EP2096388B1 - Refrigeration and/or freezer device - Google Patents

Refrigeration and/or freezer device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2096388B1
EP2096388B1 EP09002126.2A EP09002126A EP2096388B1 EP 2096388 B1 EP2096388 B1 EP 2096388B1 EP 09002126 A EP09002126 A EP 09002126A EP 2096388 B1 EP2096388 B1 EP 2096388B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
unit
compartment
air
freezer
refrigerator
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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.)
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EP09002126.2A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2096388A3 (en
EP2096388A2 (en
Inventor
Andreas Prentner
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Liebherr Hausgeraete Lienz GmbH
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Liebherr Hausgeraete Lienz GmbH
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Publication of EP2096388A3 publication Critical patent/EP2096388A3/en
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Classifications

    • 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
    • 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
    • F25D2317/00—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • F25D2317/04—Treating air flowing to refrigeration compartments
    • F25D2317/041—Treating air flowing to refrigeration compartments by purification
    • F25D2317/0413—Treating air flowing to refrigeration compartments by purification by humidification

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a refrigerator and / or freezer with at least one located in the interior of the refrigerator and / or freezer compartment.
  • the shelf life of such refrigerated goods can be significantly extended. It is also reported in this context of improved resistance of vitamins and other health-promoting components of the chilled goods.
  • Cooling and / or freezers with separate compartments are already known from the prior art for this purpose, in which so-called zero-degree zones are set. These compartments are intended for the inclusion of perishable refrigerated goods and lead to an increase in the durability of this refrigerated goods.
  • the JP 2005 337 694 A discloses a refrigerator with a compartment whose humidity is adjustable by means of humidifying means.
  • the JP 206 046 769 A discloses a refrigerator with a compartment whose humidity is adjustable by means of humidifying.
  • the humidifying means are partially arranged in the foamed-in wall space of the inner container of the device and comprise a tank system or access to a tank system in which water is kept and which is part of the Wisorulfelters.
  • a refrigerator and / or freezer with the features of claim 1.
  • a refrigerator and / or freezer is provided with at least one compartment located in the interior of the refrigerator and / or freezer, wherein means for humidification are provided, by means of which the relative humidity is adjustable in the tray.
  • the humidity can preferably be adjusted within narrow limits, so that the durability of e.g. perishable refrigerated goods can be improved.
  • the shelf life of fruits and vegetables will be extended.
  • the compartment is designed such that in the compartment, different from the temperature of the rest of the interior, the temperature is adjustable or adjusted in a narrow temperature range.
  • the temperature in the compartments is kept just above the zero point, for example in a range of 0 ° -3 ° C. It can thus be a best possible temperature-humidity combination be set, for example, at 0 ° -3 ° and a humidity of at least 75%. It is equally conceivable in this context that they are subjects that have a higher temperature than the rest of the interior of the refrigerator and / or freezer. Such applications are, for example, when used in research or in the commercial application of refrigerators and / or freezers.
  • the means for air humidification comprise a fan, wherein air humidified by means of the fan is conveyed into the compartment.
  • the means for air humidification have an air guide system, by means of which the humidified air is conveyed into the compartment.
  • an air guide system allows a precise loading of the compartments with humidified air, so that deviates from the rest of the interior space inside the compartments, a humidity that moves in narrow range limits.
  • the means for humidifying a tank system and / or access to a tank system in which water is kept may be, for example, chilled water.
  • the water may be, for example, chilled water.
  • the water does not necessarily have to be chilled water.
  • the temperature of the subjects is only slightly or not at all affected. This makes it possible to keep the temperature of the subjects within narrow limits, without having to operate a high effort.
  • the tank system also makes it possible to provide the water supply necessary for moistening for a longer period of time. This facilitates handling for the user, who therefore only has to fill the tank system at regular intervals.
  • the invention provides that the tank system is part of an ice cube maker.
  • a tank system is already present, is kept in the for the automatic preparation of ice cubes by the refrigerator and / or freezer cooled water. By sharing such a tank system, the energy efficiency can be significantly increased.
  • the tank system comprises a decalcifier and / or cleaning device.
  • descaling devices may be filters at the inlet of the tank system, such as e.g. Activated carbon filter.
  • the cleaning device may also consist of an antibacterial coating or a UV light source of the tank system.
  • the tank system has a separate water connection.
  • the tank system is refilled via the water connection.
  • the means for air humidification are arranged in the foamed wall space between the container of the refrigerator and / or freezer.
  • the interior of the refrigerator and / or freezer is not reduced in volume.
  • the means for air humidification are arranged safely and not visible.
  • the means for air humidification have a blow-out, which is located in the upper region of the compartment.
  • a blow-out which is located in the upper region of the compartment.
  • the means for humidification may have a control and / or regulating unit.
  • the humidity in the compartments can be kept very accurately in an area narrowed by thresholds.
  • the means for air humidification have at least one humidity sensor.
  • the humidity sensor By means of the humidity sensor the humidity in the compartment can be monitored and e.g. be readjusted at a deviation from the setpoint.
  • the at least one humidity sensor can be arranged in the compartment and / or in spatial association with the compartment.
  • the means for air humidification are such that sets in the tray relative humidity of 85-90%.
  • the refrigerator and / or freezer according to the invention in the lower part of the cooling part on two compartments, in which deviating from the temperature of the remaining interior of the cooling part, a temperature is set just above 0 ° C.
  • This 0 ° C zone in the compartments is monitored by a control unit which adjusts the temperature in the two compartments in a narrow temperature range between 0 ° C to 3 ° C. This allows a longer shelf life of refrigerated goods such as fruits, vegetables, sausages and dairy products, also a freezing of the refrigerated goods is prevented.
  • the means for air humidification are partially housed in the foamed wall space, so as not to have to accept losses of the interior volume.
  • important parts of the means for humidification such as the tank system, the blower and the air duct system are housed.
  • each right and left backward discharge openings are provided on the right side, through which the humidified air reaches the compartments.
  • a tank system On the back of the refrigerator and / or freezer, a tank system is provided, which is in communication with the means for humidification.
  • a fan is in this case mounted in a holding part in the cooling part and transported by means of the cooling water in the tank system humidified air to the subjects.
  • refrigerators and / or freezers equipped with an automatic ice cube maker use the ice cube maker tank system.
  • the tank system is usually provided with a separate water connection. It is equally possible to fill such a tank system via a refill opening at regular intervals.
  • the tank system preferably has filter systems by means of which calcification but also microbial contamination is prevented.
  • an activated carbon filter can be provided at the inlet of the tank system.
  • the tank system itself is also cooled.
  • the current humidity in the compartments is detected.
  • This can be set to a range of 85-90%, for example, but other humidity ranges can be set within narrow limits.
  • the compartments are designed as pull-out compartments made of transparent plastic and are each spaced a few centimeters from the bottom of the next compartment or the partition plate in the upper region, so that the compartments are sufficiently covered with humidified air and supplied.
  • the partition plate is preferably a horizontal partition plate. This can be carried out by means of which the air passage can be changed by an air channel located, for example, in the rear region of the partition plate.
  • the means may for example be designed in the form of a front-actuated slider.
  • the output of the fan will be changed accordingly. This can be done by slowing down or accelerating the blower, but also by connecting at least one additional blower.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerät mit wenigstens einem im Innenraum des Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerätes befindlichen Fach.The present invention relates to a refrigerator and / or freezer with at least one located in the interior of the refrigerator and / or freezer compartment.

Durch die Lagerung von Kühlgut, insbesondere verderblichem Kühlgut bei eng definierten Temperaturgrenzen, vorzugsweise knapp oberhalb des Gefrierpunktes, sowie in eng definierten Luftfeuchtigkeitsbereichen läßt sich die Haltbarkeit derartigen Kühlgutes deutlich verlängern. Es wird in diesem Zusammenhang auch von verbesserter Beständigkeit von Vitaminen und anderen gesundheitsfördernden Bestandteilen des Kühlgutes berichtet.By the storage of refrigerated goods, especially perishable refrigerated goods at tight temperature limits, preferably just above the freezing point, and in narrowly defined humidity ranges, the shelf life of such refrigerated goods can be significantly extended. It is also reported in this context of improved resistance of vitamins and other health-promoting components of the chilled goods.

Aus dem Stand der Technik sind hierzu bereits Kühl- und/oder Gefriergeräte mit gesonderten Fächern bekannt, in denen sogenannte Null-Grad-Zonen eingestellt sind. Diese Fächer sind für die Aufnahme von verderblichem Kühlgut vorgesehen und führen zu einer Erhöhung der Haltbarkeit dieses Kühlgutes.Cooling and / or freezers with separate compartments are already known from the prior art for this purpose, in which so-called zero-degree zones are set. These compartments are intended for the inclusion of perishable refrigerated goods and lead to an increase in the durability of this refrigerated goods.

Bislang gibt es jedoch keine Möglichkeit, neben der Temperatur wirksam die Luftfeuchtigkeit in diesen Fächern einzustellen. Hierdurch ließe sich aber eine Verbesserung der Lagerungsbedingungen und unter Umständen eine weitere Verlängerung der Haltbarkeit des Kühlgutes erreichen.So far, however, there is no way to effectively adjust the humidity in addition to the temperature in these subjects. This would be an improvement the storage conditions and possibly achieve a further extension of the shelf life of the refrigerated goods.

Die JP 2005 337 694 A offenbart einen Kühlschrank mit einem Fach, dessen Luftfeuchtigkeit mittels Luftbefeuchtungsmittel einstellbar ist.The JP 2005 337 694 A discloses a refrigerator with a compartment whose humidity is adjustable by means of humidifying means.

Die JP 206 046 769 A offenbart ein Kältegerät mit einem Fach, dessen Luftfeuchtigkeit mittels Lufbefeuchtungsmittel einstellbar ist. Die Luftbefeuchtungsmittel sind teilweise in dem eingeschäumten Wandungszwischenraum des Innenbehälters des Gerätes angeordnet und umfassen ein Tanksystem bzw. greifen auf ein Tanksystem zu, in dem Wasser vorgehalten wird und das Bestandteil des Wiswürfelbereiters ist.The JP 206 046 769 A discloses a refrigerator with a compartment whose humidity is adjustable by means of humidifying. The humidifying means are partially arranged in the foamed-in wall space of the inner container of the device and comprise a tank system or access to a tank system in which water is kept and which is part of the Wiswürfelbereiters.

Es ist daher die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, ein Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerät bereitzustellen, das die aus dem Stand der Technik bekannten Nachteile in vorteilhafter Art und Weise überwindet.It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a refrigerator and / or freezer, which overcomes the disadvantages known from the prior art in an advantageous manner.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch ein Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerät mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1 gelöst. Danach ist vorgesehen, dass ein Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerät mit wenigstens einem im Innenraum des Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerätes befindlichen Fach versehen ist, wobei Mittel zur Luftbefeuchtung vorgesehen sind, mittels derer im Fach die relative Luftfeuchtigkeit einstellbar ist. Über die Mittel zur Luftbefeuchtung läßt sich die Luftfeuchtigkeit vorzugsweise in engen Grenzen einstellen, so dass die Haltbarkeit von z.B. verderblichem Kühlgut verbessert werden kann. So kann z.B. die Haltbarkeit von Obst und Gemüse verlängert werden.This object is achieved by a refrigerator and / or freezer with the features of claim 1. Thereafter, it is provided that a refrigerator and / or freezer is provided with at least one compartment located in the interior of the refrigerator and / or freezer, wherein means for humidification are provided, by means of which the relative humidity is adjustable in the tray. By means of the humidification means, the humidity can preferably be adjusted within narrow limits, so that the durability of e.g. perishable refrigerated goods can be improved. Thus, e.g. the shelf life of fruits and vegetables will be extended.

Vorzugsweise ist das Fach derart ausgeführt, dass in dem Fach, abweichend von der Temperatur des übrigen Innenraums, die Temperatur in einem engen Temperaturbereich einstellbar oder eingestellt ist. In diesem Zusammenhang ist denkbar, in den Fächer sogenannte Null-Grad-Zonen einzurichten, so dass die Temperatur in den Fächern knapp oberhalb des Nullpunktes, z.B. in einem Bereich von 0°-3°C gehalten wird. Es kann somit eine bestmögliche Temperatur-Luftfeuchtigkeitskombination eingestellt werden, die beispielsweise bei 0°-3° und einer Luftfeuchtigkeit von mindestens 75% liegt. Genausogut ist in diesem Zusammenhang vorstellbar, dass es sich um Fächer handelt, die eine höhere Temperatur als der übrige Innenraum des Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerätes aufweisen. Derartige Anwendungsfälle liegen z.B. beim Einsatz in der Forschung oder bei der gewerblichen Anwendung von Kühl- und/oder Gefriergeräten.Preferably, the compartment is designed such that in the compartment, different from the temperature of the rest of the interior, the temperature is adjustable or adjusted in a narrow temperature range. In this context, it is conceivable to set up so-called zero-degree zones in the compartments, so that the temperature in the compartments is kept just above the zero point, for example in a range of 0 ° -3 ° C. It can thus be a best possible temperature-humidity combination be set, for example, at 0 ° -3 ° and a humidity of at least 75%. It is equally conceivable in this context that they are subjects that have a higher temperature than the rest of the interior of the refrigerator and / or freezer. Such applications are, for example, when used in research or in the commercial application of refrigerators and / or freezers.

Die Mittel zur Luftbefeuchtung weisen ein Gebläse auf, wobei mittels des Gebläses angefeuchtete Luft in das Fach befördert wird. Eine derartige Lösung weist den Vorteil einer einfachen Realisierbarkeit auf. Ferner ist eine derartige Lösung sehr unempfindlich gegen Störeinflüsse und weist somit eine gute Ausfallsicherheit und Standfestigkeit auf.The means for air humidification comprise a fan, wherein air humidified by means of the fan is conveyed into the compartment. Such a solution has the advantage of being easy to implement. Furthermore, such a solution is very insensitive to interference and thus has a good reliability and stability.

Weiterhin ist vorgesehen, dass die Mittel zur Luftbefeuchtung ein Luftführungssystem aufweisen, mittels dessen die angefeuchtete Luft in das Fach befördert wird. Ein derartiges Luftführungssystem erlaubt eine genaue Beaufschlagung der Fächer mit angefeuchteter Luft, so dass sich abweichend vom übrigen Innenraum innerhalb der Fächer eine Luftfeuchtigkeit einstellt, die sich in engen Bereichsgrenzen bewegt.Furthermore, it is provided that the means for air humidification have an air guide system, by means of which the humidified air is conveyed into the compartment. Such an air guide system allows a precise loading of the compartments with humidified air, so that deviates from the rest of the interior space inside the compartments, a humidity that moves in narrow range limits.

Ferner weisen die Mittel zur Luftbefeuchtung ein Tanksystem auf und/oder greifen auf ein Tanksystem zu, in dem Wasser vorgehalten wird. Bei dem Wasser kann es sich beispielsweise um gekühltes Wasser handeln. Bei dem Wasser muss es sich jedoch nicht zwingend um gekühltes Wasser handeln. Durch den Rückgriff auf Wasser, beispielsweise auf gekühltes Wasser, wird die Temperatur der Fächer nur unwesentlich oder überhaupt nicht beeinflußt. Dadurch wird es möglich, die Temperatur der Fächer in engen Grenzen zu halten, ohne hierfür einen hohen Aufwand betreiben zu müssen. Durch das Tanksystem wird es ferner möglich, den für die Anfeuchtung notwendigen Wasservorrat für einen längeren Zeitraum bereitzustellen. Dies erleichtert die Handhabung für den Benutzer, der somit nur in regelmäßigen Abständen das Tanksystem befüllen muss.Furthermore, the means for humidifying a tank system and / or access to a tank system in which water is kept. The water may be, for example, chilled water. However, the water does not necessarily have to be chilled water. By resorting to water, such as chilled water, the temperature of the subjects is only slightly or not at all affected. This makes it possible to keep the temperature of the subjects within narrow limits, without having to operate a high effort. The tank system also makes it possible to provide the water supply necessary for moistening for a longer period of time. This facilitates handling for the user, who therefore only has to fill the tank system at regular intervals.

Darüber hinaus ist erfindungsgemäß vorgesehen, dass das Tanksystem Bestandteil eines Eiswürfelbereiters ist. Bei einer derartigen Ausführungsform ist bereits ein Tanksystem vorhanden, in dem für die automatische Zubereitung von Eiswürfeln durch das Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerät gekühltes Wasser vorgehalten wird. Durch die gemeinsame Nutzung eines derartigen Tanksystems läßt sich die Energieeffizienz deutlich erhöhen.In addition, the invention provides that the tank system is part of an ice cube maker. In such an embodiment, a tank system is already present, is kept in the for the automatic preparation of ice cubes by the refrigerator and / or freezer cooled water. By sharing such a tank system, the energy efficiency can be significantly increased.

Von Vorteil ist es, wenn das Tanksystem eine Entkalkungsvorrichtung und/oder Reinigungsvorrichtung umfasst. Derartige Entkalkungsvorrichtungen können Filter am Einlass des Tanksystems sein, wie z.B. Aktivkohlefilter. Die Reinigungsvorrichtung kann auch in einer antibakteriellen Beschichtung oder einer UV-Lichtquelle des Tanksystems bestehen. Durch die Entkalkung wird die Standzeit des Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerätes erhöht bzw. Wartungsintervalle verringert. Durch die Reinigungsvorrichtung ergibt sich der Vorteil, dass die in die Fächer eingeblasene Luft arm an Keimen ist, was sich wiederum positiv auf das in den Fächern eingelagerte Kühlgut auswirkt.It is advantageous if the tank system comprises a decalcifier and / or cleaning device. Such descaling devices may be filters at the inlet of the tank system, such as e.g. Activated carbon filter. The cleaning device may also consist of an antibacterial coating or a UV light source of the tank system. By decalcifying the service life of the refrigerator and / or freezer is increased or reduced maintenance intervals. The cleaning device has the advantage that the air blown into the compartments is poor in germs, which in turn has a positive effect on the refrigerated goods stored in the compartments.

Weiterhin kann vorgesehen sein, dass das Tanksystem über einen gesonderten Wasseranschluss verfügt. In einer derartigen Ausgestaltung ergibt sich der Vorteil, dass der Benutzer sich nicht mehr um die Befüllung des Tanksystems kümmern muss. Ja nach Bedarf wird über den Wasseranschluss das Tanksystem nachgefüllt.Furthermore, it can be provided that the tank system has a separate water connection. In such an embodiment, there is the advantage that the user no longer has to worry about the filling of the tank system. If required, the tank system is refilled via the water connection.

Erfindungsgemäß ist vorgesehen, dass die Mittel zur Luftbefeuchtung im eingeschäumten Wandungszwischenraum des Behälters des Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerätes angeordnet sind. Dadurch wird der Innenraum des Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerätes nicht volumenmäßig verringert. Ferner ergibt sich der Vorteil, dass die Mittel zur Luftbefeuchtung sicher und nicht sichtbar angeordnet sind.According to the invention, it is provided that the means for air humidification are arranged in the foamed wall space between the container of the refrigerator and / or freezer. As a result, the interior of the refrigerator and / or freezer is not reduced in volume. Furthermore, there is the advantage that the means for air humidification are arranged safely and not visible.

Es ist ferner erfindungsgemäß vorgesehen, dass die Mittel zur Luftbefeuchtung eine Ausblasöffnung aufweisen, die sich im oberen Bereich des Faches befindet. Eine derartige Anordnung weist den Vorteil auf, dass sich die angefeuchtete Luft gleichmäßig im Fach verteilt. Sollten mehrere Fächer vorgesehen sein, befindet sich zumindest eine Ausblasöffnung beim obersten Fach. Dies kann bereits ausreichend sein, um eine ausreichend genaue Einstellung der Luftfeuchtigkeit in allen Fächern zu erreichen.It is further provided according to the invention that the means for air humidification have a blow-out, which is located in the upper region of the compartment. Such an arrangement has the advantage that the moistened air evenly distributed in the compartment. If several compartments are provided, is located at least one exhaust opening at the top compartment. This may already be sufficient to achieve a sufficiently accurate adjustment of the humidity in all subjects.

Des weiteren können die Mittel zur Luftbefeuchtung eine Steuerung und/oder Regelungseinheit aufweisen. Dadurch läßt sich die Luftfeuchtigkeit in den Fächer sehr genau in einem durch Schwellwerte eng gefaßten Bereich halten.Furthermore, the means for humidification may have a control and / or regulating unit. As a result, the humidity in the compartments can be kept very accurately in an area narrowed by thresholds.

In weiterer Ausgestaltungsform kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Mittel zur Luftbefeuchtung wenigstens einen Luftfeuchtigkeitssensor aufweisen. Mittels des Luftfeuchtigkeitssensors kann die Luftfeuchtigkeit im Fach überwacht und z.B. bei einer Abweichung vom Sollwert nachgeregelt werden.In a further embodiment it can be provided that the means for air humidification have at least one humidity sensor. By means of the humidity sensor the humidity in the compartment can be monitored and e.g. be readjusted at a deviation from the setpoint.

Außerdem kann der wenigstens eine Luftfeuchtigkeitssensor im Fach und/oder in räumlicher Zuordnung zu dem Fach angeordnet sein.In addition, the at least one humidity sensor can be arranged in the compartment and / or in spatial association with the compartment.

Es weiterhin möglich, dass die Mittel zur Luftbefeuchtung derart beschaffen sind, dass sich im Fach eine relative Luftfeuchtigkeit von 85-90% einstellt.It is also possible that the means for air humidification are such that sets in the tray relative humidity of 85-90%.

Weitere Einzelheiten und Vorteile der Erfindung sollen anhand des nachfolgend beschriebenen Ausführungsbeispiel näher erläutert werden.Further details and advantages of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the embodiment described below.

Dabei weist das erfindungsgemäße Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerät im unteren Bereich des Kühlteils zwei Fächer auf, in denen abweichend von der Temperatur des übrigen Innenraums des Kühlteils, eine Temperatur knapp oberhalb von 0°C eingestellt ist. Diese 0°C-Zone in den Fächer wird durch eine Steuerungs- und/oder Regelungseinheit überwacht, die die Temperatur in den zwei Fächern in einem engen Temperaturbereich zwischen 0°C bis 3°C einstellt. Dies ermöglicht eine längere Haltbarkeit von Kühlgut wie Obst, Gemüse, Wurst und Milchprodukten, zudem wird ein Anfrieren des Kühlgutes verhindert.In this case, the refrigerator and / or freezer according to the invention in the lower part of the cooling part on two compartments, in which deviating from the temperature of the remaining interior of the cooling part, a temperature is set just above 0 ° C. This 0 ° C zone in the compartments is monitored by a control unit which adjusts the temperature in the two compartments in a narrow temperature range between 0 ° C to 3 ° C. This allows a longer shelf life of refrigerated goods such as fruits, vegetables, sausages and dairy products, also a freezing of the refrigerated goods is prevented.

Die Mittel zur Luftbefeuchtung sind dabei teilweise im eingeschäumten Wandungszwischenraum untergebracht, um keine Verluste des Innenraumvolumens hinnehmen zu müssen. So sind außerhalb des Innenbehälters wichtige Teile der Mittel zur Luftbefeuchtung wie das Tanksystem, das Gebläse und das Luftführungssystem untergebracht.The means for air humidification are partially housed in the foamed wall space, so as not to have to accept losses of the interior volume. Thus, outside of the inner container important parts of the means for humidification such as the tank system, the blower and the air duct system are housed.

Unterhalb der Trennplatte, die die zwei Fächer vom übrigen Innenraum des Kühlteils abtrennt, und im oberen Bereich des oberen Faches sind jeweils rechts und links rückwandungsseitig Ausblasöffnungen vorgesehen, durch die die angefeuchtete Luft zu den Fächern gelangt.Below the partition plate, which separates the two compartments from the rest of the interior of the cooling part, and in the upper region of the upper compartment each right and left backward discharge openings are provided on the right side, through which the humidified air reaches the compartments.

Auf der Rückseite des Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerätes ist ein Tanksystem vorgesehen, dass mit den Mitteln zu Luftbefeuchtung in Verbindung steht. Ein Gebläse ist hierbei in einem Halteteil im Kühlteil montiert und befördert mittels des im Tanksystem befindlichen gekühlten Wassers angefeuchtete Luft zu den Fächern.On the back of the refrigerator and / or freezer, a tank system is provided, which is in communication with the means for humidification. A fan is in this case mounted in a holding part in the cooling part and transported by means of the cooling water in the tank system humidified air to the subjects.

Es ist möglich, dass bei Kühl- und/oder Gefriergeräten, die mit einem automatischen Eiswürfelbereiter ausgestattet sind, auf das Tanksystem des Eiswürfelbereiter zurückzugreifen. Bei diesen Geräten ist das Tanksystem üblicherweise mit einem gesonderten Wasseranschluss versehen. Genausogut ist es möglich, ein derartiges Tanksystem über eine Nachfüllöffnung in regelmäßigen Abständen zu befüllen.It is possible that refrigerators and / or freezers equipped with an automatic ice cube maker use the ice cube maker tank system. In these devices, the tank system is usually provided with a separate water connection. It is equally possible to fill such a tank system via a refill opening at regular intervals.

Das Tanksystem weist vorzugsweise Filtersysteme auf, mittels derer einer Verkalkung aber auch einer Verkeimung vorgebeugt wird. Unter anderem kann dabei ein Aktivkohlefilter am Einlass des Tanksystems vorgesehen sein. Das Tanksystem selbst wird ebenfalls gekühlt.The tank system preferably has filter systems by means of which calcification but also microbial contamination is prevented. Among other things, an activated carbon filter can be provided at the inlet of the tank system. The tank system itself is also cooled.

Mittels eines Luftfeuchtigkeitssensors, der im Bereich der Fächer angebracht ist, wird die aktuelle Luftfeuchtigkeit in den Fächer erfasst. Diese kann auf einen Bereich z.B. von 85-90% eingestellt werden, es sind jedoch auch andere Luftfeuchtigkeitsbereiche mit engen Grenzen einstellbar.By means of a humidity sensor, which is mounted in the area of the compartments, the current humidity in the compartments is detected. This can be set to a range of 85-90%, for example, but other humidity ranges can be set within narrow limits.

Es wird kontinuierlich mittels des Gebläses Luft mittels des im Tanksystem befindlichen gekühlten Wassers angefeuchtet und über das Luftführungssystem zu den Fächern geführt. Aus den Ausblasöffnungen austretend strömt die angefeuchtete Luft durch die Fächer und stellt die Luftfeuchtigkeit im gewünschten Bereich ein.It is continuously moistened by means of the blower air by means of the cooled water in the tank system and fed through the air duct system to the subjects. Leaving the exhaust openings, the humidified air flows through the compartments and adjusts the humidity in the desired area.

Die Fächer sind dabei als Auszugsfächer aus transparentem Kunststoff ausgeführt und sind jeweils im oberen Bereich einige Zentimeter von der Unterseite des nächsten Faches oder der Trennplatte beabstandet, so dass die Fächer ausreichend mit angefeuchteter Luft überströmt und versorgt werden. Bei der Trennplatte handelt es sich vorzugsweise um eine horizontale Trennplatte. Diese kann mit Mitteln ausgeführt sein durch die sich der Luftdurchlaß durch einen beispielsweise im rückwärtigen Bereich der Trennplatte befindlichen Luftkanal verändert werden kann. Die Mittel können beispielsweise in Form eines von vorne zu betätigenden Schiebers ausgeführt sein.The compartments are designed as pull-out compartments made of transparent plastic and are each spaced a few centimeters from the bottom of the next compartment or the partition plate in the upper region, so that the compartments are sufficiently covered with humidified air and supplied. The partition plate is preferably a horizontal partition plate. This can be carried out by means of which the air passage can be changed by an air channel located, for example, in the rear region of the partition plate. The means may for example be designed in the form of a front-actuated slider.

Sollte mittels des Feuchtigkeitssensors ein Überschreiten der Schwellwerte der Luftfeuchtigkeit innerhalb der Fächer festgestellt werden, wird die Leistung des Gebläses entsprechend abgeändert. Dies kann durch eine Verlangsamung oder Beschleunigung des Gebläses, aber auch durch ein Zuschalten wenigstens eines weiteren Gebläses geschehen.If the humidity sensor detects that the air humidity thresholds inside the compartments have been exceeded, the output of the fan will be changed accordingly. This can be done by slowing down or accelerating the blower, but also by connecting at least one additional blower.

Claims (9)

  1. A refrigerator unit and/or a freezer unit comprising
    at least one compartment located in the interior space of the refrigerator unit and/or freezer unit,
    means for air moistening by means of which the relative humidity can be set in the compartment,
    wherein the means for air moistening have a tank system and/or make use of a tank system in which water is stored,
    wherein the tank system is a component of an icemaker and the means for air moistening are arranged partly in the foamed intermediate wall space of the container of the refrigerator unit and/or freezer unit,
    characterized in that
    the means for air moistening have a fan, with moistened air being conveyed into the compartment by means of the fan,
    the means for air moistening have an air-conducting system by means of which the moistend air is conveyed into the compartment, and
    the means for air moistening have a blow-out opening which is located in the upper region of the compartment, with the tank system, the fan und the air conducting system being accommodated outside the interior space.
  2. A refrigerator unit and/or a freezer unit in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the compartment is made such that the temperature in the compartment can be set or is set, differing from the temperature of the remaining interior space, in a narrow temperature range.
  3. A refrigerator unit and/or a freezer unit in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the water is cooled water.
  4. A refrigerator unit and/or a freezer unit in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tank system includes a decalcification device and/or a cleaning device.
  5. A refrigerator unit and/or a freezer unit in accordance with one of preceding claims, characterized in that the tank system has a separate water connection.
  6. A refrigerator unit and/or a freezer unit in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means for air moistening have a control and/or regulation unit.
  7. A refrigerator unit and/or a freezer unit in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means for air moistening have at least one humidity sensor.
  8. A refrigerator unit and/or a freezer unit in accordance with claim 7, characterized in that the at least one humidity sensor is arranged in the compartment and/or in spatial association with the compartment.
  9. A refrigerator unit and/or a freezer unit in accordance with one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means for air moistening are made such that a relative humidity of 85-90% is adopted in the compartment.
EP09002126.2A 2008-02-26 2009-02-16 Refrigeration and/or freezer device Expired - Fee Related EP2096388B1 (en)

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EP2096388A3 (en) 2013-07-17
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EP2096388A2 (en) 2009-09-02
US8225620B2 (en) 2012-07-24

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