MX2010012533A

MX2010012533A - Cold appliance.

Info

Publication number: MX2010012533A
Application number: MX2010012533A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Klas Andersson; Bernt Andersson
Original assignee: Electrolux Ab
Priority date: 2008-05-23
Filing date: 2009-05-19
Publication date: 2010-12-20
Also published as: RU2010152643A; EP2300758A1; CN102037295A; WO2009141124A1; BRPI0912965A2; KR20110021925A; AU2009250072A1; US20110126570A1

Abstract

A cold appliance, such as a domestic refrigerator or freezer, comprising a cabinet (101) having a cold compartment (104), and a cooling module (102). The cooling module comprises an air outlet (43) delivering cooled air to the cold compartment, an air inlet (44) receiving air from the cold compartment, an evaporator (33), and an evaporator fan (42), which generates an air flow from the air inlet, through the evaporator, and to the air outlet. The cross-sectional shape of the evaporator is adapted to the airflow such that the rate of the highest air velocity to the lowest air velocity through different portions of the evaporator is minimized.

Description

FRIGORIFICO APPARATUS Field of the Invention The invention relates to a refrigerating appliance.

Background of the Invention When f igorific appliances are manufactured, such as refrigerators, they also include pantries and wine coolers and. freezers, which also comprise freezer cabinets, which are in the form of a cabinet that can be opened and which are mainly adapted for domestic use, but which can also be used for example in restaurants and laboratories, hereinafter referred to as refrigeration appliances for the Search for simplicity, it is a common practice to locate the production closest to the customers, since the transportation costs are considerable. This results in a comparatively large number of production sites. It is rather desirable to have few large production plants and then distribute the products from these plants to the rest of the world. In this way it is possible to have the benefit of large-scale benefits. For example, one problem associated with transporting refrigeration appliances is that they represent bulky products that contain a lot of air, which has to make transportation costs per unit of weight considerable. It has been suggested to manufacture refrigeration appliances I Ref. 214998 in a modular form, so that the products can be transported in a disassembled state and assembled at the installation site or in a nearby warehouse, assembly plant or other service facility. However, a functional modular system for such products has never been developed. This is due to the various requirements that I must comply with the cabinet. For example, the cabinet must be constructed to be easily assembled to form a sturdy rigid cabinet that has good heat insulation properties and is substantially impermeable to moisture migration, as well as having an aesthetically appealing appearance. Additionally, a cooling cabinet contains a batch of mechanical equipment to perform different functions. This equipment, when it has the present structure, is difficult to provide as modules that are easy to assemble and interconnect.

Another problem associated with conventional manufacturing of refrigeration appliances is that it involves high investment costs for the development of product lines and the like. This results in very poor flexibility, mainly with respect to the possibility of producing refrigeration appliances that have different dimensions and variable equipment options in small series. Normally, new product designs need large production series to be feasible for economic reasons. This It also has to ensure that producers are not willing to develop products that have a new method already, that the economic risk is very large, with a uniform product line as a. result, alternatively that a stranger product will be very expensive to produce and buy.

Another problem associated with a modular refrigerator is how to dispose a condensation prevention device-in front of the refrigerator compartment (s). In a non-modular refrigeration appliance that is conventionally manufactured, as described in US 6,666,043, a condensation prevention device is provided as a heat carrying tube extending along a frame portion. front, which surrounds the refrigerator compartment (s) of the cabinet. The tube is filled with a color carrier fluid, and is provided with a heat exchanger box, which is placed under a compressor included in the cooling system of the refrigerator. In US 6,666,043, there is no information on how the tube is actually mounted on the front frame portion, but on the other hand there is no problem involved in the assembly thereof. On the contrary, when the refrigerator is not completed in the factory of origin, but is delivered in pieces and assembled on arrival, a problem arises of how to manufacture the pieces in order to facilitate the assembly.

When a refrigeration appliance is built in the conventional way, where the cabinet is built in place, it is easy to obtain complex built-in functions. However, when separate parts are provided that are to be assembled later, new solutions are needed. One problem that has to be solved is how to obtain the complex interface between the cabinet and the door, where, for example, the aforementioned condensation prevention device is to be mounted.

In conventional refrigeration appliances, the evaporator is formed as a rather flat and rectangular device, which is mounted inside the cabinet. The present invention is within the field of dynamic cooling, wherein the cooling module is a separated module comprising all the cooling devices, including the evaporator, and subsequently assembled with the cabinet. The cooled air is then circulated inside the cabinet in order to cool the food. The air cools as it passes through or around the evaporator, depending on its construction, by means of a fan. Then the conventional rectangular shape and rather flat, is not optimal.

When manufacturing separate cabinet panels that will be assembled subsequently, instead of manufacturing A cabinet cover and filling it with foam should be possible, and it will be desirable to find a way to automate this fabrication, at least for some of the types of panels involved.

In a refrigeration appliance where the cooling effect is generated by a cooling module in accordance with a stand-alone type, and is distributed by an air flow inside the cabinet, it is desirable to make the compact cooling module. In order to make the cooling module as compact as possible, it will be desirable to arrange the larger parts, i.e. the evaporator and the compressor side by side, although of course thermally insulated from one another. This placement may result in at least a part of the evaporator being placed lower than a top portion of the compressor. This mutual placement will have some negative impact on the thawing system, that is, the system that warms the evaporator for the melting of frost and ice added to it, the drainage of the resulting defrosting water, and the evaporation of the defrosting water . Conventionally, defrosting water is evaporated from a container in the upper part of the compressor as the hot compressor liner is heating the water. The water is guided by gravity from the evaporator to the container by means of a tube or the like.

However, when the evaporator, at least partially, is placed lower than the compressor, this is not a possible solution. Consequently, there is a need for another solution.

In addition, when placing the cooling module under the cabinet, which is desirable in many applications, there are air ducts to circulate air to and from the air.

I from the cabinet, which can cause heating of the refrigerator compartment of the cabinet when the evaporator is thawed, due to the hot air that arises, through natural convection, through the air duct that normally supplies cold air. A direct solution will be to restrict this heat filtration by providing air shutters in the air ducts, which will close the air ducts during the defrosting periods. One downside with such a solution is that it needs the provision of more moving parts as well as control equipment, which will increase the costs for the cooling module.

In a modular refrigeration appliance where a system for forced air circulation is required in the cabinet (s) refrigerator (s) a need to provide efficient air circulation is necessary.

Summary of the Invention An object of the present invention is provide a refrigeration appliance, where the problem of the shape of the evaporator is diminished.

The objective is achieved, in accordance with the present invention, by a refrigerating appliance as defined in claim 1. Advantageous improvements of the refrigerating appliance are achieved in accordance with the dependent claims of claim 1. i In that way, a refrigerating appliance, such as a refrigerator or a domestic freezer, is provided, which comprises a cabinet having a refrigerator compartment and a cooling module. The cooling module comprises an air outlet that supplies cooled air to the refrigerator compartment, an air inlet that receives air from the refrigerator compartment, an evaporator, and an evaporator fan, which generates an air flow from the air inlet, through the evaporator, and towards the air outlet. The transverse form of the evaporator is adapted to the air flow so that the rate of the highest air velocity at the lowest air velocity is minimized through different portions of the evaporator.

According to one embodiment of the refrigerating appliance, the cross section of the evaporator is very preferably square, while a rectangular shape works well, wherein a difference in the length of the sides is less than 20%. This is the best approximation of the shape of the cross section swept by the evaporator fan that is available without causing excessive costs. On the other hand, according to another modality, the cross section of the evaporator is circular, which nevertheless increases the costs.

According to one embodiment of the refrigerating appliance, the width of the evaporator advantageously corresponds to or is smaller than the cross section swept by the evaporator fan.

In accordance with one embodiment of the refrigeration appliance, the evaporator comprises a plurality of fin plates. The fin plates substantially increase the efficiency of the evaporator. By having a pre-defrosting device adjacent to the evaporator, so that air is guided from the refrigerator compartment by the pre-defrosting device before reaching the evaporator, so that at least some of the moisture in the air in the refrigerator compartment Adhere to the pre-thawing device, several advantages are achieved. For example, it takes more time before the evaporator becomes clogged with frost / ice or the fins can be placed closer together without causing any reduction in time between defrosting operations. By providing a greater number of fins, efficiency is further elevated.

Brief Description of the Figures An embodiment of a modular composite refrigeration appliance that includes the invention will be described hereinafter. by way of example with reference to the appended figures, wherein: Figure la is a partial cutaway perspective view of an embodiment of a refrigerated appliance assembled from modular units in accordance with the present invention; Figure Ib is an exploded perspective view of the refrigerator apparatus according to Figure la; Figure 2 is a flow chart schematically illustrating one embodiment of a method for manufacturing cabinet panels in accordance with the present invention; Figures 3a-3b are a partial cross-section along A-A in the Figure of a first embodiment of the junctions between the side cabinet panels and the rear cabinet panel of the refrigerator cabinet; Figures 3c-3d are a partial cross section along A-A in the Figure of a second embodiment of the joints in accordance with Figures 3a-3b; Figure 4 is a partial cross section to the i length of A-A in the Figure the one of a third modality of the joints in accordance with Figures 3a-3d; Figure 5 is a partial cross section along A-A in the Figure of a fourth embodiment of the joints in accordance with Figures 3a-3d; Figure 6 is a cross section along B-B in Figure 7 through the front edge of a sidewall panel; Figure 7 is a front view of an assembled cabinet with the door removed showing the location of the thermosyphon tube around the cabinet opening; Figures 8 and 9 are perspective views of the cooling module from the left rear side and the right rear side, respectively; Figure 10 is a partially cut-away view from above of the lower plate of the cabinet showing the cooling module mounted in the refrigerating appliance of Figure 1 and the location of the equipment and the air flow through the hot section of the cooling module. cooling along CC in Figure 8; Figure 11 is a partial cut-away view from above of the cold section as well as the lower part of the hot section of the cooling module mounted in the refrigerating appliance of Figure la and along D-D in Figure 8; Figure 12 is a cross section along of E-E in Figure 9 of the cooling module mounted on the refrigerating appliance of Figure la and through the evaporator fan as seen from behind; Figure 13 is a cross-section along F-F in Figure 9 from the front side to the rear side of the cooling module mounted in the refrigerating appliance of Figure la and through the evaporator; í Figure 14 is a view as seen from the cabinet opening of an interior wall positioned against the interior of the rear wall panel; Y Figure 15 is a cross section along G-G in Figure 14 through the rear wall panel of the interior wall in accordance with Figure 14.

Figure 16 is a perspective view illustrating the manufacture of cabinet panels; Figure 17 is a cross section along B-B in Figure 7 of a front portion of a wall panel and a profiled front bar; Figure 18 is a cross-section along H-H in Figure 14 of a top portion of a cabinet embodiment; Figures 19a and 19b are perspective views of one embodiment of the refrigerator appliance; Figures 20a and 20b are a perspective view from the rear and a cross-sectional view along K-K that respectively illustrate one embodiment of a union between cabinet panels; ! Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of a profiled front bar; i Figures 22 and 23 illustrate alternative embodiments of the thermosyphon; Y Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view along I F-F in Figure 9 of an alternative embodiment of the cooling module.

Detailed description of the invention Figure 1 is a partially cut-away perspective view of a refrigeration appliance incorporated in a modular manner, i.e. a refrigerator or freezer, or a combination of them. By combination, reference is made to a refrigerating appliance having a thermally insulating separation section that divides the cold space into a separate freezer compartment and a separate refrigerator compartment. In this mode, the appliance has an individual freezer or refrigerator function. The refrigerator apparatus 100 comprises a cabinet 101 and a cooling module 102, which is placed under an interior floor 103 of the cabinet 101. Although not shown, the refrigerator apparatus typically comprises interior fittings, such as shelf supports, shelves, boxes, and lockers; a control panel; lights; cabling; healers; etc.

Figure Ib is a view. in exploded perspective of the refrigerator apparatus 100 incorporated in modular form, comprising the cabinet 101 formed of a number of cabinet panels, consisting of two side wall panels 1, an upper panel 2, and a lower rear wall panel and upper 3, 4, as well as reinforcement accessories 5. The refrigerator apparatus also comprises a door 6 and the cooling module 102 including, for example, a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, a fan, and the like, which are necessary to obtain the cooling effect. The cooling module 102, which will be described in more detail below, is formed as a standalone or independent module, which can be easily mounted in the cabinet 101 and connected to a supply network. In this embodiment, the cooling module 102 is disposed at the bottom of the cabinet 101. The cooling module 102 has a lower plate 31, which is also the lower plate of the refrigerating appliance as a whole. The cabinet is supported by the bottom plate 31. More particularly, the sidewall panels 1 can be mounted to a bottom plate 31. In addition, the bottom plate 31 comprises wheels, or rollers, 110, as an alternative, or in combination with the rollers 110, which level the feet. The lower rear wall panel 3 can be opened, or disassembled, in order to admit access to the cooling module 102 for service purposes. In an alternative embodiment, the cooling module is located in a different position in the cabinet, for example, in the upper part. Even in another embodiment, the cabinet is provided with a separate bottom panel, which constitutes the interior floor, and the cooling module is placed under that floor while it may be retractable or accessible for service. Thus, the upper and lower enclosure delimiters can be defined as the upper part and the lower part, since they can be panels or separate parts of another structure, such as the cooling module. j In another modality, as shown in the Figures 19a and 19b, the cabinet 116 is assembled from the upper, side wall, rear wall and bottom panels, and is provided with lower connecting elements 121 to connect it with the cooling module 110 disposed under the cabinet 116. In order to facilitate the service of the cooling module 118, in particular the cold section 34, the lower panel of the cabinet 116 is provided with a gate 120, which is illustrated in an open position.

In the embodiment of the refrigeration apparatus illustrated in Figures la and Ib, the door 6, the top panel 2 and the interior floor panel 3 are manufactured by a common method in the art, such as by conventional foaming iti situ, while the side wall panels 1 and the rear wall panels 3, 4 are manufactured by a method, which will be described in more detail below. However, it should be understood that in the alternative modalities also one or more of the 6 door, the. upper panel 2, as well as inner floor panel 103 may be manufactured by the method in accordance with the present invention.

Preferably, the panels 1, 2, 3, 4, 103 are interconnected by means of an adhesive or glue, which provides strong as well as tight joints. Additionally, bonded joints provide thermally good properties. In addition, the tension of the glued connection ensures a high hygienic level of the refrigeration appliance, which will typically contain food. The accessories 5 are mounted at the corners between the side wall panels 1 and the top panel 2, as well as the interior floor panel 103. The accessories 5 are glued to the surfaces or joined by means of appropriate fasteners. The accessories 5 will provide resistance to the cabinet 101 during use, as well as during the curing of the glue, which is preferably used to join the panels to each other. The accessories are also used as reinforcing parts for joining, for example, door hinges or the like. It should be noted that in spite of that, as will be explained here additionally, it may not be necessary to add the accessories. The cabinet can achieve a sufficiently high stability also without them.

In accordance with the embodiment described herein and illustrated, the side wall panels 1 and the rear wall panels 3, 4 of the cabinet are formed by a panel fabrication method, as illustrated in a schematic flow chart in the Figure 2. A top and bottom sheet material, for example, a metal sheet 8 and a plastic sheet 9, a metal sheet 8 and a metal sheet 9, or a plastic sheet 8 and a plastic sheet 9, respectively, are feed from the upper and lower foil rolls at one input end to a foil forming and foam application machine. The sheet layers are initially maintained at a greater distance from each other, as they are fed from the inlet end towards an outlet end. In a first profiling station 10, the sheets are profiled to a desired profile shape, such as by flexing the longitudinal edges inwardly, for example, to a right angle with the rest of the sheet, forming grooves as the sheet is bent towards in or forming ribs by bending the sheet outwards, as will be explained more in detail below, and in order to obtain, for example, the modalities described above. Subsequently, in a foaming station 11, a process of foamed double continuous tape. The method comprises passing the web of the sheet material through the foaming station 11 and a desirable amount of thermally insulating foam, e.g., polyurethane foam, is distributed over the lower foil surface in the space between the foams. layers of sheet. After that, the sheet layers are brought together to establish the desirable thickness of the sandwich panels. The foam is then cured in a curing station 12. The sandwich web is then cut into cabinet panels of desirable lengths in a cutting station 13. In the cutting station 13, the sheets and foam can be cut into different lengths , which is advantageous for mounting purposes as will be described below. After that, the panels are cooled. The cooling process is controlled in order to prevent buckling of the panels. Any of the additional coupling parts can be mounted on the cooled cabinet panels, such as fittings, assembly, shelf supports or profiled bars along one or more of the edges to obtain a finished modular cabinet panel 15 ready for transportation and subsequent assembly to form a refrigerator cabinet.

As an alternative, before the foaming operation the sheet materials for the assembly are prepared of the additional coupling parts at a later stage. In this way, the sheet materials are provided with perforations and the like which are to be used for mounting the coupling parts. Optionally, the sheet materials are also provided with fastening details, such as reinforcement elements, screw seats, etc., on their surfaces facing the interior of the cabinet panels to be made. During the next foaming, these details are incorporated by means of the foam.

The method of manufacturing panels is advantageous in many aspects. For example, the energy requirements in a refrigerator are high, and will probably feed even more in the future. By means of this method, a good foam filling of the cavities is ensured. The risk of air bubbles and not filled cavities is reduced compared to conventional injection molding. In addition, the insulating property is superior. It is possible to choose a certain orientation of the foam. All in all these advantages provides a minimum thickness of the insulation, that is, the foam, and thus the panels.

As shown very schematically in Figure 16, in an alternative embodiment of the manufacturing method a profile bar 23 is inserted along at least one of the edges of the sandwich web 60. The bar profile 23, as such, will furthermore be described in conjunction with FIG. 6. Thus, when, in the foaming station, the foam 17 has been applied between the upper sheet 8 and the lower sheet 9, and it is approached the upper sheet 8 to the lower sheet, for example, by means of a foaming roller 61, as shown by the dashed lines in Figure 16, the profiled bar 23 is applied from the side of the sandwich web 60 and unite this one Coupling can be done in many different ways, and preferred ones are described at i continuation. However, there is typically a combination of the bar 23 having an elongated rib extending along the length of the bar 23, and entering a slot, which was formed in a portion of one of the sheets, and adhesive contact between bar 23 and uncured foam 17. An advantage of this method is that the time to assemble the cabinet is reduced.

When the cabinet is assembled, the cabinet panels can be connected to each other in different ways. For example; at least one of adhesion, adjustment by screw, and riveting. Preferably, the outer sheet layer 8 is a painted metal sheet while the inner sheet layer 9 is a plastic sheet, but other variants, such as plastic sheets or metal foils on the inner and outer surface, could also be conceivable. . In Figures 3a to 5, various illustrative embodiments of joints between the sidewall panels and the rear wall panel are described. A common feature of all the joints described in Figures 3a to 5 is that the outer sheet 8 of at least one of the wall panels 1 extends beyond the edge surface 16 of the foamed material 17 and was tilted, in the panel fabrication as described above, on the edge surface to completely or partially cover the edge surface of the foamed material. The extension edge portion of the sheet 8 provides a coupling area for coupling a neighboring panel, whereby the panel I The wall has a film layer joining area for the connection between the wall panels 1, which can be used to obtain a resistant connection by means of adhesion and / or screwing the wall panels 1 together. Within this general idea, the joining can be done in many different ways and four different illustrative modes are described in Figures 3a to 5. 1 In Figure 3a, showing the side wall panel 1 and the rear wall panel 4 before they are joined, the outer metal sheet 8 of the side wall panel 1 is extended further and bent over the edge surface longitudinal 16, while the inner plastic sheet 9 is finished at a distance from it longitudinal edge surface so that the foam 17 is exposed on the inner side along the edge 16a. The rear wall panel 4, on the other hand, is provided with an extended portion 18 of the outer metal sheet 8, but does not lean over the edge surface. Instead of this, the metal sheet is left projecting from the edge surface. Accordingly, when the two wall panels 1, 4 perpendicular to each other are connected, an overlapping portion is formed between the outer metal sheets 8 so that they can be connected between -yes, preferably by means of adhesion in combination with screwing in order to fix them. Wall members together while I know covers the glue. In Figure 3b, the sidewall panel and the rear wall panel were joined. The foam-to-foam contact surfaces 16a, 56 also adhere adequately to each other, on the one hand for binding purposes, but also to provide a tight connection to air and moisture. The foam to foam contact between the cabinet panels prevents the formation of any thermal bridge from the inside to the outside of the cabinet. However, it will also be conceivable to extend the inner sheet of the side wall panel at a distance and to extend and tilt the inner sheet of the rear wall panel a distance on the edge surface and to glue them for an increased bond strength, as shown in FIG. the Figures 3c-3d.

Thus, in Figures 3c-3d, a connection is described, wherein, in addition to the joining of Figures 3a-3b, the inner sheet 55 of the rear wall panel 4 was bent over each longitudinal edge surface 56, 57, with which a fraction of it is covered, see Figure 3c. In Figure 3d, the inner sheet 9 of the side wall panels 1 was extended together with, and joined to, the inclined portion of the inner back wall sheet 55. This joining of sheet to extra sheet increases strength and Cabinet stability.

In Figure 4, a joint is described wherein the outer sheet 8 of the side wall panel 1 extends over the edge surface and is bent over the edge surface 16 as well as a distance over the interior surface. Also, the outer sheet 8 of the back wall panel extends a distance over the edge surface and is inclined over the edge surface. In addition, both the side wall panel and the rear wall panel, each is provided with an elongated slot 19, on the edge surface and the outer surface, respectively, along the splice area between the wall panels, wherein each groove is formed by the outer sheet 8 having a curved shape in the foam material 17. These elongated grooves are used for I connection by means of a connecting band 20, preferably made of plastic, which is provided with two portions of spaced apart ribs, having a shape which engages with the grooves and is inserted into the grooves for connecting the wall panels together. The attachment of the connection band to the slots can be achieved by means of, for example, snap-fit connection, adhesion or screwing, preferably by a combination of two or more of these. Also, the joint area provided by the inclination on the outer sheets in the splice area between the wall panels, is used for bonding by means of adhesion for increased strength.

In Figure 5, an additional embodiment of a union between cabinet panels is described. Here, similar to the embodiment in Figure 4, the outer sheet 8 of the side wall panel extends over the edge surface 16, as well as a distance over the inner surface, while the outer sheet of the rear wall panel 4 is extends a distance above the edge surface. However, slots are not provided on the outside of the cabinet. Instead, an elongated slot 21 is provided on the edge surface of the back wall panel, ie, on the splice surface between the wall panels, as the outer sheet is curved in the foam material 17. side wall panel 1, on the other side, is provided with an elongated rib 22 by bending the outer sheet outwardly on the splice surface between the wall panels. By means of a press fit connection of the rib in the groove in combination with adhesion, a secure connection of the wall panels is achieved.

In accordance with another embodiment of the union between the cabinet panels, as shown in Figures 20a and 20b, an edge portion 124 of the outer sheet of the sidewall panel 122 was inclined and covers the rear edge surface of the panel. 122. An elongated slot 126 was formed in the edge portion 124. This slot 126 is wider at the bottom thereof than at the top thereof. The outer sheet 128 of the rear wall panel 132 has an edge portion extending beyond the edge surface of the foam material 134 of the rear wall panel 132. An edge sub-portion 130 of the edge portion of the outer sheet 128 of the rear wall panel 132 is bent in a shape that conforms to the slot 126, and; more particularly to a shape which follows at least one side wall and the bottom wall of the slot 126, and in this embodiment, also a fraction of the other side wall of the slot 126. The edge sub-portion 130 was received in the slot 126 and secures the rear wall panel 132 to the side wall panel 122 because the slot 126 narrows i from the bottom of it to the opening of it. The edge surface of the rear wall panel 132, i.e., inter alia, the edge surface of the foam is spliced i against the inner sheet 136 of the side wall panel 122.

All the wall panels described in relation to Figures 3a to 5, which have extended outer sheets projecting or tilting on the edge surface and also a distance on the interior surface, which has I slots or ribs, can be manufactured in a continuous process including a double band foaming process as previously described.

A top panel is preferably joined to the side wall panel and the back wall panel by adhesion. In this way, the stability of the cabinet and the air will be improved, as well as the moisture tightness will be ensured. The joints can be formed in accordance with the embodiments described in Figures 3a to 5, but of course other forms are also possible. For example, as shown in Figure 18, each side wall panel 1 is provided with an upper end slot I 114 turned shape forming a shelf inside the side wall panel 1. The top panel 2 is received in the respective slots 114 and rests on the shelves.

Sometimes it is desirable to form the cabinet with a partition wall panel, to divide the space I in: two different compartments having separate doors, for example, to form separate freezer and refrigerator compartments, or to arrange fixed shelves within the compartments. Here it is also advantageous to stick the middle wall panel or the fixed shelf to the interior surfaces of the cabinet. In the modality here I described and illustrated, the cooling module forms the bottom of the cabinet and preferably the cooling module is glued to the side wall and back wall panels.

Now reference is made to Figure 6 where a fraction of the front frame portion of the cabinet is shown in cross section, ie, a portion of the I Cabinet that surrounds and defines the opening in the cabinet. Here, the cabinet is provided with a profiled bar 23, preferably made of plastic. The profile bar 23 is disposed in the front frame portion, ie, it extends around the cabinet opening, as shown in Figure 7. The profile bar can be joined in different shapes, such as by means of an adhesive, or as will be described below. The profile bar has several purposes. Inter alia, it works as a splice surface for the door, and decreases the filtration of heat from the ambient air to the cabinet. As is evident from Figure 6, the bar 23 has a shape basic cross section of a rectangle. The bar 23 comprises two recesses, or separate chambers 24, 25, one of which, 24, is adapted to be filled with foam to prevent the entry of moisture from the outside, and is located closer to, the inner sheet 9 than the other chamber 25. In an alternative embodiment, the first mentioned chamber is not full, ie , filled with air, while the ends of the bar are sealed. The other chamber 25 is not filled and is covered by an elongated, detachable cover member 26, preferably made of steel so that it can function as part of the magnetic lock by cooperating with a magnetic stripe on the door. The cover member 26 substantially is L-shaped in a cross section and i additionally it covers an outer side 91 of the bar 23. On the opposite inner side 92 of the bar 23, the wall thereof extends by a flange, or projecting wing, 93, which covers a portion of the inner sheet 9, and with which covers the transition between the inner sheet 9 and the rear wall of the bar 23, which is a hygienic solution. Inside the chamber 25, a support means, or support 27, elongated, and U-shaped in cross-section, for a thermosiphon tube 28 is arranged as will be explained below. For the coupling of the profile bar 23, the outer sheet 8 of the wall panel extends and tilts at a distance on the edge surface of the wall. wall panel 8. The extended portion of the outer sheet 8, · defines an elongated slot 29 in a sub-portion thereof, which is curved inwardly in the foam material 17. The rear side of the profile bar 23, on the other hand, it is formed with an elongated rib 30, which extends along the length of the bar 23 and fits into the slot 29. By i Accordingly, the profiled bar 23 can be mounted securely, as well as air tightly and moisture tightly to the front edge of the wall panels by adhesion and press fit by the rib 30 in the slot 29.

The thermosyphon tube, or heat carrier tube, 28 is part of a condensation prevention device, which is a front frame heating system arranged to prevent condensation on cold surfaces near the door of the refrigerator. In the illustrated embodiment, the tube 28 is closed in an infinite loop and located around the opening of the cabinet, as illustrated in Figure 7, where the cover member 26 has not yet been mounted. Due to the shaped support 27 of U, it is easy to adjust the tube 28 to the support 27 adjacent to the outer corner of the profile bar 23, when the refrigerating apparatus is assembled. After that, the cover member 26 can be mounted by engaging an edge portion 94 of the cover member 26 around the rear corner of the outer side 91 of the profile bar and adjusting a portion thereof. curved at the opposite edge portion 95 of the cover member 26 in a slot 96 of the profile bar 23 within | the open chamber 25. In this way, the thermosyphon tube 28 will be located in contact with or at least near the cover member 26 for heat transfer between the thermosiphon tube and the cover member. The thermosiphon tube 28 is filled with a suitable refrigerant and mounted in thermal contact with a heat source in the cooling module at the bottom of the cabinet. The heat source is typically the condenser tube or the compressor cover or, as in this embodiment, a metal capacitor plate 31, as illustrated in Figure 10, which forms the bottom of the cabinet and into which the tube is placed. 32 capacitor in windings for increased cooling. A boiler, see for example 176 in Figure 22, of the thermosiphon tube 28 is placed in the condenser plate 31. Due to the elevated temperature of the condenser plate, the refrigerant in the thermosiphon tube 28 will absorb heat from the condenser plate 31, when the boiler passes, and, at a certain temperature level, the refrigerant in the boiler begins to evaporate and circulate in the tube. When the coolant arrives in the cooler areas around the door, it condenses again into liquid, emitting heat to the parts of the room, to prevent condensation and (possible frost between the door and the front frame of the cabinet. As soon as the refrigerant condenses, it flows back to the lower region of the cabinet and again absorbs heat from the condenser plate. There are many alternative shapes of the profile bar, one of which is shown in Figure 17. The profile bar 80, in accordance with this embodiment, is typically mounted on the: longitudinal edge of the wall panel 66 in conjunction with the fabrication thereof by means of the panel manufacturing method, as described above. In this alternative embodiment, an extended portion of the outer sheet 68 of the wall panel 66 was tilted so that a first The sub-portion 70 thereof will be inclined over the edge of the side wall and extended in parallel with the edge of the panel. wall; a second sub-portion, adjacent to the first sub-portion and closer to the edge of the outer sheet 68, further inclined and extends rearwardly in parallel with the outer sheet 68; and finally a third sub-portion 72, which includes the edge of the outer sheet 68, extends in parallel with the first sub-portion 70 towards the inner sheet 69. The inner sheet, in turn, has an edge portion 73 extended, which is bent over a portion of the edge of the wall panel 66, and which is aligned with the third sub-portion 72. There is a space between the edges of the outer and inner sheets 68, 69. The cross section of the bar profiled 80 is basically rectangular, and has a width that corresponds to the distance between the second sub-portion 71 and the outer surface of the outer sheet 69, and a substantial depth corresponding to the distance between the first sub-portion 70 and the third sub-portion 72. Additionally, it has a rib 81; T-shaped, extending along the length of the bar 80 and protruding from a rear wall 82 thereof, through the space and towards the foam 67. In addition, the bar comprises a flange 83 which extends as far as possible. length of the bar 80 and also protrudes from the rear wall 82 thereof, but is substantially L-shaped and has a main portion extending in parallel with the rear wall 82 while defining a slot together with the rear wall 82. Edge portion 73 of the inner sheet 69 is received in the groove. The rib 81 and the flange 83 ensure that the bar 80 is properly attached to the panel of i wall 66. Similar to the modality described above, the profile bar has two major chambers. One chamber 84 is closed and filled with foam, or filled with air with sealed ends, as described above in conjunction with another embodiment, and the other chamber 85 is open but the opening is covered by a metal band 86 that acts as a lid of the chamber 85. In correspondence with the previous embodiment, the open chamber 85 incorporates a thermosyphon tube 87.

An additional mode of profile bar 140 It is similar to the profiled bar 23 described above with reference to Figure 6. Thus, for example, it has two chambers 142, 144, a U-shaped support 146 for receiving the thermosiphon tube, and a first wing 148 in a inner side of the bar 140. However, for example, it differs in that it lacks the rib on the back wall of the bar, and has a second additional wing 149 disposed opposite the first wing 148 on an outer side of the bar. bar. The second flange 149 is arranged to cover an edge portion of an outer surface, and thus of an outer sheet, of a panel, and simultaneously the transition between the outer sheet and the bar 140. This bar 140 has I a flat back surface, which is preferably adhesively bonded to the edge surface of a panel.

There are many alternative forms of the condensation prevention device, or thermosiphon tube, and some are illustrated in Figures 22 and 23. Thus, as shown in Figure 22, the condensation prevention device is constituted by a carrier tube of substantially rectangular heat 160, which is arranged in a loop. It is arranged to be mounted on the front frame portion of a cabinet as described above. The loop comprises a lower section 162, a first vertical section 164, an upper section 166, a second vertical section 168, and an end section 170. It further comprises a boiler portion 172, which is connected between the end section 170 and the lower section 162, and located at a lower point of the thermosiphon tube 160. In fact, the boiler portion has a first tube section 174 that is ready to be mounted, to extend downwards, and into a module of 1 Cooling placed under the cabinet. The boiler 176, which is an enlarged section of the tube 160, that is to say, having a cross-sectional area greater than the rest of the tube 160, and which follows after the first section of tube 174, is placed in thermal contact with a heat source in the cooling module, as explained above. From the boiler 176, a second portion of the tube leads up and out toward the lower section 162. The upper section 166 i and the end section 170 are slightly inclined, by an angle of only one or some degrees. The angle is more exaggerated in the figure, for purposes of illustration. In reality, these tube sections are arranged to stay within the thickness of the front edges of the top panel and the bottom panel of the cabinet, respectively. The inclination has the purpose i guiding, in the right direction, the heat carrier fluid that was transformed from the gaseous state to the liquid state during propagation through the tube 160.

In accordance with other modalities, as i ! shown in Figure 23, the condensation prevention device 180, 190 is arranged as a tube of one direction having two closed ends. At one end a boiler portion 182, 192 is formed. As shown by the arrows in the figure, the gaseous heat carrier fluid? Β? , 190 rises through the tube, condenses in an upper portion of the tube 180, 190, and returns, in a liquid state, to the boiler portion 182, 192 through the same tube 180, 190.

Reference is now made to Figures 8 to 13, as well as to Figures la and Ib for a more detailed description of cooling module 102, which is of. a type of cooling called dynamic where cold air is generated and then blown into the refrigerator compartment 104 of the apparatus 100 where the articles to be cooled are stored. By means of this design, there is no need for any of the evaporator coils within the refrigerator compartment 104, which facilitates the assembly of the refrigerator unit from the modular units. The cooling module 102 is divided into a cold section 34 and a heated section 35, which are separated by a thermally insulating wall 105. The cold section 34 is substantially located in one half of the cooling module 102, while the hot section 35 is located adjacent to the cold section and also includes a lower portion of the cooling module 102, under the cold section 34. The cold section 34 holds, inter alia, an evaporator 33 and a first fan 42, which is mounted on a rear side of the evaporator 33, i.e., a side that is oriented to the rear wall 4 of the refrigerator apparatus 100. In addition, the cold section 34 incorporates an outlet air duct 43, which is connected to the fan, on a rear side thereof, and extends in a curved shape that emerges upwards, and an inlet air duct 44, which extends from the rear end of the cooling module 102, where it is disposed adjacent to the outlet air duct 43, to the front side of the evaporator 33. The first fan 42 it generates an air flow through the evaporator 34, which cools the air, and outwards through the outlet air duct 43 to go towards the refrigerator compartment 104. The return air flows again from the cooling compartment Fig. 104 to the evaporator 33 through the inlet air duct 44, and / or through an inlet opening 45 in the front end of the cooling module 102. It should be noted that in a refrigerating appliance which is a freezer having an individual compartment, the front end inlet opening 45 is typically used, although in a refrigerator that has a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment typically the inlet opening is used front 45 by means of the freezer compartment and the inlet air duct 44 is used by the refrigerator compartment. Inter alia, for the topic of air circulation, the refrigerator apparatus 100 is provided with a rear wall liner 50, as shown in FIGS.

Figures 14 and 15. The rear wall covering 50 comprises a sheet, which is placed inside the rear wall panel 4 by means of, for example, press fit or adhesion, and which is curved outwards, i.e. towards the front of the refrigerator compartment 104, preferably in the middle, thereby forming a space between the rear wall covering 50 and the rear wall panel 4. In an alternative embodiment, the rear wall covering of any shape is flat, although it is arranged at a distance from the rear wall panel, thereby forming the space. The coating 50 i it comprises a cold air duct 51, a hot air duct 52, whose ducts 51, 52 are disposed in the space, the inlet air ventilation openings 53a, which are distributed through the casing 50 and communicating with the duct of cold air 51, and the ventilation openings of i outlet air 53b, which are placed under the inlet air ventilation openings 53a in a lower portion of the liner 50 and communicates with the hot air duct 52. In alternative embodiments, the air openings Air ventilation 53a, 53b are arranged differently or are connected differently to hot and cold air ducts 51, 52, respectively. The air ducts 51, 52 are concealed behind the sheet of the liner 50, in the space obtained between the curved portion outwardly thereof and the rear wall panel 4. The cold air duct 51 is coupled with the I end of the outlet air duct 43, and the hot air duct 52 is coupled with the inlet air duct 44.

In this way, the air circulation is as follows. The cooled air flows from the evaporator 33, through the first fan 42, through the air duct i exit 43, the cold air duct 51 and the inlet air ventilation openings 53a towards the space of the refrigerator compartment 104. The air is distributed through the interior of the refrigerator compartment 104. Inside the refrigerator compartment 104 the inner parts , such as shelves (not shown for reasons of clarity), contribute to one. Substantial extension to the guide and air mixing. The humidified and slightly heated air is forced out of the refrigerator compartment 104 through the exhaust air ventilation openings 53b, through the hot air duct 52 and the inlet air duct 44 back to the evaporator 33. Optionally , the front entrance opening 45 is used i i also for the humidified return air. However, j mainly the front inlet opening 45 is used in the case of a refrigerating appliance having a refrigerator at the top and separated from a freezer, in which case the front inlet opening 45 guides air only from the freezer to the module from ! cooling 102.

! There are alternative solutions to the circulation of air, including different arrangements of ventilation openings, coating formed in a different way or another solution for the distribution of air inside the refrigerator compartment, a different arrangement of air ducts in the cooling module, etc. ., as understood by a person skilled in the art. In addition, a part of the heated air that is ventilated from the refrigerator compartment can be released on the rear side of the refrigerator, in order to prevent condensation on the back of the refrigerator. However, the described and illustrated worm modality is advantageous and currently preferred.

The rear wall liner 50 has additional purposes in addition to providing opportunities for distributing cool air to, as well as extracting air hot outside the refrigerator compartment 104 through the air ventilation openings 53a, 53b. For example, i i The rear wall covering 50 can have an aesthetic purpose. Since the rear wall panel 4 is manufactured by the manufacturing method of this invention, it can be difficult to vary the appearance of the interior surface and the: back wall coating can also be used to cover any of the defects that may arise especially in the inside corners of the cabinet 101 during assembly. The back wall liner 50 can also be used for other kinds of installations such as a lighting and control means or for hiding wiring used for such parts, and may also be provided with shelf supports within the cabinet. In the illustrated embodiment, the shelf supports 59, which provide flexible placement of the shelves, are arranged in the interior side walls of the cabinet 101.

The cooling module 102 further comprises a hot section 35, which, inter alia, supports a compressor 36, which is connected to an outlet of the evaporator 33, and a condenser tube 32, which is connected to an outlet of the compressor 36, as well as an evaporator inlet, through a pressure reduction valve, as a common knowledge. The connections between the hot and cold sections 34, 35 are made through appropriately sealed through holes through the insulating wall 105. In addition, the hot section 35 supports a second fan 37, which is disposed at a front portion of the hot section 35, in front of the compressor 36.

The compact cooling module 102 establishes strict requirements on the different solutions involved. A solution is related to the condenser tube 32. Despite the limited space, the tube I Condenser 32 has to cool efficiently. The condenser tube 32 has an extended length and lies in windings, in one or more layers, on a metal bottom plate 31 for improved cooling. The condenser tube 32 uses a part of the large area of the lower plate 31 as possible, which, inter alia, extends I partially under the cold section 34. This condenser-plate structure is advantageous, inter alia, since no particular cooling projections were used, and since the general area of the cooling structure becomes large relative to the volume occupied consequently . During operation, an air flow is extracted by means of the second fan 37 through an inlet opening 38 in the lower front portion of the cooling module 102, as best seen in Figures la-lb. The air flows from the inlet opening 38 on the lower plate 31, around the compressor 36 towards the rear portion of the cooling module 102, and is guided by fins curved verticals 39, arranged in a rear portion of the heated section 35, around a dividing wall 40, so that the air flows in a forward and outward direction, through an inlet opening 41 disposed side by side with the inlet opening 38 in the lower front portion of the cooling module 102. These openings 38, 41 are disposed under the door 6 of the refrigerating appliance 100. The partition wall 40 runs backward from the front wall 106 of the cooling module 10. , 2, between the inlet and outlet openings 38, 41, over a distance, but leaves an opening for the passage of air towards the fins 39.

As is evident from the figures, and as described above, the cooling module 102 is well insulated around the evaporator 33 and towards the refrigerator compartment 104 in order to restrict the thermal transmission between the hot section 35 of the cooling module 102 and the cold section 34 and the refrigerator compartment 104, respectively.

In a refrigeration appliance where the cooling effect is generated by a cooling module in accordance with the stand-alone type described and illustrated herein, and is distributed by an air flow inside the cabinet, it is a desire to make the compact cooling module. In the illustrated mode, this results in being placed at least a portion of the evaporator 33 lower than an upper portion of the compressor 36. This has some negative impact on the defrosting system, i.e., the system that achieves heating of the evaporator 33 for the melting of frost and ice added to it, the drainage of the resulting defrosting water, and evaporation of the defrosting water. Typically, the defrosting water evaporates from a container on the top of the compressor as the hot compressor liner heats the water. The water is guided by gravity from the evaporator to the container by means of a tube or the like. Nevertheless, when the evaporator, at least partially, is placed lower than the compressor, this is not a possible solution. To solve this problem in the present embodiment, the capacitor is structured as a capacitor plate, which is also a lower metal plate 31 having a length of condenser tube, i.e., a cooling conduit 32 disposed in windings in the capacitor plate. condenser 31 for cooling purposes, as illustrated in Figure 10. In this way it is possible to let the thawed drain water flow outward towards the condenser plate 31 or, as in this embodiment, towards a drain water tray 46 placed on top of the condenser tube 32. This will bring an increased cooling effect of the condenser plate to the same i time the drainage water evaporates.

In a cooling module in accordance with a stand-alone type, as described and illustrated here, the cooling is performed by dynamic cooling by which cold air is circulated to the refrigerator to cool the items that are stored in the refrigerator. refrigerator compartment. The air is cooled as it passes through the evaporator 33 and the first fan 42 is used to extract the air through the evaporator 33. For the purpose of increasing the cooling capacity of the cooling module 102, the shape of the evaporator 33 and the first fan 42 adapt to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the evaporator 33 has a substantially quadratic transverse shape perpendicular to the air flow, with a maximum transverse dimension that is only slightly larger than the diameter of the fan. This is best seen from Figures 11 to 13. In this form, the dimensions of the evaporator 33 and the fan 42 will be advantageously adapted to each other so that the air flow is distributed substantially uniformly over the cross section of the evaporator. Therefore, the evaporator 33 will be used in an optimal way. Naturally, an evaporator having a circular cross-sectional shape will be the most optimal, and it is an alternative mode, but that will probably lead to a more expensive evaporator. Without However, it will be understood that the evaporator can also be slightly rectangular. Generally, it is considered that the maximum width or height dimension of the evaporator should be less than 20% more than the diameter of the fan and preferably less than 10% more than the diameter of the fan. An evaporator that operates effectively has to result in that its overall dimensions can be reduced, which is always an advantage and especially for a cooling module as in this mode.

A refrigeration appliance of the dynamic cooling type, as in this mode, normally causes a considerable amount of frost and ice on the surface of the evaporator fins 33. The air flow back from the refrigerator compartment, in particular the refrigeration compartment of A refrigerator is relatively hot and humid and when this air is brought to the cold evaporator, moisture forms frost and ice in the evaporator. To prevent or at least reduce this problem, a pre-defroster plate 47 is disposed on the evaporator 33 in contact with it, as illustrated in Figure 13. The pre-defroster plate forms a bottom of the inlet air duct 44. The return flow of relatively hot and humid air from the refrigerator compartment is transported on the other side of the pre-defroster plate 47 relative to the evaporator 33, ie on the side higher. This has to achieve that at least a large part of the moisture content of the air flow condense and freeze on the pre-defroster plate before it reaches the evaporator 33 with a decreased risk of air flow blocking through of the evaporator 33 due to the deposit of frost inside the fin space of the evaporator 33. Additionally, it is possible to arrange the fins closer to each other, i.e., the space is narrower, than without the pre-defroster plate 47 without obstruction of risky space frost. This, in turn, results in a smaller evaporator. As is evident from Figure 13, the evaporator 33, as well as the pre-defroster plate 47 is tilted down towards the front end of the cooling module 102. When the evaporator 33 is heated for thawing, which is normally performed automatically at suitable intervals and typically performed by electrical heating, the defrosting water from the pre-defroster plate will flow forward and downward to a defrosting water collection plate 48, which is also visible in Figure 11 , together with the defrosting water from inside the evaporator. The collection plate 48 is placed slightly inclined forward, immediately below the evaporator 33 and is provided with a low ridge along its edges and a orifice 49 connected to a drain pipe 112 at its front end. Through the drain pipe 112, the defrosting water will flow down to the drain water tray 46, as mentioned previously, placed in the condenser plate 31, so that the defrosting water can evaporate by means of heat from the condenser tube 32. In order to verify that the air i The hot section of the hot section does not enter the cold section upwards through the drain pipe 112, it is provided with a non-return valve 113 illustrated very schematically in Figure 13.

In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the cooling module, as shown in Figure 24, the pre-thaw defrosting device 150 comprises a first end 153 and a second end 155, where the air from the refrigerator compartment passes the first end 153 before the second end 155, and wherein the first end is located at a distance from the main inlet to the evaporator 151. In other words, the pre-thawing device 150 covers a larger part of the upper surface of the evaporator 151 but not the entire upper surface as the first mentioned modality of the pre-thawing device. With this, air is allowed, after passing the self-thawing device 150, to enter the evaporator structure i from the top of it, in addition to the front end of it. i During the defrosting of the evaporator 33, the heat filtration to the refrigerator compartment 104 will normally be considerable due to air circulations in the air ducts 43, 44. With the evaporator in the very low position in the cabinet, as in this embodiment, this risk is even more evident due to the natural convection of the air. One way to restrict this heat leakage is to provide air shutters in the air ducts, which will close the air ducts during the defrosting periods. One disadvantage with such a solution is that i it needs the provision of more moving parts, as well as the control equipment, which of course will increase the costs of the cooling module. Another disadvantage is a pressure drop through the air shutters also when they are fully open. However, the module of cooling in accordance with the present embodiment will prevent, to a large extent, such heat filtration without I no need for air shutters or the like. The reason for this will be explained below.

Before the defrosting period, the circulation of air in the evaporator and the refrigerator compartment slows down when the fan 42 stops. When the air stops, after a short time, it will essentially stop circular. The movements of air in the cabinet will be smaller and smaller. When the thawing period I start, heat the evaporator to melt the ice and snow inside and on the evaporator, and if there is a I Pre-thawing device will also melt snow and ice on that. The air in and near the evaporator will also be heated, and the heated air expands and rises as it is lighter than cooler air. This will initiate a movement of hot air from the evaporator I I. towards the refrigerator compartment. If too much warm air enters the refrigerator compartment, the temperature rises and eventually this could damage the goods inside.

In order not to raise the temperature in the refrigerator compartment too much, the evaporator 33 is kept in a restricted and well-insulated space with relatively small inlet and outlet openings and corresponding air ducts 43, 44. The amount of air in this Restricted space is therefore very small. During use, the temperature in the elevator is lower than the lowest temperature in the refrigerator compartment. The movement of air in the refrigerator compartment mainly passes the outlet and the air duct 43. The air duct 43 has a relatively small cross section, the air duct has a smaller cross section compared to the cross section of the evaporator, and also small openings in the refrigerator compartment, the cross section of at least one opening in the refrigerator compartment is smaller than the cross section of air duct 43. Since the air has been stable for some time, there have been layers of air with different temperatures in the ducts, layers that are very stable. During the start of the defrosting period, the temperature in the evaporator and the bottom of the air duct 43 will be lower than the temperature in the refrigerator compartment. This cold air is heavier than the air in the refrigerator compartment and will act as a lid. When the small amount of air heated from the evaporator attempts to rise in the air duct, the layers will prevent air circulation upwards. This effect is also improved due to the small openings in the cold cabinet.

I The fan can also be used to help prevent upward air movement in the air ducts, since it is possible to use the fan to stabilize the air flow during defrosting. This is done by using the fan to minimize the amount of hot air left by the cooling module or to distribute hot air in a controlled manner so that it mixes with the cold air in the compartment so that the temperature in the refrigerator compartment it does not rise to a level that affects assets within the compartment. The use of the fan can also be used in combination i I with shutters in the air ducts.

! More particularly, in accordance with the present invention there is provided a refrigeration appliance comprising a cooling module, and a cabinet, comprising a refrigerator compartment, wherein the cooling module i it is disposed at the bottom of the refrigerating appliance, wherein the cooling module comprises a cold section and a hot section, which is separated from the cold section by an insulating wall, an evaporator arranged in the cold section, a compressor and a condenser arranged in the hot section, and where the cooling module i It comprises an air outlet to supply cold air from the cold section to the refrigerator compartment and an air inlet that receives air from the refrigerator compartment to the cold section. The refrigerating appliance is characterized in that the air outlet comprises at least one opening in the air duct that extends vertical ion and are arranged in such a way so that the cold air in the air duct provides a layer of air temperature that prevents the inlet of heated air into the refrigerator compartment during a period of defrosting the evaporator.

? In accordance with an additional mode, the air in; The air duct has a lower temperature than the air in the evaporator during defrosting.

According to a further embodiment, the air duct comprises at least one, preferably three or more, openings arranged at different heights in the refrigerator compartment.

According to a further embodiment, the air duct has a smaller cross section compared to the cross section of the evaporator.

According to a further embodiment, the cross section of at least one opening in the refrigerator compartment is smaller than that of the cross section of the air duct.

According to a further embodiment, the cooling module comprises a fan for circulating the air through the evaporator, and the refrigerator compartment, and during the defrosting of the evaporator, the fan stabilizes the air in the cooling module and the refrigerator compartment so that the air circulation between the cooling module and the refrigerator compartment is low.

The refrigerating appliance can allow the manufacture of a refrigerating appliance as a modular system, which is manufactured in separate modular units, to allow the modular units to be transported in an economical, space-saving manner, and to allow assembly of the modular units in an uncomplicated manner in a complete refrigerator unit near the place of use.

In that way, a construction kit is provided; refrigerating apparatus comprising a grinding module, a plurality of cabinet panels, i including wall panels, to assemble in a cabinet, and at least one door. Each cabinet panel comprises an inner sheet, an outer sheet and an intermediate layer of a foamed insulating material. Each cabinet panel has an interior surface, an exterior surface, and four edge surfaces. At least one of the edge surfaces of the at least one first wall panel of the wall panels is formed so that at least one of the outer and inner sheets comprises an edge portion extending beyond the edge surface of the wall. Foamed insulation material and provide a coupling area for packaging to another cabinet panel.

Further, a cabinet for a refrigerating appliance is provided, the cabinet of which was assembled from separate cabinet panels comprising two opposite side wall panels, a rear wall panel, a top panel, and a bottom panel, which are essentially connected perpendicular to each other by means of joints. i i At least the side wall panels and the rear wall panel each have an inner surface, an outer surface and four edge surfaces, and comprise an inner sheet defining the inner surface, an outer sheet defining the outer surface and an intermediate layer of a foamed insulating material. At least one of the joints between the side wall panels and the rear wall panel is designed so that at least one of the inner sheet and the outer sheet of at least one first wall panel of the wall panels involved in the joint have an edge portion extending beyond the edge surface of the foamed material and provide a coupling area in which the second wall panel engaged in the joint joins.

By means of the construction kit and the cabinet, respectively, a connection that is economical and easy to make, provides stability to the cabinet, is air and moisture tight, is well insulated and presents an aesthetically pleasing appearance that can be obtained.

Accordingly, by arranging an edge portion of the outer sheet of the wall panel to extend beyond the surface of the edge of the panel. In this way, the optionally extended outer sheet can be tilted over the edge surface, to completely or partially cover the edge surface of the wall panel, or Stay projected from the edge surface to use as a portion of overlap. In both cases, the edge portion provides the coupling area.

In accordance with the embodiments of the construction kit and the cabinet of the refrigerating appliance, the edge portion extends at an angle to the rest of the sheet and covers, at least partially, the edge surface of the foamed insulating material. For example, one of the wall panels involved in the joint has its upper sheet inclined on the edge surface while the outer sheet of the other wall panel is projected so that the sheet of projection overlaps the inclined part on the sheet .

According to the embodiments of the refrigeration appliance kit and the cabinet, at least a part of the coupling area between the two wall panels in the joint lacks any inner or outer sheet so that the wall panels are connected foam to foam in this part in order to prevent any thermal bridge between the interior of the cabinet and the ambient air.

In accordance with the embodiments of the refrigerator kit and the cabinet, the outer sheet of the first and second wall panels in a joint, adjacent each respective edge portion, is provided with an elongated slot formed from the outer sheet having shape curve in the foam material, and wherein the cabinet further comprises a connecting band, comprising two parallel longitudinal rib portions, which were inserted into a slot, each connecting the two wall panels together.

The grooves are adapted to receive the respective elongated rib of the connecting band, preferably of plastic, which is placed over the joint between the wall panels and joined by means of, for example, adhesion, snap-fit coupling, screwing or a combination of these. The band improves the strength of the joint and is useful for securing the two panels close to one another when they are bonding together.

The refrigerating appliance can relate to the above mentioned problem associated with the condensation prevention device, and provide a refrigeration appliance having a condensation prevention device easily mountable.

In that way, a refrigerating appliance, such is provided. as a domestic refrigerator or freezer, comprising a cooling module, a cabinet, the cabinet of which was assembled from separate cabinet panels comprising two opposite side wall panels, a rear wall panel, an upper part, and a lower part, that are essentially connected perpendicular to each other, for example, by means of joints and / or glue, a door, and a condensation prevention device that includes a heat carrier tube that is placed in a front frame portion of the refrigerator cabinet, preferably adjacent to a portion of the refrigerator cabinet. the door. The heat carrier tube is filled with a heat carrier fluid and is closed and has a boiler portion, which is disposed in thermal contact with a heat generating means of the cooling module for boiling the heat carrier fluid.

I i By providing the condensation prevention device as a separate unit, which is not interconnected with the cooling system of the refrigeration appliance, but has its own boiling portion that i it is simply arranged in thermal contact with a heat generating means of the cooling module, it is easy to assemble the refrigerating appliance as a whole and assemble the heat carrier tube. Additionally, these features can make the assembly of the condensation prevention device more or less independent of the assembly of the cooling module. It should be noted that the heat generation means, for example, can be a compressor, a condenser or a condenser plate of the cooling module. For example, the heat carrier tube can be formed of different materials although a metal is preferred to achieve good thermal conductivity. i In accordance with one embodiment of the refrigeration appliance, the heat carrier tube is closed in a loop. Then the heat carrier medium is able to circulate inside the tube without contact with another corresponding means of devices of the refrigerating appliance.

; In accordance with one embodiment of the refrigerating appliance, the heat-carrying tube is a one-way pipe, having two closed ends. This mode provides even simpler solutions for the prevention of: condensation.

According to one embodiment of the refrigerator apparatus, the cabinet comprises a profile bar, which is mounted on the front frame portion, for example, on the front edge surfaces of the cabinet panels, and which is provided with support means for receive the heat carrier tube. By providing the profile bar, and providing the profile bar with the support means for receiving the heat carrier tube, the mounting of the heat carrier tube is further improved.

· In accordance with one embodiment of the refrigerating appliance, the heat transfer tube is connected to the support medium under pressure, which emphasizes the ease of assembly. However, other forms of coupling, such as adhesion or clamping, may also be conceivable.

In accordance with one modality of the device I In the case of a refrigerator, the support means are arranged in a recess of the profile bar, which verifies that no excessive space is used by the heat carrier tube between the front frame portion and the door. Alternatively, at least one side wall panel with a recess for receiving the heat carrier tube is provided.

In accordance with one embodiment of the refrigerating apparatus, when the heat carrier tube is mounted in the support means, it is covered by an elongated cover member, preferably a metal for good thermal conductivity. Preferably, the cover member is mounted with its inner surface in contact with or at least close to the tube and the outer surface of the cover member is part of the surface of the front frame portion of the cabinet.

I 1 In accordance with one modality of the device Í In the refrigerator, a condensation prevention device is provided which comprises a heat carrier tube having a boiler portion, the heat carrier tube is filled with a heat carrier fluid and is closed. The condensation prevention device is arranged to be mounted on the front frame portion of a cabinet made of pre-foamed side wall panels, a rear wall panel, an upper part and a lower part.

In accordance with the modalities of the device condensation prevention, the heat carrier tube is closed in a loop, preferably in the shape of a rectangle. The loop comprises a lower section, a first vertical section, an upper section, a second vertical section, and an end section. The upper section is inclined and / or the end section is inclined. With this, it is possible to obtain a self-circulation of the heat transfer fluid inside the tube, where the I section / inclined sections improve the return circulation of the fluid carrier fluid in liquid state.

; The refrigerator can provide an interface between the cabinet and the door, whose interface is capable of providing the desired functions.

Thus, there is provided a refrigeration appliance comprising a cooling module, a cabinet comprising two opposite side wall panels, a rear wall panel, an upper part, and a lower part, and a door. Each panel comprises an inner sheet, an outer sheet and an intermediate layer of a foamed insulating material. Each cabinet panel has an interior surface, an exterior surface, and four edge surfaces. The side wall panels, the rear wall panel, the top part, and the bottom part are assembled to form a refrigerator compartment, which can be closed with the door. The refrigerator also includes a shaped bar, which is mounted on an edge surface of at least one of the panels. Preferably, the bar is mounted on the edge surfaces of a front frame portion of the cabinet. i In this way, a separate interface constituted by the profile bar is provided. The profile bar is manufactured separately from the cabinet panels and may be provided with different desired functions.

According to one embodiment of the refrigerating appliance, the profile bar is made of a material, preferably a plastic material, which reduces the thermal bridge between the inner surface and the outer surface of the panels during the use of the refrigerating appliance. Consequently, an appropriate choice of material improves the properties of the refrigerating appliance, in particular when the surfaces of the outer and inner panels are made of metal.

According to one embodiment of the refrigerating appliance, the profile bar is attached to the edge of the panel by glue, for example, double-sided tape, which facilitates the assembly of the bar.

In accordance with one modality of the device i refrigerator, the profile bar is in contact with the door when the door is closed, and is provided with support means to receive a device for prevention of I condensation. By means of this integration of support means for the condensation prevention device in the profile bar, the assembly thereof is simple.

In accordance with one embodiment of the refrigeration appliance, the support means comprises a recess in which a heat carrier tube included in the compensation prevention device is received, and a cover member covering the gap. With this, a smooth frontal surface can be obtained.

; According to one embodiment of the refrigerating appliance, the cover member is made of a first magnetic material, and the door comprises a band of a second complementary magnetic material. With this, the covering member and the cooperating band form a magnetic lock that reliably maintains the closed door. According to one embodiment of the refrigeration appliance, the profile bar provides additional functionality by having a first chamber extending the length thereof, and a second chamber extending in parallel with the first chamber, wherein the first chamber supports the support means and is covered by the cover member, and wherein the second chamber is located closer to the interior of the cabinet than the first chamber. The second chamber can be closed and filled with an insulating material, such as air or foam.

! According to one embodiment of the refrigerating appliance, the bar comprises a wing extending over an edge portion of the outer surface of a panel. Give that shape, this wing covers an outer corner, and a portion of the edge of the panel, which facilitates the cleaning of the refrigerating appliance and increases its appearance. Additionally, it protects the insulating material.

; The refrigerating appliance can provide a refrigerating appliance where the problem of the shape of the evaporator is diminished.

In that way, a refrigerating appliance, such as a domestic refrigerator or freezer, is provided; comprising a cabinet that has a refrigerator compartment and a cooling module. The cooling module comprises an air outlet that supplies cooled air to the refrigerator compartment, an air inlet that receives air from the refrigerator compartment, a I evaporator, and an evaporator fan, which generates an air flow from the air inlet, through the evaporator, and towards the air outlet. The transverse form of the evaporator is adapted to the air flow so that the rate of the highest air velocity at the lowest air velocity is minimized through different portions of the evaporator. In accordance with one mode of the refrigerating appliance, the cross section of the evaporator is very it is preferably square, although a rectangular shape works well, where a difference in length of the sides is less than 20%. This is the best approximation of the shape of the cross section swept by the evaporator fan that is available without causing excessive costs. On the other hand, according to another modality, the cross section of the evaporator is circular, which nevertheless increases the costs.

! In accordance with one embodiment of the refrigeration appliance, the evaporator comprises a plurality of fin plates. The fin plates substantially increase the efficiency of the evaporator. By arranging a pre-defrosting device adjacent to the evaporator, so that the air is guided from the refrigerator compartment by the pre-defrosting device before reaching the evaporator so that at least some moisture in the air from the refrigerator compartment adheres to the evaporator. Pre-defrosting device, several advantages are achieved. For example, it takes more time before the evaporator becomes clogged with frost / ice or the fins can be placed closer together without causing any time reduction between defrosting operations. By providing a greater number of fins, efficiency is further elevated.

It is possible to provide an automated manufacturing process for manufacturing the cabinet panels.

Thus, a method for manufacturing panels for a refrigeration appliance, such as a domestic refrigerator or freezer, comprising two side wall panels, a rear wall panel, an upper part and a lower part joined together to form a cabinet,. where each. panel comprises an inner sheet, an outer sheet and an intermediate layer of material I Foamed ai'slante. The manufacture of the panels comprises a continuous double-band foaming process and the steps of: feeding a top sheet and a bottom sheet from respective upper and lower sheet rolls at an inlet end of a sheet forming and foam application machine; i - holding the upper and lower sheets at a distance from one another while feeding them from the inlet end towards an exit end of the machine; profile each sheet, if desired, to a profile shape, - distribute thermally insulating foam on the lower sheet surface in the space between the sheets; i - curing the foam, whereby a sandwich band is obtained; cut the continuous band walled in cabinet panels, and i control the cooling of the panels, so that the panel does not buckle.

[By means of the method, it is possible to manufacture panels as a continuous process.

In accordance with one embodiment of the method, the profiling step comprises tilting an edge portion of I at least one of the sheets with respect to the rest of the sheet. With which different edge structures of the panels can be obtained for reasons of, for example, assembling or reinforcing the panel.

In accordance with one embodiment of the method, it also comprises at least one of: i - pre-turning the sheets, before the distribution step, to prepare them for subsequent assembly of the separated parts; Y - provide the sheets, before the passage of I distribution, with fastening details.

This embodiment is advantageous in that details arranged on or protruding towards the: interior of the sheets in the foam subsequently applied.

In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a method for manufacturing a refrigeration appliance, such as a domestic refrigerator or freezer, comprising panels manufactured in accordance with the method for manufacturing panels for a refrigerating appliance, comprising the steps of assembling a cabinet , and join a cooling module to the cabinet, where the step of assembling a cabinet comprises the steps of: connect the two side wall panels and the rear wall panel with glue on most of the edge length of the rear wall panel or the side wall panel; Y - connect an upper part and a lower part to the side walls and the rear wall.

The refrigerating appliance can provide a refrigerating appliance that reduces the aforementioned problem that arises when the evaporator is at least partially disposed under the compressor.

Thus, there is provided a refrigeration appliance comprising a cooling module, and a cabinet, comprising a refrigerator compartment, wherein the cooling module comprises an air outlet that supplies cooled air to the refrigerator compartment, and an air inlet that receives air from the refrigerator compartment. The cooling module is arranged in the lower part of the refrigerating appliance, and comprises a cold section, a hot section, which is separated from the cold section by an insulating wall, an evaporator arranged in the cold section, and a compressor and a condenser arranged in the hot section. The condenser comprises a condenser tube, which is arranged in windings on, or is integrated with, a bottom plate of the cooling module.; Thereby a heat generating device, i.e., the condenser tube, is available at a lower level of the cooling module, which can be used for evaporation purposes of the defrosting water.

According to one embodiment of the refrigeration appliance, the cooling module comprises a drain water tray, which is arranged adjacent to the condenser tube, and which receives defrosting water from the evaporator. This is an advantageous way of using the heat generated by the condenser tube to evaporate the defrosting water, in combination with cooling the condenser tube efficiently.

According to one embodiment of the refrigerating appliance, the drain water tray is constituted by a portion of the lower plate. This is a simple embodiment of the drain water tray, where it is used The basic structure of the cooling module.

On the other hand, according to one embodiment of the refrigerating appliance, the drain water tray is constituted by a separate tray arranged. in the upper part of the condenser tube.

In accordance with one embodiment of the refrigeration apparatus, the cooling module further comprises a defrost water collection plate disposed under the evaporator, and a drainage pipe extending from the evaporator. the defrosting water collection plate to the drain water tray, and which guides the defrosting water to the drain water tray. With this the defrosting water is collected and transported safely between the cold section to the hot section with minimal impact on the thermal placement between the sections.

! In accordance with one modality of the apparatus j In the refrigerator, the condenser tube is disposed inside the drainage water tray, thereby effectively transferring its heat to the water.

The refrigeration appliance may provide a solution to the post-assembly of parts, such as cables and air ducts, appropriately within the refrigerator.

; In that way, a refrigerating appliance comprising a cooling module is provided; a cabinet comprising cabinet panels that include two panels of opposing pre-foamed side wall, a pre-foamed back wall panel, an upper part, and a lower part; and a door. The cooling module comprises an air outlet that supplies cooled air to the refrigerator compartment, and an air inlet that receives air from the refrigerator compartment. The refrigerator apparatus further comprises a back wall liner, which is disposed inside the pre-foamed back wall panel, and which forms a space between the back wall liner and the back wall panel.

The liner can be made as a separate part that is easy to assemble, and many post-mounted parts can be concealed in the space between the back wall liner and the back wall panel.

According to one embodiment of the refrigerating appliance, the rear wall covering comprises an inlet air duct connected to the air outlet, and an outlet air duct connected to the air inlet, the ducts of which are arranged in the space, the first air ventilation openings connected to the inlet air duct and to the refrigerator compartment, and the second ventilation openings connected to the outlet air duct and to the refrigerator compartment. With this, the rear wall covering is useful for arranging the circulation of air inside the refrigerator compartment in a desired shape.

In accordance with one embodiment of the refrigeration appliance, the rear wall covering is used to conceal cables running in space. In that way, additional coating functionality is provided. That is the case for another embodiment as well, wherein the refrigerator apparatus further comprises electrical elements mounted on the rear wall covering. Such elements for example are a fan, lighting, a temperature sensor, and a motor.

In addition, according to one embodiment of the refrigerating appliance, it also comprises shelf supports arranged in the rear wall covering.

In accordance with one embodiment of the refrigerating appliance, the rear wall covering is attached to the rear wall by mechanical means, for example, press fit or compression fit. This solution provides a quick and simple coupling.

The refrigerating appliance can provide a device for increasing the thermal efficiency as well as the cost efficiency of an evaporator and to avoid at least reducing the formation of frost and ice in the evaporator.

In that way, a refrigerating appliance, such as a refrigerator or freezer, is provided, comprising a cabinet having a refrigerator compartment and a cooling module, wherein the cooling module comprises an air outlet that supplies cooled air to the refrigerator compartment, an air inlet that receives air from the refrigerator compartment, an evaporator, and an evaporator fan, which generates a flow of air from the air inlet, through the evaporator, and out of the air outlet. The cooling module further comprises a pre-defrosting device, which is arranged adjacent to the evaporator, so that air is guided from the refrigerator compartment by the pre-defrosting device before reaching the evaporator, so that at least some moisture in the air it adheres to the pre-defroster device.

'Therefore, by arranging a device for I pre-thawing, which is in contact with or near the evaporator and / or the flow of cold air from the evaporator, allowing the flow of air back from the refrigerator compartment to the pre-thawing device, at least a part of the The moisture contained in the air flow will condense and freeze in the pre-thawing device before I reached the evaporator.

In accordance with one embodiment of the refrigeration appliance, the pre-defrosting device is arranged in thermal contact with the evaporator so that when the evaporator is heated to thaw the pre-thawing device it is also thawed. Consequently, separate defrosting of the pre-defrosting device is not necessary.

In accordance with one embodiment of the refrigeration appliance, the pre-defrosting device includes a plate, and is placed on top of the evaporator. This forms a lower wall that defines an air duct for the return air flow. However, the pre-defroster member can also have many other shapes, for example, as a circular or square tube surrounding the evaporator and / p the flow of cold air from the evaporator, so that the air flow is flowed hot and humid return on the outside around the tube before entering the evaporator.

In accordance with one embodiment of the refrigeration apparatus, air is admitted to pass through the pre-defrosting device, for example, by arranging it with spaced projections, or by making it from a porous material.

According to one embodiment of the refrigerating appliance, the pre-defrosting device comprises a first end and a second end, the air from the refrigerator compartment passes the first end before the second end, and the first end is located at a distance from the inlet main to the evaporator.

This means that air is admitted to freely contact an upper portion of the evaporator, or to pass through a portion of the evaporator from above in addition to entering the ejaporator from the main inlet end.

In accordance with one embodiment of the refrigeration device the distance between the fin plates in the evaporator is between 2-10 mm, and preferably between 3-5 mni. These distances are rather small compared to what would be appropriate if the pre-thawing device had not been provided.

The refrigerator can provide a cabinet design that has good stability and strength even though it has been assembled from separate parts.

Thus, a refrigerating appliance, such as a domestic refrigerator or freezer, is provided, comprising a cabinet and a cooling module, the cabinet of which comprises cabinet panels including two opposite side wall panels, a rear wall panel, and an upper part, which are connected essentially perpendicular to one another by means of mechanical and / or glue connections. Each cabinet panel comprises an inner sheet, an outer sheet and an intermediate layer of a foamed insulating material, wherein each cabinet panel has an inner surface, an outer surface, and four edge surfaces. The cooling module it comprises a cold section and a hot section, which are separated from the cold section by an insulating wall, an evaporator arranged in the cold section, and a compressor and a condenser arranged in the hot section. The cooling module comprises a lower part comprising supporting means, such as wheels and / or feet, and the lower edge surface of at least one of the side wall panels is attached to the lower part.

; In accordance with one modality of the device I In the refrigerator, each of the side wall panels is glued to the rear wall panel on a larger part of the vertical edge surface of the side wall panel or the rear wall panel. The bonds of glue that have a significant area in this way, distribute the voltages generated in the cabinet by thermal loads that occur during the use of the refrigeration appliance.

According to the embodiments of the refrigerating appliance, each junction between one of the side wall panels and the rear wall panel comprises a vertical elongated slot formed in one of the side wall panel and the rear wall panel, and a connecting band. arranged on the other and inserted into the slot so that the vertical edge surface of the side wall panel or the rear wall panel is pressed against the inner surface of the rear wall panel or the inner surface of the side wall panel. The Slot-band connection also reinforces the joints.

In accordance with one embodiment of the refrigerating appliance, a reinforcement adjustment is attached at the front corner between the side wall panel and the top part, for example, for coupling a door hinge.

According to one embodiment of the refrigerating appliance, at least one of the pre-foamed side wall panels is manufactured by means of a method comprising a continuous dual-band foaming process, preferably also the rear-wall panel.

In the figures and in the specification, preferred embodiments and examples of the invention are described. The characteristics and details described in the different modalities and examples are not limited to being used in that specific modality or example unless explicitly mentioned in that way. If not mentioned otherwise, the characteristics in one modality or example can therefore be used in another modality or example. It will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that various modifications are conceivable without departing from the invention as defined by the following claims.

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims

REI INDICATIONS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property:

1. - A refrigerator, such as a refrigerator or. a domestic freezer, comprising a cabinet having a refrigerator compartment, and a cooling module, wherein the cooling module comprises an air outlet that supplies air. cooled to the refrigerator compartment, an air inlet that receives air from the refrigerator compartment, an evaporator, and an evaporator fan, which generates a flow of air from the refrigerator. the air inlet, through the evaporator, and the air outlet, characterized in that the transverse form of the evaporator is adapted to the air flow so that the index of the highest air velocity at the lowest air velocity is minimized. through different portions of the evaporator.

2. - A refrigerating appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that the cross section of the evaporator is a rectangle wherein the difference in the length of the sides is less than 20%, preferably the difference is less than 10%, and most preferably the length of all sides is approximately the same.

3. - A refrigerator appliance according to claim 2, characterized in that the width of the e-puller corresponds to, or is less than, the cross section swept by the evaporator fan. I 4. - A refrigerating appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that the cross section i

The evaporator is circular.

5. A refrigerating appliance according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the evaporator comprises a plurality of plates.

6.- A refrigerating appliance in accordance with the j claim 5, characterized in that the shortest distance between two fin plates is between 2-12 mm, preferably I between 3-5 mm.

7. - A refrigerating appliance according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pre-defrosting device is arranged adjacent to the evaporator so that the air coming from it is guided i of the refrigerator compartment by means of the pre-defrosting device before reaching the evaporator so that at least some moisture in the compartment air i Refrigerator will adhere to the pre-thawing device. j J

8. - A refrigerating appliance according to any of the preceding claims, characterized I because cabinet was assembled from separate, pre-foamed cabinet panels, comprising two opposite side wall panels, a rear wall panel, a top panel, and a bottom panel, which are connected essentially perpendicular to each other by means of mechanical and / or payment joints and a door.

9. - A refrigerating appliance according to claim 8, characterized in that the evaporator is kept in a restricted and well insulated space with relatively small inlet and outlet openings so that the amount of air in this restricted space is very small.