A cooling appliance comprising an evaporation tray with an evaporation assembly and a method thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cooling appliance (1), in particular a household cooling appliance, comprising a body (2), a machine compartment (4) at least partially surrounded by the body (2), at least one cooling circuit component (5) located in the machine compartment (4), a base tray (6) defining a base of the machine compartment (4), and an evaporation tray (7) which seats onto the base tray (6) and defines an inner space (10) for collecting condensation water (W) of the cooling appliance (1). In the invention, the evaporation tray (7) comprises a detachable evaporation assembly (11) having a vibration generation part (15) arranged to evaporate the condensation water (W) by generating ultrasonic vibrations. The invention also discloses a method for evaporating condensation water (W) collected in an inner space (10) of an evaporation tray (7) of a cooling appliance (1).

Description

[0001] SPECIFICATION

[0002] A COOLING APPLIANCE COMPRISING AN EVAPORATION TRAY WITH AN EVAPORATION ASSEMBLY AND A METHOD THEREOF

[0003] Technical Field

[0004] The present invention relates to a cooling appliance comprising an evaporation tray according to preamble of claim 1 and a method thereof.

[0005] Prior Art

[0006] In cooling appliances, particularly in household cooling appliances, condensation water that occurs in a refrigeration compartment is typically directed into an evaporation tray arranged in a machine compartment which is outside the refrigeration compartment. For example, when the user places hot foodstuffs inside the refrigeration compartment, the level of the evaporation water in the evaporation tray increases. For such cases, in order to prevent overflowing of the condensation water from the evaporation tray, a wool felt that is called as fleece is placed on the evaporation tray. Said wool felt absorbs the condensation water in the evaporation tray and evaporates the condensation water from the large surface area. However such a structure has disadvantages such as bacterial and fungal proliferation and also the risk of burning.

[0007] In the prior art, the patent document numbered JP2006017362A exists. The document discloses that a problem to be solved is to provide an evaporator of drainage water capable of evaporating the drainage water accumulated in a drain pan with simple configuration and small energy. This evaporator of drainage water has the drain pan, a piezoelectric vibrator and a blower fan. The drain pan has a water level sensor as a water level detecting means for detecting a water level of the drainage water accumulated in the drain pan.

[0008] The invention provides an additional improvement, an additional advantage, or an alternative to the prior art.

[0009] Brief Description of the Invention An object of the invention is to provide a cooling appliance having an evaporation tray with an evaporation assembly providing high evaporation performance, improving safety and requiring low energy consumption, and a method thereof.

[0010] This object is achieved according to the invention by an evaporation tray with the features of claim 1 and 14.

[0011] In order to achieve the object, the invention is a cooling appliance, in particular a household cooling appliance, comprising a body, a machine compartment at least partially surrounded by the body, at least one cooling circuit component located in the machine compartment, a base tray defining a base of the machine compartment, and an evaporation tray which seats onto the base tray and defines an inner space for collecting condensation water of the cooling appliance. In the invention, the evaporation tray comprises a detachable evaporation assembly having a vibration generation part arranged to evaporate the condensation water by generating ultrasonic vibrations. Thus, the condensation water can be evaporated in an easily and effective manner. With such an arrangement, the formation of harmful creatures such as bacteria, fungi and algae are eliminated. Moreover, such a structure contains no risk of fire because it operates at low voltage (i.e. 5 Volts) and does not contain flammable materials. Preferably, this structure operates at about preferably 12 Volts. A modular piece is provided for evaporation tray and the serviceability of the evaporation assembly is possible and very easy.

[0012] Here, the cooling appliance, in particular a household cooling appliance can be a refrigerator having a freezer or a fridge-freezer combination. The cooling appliance can have at least one storage compartment which can be a fridge compartment wherein the foodstuffs to be cooled can be stored, and / or a freezer compartment wherein the foodstuffs to be frozen can be stored.

[0013] Here, the cooling circuit component can be any component of the cooling circuit of the cooling appliance, such as a condenser or a compressor. The cooling circuit component can be located in a compartment that is separate from a storage compartment of the cooling appliance, such as a machine compartment. The machine compartment can be provided at a below side of the cooling appliance so as to be closer to the ground whereon the cooling appliance stands.

[0014] Here the term of “at least partially surrounded” means that the machine compartment can be completely surrounded by the body, or the machine compartment can be partially surrounded by the body. Here, the evaporation tray can be a kind of receptacle or a dish for receiving the condensation water of the cooling appliance. The cooling appliance can have one or more evaporation trays. For example, there can be a further evaporation tray which is fluidly connected to the evaporation tray provided on the component of the cooling circuit. The evaporation tray has a periphery wall which is a wall of the evaporation tray that extends at least partially along the periphery of the evaporation tray so as to define an inner space for receiving the condensation water and prevent the overflow of the condensation water up to a certain level.

[0015] Here, the evaporation assembly can be any arrangement for evaporating the condensation water collected in the evaporation tray.

[0016] Here, the vibration generation part can be any kind of part that is arranged to generate an ultrasonic vibration for evaporating the condensation water. The vibration generation part can be a piezoelectric part having metal plates.

[0017] Here, the hollow holder part can be any kind of part having any shape and size and arranged to hold the vibration generation part.

[0018] In a possible embodiment of the invention, the evaporation assembly comprises a hollow holder part in which the vibration generation part locates. Thus, the holder part is arranged house the vibration generation part. Also, a necessary space for vibrating movements of the vibration generation part to evaporate the condensation water is provided.

[0019] Here the holder part can have any shape and size. Also, the vibration generation part can be shaped and sized with respect to the holder part. Preferably, both the holder part and the vibration generation part can be in a substantially cylindrical shape. The holder part can be in a hollow cylindrical shape.

[0020] In a possible embodiment of the invention, the holder part has an abutment step in such a way that the vibration generation part is resting the abutment step when the vibration generation part inserted into the holder part in a firmly manner. Thus, the vibration generation part is prevented from passing through the holder part. When the vibration generation part moved towards the hollow section of the holder part, the mounting movement of the vibration generation part is limited by means of the abutment step.

[0021] In a possible embodiment of the invention, the evaporation tray has at least one attaching means, wherein the holder part has at least one corresponding attaching means configured to be detached from the attaching means, when the holder part pulled in a direction away from a base wall of the evaporation tray. Thus, the holder part can easily be detached from the base wall. As a reverse situation, also the holder part can easily be attached to the base wall. So, the serviceability of the evaporation assembly is possible and very easy.

[0022] In a possible embodiment of the invention, the holder part has an inlet portion where the condensation water enters inside the holder part, and an outlet portion where the water vapor exits the holder part. Thus, the condensation water enters the holder part, and the water vapor exits the holder part.

[0023] In a possible embodiment of the invention, each of the attaching means has an embossment portion with a seating surface whereon the holder part seats in such a way that a water entry space corresponding the inlet portion is occurring between the holder part and the base wall. Thus, a water entry space is provided so that the condensation water reaches the hollow section of the holder part where the vibration generation part locates.

[0024] In a possible embodiment of the invention, the vibration generation part has at least one electrical cable provided with an electrical socket so as to electrically connect to a corresponding socket connection portion. Thus, the electrical connection of the vibration generation part can be realized. The electrical socket can be connected to an internal socket connection portion that is dependent on the cooling appliance. Alternatively, the electrical socket can be connected to an external socket connection portion arranged independently from the cooling appliance.

[0025] In a possible embodiment of the invention, the evaporation assembly comprises a control member housing in which a control member controlling an operation of the vibration generation part locates. Thus, the control member which controls the activation and deactivation of the vibration generation part is protected from the effects of the external environment. With such an arrangement, the energy consumption is very low since the vibration generation part will not work unless it receives an electrical signal from the control member.

[0026] Here, the control member can be any kind of control element for controlling the activation and deactivation of the vibration generation part, such as a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0027] Here, the control member housing can be any kind of housing in which the control member at least partially locates. For example, the control member housing can be formed as a boxed- shaped structure, particularly a half-open box structure. The shape and dimensions of the control member housing vary according to the type and dimensions of the control member. For example, the control member housing may be in a substantially rectangular prism shape, substantially square prism shape or a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0028] The control member can be fixed to the control member housing by means of any kind of fixation means, such as fixation tabs or adhesive members.

[0029] The control member housing and the holder part may be produced as a single piece.

[0030] In a possible embodiment of the invention, the control member is arranged to electrically connect to a corresponding socket connection portion and to the vibration generation part. Thus, electrical connection between the electrical line, the control member and the vibration generation part can be realized. This electrical connection may be provided by one or more electrical cables.

[0031] In a possible embodiment of the invention, the control member housing is arranged to be positioned away from the base wall, when the evaporation assembly attached to the base wall. Thus, control member can be protected from the condensation water. Therefore, possible negative situations that may arise when the control member contacted with the condensation water is prevented.

[0032] In a possible embodiment of the invention, the control member housing has a cable opening through which at least one electrical cable provided with an electrical socket of the vibration generation part pass. Thus, an electrical connection between the control member and the vibration generation part can easily be realized. In a possible embodiment of the invention, the control member has at least a pair of contract rods passing through the control member housing and extending towards the inner space so that the contact rods can contact the condensation water. Thus, the control member sends an electrical signal to the vibration generation part for activation or deactivation of the vibration generation part. Therefore, the energy consumption can be reduced, since the vibration generation part can be triggered by the control member only when the evaporation water collected in the evaporation tray exceeds the predetermined level. The predetermined level of the condensation water may be the level corresponding the free ends of the contact rods. The contact rods are being the rods arranged to sense that the evaporation water collected in the evaporation tray exceeds the predetermined level.

[0033] In a possible embodiment of the invention, the vibration generation part comprises a pair of metal plates and a crystal component provided between the metal plates, and wherein the metal plates are arranged to connect a respective terminal of a voltage member so as to generate ultrasonic vibrations. Thus, the crystal component provided between the metal plates creates ultrasonic vibrations that cannot be heard by the human ear. This vibration breaks the bonds that bind water molecules together, allowing these parts to turn into a gas (water vapor) even at low temperatures.

[0034] Here, the crystal component can be any kind of crystal material that may create ultrasonic vibrations between the metal plates and made of various raw materials. Preferably, the crystal component can be a lead zirconate titanate (PZT) or crystals of a tourmaline, a quartz, a topaz, a cane sugar or a sodium potassium tartrate tetrahydrate (Rochelle salt).

[0035] Here, the vibration generation part may comprise an elastic element, such as a silicone element which covers metal plates and the crystal component so as to provide a compact part.

[0036] In order to achieve the object, the invention is also a method for evaporating condensation water collected in an inner space of an evaporation tray of a cooling appliance. The comprises the steps of: placing a vibration generation part arranged to generate ultrasonic vibrations, inside a hollow holder part of an evaporation assembly, attaching the evaporation assembly to a base wall of the evaporation tray, operating the vibration generation part so as to evaporate the condensation water.

[0037] Thus, the condensation water can be evaporated in an easily and effective manner. With such a method, the formation of harmful creatures such as bacteria, fungi and algae are eliminated. Moreover, such a method contains no risk of fire because the vibration generation part operates at low voltage and does not contain any flammable materials.

[0038] Here, the cooling appliance, in particular a household cooling appliance can be a refrigerator having a freezer or a fridge-freezer combination. The cooling appliance can have at least one storage compartment which can be a fridge compartment wherein the foodstuffs to be cooled can be stored, and / or a freezer compartment wherein the foodstuffs to be frozen can be stored.

[0039] Here, the evaporation tray can be a kind of receptacle or a dish for collecting the condensation water of the cooling appliance. The cooling appliance can have one or more evaporation trays. For example, there can be a further evaporation tray which is fluidly connected to the evaporation tray provided on the component of the cooling circuit. The evaporation tray has a periphery wall which is a wall of the evaporation tray that extends at least partially along the periphery of the evaporation tray so as to define an inner space for receiving the condensation water and prevent the overflow of the condensation water up to a certain level.

[0040] Here, the evaporation assembly can be any arrangement for evaporating the condensation water collected in the evaporation tray.

[0041] Here, the vibration generation part can be any kind of part that is arranged to generate an ultrasonic vibration for evaporating the condensation water. The vibration generation part can be a piezoelectric part having metal plates.

[0042] Here, the hollow holder part can be any kind of part having any shape and size and arranged to hold the vibration generation part. The hollow holder part can be in a substantially hollow cylindrical shape.

[0043] In a possible embodiment of the invention, a control member provides an electrical signal to the vibration generation part for activation or deactivation of the vibration generation part. With such a method step, the energy consumption is reduced since the vibration generation part will not work unless it receives an electrical signal from the control member.

[0044] Each possible embodiment disclosed in this text can be combined with the other possible embodiments disclosed in this text if there is not any technical constraint.

[0045] Explanation of Figures

[0046] The figures, whose brief explanations are herewith provided, are solely intended for providing a better understanding of the present invention and are as such not intended to define the scope of protection or the context in which said scope is to be interpreted in the absence of the description.

[0047] Fig. 1 is a representative isometric view of the rear side of the cooling appliance comprising a machine compartment having an evaporation tray.

[0048] Fig. 2 is a representative isometric view of the machine compartment where the evaporation tray is provided.

[0049] Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the machine compartment.

[0050] Fig. 4 is a representative isometric view of the evaporation tray, when the evaporation assembly attached to a base wall of the evaporation tray.

[0051] Fig. 5 is a representative isometric view of the evaporation tray, when the evaporation assembly detached from the base wall of the evaporation tray.

[0052] Fig. 6 is a zoomed view of the evaporation tray which shows attaching means arranged on the base wall.

[0053] Fig. 7 is an exploded isometric view of the first embodiment of the subject-matter evaporation assembly.

[0054] Fig. 8 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the subject-matter evaporation assembly.

[0055] Fig. 9 is a zoomed cross-sectional view of the evaporation tray, when the first embodiment of the evaporation assembly attached to the base wall of the evaporation tray.

[0056] Fig. 10 is a zoomed partial cross-sectional view of the evaporation tray, when the second embodiment of the evaporation assembly attached to the base wall of the evaporation tray. Fig. 11 is a zoomed cross-sectional view of the evaporation tray, when the second embodiment of the evaporation assembly attached to the base wall of the evaporation tray and in a case where the evaporation water level is at the first water level.

[0057] Fig. 12 is a zoomed cross-sectional view of the evaporation tray, when the second embodiment of the evaporation assembly attached to the base wall of the evaporation tray and in a case where the evaporation water level is at the second water level.

[0058] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the vibration generation part of the evaporation assembly having a pair of metal plates which shows that each of the metal plates contact with respective terminals of the voltage member.

[0059] Fig. 14 is a representative top view of the vibration generation part of the evaporation assembly.

[0060] Fig. 15 is a representative electrical circuit diagram which shows relationship between the level of the evaporation water, the control member and the vibration generation part.

[0061] Detailed Description of the Figures

[0062] In this detailed description, the subject matter is explained with references to examples without forming any restrictive effect only in order to make the subject more understandable.

[0063] With reference to Fig. 1 and 2, the cooling appliance (1), in particular a household cooling appliance, more particularly a refrigerator stands onto a ground. The cooling appliance (1) comprises a body (2) surrounding at least one storage compartment (3) where the foodstuffs to be cooled or frozen can be stored. A storage space of the storage compartment (3) can be defined by a rear wall, a bottom wall, an upper wall and mutual sidewalls. There is an access opening provided at a front side of the cooling appliance (1). At least one door (not shown) arranged to cover the access opening of the storage compartment (3), is provided at the front side. The doors are hinged to the body (2) of the cooling appliance (1) so that the doors can be transitioned between an opened state and a closed state. When at least one of the doors is at the opened state, the user can access to the storage compartment (3) from outside. When the doors are at the closed state, the doors completely cover the access opening, and thus the user cannot access to the storage compartment (3) from outside and the inner side of the storage compartment (3) is isolated from outside. The cooling appliance (1) further comprises a machine compartment (4) which is a compartment separate from the storage compartment (3). The machine compartment (4) can at least partially be surrounded by the body (2). The machine compartment (4) may be provided at a below side of the cooling appliance (1) so as to be closer to the ground or at an upper side of the cooling appliance (1) so as to be away from the ground. Preferably, the machine compartment (4) is provided at the below side the cooling appliance (1). There is a separation wall (44) provided between the machine compartment (4) and the storage compartment (3) so as to separate the machine compartment

[0064] (4) and the storage compartments (3) from each other. At least one the cooling circuit component (5), for example a compressor with inverter, a fan, a condenser of the cooling appliance (1) locates in the machine compartment (4). The machine compartment (4) has a base wall, an upper wall, mutual sidewalls and a front wall so as to define an inner space of the machine compartment (4). The machine compartment (4) is accessible at a rear side of the cooling appliance (1) which is the side opposite to the front side of the cooling appliance (1). In more details, there is a rear access opening (45) provided at the rear side of the cooling appliance (1). Such a rear access opening (45) provides to interfere cooling circuit components

[0065] (5) from outside when there is a need due to service reasons. There is a base tray (6) defining a base of the machine compartment (4). The base tray (6) is provided in a substantially parallel plane with respect to the base wall of the machine compartment (4). The base tray (6) is arranged to have a receiving space. The base tray (6) may have at least one fixation members for fixing the cooling circuit components (5). There is one or more evaporation trays (7) which seat onto the base tray (6). The evaporation tray (7) seats onto the base tray (6) in such a way that the base tray (6) receives at least a portion of the evaporation tray (7). As can be seen in Fig.3, the evaporation tray (7) defines an inner space (10) for collecting condensation water (W) of the cooling appliance (1). The machine compartment (4) is fluidly connected to the storage compartment (3) in such a way that the condensation water (W) occurred in the storage compartment (3) can be introduced into an evaporation tray (7). For example, a connection line (not shown) may penetrate the separation wall (44) and open towards the evaporation tray (7). The evaporation tray (7) may have at least one fixation members for fixing the cooling circuit components (5). The fixation members of the base tray (6) corresponding the fixation members of the evaporation tray (7) may pass through the evaporation tray (7) so as to fix the respective cooling circuit component (5) in the machine compartment (4).

[0066] With reference to Fig.3 and 4, the evaporation tray (7) comprises a detachable evaporation assembly (11) in order to evaporate the condensation water (W) by generating ultrasonic vibrations. A base wall (8) extending in a plane parallel to the ground and sidewalls (9) extending in a direction perpendicular to the base wall (8) defines the inner space (10). As can be seen in Fig.4, the evaporation assembly (11) may attach to the base wall (8) of the evaporation tray (7). As shown in Fig.5, the base wall (8) is arranged to have at least one attaching means (17) for attaching the evaporation assembly (11) to the base wall (8). Preferably, the base wall (8) has a pair of attaching means (17) arranged to be spaced apart each other. As shown in Fig.6, each of the attaching means (17) has an embossment portion (20) that embosses on the base wall (8), and a vertical protrusion (19) arranged to extend in a direction away from the embossment portion (20). The vertical protrusion (19) is arranged to extend in an essentially vertical direction on the base wall (8). There is a nail portion (22) configured on a free end of the respective attaching means (17). Each of the embossment portions (20) are provided with a flat seating surface (21) whereon the evaporation assembly (11) seats when the evaporation assembly (11) attached to the base wall (8). Each of the attaching means (17) are provided in an essentially L-shaped cross-section. Preferably, the attaching means (17) are identical with each other.

[0067] With reference to Fig.7, the evaporation assembly (11) comprises a hollow holder part (12) and a vibration generation part (15). The holder part (12) can be in a substantially hollow cylindrical shape. The holder part (12) has a pair of corresponding attaching means (18) corresponding the attaching means (17) of the base wall (8). Each of the corresponding attaching means (18) may be arranged to have a through-hole. In more details, each of the corresponding attaching means (18) may be arranged as a protrusion with a through-hole through which the respective attaching means (17) pass. The corresponding attaching means (18) are arranged on a side of the holder part (12) closer to the base wall (8), when the evaporation assembly (11) attached to the base wall (8). In order to attach the evaporation assembly (11) to the base wall (8), firstly the evaporation assembly (11) can be moved towards the base wall (8), the attaching means (17) flexes when the attaching means (17) contact with the respective corresponding attaching means (18), and then each of the attaching means (17) passes through the respective corresponding attaching means (18). The attaching means (17) flexes again and the nail portions (22) of each attaching means (17) abuts to an upper surface (46) of the respective corresponding attaching means (18). Such an attachment structure prevents the undesirable movements of the evaporation assembly (11) in both directions during operation of the vibration generation part (15). As a reverse situation, the evaporation assembly (11) can be detached from the base wall (8) in an easily manner. The corresponding attaching means (18) are configured to be detached from the attaching means (17), when the holder part (12) pulled in a direction away from the base wall (8) of the evaporation tray (7). In the invention, the vibration generation part (15) is arranged to evaporate the condensation water (W) by generating ultrasonic vibrations. The vibration generation part (15) locates in the hollow holder part (12). The holder part (12) is arranged to define a hollow section (13) wherein the vibration generation part (15) locates. The vibration generation part (15) is shaped and sized according to the holder part (12). Preferably, the vibration generation part (15) is in a substantially cylindrical shape. The vibration generation part (15) has a first electrical cable (24) and a second electrical cable (25). A free end of said electrical cables (24, 25) connects to an electrical socket (26). As can be seen in Fig.8, the holder part (12) has an inlet portion

[0068] (42) where the condensation water (W) enters inside the holder part (12), and an outlet portion

[0069] (43) where the water vapor (WV) exits the holder part (12). When the vibration generation part (15) is moved towards the hollow section (131) in a mounting direction (MD), the hollow section

[0070] (13) receives the vibration generation part (15) in a firmly manner. There is a minor dimensional tolerance may be provided between the holder part (12) and the vibration generation part (15). In a possible embodiment, the holder part (12) has an abutment step (14) in such a way that the vibration generation part (15) is resting the abutment step (14) when the vibration generation part (15) inserted into the holder part (12) in a firmly manner. The abutment step

[0071] (14) is arranged so as to narrow the hollow section (13) at a lower side of the holder part (12) closer to the base wall (8). When the vibration generation part (15) is placed inside the holder part (12), an abutting surface (16) of the vibration generation part (15) facing the holder part (12) rests to the abutment step (14).

[0072] As shown in Fig.7 and 14, the vibration generation part (15), in particular a piezoelectric element comprises the first electrical cable (24) that corresponds to a positive terminal (33), and the second electrical cable (25) that corresponds to a negative terminal (34). With reference to Fig.13, the vibration generation part (15) comprises a pair of metal plates (28, 29) and a crystal component (30) provided between the metal plates (28, 29). The crystal component (30) can be a lead zirconate titanate (PZT). The metal plates (28, 29) are arranged to connect the respective terminals (33, 34) of a voltage member (35) so as to define an electrical circuit (27) and generate ultrasonic vibrations. In more details, the first metal plate (28) is arranged to connect to the first electrical cable (24), and the second metal plate (29) is arranged to connect to the second electrical cable (25). Each of the metal plates (28, 29) has a substantially annular shape. Preferably, the second metal plate (29) has a greater diameter than the first metal plate (28) in order to ease of cable routing. As can be seen in Fig.13, the first metal plate (28) connects to the positive terminal (33) of the voltage member (35) and the second metal plate (29) connects to the negative terminal (34) of the voltage member (35). When different electrical charges are applied to the metal plates (28, 29), the crystal component (30) in the middle creates ultrasonic vibrations that cannot be heard by the human ear. These ultrasonic vibrations have an ability to break the bonds that bind condensation water (W) molecules together, allowing these parts to turn into a water vapor (WV) even at low temperatures. As can be seen in Fig.13, these ultrasonic vibrations are being vertical vibrations so that the metal plates (28, 29) move in an up-down direction.

[0073] Fig.9 relates to a first embodiment of the evaporation assembly (11). As can be seen in Fig.9 the evaporation assembly (11) having vibration generation part (15) attaches to the base wall (8) of the evaporation tray (7). Preferably, the holder part (12) has a greater height than the sidewalls (9) of the evaporation tray (7). The evaporation tray (7) collects the condensation water (W) in a water level (WL). The vibration generation part (15) locates in the hollow section (13) so as to be at an upper side of the condensation water (W). In other words, the condensation water (W) in the hollow section (13) remains under the vibration generation part (15). In case of the collected condensation water (W) exceeds the height of the sidewalls (9), in other word exceeds an overflow water level (OL), the condensation water (W) overflows from the evaporation tray (7). When the evaporation assembly (11) attached to the base wall (8), the holder part (12) rests onto a respective seating surface (21) of the embossment portions (20) in such a way that a water entry space (23) corresponding the inlet portion (42) is occurring between the holder part (12) and the base wall (8). With the aid of water entry space (23) corresponding to the inlet portion (42), the condensation water (W) enters the hollow section (13). When the vibration generation part (15) having electrical cables (24, 25) provided with the electrical socket (26) electrically connected to a corresponding socket connection portion (40), the electrical connection of the vibration generation part (15) is realized and the vibration generation part (15) starts to generate ultrasonic vibrations. Thus, the fluid condensation water (W) can be converted to water vapor (WV) in the hollow section (13) via the ultrasonic vibrations. The water vapor (WV) exits the holder part (12) in the outlet portion (43) and thus the water level (WL) of the condensation water (W) is reduced. As can be seen in Fig.2, the electrical socket (26) of vibration generation part (15) can be connected to an internal socket connection portion (40) that is dependent on the cooling appliance (1). The internal socket connection portion (40) may be provided on an inner wall of the machine compartment (4). Alternatively, the electrical socket (26) can be connected to an external socket connection portion arranged independently from the cooling appliance (1). In the first embodiment, the vibration generation part (15) operates continuously as long as the electrical socket (26) connected to the respective socket connection portion (40). If the user or the service staff wants to deactivate the vibration generation part (15), he / she may separate the electrical socket (26) from the respective socket connection portion (40). He / she may also detach the evaporation assembly (11) from the evaporation tray (7) by pulling the holder part (12) in an easily manner.

[0074] Fig.10-12 and 15 relate to a second embodiment of the evaporation assembly (11). As can be seen in Fig.10, in the second embodiment, as an addition to the first embodiment, the evaporation assembly (11) comprises a control member housing (37) in which a control member (36), in particular a printed circuit board locates. The control member (36) can be fixed in the control member housing (37). The control member (36) controls an operation of the vibration generation part (15). The control member housing (37) is arranged to house the control member (36). The control member housing (37) is arranged to be positioned away from the base wall (8), when the evaporation assembly (11) attached to the base wall (8). Preferably, the control member housing (37) is formed as a half-open box structure. Thus, the control member (36) can easily be placed inside the control member housing (37). The control member housing (37) and the holder part (12) may be produced as a single piece unitary component. In the second embodiment, there is also a housing cover (38) which is a complementary part of the control member housing (37). When the housing cover (38) attached to the control member housing (37), a closed-box structure is obtained. Preferably, the housing cover (38) attaches to the control member housing (37) in a tight-fit manner. The control member housing (37) has a cable opening (39) through which at least one electrical cable (24, 25) provided with an electrical socket (26) of the vibration generation part (15) pass. The cable opening (39) is formed on a side of the control member housing (37) facing the vibration generation part (15). The electrical socket (26) provided with electrical cables (24, 25) of the vibration generation part (15) passes through the cable opening (39) and connect to the control member (36). On the other hand, the control member (36) connects to an internal socket connection portion (40) that is dependent on the cooling appliance (1). The control member (36) is arranged to electrically connect to the corresponding socket connection portion (40) from one side and to the vibration generation part (15) from the other side. The internal socket connection portion (40) may be provided on an inner wall of the machine compartment (4). Alternatively, the electrical socket (26) can be connected to an external socket connection portion arranged independently from the cooling appliance (1). In the second embodiment, the control member (36) comprises at least a pair of contract rods, namely a first contact rod (31) and a second contact rod (32), passing through the control member housing (37) and extending towards the inner space (10) so that the contact rods (31 , 32) can contact the condensation water (W). The contact rods (31 , 32) are arranged to pass through a bottom wall of the control member housing

[0075] (37) facing the base wall (8) of the evaporation tray (7).

[0076] As can be seen Fig.11 and 12, preferably, the holder part (12) has a greater height than the sidewalls (9) of the evaporation tray (7). The control member housing (37) is arranged to be fixed to an upper side of the holder part (12) which is the side away from the base wall (8). As can be seen in Fig. 11 , the evaporation tray (7) collects condensation water (W) in a first water level (WL1). In the first water level (WL1), the contact rods (31 ,32) cannot contact to the condensation water (W). This means that an electrical circuit which is shown in Fig.15 does not work, since an electrical circuit switch (41) is in an open position in which the electrical connection between the voltage member (35) and the control member (36) is interrupted. The electrical circuit switch (41) is arranged to be movable between the open position and a closed position in an opening and closing direction (OCD). When the electrical circuit switch (41) is in the open position, the control member (36) does not provide any electrical signal (S) to the vibration generation part (15) for activating the vibration generation part (15). As can be seen in Fig.12, the vibration generation part (15) locates in the hollow section (13) so as to be at an upper side of the condensation water (W). In other words, the condensation water (W) in the hollow section (13) remains under the vibration generation part (15). In case of the collected condensation water (W) exceeds the height of the sidewalls (9), in other words the exceeds the overflow water level (OL), the condensation water (W) overflows from the evaporation tray (7). When the evaporation assembly (11) attached to the base wall (8), the holder part (12) rests onto a respective seating surface (21) of the embossment portions (20) in such a way that a water entry space (23) corresponding the inlet portion (42) is occurring between the holder part (12) and the base wall (8). With the aid of water entry space (23) corresponding to the inlet portion (42), the condensation water (W) enters the hollow section (13). Moreover, in a second water level (WL2) of the condensation water (W), the contact rods (31 ,32) can contact to the condensation water (W). This means that the electrical circuit which is shown in Fig.15 starts to work, since the electrical circuit switch (41) is in a closed position in which the electrical connection between the voltage member (35) and the control member (36) is established. When the electrical circuit switch (41) is in the closed position, the control member (36) provides an electrical signal (S) to the vibration generation part (15) for activating the vibration generation part (15). The vibration generation part (15) receives the electrical signal (S) and starts to generate ultrasonic vibrations in the vibration direction (VD). Thus, some of the fluid condensation water (W) can be converted to water vapor (WV) in the hollow section (13) via the ultrasonic vibrations. The water vapor (WV) exits the holder part (12) in the outlet portion (43) and thus the water level (WL) of the condensation water (W) is reduced. When the contact between the contact rods (31 ,32) and the condensation water (W) is interrupted which means that the electrical circuit switch (41) transitions from the closed position to the open position, the electrical circuit which is shown in Fig.15 does not work again and the electrical signal (S) provided by the control member (36) to the vibration generation part (15) is interrupted. Since the vibration generation part (15) does not receive any electrical signal (S) from the control member (36) the vibration generation part (15) stops to generate ultrasonic vibrations.

[0077] In the invention, there is also a method for evaporating condensation water (W) collected in the inner space (10) of the evaporation tray (7) of the cooling appliance (1). The method comprises in general three steps. In a first step, the vibration generation part (15) arranged to generate ultrasonic vibrations and electrically connected to the control member (36), is placed inside the hollow holder part (12) of the evaporation assembly (11). In a second step, the evaporation assembly (11) is attached to a base wall (8) of the evaporation tray (7). In a third step, the vibration generation part (15) operates so as to evaporate the condensation water (W). In the third step, the control member (36) can provide an electrical signal (S) to the vibration generation part (15) for activation or deactivation of the vibration generation part (15). Said electrical signal (S) can be provided to the vibration generation part (15) continuously as long as the contact rods (31 ,32) contact with the condensation water (W), in order to operate the vibration generation part (15). Said electrical signal (S) provided to the vibration generation part (15) can be interrupted if the contact rods (31 ,32) do not contact with the condensation water (W), in order to deactivate the vibration generation part (15).

[0078] Reference List

[0079] 1. Cooling appliance

[0080] 2. Body

[0081] 3. Storage compartment

[0082] 4. Machine compartment

[0083] 5. Cooling circuit component

[0084] 6. Base tray

[0085] 7. Evaporation tray

[0086] 8. Base wall

[0087] 9. Sidewalls

[0088] 10. Inner space

[0089] 11 . Evaporation assembly

[0090] 12. Holder part

[0091] 13. Hollow section

[0092] 14. Abutment step

[0093] 15. Vibration generation part

[0094] 16. Abutting surface

[0095] 17. Attaching means

[0096] 18. Corresponding attaching means

[0097] 19. Vertical protrusion

[0098] 20. Embossment portion

[0099] 21. Seating surface

[0100] 22. Nail portion

[0101] 23. Water entry space

[0102] 24. First electrical cable

[0103] 25. Second electrical cable

[0104] 26. Electrical socket

[0105] 27. Electrical circuit

[0106] 28. First metal plate

[0107] 29. Second metal plate

[0108] 30. Crystal component

[0109] 31. First contact rod

[0110] 32. Second contact rod 33. Positive terminal

[0111] 34. Negative terminal

[0112] 35. Voltage member

[0113] 36. Control member

[0114] 37. Control member housing

[0115] 38. Housing cover

[0116] 39. Cable opening

[0117] 40. Socket connection portion

[0118] 41. Electrical circuit switch

[0119] 42. Inlet portion

[0120] 43. Outlet portion

[0121] 44. Separation wall

[0122] 45. Rear access opening

[0123] 46. Upper surface

[0124] VD. Vibration direction

[0125] OCD. Opening and closing direction S. Electrical signal WL. Water level

[0126] WL1 . First water level

[0127] WL2. Second water level

[0128] OL. Overflow water level

[0129] MD. Mounting direction W. Condensation water WV. Water vapor

Claims

CLAIMS1. A cooling appliance (1), in particular a household cooling appliance, comprising a body (2), a machine compartment (4) at least partially surrounded by the body (2), at least one cooling circuit component (5) located in the machine compartment (4), a base tray (6) defining a base of the machine compartment (4), and an evaporation tray (7) which seats onto the base tray (6) and defines an inner space (10) for collecting condensation water (W) of the cooling appliance (1), characterized in that the evaporation tray (7) comprises a detachable evaporation assembly (11) having a vibration generation part (15) arranged to evaporate the condensation water (W) by generating ultrasonic vibrations.

2. The cooling appliance (1) according to Claim 1 , wherein the evaporation assembly(11) comprises a hollow holder part (12) in which the vibration generation part (15) locates.

3. The cooling appliance (1) according to Claim 2, wherein the holder part (12) has an abutment step (14) in such a way that the vibration generation part (15) is resting the abutment step (14) when the vibration generation part (15) inserted into the holder part(12) in a firmly manner.

4. The cooling appliance (1) according to Claim 2 or 3, wherein the evaporation tray (7) has at least one attaching means (17), wherein the holder part (12) has at least one corresponding attaching means (18) configured to be detached from the attaching means (17), when the holder part (12) pulled in a direction away from a base wall (8) of the evaporation tray (7).

5. The cooling appliance (1) according to Claims 4, wherein the holder part (12) has an inlet portion (42) where the condensation water (W) enters inside the holder part (12), and an outlet portion (43) where the water vapor (WV) exits the holder part (12).

6. The cooling appliance (1) according to Claims 5, wherein each of the attaching means (17) has an embossment portion (20) with a seating surface (21) whereon the holder part (12) seats in such a way that a water entry space (23) corresponding the inlet portion (42) is occurring between the holder part (12) and the base wall (8).

7. The cooling appliance (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vibration generation part (15) has at least one electrical cable (24, 25) provided with an electrical socket (26) so as to electrically connect to a corresponding socket connection portion (40).

8. The cooling appliance (1) according to any one of the Claims 1 to 6, wherein the evaporation assembly (11) comprises a control member housing (37) in which a control member (36) controlling an operation of the vibration generation part (15) locates.

9. The cooling appliance (1) according to Claim 8, wherein the control member (36) is arranged to electrically connect to a corresponding socket connection portion (40) and to the vibration generation part (15).

10. The cooling appliance (1) according to Claim 8 or 9, wherein the control member housing (37) is arranged to be positioned away from the base wall (8), when the evaporation assembly (11) attached to the base wall (8).

11. The cooling appliance (1) according to any one of the Claims 8 to 10, wherein the control member housing (37) has a cable opening (39) through which at least one electrical cable (24, 25) provided with an electrical socket (26) of the vibration generation part (15) pass.

12. The cooling appliance (1) according to any one of the Claims 8 to 11 , wherein the control member (36) has at least a pair of contract rods (31 , 32) passing through the control member housing (37) and extending towards the inner space (10) so that the contact rods (31 , 32) can contact the condensation water (W).

13. The cooling appliance (1) any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vibration generation part (15) comprises a pair of metal plates (28, 29) and a crystal component (30) provided between the metal plates (28, 29), and wherein the metal plates (28, 29)are arranged to connect a respective terminal (33, 34) of a voltage member (35) so as to generate ultrasonic vibrations.

14. A method for evaporating condensation water (W) collected in an inner space (10) of an evaporation tray (7) of a cooling appliance (1), comprises the steps of: placing a vibration generation part (15) arranged to generate ultrasonic vibrations, inside a hollow holder part (12) of an evaporation assembly (11), attaching the evaporation assembly (11) to a base wall (8) of the evaporation tray (7), operating the vibration generation part (15) so as to evaporate the condensation water (W).

15. The method according to Claim 15, wherein a control member (36) provides an electrical signal to the vibration generation part (15) for activation or deactivation of the vibration generation part (15).

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