EP0805321A1 - Cooling and/or freezing apparatus - Google Patents

Cooling and/or freezing apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0805321A1
EP0805321A1 EP96114834A EP96114834A EP0805321A1 EP 0805321 A1 EP0805321 A1 EP 0805321A1 EP 96114834 A EP96114834 A EP 96114834A EP 96114834 A EP96114834 A EP 96114834A EP 0805321 A1 EP0805321 A1 EP 0805321A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
connection opening
refrigerator
interior
freezer
freezer according
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP96114834A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0805321B1 (en
Inventor
Matthias Thaler
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Liebherr Werk Lienz GmbH
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Liebherr Werk Lienz GmbH
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Priority claimed from DE19628278A external-priority patent/DE19628278A1/en
Application filed by Liebherr Werk Lienz GmbH filed Critical Liebherr Werk Lienz GmbH
Publication of EP0805321A1 publication Critical patent/EP0805321A1/en
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D17/00—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces
    • F25D17/04—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection
    • F25D17/042—Air treating means within refrigerated spaces
    • F25D17/047—Pressure equalising devices
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2400/00—General features of, or devices for refrigerators, cold rooms, ice-boxes, or for cooling or freezing apparatus not covered by any other subclass
    • F25D2400/10—Refrigerator top-coolers

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a refrigerator and / or freezer according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • Refrigerators and freezers as well as fridge-freezers consist of an interior with one or more doors or lids.
  • the surfaces of the interior are cooled by an intermittently operating cooling device, for example a compressor cooling system, in order to bring the goods stored in the refrigerator and freezer or the fridge-freezer combination to a desired low temperature or to keep them there.
  • an intermittently operating cooling device for example a compressor cooling system
  • the temperatures in the closed interior are lowered, as a result of which the pressure of the air in the interior drops compared to the pressure of the ambient atmosphere. Due to this pressure difference, ambient air flows uncontrollably through the finest leaks into the interior, so that the pressure difference is compensated for over time. With the comparatively warmer ambient air, moisture is transported into the interior, which due to the lower dew point is reflected on the cold surfaces of the interior, for example on the evaporator. This precipitation freezes in a freezer due to the low temperatures inside.
  • the object of the invention is to develop a generic refrigerator and / or freezer such that the icing in the interior of the device is reduced to a minimum and thus the defrosting frequency is minimized and on the other hand a quick opening of the device is made possible after each closing of the door or the lid .
  • this object is achieved on the basis of a generic refrigerator and / or freezer by the features of the characterizing part of the main claim. Accordingly, a connection opening between the interior of the device and the ambient atmosphere is created. Pressure equalization can take place specifically through this opening. In addition, the air exchanged through the connection opening is adjusted according to the invention to a desired degree of drying. For this purpose, air drying is carried out within the connection opening.
  • regenerable drying agents for example molecular sieves
  • regenerable drying agents for example molecular sieves
  • the compressor runtime i.e. the incoming ambient air is dried during the cooling phase, in which a vacuum is generated inside the device.
  • the moisture it contains is absorbed, for example, by the molecular sieve and bound there.
  • the air in the interior of the device heats up, creating excess pressure in the interior. This allows the dry, cold air to flow outside and remove the moisture from the molecular sieve.
  • the moisture is transported outside and released back into the outside atmosphere.
  • Freeze-drying is an alternative way of extracting the moisture from the ambient air flowing into the interior.
  • the surface of the connection opening is operatively connected to cooling heat transfer elements.
  • the cooling system itself can thus be used to cool the surface of the connection opening.
  • heat is supplied during the compressor downtime.
  • the waste heat from the cooling system itself can be brought into contact with the connection opening.
  • an external heat source for example an electric heater, can also be used to defrost the ice deposited on the surface of the connection opening.
  • the freezer 10 shown in FIG. 1 has a coolable interior 12 in which the goods to be cooled or frozen can be stored.
  • the cooling takes place through cooled inner walls 14.
  • the cooling of the inner walls 14 takes place via heat exchanger tubes 16, which are connected to a compressor cooling system, not shown here.
  • the interior 12 can be closed by a cover 18, a largely tight sealability being ensured by circumferential seals 20.
  • pressure equalization takes place during the cooling process by the inflow of comparatively moist ambient air via fine leaks in the sealing area of the seal 20 into the interior 12. This is shown in FIG. 1 by corresponding arrows a indicated.
  • the embodiment according to the invention shown in FIG. 2 basically relates to a freezer which corresponds in structure to that according to the prior art. Therefore, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals here.
  • the freezer according to the invention according to FIG. 2 has a connection opening 24 between the interior 12 and the ambient atmosphere, which is integrated in the cover 18 in the embodiment shown here.
  • a molecular sieve bed 26 is contained within the connection opening 24.
  • the connection opening 24 ensures that, depending on the pressure ratio between the interior 12 and the surrounding atmosphere, air can be exchanged in a targeted manner. During the compressor runtime, in which a negative pressure forms in the interior 12, the more or less moist ambient air is sucked in.
  • connection opening between the interior 12 and the ambient atmosphere is integrated in a side wall 28.
  • the heat transfer elements 16 are coupled to the connecting line 24 via corresponding connections 30, so that the connecting opening 24 is also cooled by the compressor during cooling.
  • the moist air flowing in in the double arrow direction d is cooled down to the desired dew point in the connection opening.
  • the extracted moisture settles on the wall of the connection opening in the form of ice or frost deposits and thus no longer reaches the interior 12.
  • the connection opening 24, on the other hand is connected to the waste heat area of the cooling system (not shown here) via heat exchange elements 32 .
  • connection opening 24 is heated with the waste heat of the cooling system via the heat exchangers 32, so that the ice build-up formed can thaw.
  • the opening 34 of the connection opening into the outside atmosphere is arranged below the opening 36 in the interior 12, so that the defrosted water runs outwards.
  • FIG. 4 largely corresponds to that according to FIG. 3.
  • an external heat source in the form of an electric heater 38 is connected to the connection opening 24 here.
  • This external heat source is provided for defrosting the ice or frost surface deposited within the connection opening.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Cold Air Circulating Systems And Constructional Details In Refrigerators (AREA)
  • Drying Of Solid Materials (AREA)
  • Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)

Abstract

The device has an inner chamber, closed by a door or lid and with at least partially cooled surfaces which are cooled by an intermittently operating cooling device. The inner chamber is connected via a connecting aperture to the ambient atmosphere, whereby the air exchanged via the aperture can be adjusted to a desired degree of dryness. A regeneratable drying agent (26) is arranged in the connecting aperture (24).

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerät nach dem Oberbegriff des Patentanspruchs 1.The invention relates to a refrigerator and / or freezer according to the preamble of claim 1.

Kühl- und Gefriergeräte sowie Kühl-Gefrierkombinationen bestehen aus einem mit einer oder mehreren Türen oder Deckeln versehenen Innenraum. Die Oberflächen des Innenraums werden über eine intermittierend arbeitende Kälteeinrichtung, beispielsweise ein Kompressor-Kühlsystem gekühlt, um die in dem Kühl- und Gefriergerät bzw. der Kühl-Gefrierkombination aufbewahrten Waren auf eine gewünschte tiefe Temperatur zu bringen bzw. auf dieser zu halten.Refrigerators and freezers as well as fridge-freezers consist of an interior with one or more doors or lids. The surfaces of the interior are cooled by an intermittently operating cooling device, for example a compressor cooling system, in order to bring the goods stored in the refrigerator and freezer or the fridge-freezer combination to a desired low temperature or to keep them there.

Während des Kühlvorganges werden die Temperaturen im geschlossenen Innenraum abgesenkt, wodurch der Druck der Luft im Innenraum gegenüber dem Druck der Umgebungsatmosphäre sinkt. Aufgrund dieser Druckdifferenz strömt unkontrolliert Umgebungsluft über feinste Undichtigkeiten in den Innenraum, so daß die Druckdifferenz mit der Zeit ausgeglichen wird. Mit der vergleichsweise wärmeren Umgebungsluft wird Feuchtigkeit in den Innenraum transportiert, die sich aufgrund des tieferen Taupunkts an den kalten Oberflächen des Innenraums, beispielsweise am Verdampfer niederschlägt. In einem Gefriergerät gefriert dieser Niederschlag aufgrund der im Innenraum herrschenden tiefen Temperaturen.During the cooling process, the temperatures in the closed interior are lowered, as a result of which the pressure of the air in the interior drops compared to the pressure of the ambient atmosphere. Due to this pressure difference, ambient air flows uncontrollably through the finest leaks into the interior, so that the pressure difference is compensated for over time. With the comparatively warmer ambient air, moisture is transported into the interior, which due to the lower dew point is reflected on the cold surfaces of the interior, for example on the evaporator. This precipitation freezes in a freezer due to the low temperatures inside.

Ein weiteres Problem bei Gefriergeräten und in geringerem Maße auch bei Kühlgeräten ergibt sich durch den sich nach jeder Tür- bzw. Deckelöffnung einstellenden Unterdruck im Innenraum des Gerätes. Dieser Unterdruck resultiert daraus, daß bei jeder Geräteöffnung warme Luft in den Innenraum gelangt, die nach Schließen des Gerätes stark unterkühlt wird und somit ihr Volumen verringert. Hierdurch bildet sich ein Unterdruck, der den Deckel bzw. die Tür mit ihrer Dichtung an das Gehäuse saugt. Je nach Dichtigkeit ist nun ohne mechanische Hilfsmittel oder sonstige Vorrichtungen zur Herstellung eines Druckausgleichs das Gerät für eine bestimmte Zeit nicht mehr zu öffnen. Dieser Zeitraum hängt nun davon ab, wie dicht das Gerät ist. Durch die bereits zuvor erwähnten feinen Undichtigkeiten in den Dichtungen bzw. am Gehäuse erfolgt wieder der Druckausgleich mit der Umgebungsatmosphäre. Nach entsprechendem Abbau des Druckunterschieds zwischen Innenraum und Umgebungsatmosphäre läßt sich die Tür wieder öffnen.Another problem with freezers and, to a lesser extent, with refrigerators, arises from the negative pressure in the interior of the appliance after each door or cover opening. This negative pressure results from the fact that warm air enters the interior of the device each time it is opened, which is strongly supercooled after the device is closed, thus reducing its volume. This creates a vacuum that sucks the cover or the door with its seal onto the housing. Depending on the tightness, the device can no longer be opened for a certain time without mechanical aids or other devices for producing pressure compensation. This period now depends on how dense the device is. Due to the previously mentioned fine leaks in the seals or on the housing, the pressure is equalized again with the surrounding atmosphere. After reducing the pressure difference between the interior and the surrounding atmosphere, the door can be opened again.

Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es, ein gattungsgemäßes Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerät derart weiterzubilden, daß die Vereisung im Innenraum des Gerätes auf ein Minimum reduziert und somit die Abtauhäufigkeit minimiert und andererseits ein rasches Öffnen des Gerätes nach jedem Schließen der Tür oder des Deckels ermöglicht wird.The object of the invention is to develop a generic refrigerator and / or freezer such that the icing in the interior of the device is reduced to a minimum and thus the defrosting frequency is minimized and on the other hand a quick opening of the device is made possible after each closing of the door or the lid .

Erfindungsgemäß wird diese Aufgabe ausgehend von einem gattungsgemäßen Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerät durch die Merkmale des kennzeichnenden Teils des Hauptanspruchs gelöst. Demnach wird eine Verbindungsöffnung zwischen dem Innenraum des Gerätes mit der Umgebungsatmosphäre geschaffen. Durch diese Öffnung kann gezielt der Druckausgleich stattfinden. Zusätzlich wird die durch die Verbindungsöffnung ausgetauschte Luft erfindungsgemäß auf einen gewünschten Trocknungsgrad eingestellt. Hierzu wird innerhalb der Verbindungsöffnung eine Lufttrocknung durchgeführt.According to the invention, this object is achieved on the basis of a generic refrigerator and / or freezer by the features of the characterizing part of the main claim. Accordingly, a connection opening between the interior of the device and the ambient atmosphere is created. Pressure equalization can take place specifically through this opening. In addition, the air exchanged through the connection opening is adjusted according to the invention to a desired degree of drying. For this purpose, air drying is carried out within the connection opening.

Vorteilhaft kann diese Lufttrocknung dadurch erfolgen, daß in der Verbindungsöffnung regenerierbare Trocknungsmittel, beispielsweise Molekularsieb, angeordnet ist. Während der Kompressorlaufzeit, d.h. während der Kühlphase, in welcher im Geräteinnenraum ein Unterdruck erzeugt wird, wird die einströmende Umgebungsluft getrocknet. Die in ihr enthaltene Feuchtigkeit wird beispielsweise vom Molekularsieb aufgenommen und dort gebunden. Wenn nun der Kompressor stillsteht erwärmt sich die Luft im Geräteinnenraum, so daß im Innenraum ein Überdruck entsteht. Hierdurch kann die trockene kalte Luft nach außen strömen und dem Molekularsieb die Feuchtigkeit entziehen. Die Feuchtigkeit wird nach außen transportiert und wieder an die Außenatmosphäre abgegeben.This air drying can advantageously take place in that regenerable drying agents, for example molecular sieves, are arranged in the connecting opening. During the compressor runtime, i.e. the incoming ambient air is dried during the cooling phase, in which a vacuum is generated inside the device. The moisture it contains is absorbed, for example, by the molecular sieve and bound there. When the compressor stops, the air in the interior of the device heats up, creating excess pressure in the interior. This allows the dry, cold air to flow outside and remove the moisture from the molecular sieve. The moisture is transported outside and released back into the outside atmosphere.

Eine alternative Möglichkeit zum Entziehen der Feuchtigkeit aus der in den Innenraum strömenden Umgebungsluft stellt die Gefriertrocknung dar. Hierzu steht gemäß einer vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der Erfindung die Oberfläche der Verbindungsöffnung mit kühlenden Wärmeübertragungselementen in Wirkverbindung. Während der Kompressorlaufzeit wird die eindringende feuchte Luft an den gekühlten Oberflächen der Verbindungsöffnung in Form von Eis- bzw. Reifansatz abgeschieden. Damit kann zur Kühlung der Oberfläche der Verbindungsöffnung das Kältesystem selbst verwendet werden. Während der Kompressorlaufzeiten entstehen hier nämlich entsprechend tiefe Temperaturen. Um nun den Eisaufbau bzw. ein Zufrieren des Durchlasses zu verhindern, wird während der Kompressorstillstandzeit Wärme zugeführt. Hierzu kann die Abwärme aus dem Kältesystem selbst mit der Verbindungsöffnung in Kontakt gebracht werden. Gemäß einer anderen vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der Erfindung kann aber auch eine externe Wärmequelle, beispielsweise eine Elektroheizung, zum Abtauen des sich auf der Oberfläche der Verbindungsöffnung niedergeschlagenen Eises dienen.Freeze-drying is an alternative way of extracting the moisture from the ambient air flowing into the interior. For this purpose, according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the surface of the connection opening is operatively connected to cooling heat transfer elements. During the compressor running time, the penetrating moist air is separated on the cooled surfaces of the connection opening in the form of ice or frost deposits. The cooling system itself can thus be used to cool the surface of the connection opening. During the compressor running times, correspondingly low temperatures arise here. In order to prevent the ice from building up or the passage from freezing over, heat is supplied during the compressor downtime. For this purpose, the waste heat from the cooling system itself can be brought into contact with the connection opening. According to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, however, an external heat source, for example an electric heater, can also be used to defrost the ice deposited on the surface of the connection opening.

Weitere Einzelheiten und Vorteile der Erfindung werden anhand von in der Zeichnung dargestellten Ausführungsbeispielen näher erläutert. Es zeigen:

Fig. 1:
ein Gefriergerät im schematischen Schnitt nach dem Stand der Technik,
Fig. 2:
ein Gefriergerät gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform der Erfindung in einer vereinfachten Schnittdarstellung,
Fig. 3:
ein Gefriergerät gemäß einer zweiten bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung in einem vereinfachten Schnitt und
Fig. 4:
ein Gefriergerät gemäß einer dritten bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung in einem vereinfachten Schnitt.
Further details and advantages of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the drawing. Show it:
Fig. 1:
a freezer in schematic section according to the prior art,
Fig. 2:
a freezer according to a first embodiment of the invention in a simplified sectional view,
Fig. 3:
a freezer according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention in a simplified section and
Fig. 4:
a freezer according to a third preferred embodiment of the invention in a simplified section.

Das in Fig. 1 dargestellte Gefriergerät 10 nach dem Stand der Technik weist einen kühlbaren Innenraum 12 auf, in welchem das zu kühlende bzw. gefrierende Gut lagerbar ist. Die Kühlung erfolgt durch gekühlte Innenwandungen 14. Die Kühlung der Innenwandungen 14 erfolgt über Wärmetauscherrohre 16, die mit einem hier nicht näher dargestellten Kompressor-Kühlsystem in Verbindung stehen. Der Innenraum 12 kann über einen Deckel 18 verschlossen werden, wobei eine weitgehend dichte Verschließbarkeit über umlaufende Dichtungen 20 sichergestellt ist. Bei diesem Gefriergerät 10 nach dem Stand der Technik erfolgt, wie durch die Pfeile a dargestellt, ein Druckausgleich während des Kühlvorgangs durch Einströmen vergleichsweiser feuchter Umgebungsluft über feine Undichtigkeiten im Dichtungsbereich der Dichtung 20 in den Innenraum 12. Dies ist in Fig. 1 durch entsprechende Pfeile a angedeutet. Umgekehrt entweicht während des Kompressorstillstandes die sich im Innenraum 12 aufwärmende Luft in Pfeilrichtung b in die Umgebung. Aufgrund des unkontrollierten Einströmens von vergleichsweise feuchter Umgebungsluft in den Innenraum während des Kühlzyklus schlägt sich vergleichsweise viel Feuchtigkeit in Form von Eis 22 an den Innenwandungen des Gefriergerätes 10 ab.The freezer 10 shown in FIG. 1 according to the prior art has a coolable interior 12 in which the goods to be cooled or frozen can be stored. The cooling takes place through cooled inner walls 14. The cooling of the inner walls 14 takes place via heat exchanger tubes 16, which are connected to a compressor cooling system, not shown here. The interior 12 can be closed by a cover 18, a largely tight sealability being ensured by circumferential seals 20. In this freezer 10 according to the prior art, as shown by the arrows a, pressure equalization takes place during the cooling process by the inflow of comparatively moist ambient air via fine leaks in the sealing area of the seal 20 into the interior 12. This is shown in FIG. 1 by corresponding arrows a indicated. Conversely, the escapes during the compressor shutdown air warming up in the interior 12 in the direction of arrow b into the surroundings. Due to the uncontrolled inflow of comparatively moist ambient air into the interior during the cooling cycle, comparatively much moisture in the form of ice 22 is deposited on the inner walls of the freezer 10.

Die in Fig. 2 dargestellte erfindungsgemäße Ausführungsform betrifft grundsätzlich ein Gefriergerät, das in seinem Aufbau demjenigen nach dem Stand der Technik entspricht. Daher sind hier gleiche Teile mit gleichen Bezugszeichen versehen. Im Unterschied zu dem Gefriergerät 10 nach dem Stand der Technik weist das erfindungsgemäße Gefriergerät gemäß Fig. 2 jedoch eine Verbindungsöffnung 24 zwischen dem Innenraum 12 und der Umgebungsatmosphäre auf, die in der hier dargestellten Ausführungsform im Deckel 18 integriert ist. Innerhalb der Verbindungsöffnung 24 ist eine Molekularsiebschüttung 26 enthalten. Durch die Verbindungsöffnung 24 wird sichergestellt, daß je nach Druckverhältnis zwischen Innenraum 12 und Umgebungsatmosphäre gezielt Luft ausgetauscht werden kann. Während der Kompressorlaufzeit, in welcher sich im Innenraum 12 ein Unterdruck bildet, wird die mehr oder weniger feuchte Umgebungsluft angesaugt. Sie gibt ihre Feuchtigkeit an das Molekularsieb 26 ab und gelangt in einem getrockneten Zustand in den Innenraum 12. Hierbei ist der Taupunkt mittels des Molekularsiebs 26 soweit herabgesetzt, daß ein Niederschlag von Wasser in Form von Eis an den Innenwandungen 14 sicher verhindert wird. Wenn der Kompressor steht, erwärmt sich die Luft im Innenraum 12 und strömt aufgrund des sich dadurch aufbauenden Überdrucks durch die Verbindungsöffnung 24 nach außen. Die sich erwärmende trockene Luft entzieht während des Ausströmens die im Molekularsieb gespeicherte Feuchtigkeit und transportiert sie in die Umgebungsatmosphäre. Die Strömungsrichtung der Luft ist mit Doppelpfeil c in Fig. 2 angedeutet.The embodiment according to the invention shown in FIG. 2 basically relates to a freezer which corresponds in structure to that according to the prior art. Therefore, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals here. In contrast to the freezer 10 according to the prior art, however, the freezer according to the invention according to FIG. 2 has a connection opening 24 between the interior 12 and the ambient atmosphere, which is integrated in the cover 18 in the embodiment shown here. A molecular sieve bed 26 is contained within the connection opening 24. The connection opening 24 ensures that, depending on the pressure ratio between the interior 12 and the surrounding atmosphere, air can be exchanged in a targeted manner. During the compressor runtime, in which a negative pressure forms in the interior 12, the more or less moist ambient air is sucked in. It releases its moisture to the molecular sieve 26 and reaches the interior 12 in a dried state. Here, the dew point is reduced by means of the molecular sieve 26 to such an extent that precipitation of water in the form of ice on the inner walls 14 is reliably prevented. When the compressor is at a standstill, the air in the interior 12 heats up and flows out through the connection opening 24 due to the excess pressure which is thereby built up. The warming dry air extracts the moisture stored in the molecular sieve and transports it into the surrounding atmosphere. The direction of flow of the air is indicated by double arrow c in Fig. 2.

In Fig. 3 ist eine alternative Ausführungsform der Erfindung dargestellt. Hier ist die Verbindungsöffnung zwischen dem Innenraum 12 und der Umgebungsatmosphäre in einer Seitenwand 28 integriert. Mit der Verbindungsleitung 24 sind über entsprechende Verbindungen 30 die Wärmeübertragungselemente 16 gekoppelt, so daß die Verbindungsöffnung 24 während des Kühlens durch den Kompressor ebenfalls gekühlt wird. Hierdurch wird die in der in Doppelpfeilrichtung d einströmende feuchte Luft bereits in der Verbindungsöffnung auf den gewünschten Taupunkt heruntergekühlt. Die entzogene Feuchtigkeit setzt sich in Form von Eis- bzw. Reifansatz an der Wandung der Verbindungsöffnung ab und gelangt somit nicht mehr in den Innenraum 12. Die Verbindungsöffnung 24 steht andererseits über Wärmeaustauschelemente 32 mit dem Abwärmebereich des Kältesystems (hier nicht näher dargestellt) in Verbindung. Während des Kompressorstillstandes wird über die Wärmetauscher 32 die Verbindungsöffnung 24 mit der Abwärme des Kühlsystems aufgeheizt, so daß der gebildete Eisansatz abtauen kann. Die Einmündung 34 der Verbindungsöffnung in die Außenatmosphäre ist unterhalb der Einmündung 36 in den Innenraum 12 angeordnet, so daß entsprechend abgetautes Wasser nach außen läuft.3 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention. Here, the connection opening between the interior 12 and the ambient atmosphere is integrated in a side wall 28. The heat transfer elements 16 are coupled to the connecting line 24 via corresponding connections 30, so that the connecting opening 24 is also cooled by the compressor during cooling. As a result, the moist air flowing in in the double arrow direction d is cooled down to the desired dew point in the connection opening. The extracted moisture settles on the wall of the connection opening in the form of ice or frost deposits and thus no longer reaches the interior 12. The connection opening 24, on the other hand, is connected to the waste heat area of the cooling system (not shown here) via heat exchange elements 32 . During the compressor standstill, the connection opening 24 is heated with the waste heat of the cooling system via the heat exchangers 32, so that the ice build-up formed can thaw. The opening 34 of the connection opening into the outside atmosphere is arranged below the opening 36 in the interior 12, so that the defrosted water runs outwards.

Die in Fig. 4 dargestellte Ausführungsform entspricht weitgehend derjenigen gemäß Fig. 3. Allerdings ist hier mit der Verbindungsöffnung 24 eine externe Wärmequelle in Form einer Elektroheizung 38 verbunden. Diese externe Wärmequelle ist zum Abtauen der innerhalb der Verbindungsöffnung niedergeschlagenen Eis- bzw. Reifoberfläche vorgesehen.The embodiment shown in FIG. 4 largely corresponds to that according to FIG. 3. However, an external heat source in the form of an electric heater 38 is connected to the connection opening 24 here. This external heat source is provided for defrosting the ice or frost surface deposited within the connection opening.

Claims (7)

Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerät mit einem über mindestens eine Tür oder einen Deckel zu öffnenden Innenraum, der zumindest teilweise gekühlte Oberflächen aufweist, wobei diese durch eine intermittierend arbeitende Kälteeinrichtung kühlbar sind,
dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß der Innenraum über eine Verbindungsöffnung mit der Umgebungsatmosphäre in Verbindung steht, wobei die durch die Verbindungsöffnung ausgetauschte Luft auf einen gewünschten Trocknungsgrad einstellbar ist.Refrigerator and / or freezer with an interior that can be opened via at least one door or a lid and that has at least partially cooled surfaces, which can be cooled by an intermittently operating cooling device,
characterized,
that the interior is connected to the ambient atmosphere via a connection opening, the air exchanged through the connection opening being adjustable to a desired degree of drying. Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerät nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß in der Verbindungsöffnung ein regenerierbares Trocknungsmittel angeordnet ist.Refrigerator and / or freezer according to claim 1, characterized in that a regenerable drying agent is arranged in the connecting opening. Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerät nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß als regenerierbares Trocknungsmittel Molekularsieb dient.A refrigerator and / or freezer according to claim 2, characterized in that molecular sieve is used as the regenerable drying agent. Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerät nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Trocknung in der Verbindungsöffnung über Gefriertrocknung erfolgt.Refrigerator and / or freezer according to claim 1, characterized in that that the drying takes place in the connection opening via freeze drying. Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerät nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Oberfläche der Verbindungsöffnung mit zur Kühlung dienenden Wärmeübertragungselementen in Verbindung steht.A refrigerator and / or freezer according to claim 4, characterized in that the surface of the connection opening is connected to heat transfer elements serving for cooling. Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerät nach Anspruch 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß eine zuschaltbare externe Wärmequelle zum Abtauen des sich auf der Oberfläche der Verbindungsöffnung niedergeschlagenen Eises integriert ist.Refrigerator and / or freezer according to claim 5, characterized in that a switchable external heat source for defrosting the ice deposited on the surface of the connection opening is integrated. Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerät nach Anspruch 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Oberfläche der Verbindungsöffnung über Wärmeübertragungselemente mittels der im Kühlprozeß erzeugten Abwärme aufheizbar ist, um das sich auf der Oberfläche der Verbindungsöffnung niedergeschlagene Eis abzutauen.Refrigerator and / or freezer according to claim 5, characterized in that the surface of the connection opening can be heated via heat transfer elements by means of the waste heat generated in the cooling process in order to thaw the ice deposited on the surface of the connection opening.
EP96114834A 1996-05-03 1996-09-16 Cooling and/or freezing apparatus Expired - Lifetime EP0805321B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19617812 1996-05-03
DE19617812 1996-05-03
DE19628278A DE19628278A1 (en) 1996-05-03 1996-07-12 Refrigerator and / or freezer
DE19628278 1996-07-12

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0805321A1 true EP0805321A1 (en) 1997-11-05
EP0805321B1 EP0805321B1 (en) 2001-12-05

Family

ID=26025371

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP96114834A Expired - Lifetime EP0805321B1 (en) 1996-05-03 1996-09-16 Cooling and/or freezing apparatus

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EP (1) EP0805321B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE210268T1 (en)
ES (1) ES2169187T3 (en)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1845321A1 (en) 2006-01-30 2007-10-17 Whirlpool Corporation Refrigerator with moisture adsorbing device
EP1659356A3 (en) * 2004-11-17 2009-03-04 Liebherr-Hausgeräte Lienz GmbH Refrigerator and/or freezing apparatus
CN102171521A (en) * 2008-09-30 2011-08-31 赛默飞世尔科技(阿什维尔)有限责任公司 Frost reduction by active circulation
EP2520882A1 (en) * 2011-05-02 2012-11-07 Whirlpool Corporation Freezer with a reduced frost formation
EP3364135B1 (en) * 2017-02-16 2020-07-22 Whirlpool Corporation Chest freezer
WO2020161572A1 (en) * 2019-02-07 2020-08-13 Rep Ip Ag Transport container

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US2604760A (en) * 1950-04-29 1952-07-29 Gen Electric Moisture collecting and removing arrangement
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US3826106A (en) * 1972-12-14 1974-07-30 Kemp R Refrigeration apparatus and process
US5271762A (en) * 1992-09-29 1993-12-21 Schoofs Gregory R Apparatus and method for air drying with reduced oxygen enrichment
US5339644A (en) * 1993-04-29 1994-08-23 Singh Kanwal N Defrost system for refrigeration apparatus

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US2259986A (en) * 1939-08-30 1941-10-21 Gen Electric Refrigerator
US2604760A (en) * 1950-04-29 1952-07-29 Gen Electric Moisture collecting and removing arrangement
CH397740A (en) * 1961-08-25 1965-08-31 Bosch Gmbh Robert fridge
US3826106A (en) * 1972-12-14 1974-07-30 Kemp R Refrigeration apparatus and process
US5271762A (en) * 1992-09-29 1993-12-21 Schoofs Gregory R Apparatus and method for air drying with reduced oxygen enrichment
US5339644A (en) * 1993-04-29 1994-08-23 Singh Kanwal N Defrost system for refrigeration apparatus

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1659356A3 (en) * 2004-11-17 2009-03-04 Liebherr-Hausgeräte Lienz GmbH Refrigerator and/or freezing apparatus
EP1845321A1 (en) 2006-01-30 2007-10-17 Whirlpool Corporation Refrigerator with moisture adsorbing device
US7797963B2 (en) 2006-01-30 2010-09-21 Whirlpool Corporation Refrigerator with moisture adsorbing device
CN102171521A (en) * 2008-09-30 2011-08-31 赛默飞世尔科技(阿什维尔)有限责任公司 Frost reduction by active circulation
EP2520882A1 (en) * 2011-05-02 2012-11-07 Whirlpool Corporation Freezer with a reduced frost formation
EP3364135B1 (en) * 2017-02-16 2020-07-22 Whirlpool Corporation Chest freezer
WO2020161572A1 (en) * 2019-02-07 2020-08-13 Rep Ip Ag Transport container

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES2169187T3 (en) 2002-07-01
ATE210268T1 (en) 2001-12-15
EP0805321B1 (en) 2001-12-05

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