catch (CT) and the cooling fan (2) on the opposite side of the fan mounting frame (1) when inserted into the connecting hole (CH).

12. Cooling fan assembly (100) according to any of claims 7 to 11 , wherein in at least one of the first connecting regions (CR1) a resilient connecting pin (3) is placed which extends through a connecting hole (CH) of the corresponding resilient connecting means (RCM)and has a catch (CT) at an opposite side of the cooling fan (2) relative to the fan mounting frame (1), wherein said resilient connecting pin (3) has a distance between the catch (CT) and the cooling fan (2) on the opposite side of the fan mounting frame (1) when inserted into the connecting hole (CH) due to the cooling fan (2) having a smaller thickness along the connecting hole (CH) in the resilient connecting means (RCM) where said resilient connecting pin (3) is placed.

13. Cooling fan assembly (100) according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the resilient connecting means (RCM) with the unsymmetric vibration transfer property is placed at the connecting region (CR) where a maximum of a vibrational response of the fan mounting frame (1) and / or of the mounted cooling fan (2) is expected.

14. Method for providing a cooling fan assembly (100) in a refrigerator, comprising the steps: - providing a fan mounting frame (1), wherein the fan mounting frame (1) has a plurality of connecting regions (CR); providing a cooling fan (2), which is an axial fan and which has a plurality of resilient connecting means (RCM), wherein the cooling fan (2) is connected to the fan mounting frame (1) via the resilient connecting means (RCM) by placing the resilient connecting means (RCM) at the corresponding connecting regions (CR) and connecting resilient connecting means (RCM) to the corresponding connecting regions (CR), wherein the resilient connecting regions (RCM) are located each on a particularly predefined distance from an axis of rotation of the cooling fan (2), and wherein at least one of the resilient connecting means (RCM) has an unsymmetric vibration transfer property with a first vibration transfer property along a first direction of the resilient connecting means (RCM) and a second vibration transfer property along a second direction of the resilient connecting means (RCM), which differ such that resistance forces arising from the particular vibration transfer property and which counteract vibration forces are at least 50 % higher when the vibration forces are directed in the first direction than compared to those resistance forces for which the vibration forces are directed in the second direction.

15. Method according to claim 14, wherein a vibrational response of the fan mounting frame (1) and / or of the connected cooling fan (2) is evaluated or determined and a location of a maximum of the vibrational response of the fan mounting frame (1) and / or of the connected cooling fan (2) is determined and the resilient connecting means (RCM) with the unsymmetric vibration transfer property is placed at the corresponding connecting region (CR).

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