DE102011079206A1 - Refrigerating appliance with several chambers - Google Patents

Abstract

A refrigeration device (1), in particular household refrigerating appliance, with a first chamber to be cooled (3) and a second chamber to be cooled (5), a refrigerant circuit for cooling the chambers (3, 5), a compressor (7) for compressing refrigerant vapor , a condenser (9) downstream of the compressor (7) for condensing the refrigerant vapor, and an evaporator (11) connected downstream of the condenser (9) and upstream of the compressor (7) for evaporating the liquefied refrigerant, a first sensor (17) Detecting a first temperature in the first chamber (3) and a second sensor (19) for detecting a second temperature in the second chamber (5) are provided, wherein a valve (21) between the condenser (9) and the evaporator (11 ), the refrigerant flowing out of the condenser (9) via a first refrigerant passage (31) or a second refrigerant passage (33) to the evaporator (11) as a function of the first temperature and / or the second temperature passes.

Description

The present invention relates to a refrigerator, in particular domestic refrigeration appliance, with a first chamber to be cooled and a second chamber to be cooled, wherein a first sensor for detecting a first temperature in the first chamber and a second sensor for detecting a second temperature in the second chamber are.

Refrigerators are commonly provided with a refrigerant circuit for cooling a chamber. If the refrigeration device is designed as a compression refrigeration machine, the refrigerant circuit is equipped with a compressor (compressor) and a throttle element (eg expansion valve). The compression and the expansion element and two heat exchangers are interconnected in a circuit such that the heat exchanger can be switched on both sides between the compression and expansion element.

In the cycle, the refrigerant vapor from the compressor (compressor) is sucked and compressed. In the downstream heat exchanger (condenser) condenses the refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant is passed to a throttle body and relaxed. During expansion, the refrigerant pressure decreases, the refrigerant cools and partially evaporates. In the second heat exchanger (evaporator), the refrigerant absorbs the supplied heat from the cooling space by evaporation. The compressor sucks in the vaporized refrigerant and the cycle is closed.

Cooling devices have multiple chambers, such as a freezing chamber and a cooling chamber, which are cooled to different temperatures. For this purpose, two separate evaporators for the two chambers are widely used in the prior art. These two separate evaporators require high equipment costs and increase the energy consumption of the refrigeration device.

Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved refrigeration device in which two chambers can be cooled at different temperatures, in particular by means of an evaporator.

The object is achieved by a refrigeration device having the features of the independent claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

An inventive refrigeration device has a first chamber to be cooled and a second chamber to be cooled and a refrigerant circuit for cooling the chambers. The refrigerant circuit comprises a compressor for compressing refrigerant vapor, a condenser downstream of the compressor for condensing the refrigerant vapor, and an evaporator downstream of the condenser and upstream of the compressor for evaporating the liquefied refrigerant. At the first chamber, a first sensor for detecting a first temperature of the first chamber is provided. At the second chamber, a second sensor for detecting a second temperature of the second chamber is provided. A valve is interposed between the condenser and the evaporator, by means of which refrigerant flowing out of the condenser can optionally be supplied via a first refrigerant passage and a second refrigerant passage to the evaporator based on the first temperature and / or the second temperature.

According to one embodiment, a first air passage for supplying air to the first chamber and a second air passage for supplying air to the second chamber are provided. Further, a fan with an adjustable damper is provided to close the first air duct or the second air duct depending on the first temperature and / or the second temperature. Two parameters can then be varied simultaneously in the refrigeration device. On the one hand, the air flow, which is conducted along the evaporator by means of the air duct, can be fed by means of the air damper optionally to the first chamber or the second chamber or to be discharged therefrom. On the other hand, the refrigerant can optionally be passed to the evaporator via the first refrigerant channel or the second refrigerant channel. The evaporator may be provided with a heat exchanger for heat transfer of air supplied by an air passage from the first chamber or the second chamber to the fluid. The flow to the evaporator can be varied via the properties of the first refrigerant channel or second refrigerant channel. For example, a different flow resistance of the first or second refrigerant channel can be realized, whereby the amount of refrigerant that is supplied to the evaporator, is variable. With both adjustment is a particularly flexible operation of the refrigerator with respect to a different cooling of both chambers in only one evaporator provided possible. A second evaporator can be saved, which can reduce the energy consumption of the refrigerator.

The refrigeration device can be operated, for example, in two different operating modes, a cooling mode and a freezing mode. The cooling mode will then be, for example, a compressor speed of 800 rpm, an evaporator temperature of -12 ° C., a condenser temperature of 30 ° C. and a fan speed of 800 to 1200 rpm. associated with min. For example, in freeze mode, the compressor speed is 1600 rpm, the evaporator temperature is -24 ° C., the condenser temperature is 30 ° C. and the fan speed is 800 to 1200 rpm.

A refrigeration appliance is understood in particular to be a household refrigeration appliance, that is to say a refrigeration appliance which is used for household purposes or possibly also in the gastronomy sector, and in particular for storing food and / or drinks in household quantities at specific temperatures, such as, for example, a refrigerator, a freezer , a fridge freezer, a freezer or a wine storage cabinet.

According to one embodiment, the valve is designed as a solenoid valve. The solenoid valve allows a reduction in energy consumption. Furthermore, the solenoid valve as a solenoid valve, in that it can be controlled by an electromagnet, allows a good connection to a controller. Furthermore, depending on their design, solenoid valves can switch very quickly and thus improve the reaction behavior of the refrigerant guide.

According to a further embodiment, the fan speed of the fan is variable. Thereby, the air flow rate through the first and second air duct can be varied. This makes it possible to vary the heat exchange between the heat exchanger and the air passed to the heat exchanger over the amount of air. In addition to the cooling temperature of the heat exchanger can be made by the amount of air influence on the cooling capacity of the refrigerator.

According to another embodiment, the flow resistance for the refrigerant of the first channel is less than the flow resistance of the second channel. This can be varied by the choice of the channel, the flow rate of refrigerant. This makes it possible to change the flow rate and the flow path by means of the valve.

According to one embodiment, the first refrigerant channel and / or the second refrigerant channel are at least partially designed as a capillary tube. Capillary tubes have a very small inner diameter. Due to the surface effects, which come to the fore in comparison with larger pipes, capillarity occurs in capillary tubes as a physical effect. High surface tension refrigerants may also condense on the capillary walls above their boiling point.

According to a further embodiment, a controller is provided, to which both sensors and the valve are connected. The control makes it possible to control the valve position depending on the temperatures in the two chambers. Thereby, the refrigerant flows in the two refrigerant channels can be controlled depending on the given in the chambers temperatures. This allows flexible control of the refrigerant flows to set the desired temperature in the respective chamber.

According to one embodiment, the air flap is designed electromechanically. The electromechanical design allows a good control technology connection of the air damper. For example, the air damper can be connected to the controller to which the two sensors are also connected. As a result, an optimal coordination of the air flow through the chambers and the refrigerant flow in the refrigerant channels can be achieved. For this purpose, for example, the fan can be connected to the controller in order to also influence the amount of air passing through the controller.

According to a further embodiment, the valve is infinitely adjustable so that the refrigerant is continuously divisible between the first refrigerant passage and the second refrigerant passage. This allows a precise adjustment of the refrigerant flow in both refrigerant channels and on the flow characteristics of the refrigerant channels, an adjustment of the instantaneous cooling capacity of the refrigerator.

According to one embodiment, the air flap is made of a hydrophobic material at least on its surface. In operation, the hydrophobic coating reduces the adhesion energy between the duct wall and the water in the air. The hydrophobic material prevents ice from adhering to the air flap and affecting its adjustability. For this purpose, the air damper can also be made elastic, so that adhering material, e.g. Ice, released by the deformation of the damper of the air damper.

According to a further embodiment, the air flap is struck so that it is pivotable from an opened starting position only in one direction to a closed position. This results in two defined end positions, which can be easily controlled in terms of control engineering. The error rate is thereby reduced. However, it may also be provided that the air damper can be locked in at least one intermediate position between its open position and its closed position. This allows several Flow conditions for the air at the air damper over stable to adjust.

Further possible implementations of the invention also include not explicitly mentioned combinations of features described above or below with regard to the exemplary embodiments. The expert will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the refrigeration device.

Further advantageous embodiments and aspects of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and the embodiment of the invention described below. Furthermore, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying figures.

It shows:

1 a schematic representation of a refrigerator according to an embodiment;

2 : a schematic representation of a section of the refrigerator according to the embodiment of 1 in a first switching state of the air damper; and

3 : a schematic representation of a section of the refrigerator according to the embodiment of 1 in a second switching state of the air damper.

1 shows a schematic representation of a refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment. In 1 the focus is on the presentation of the refrigerant circuit. A compressor 7 is shown in the picture below. The compressor 7 serves to compress refrigerant vapor. The compressor 7 is a liquefier 9 downstream. The condenser serves to condense the refrigerant vapor. The liquefier 9 Downstream is an evaporator 11 arranged in which the liquefied refrigerant evaporates and thereby absorbs heat. This is indicated by the evaporator 11 a heat exchanger 13 on, in this embodiment heat from the in an air duct 15 discharged air. The refrigerant is then returned to the compressor 7 fed. Between the condenser 9 and the evaporator 11 can the refrigerant flow by means of a valve 21 optionally via a first refrigerant channel 31 or a second refrigerant channel 33 the evaporator 11 be forwarded. It is also possible for a part of the refrigerant via the first refrigerant channel 31 and another part of the refrigerant via the second refrigerant passage 33 the evaporator 11 supply. The two refrigerant channels 31 . 33 have in this embodiment, different flow resistance, so that on the choice of the respective refrigerant channel 31 . 33 the heat transfer to the refrigerant via the heat exchanger 13 can be influenced. The valve 21 is for example to a controller of the refrigerator 1 connected so that above it the refrigerant flows in the two refrigerant channels 31 . 33 can be controlled.

2 shows a schematic representation of a section of the refrigeration device 1 according to the embodiment of 1 in a first switching state of the air damper 43 , Based on 2 will the functioning of the refrigerator 1 continue running. In 2 the air comes from the right by means of a fan 41 in a first chamber shown above 3 and via a second air duct 16 in a second chamber shown below 5 promoted. The air is supplied by the fan 41 for example, from one of the chambers 3 . 5 aspirated. There is also an air damper shown in the picture below 43 intended. The air damper 43 is pivotally mounted in this embodiment. In 2 is the air damper 43 in its lower position, allowing the air in both the picture up through the first air duct 15 in the first chamber 3 as well as down through the second air channel 16 in the second chamber 5 can flow. This is indicated by black arrows.

3 is a schematic representation of a section of the refrigeration device 1 according to the embodiment of 1 in a second switching state of the air damper 43 , 3 equals to 2 , however, the air damper is located 43 in the upwardly pivoted position, allowing the air only through the first air duct 15 in the first chamber shown in the picture above 3 can flow. The second chamber 5 is through the tilted up air damper 43 completed by the airflow. To better regulate the air flow is at the first chamber 3 a first sensor 17 for temperature detection and the second chamber 5 a second sensor 19 arranged for temperature detection.

The sensors 17 . 19 allow the position of the damper 43 depending on the temperatures in the first chamber 3 and second chamber 5 to regulate. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the valve 21 that is based on 1 also depending on the temperatures in the chambers 3 . 5 be set. There are thus two parameters in the refrigeration device 1 be varied at the same time. For one thing, the airflow coming from the evaporator 11 passed along by means of the air damper 43 optionally the first chamber 3 or second chamber 5 supplied or derived therefrom. On the other hand, the refrigerant can optionally via the first refrigerant channel 31 or the second refrigerant channel 33 to the evaporator 11 be directed. About the properties of the first refrigerant channel 31 or second refrigerant channel 33 can the influx to the evaporator 11 be varied. With both adjustment is a particularly flexible operation of the refrigerator 1 with regard to a different cooling of both chambers 3 . 5 with only one intended evaporator 11 possible. A second evaporator can be saved, which reduces the energy consumption of the refrigerator 1 can lower.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 The refrigerator

3

 first chamber

5

 second chamber

7

 compressor

9

 condenser

11

 Evaporator

13

 heat exchangers

15

 first air duct

16

 second air duct

17

 first sensor

19

 second sensor

21

 Valve

31

 first refrigerant channel

33

 second refrigerant channel

41

 Fan

43

 damper

Claims (16)

Refrigeration appliance ( 1 ), in particular domestic refrigeration appliance, with a first chamber to be cooled ( 3 ) and a second chamber to be cooled ( 5 ), a refrigerant circuit for cooling the chambers ( 3 . 5 ), which is a compressor ( 7 ) for compressing refrigerant vapor, a compressor ( 7 ) downstream liquefier ( 9 ) for condensing the refrigerant vapor, and a condenser ( 9 ) downstream and the compressor ( 7 ) upstream evaporator ( 11 ) for vaporizing the liquefied refrigerant, wherein a first sensor ( 17 ) for detecting a first temperature in the first chamber ( 3 ) and a second sensor ( 19 ) for detecting a second temperature in the second chamber ( 5 ), characterized in that a valve ( 21 ) between the liquefier ( 9 ) and the evaporator ( 11 ) connected to the condenser ( 9 ) flowing refrigerant via a first refrigerant channel ( 31 ) or a second refrigerant channel ( 33 ) the evaporator ( 11 ) in response to the first temperature and / or the second temperature. Refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the valve ( 21 ) is designed as a solenoid valve. Refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fan speed of the fan ( 41 ) is changeable. Refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flow resistance for the refrigerant of the first refrigerant channel ( 31 ) is less than the flow resistance of the second refrigerant channel ( 33 ). Refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first refrigerant channel ( 31 ) and or the second refrigerant channel ( 33 ) are at least partially executed as a capillary tube. Refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a controller for controlling the two sensors ( 17 . 19 ) and the valve ( 21 ) is provided. Refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve ( 21 ) is infinitely adjustable so that the refrigerant continuously between the first refrigerant channel ( 31 ) and the second refrigerant channel ( 33 ) is divisible. Refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first air duct ( 15 ) for supplying air to the first chamber ( 3 ) and a second air duct ( 16 ) for supplying air to the second chamber ( 5 ) and that a fan ( 41 ) with an adjustable air flap ( 43 ) is provided to the first air duct ( 15 ) or the second air duct ( 16 ) in response to the first temperature and / or the second temperature. Refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to claim 8, characterized in that the air flap ( 43 ) is carried out electromechanically. Refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the air flap ( 43 ) and or the fan ( 41 ) are connected control technology to the controller. Refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the air flap ( 43 ) is pivotable. Refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the air flap ( 43 ) is made at least on its surface of a hydrophobic material. Refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the air flap ( 43 ) is so struck that she out an opened starting position is pivotable in one direction only in a closed position. Refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims 8 to 13, characterized in that the air flap ( 43 ) is lockable in at least one intermediate position between its open position and its closed position. Refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims 8 to 14, characterized in that the air flap ( 43 ) is made elastic. 16 Refrigeration appliance ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the evaporator ( 11 ) a heat exchanger ( 13 ) for heat transfer by means of one of the air channels ( 15 . 16 ) from the first chamber ( 3 ) or second chamber ( 5 ) has supplied air to the fluid.

Images