EP3034969A1 - Refrigeration and/or freezer device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a refrigerator and / or freezer with a device body (100) and with a cooled interior, which is located in the device body, and with a closure element (10) for closing the cooled interior, wherein on the closure element or on the Carcass a seal (20) is provided to seal the cooled interior, wherein the device comprises a pressure-compensating unit having an actuating element (30), a functional element and an actuating element with the functional element connecting means (50), wherein the actuating element is arranged such that it is moved or switched from a first to a second position or state after the closing of the closure element made by a user and causes a movement or switching of the functional element from a first to a second position or state via the connecting means the functional element in se derer in the second position or in its second state, the seal from the body or from the closure element.

Description

The present invention relates to a refrigerator and / or freezer with at least one device body and at least one cooled interior, which is located in the device body, and at least one closure element for closing the cooled interior, wherein at the closure element or on the body at least one Seal is provided to seal the cooled interior from the environment.

When closing a refrigerator or freezer arises after the closing process, a negative pressure in the cooled interior. This negative pressure arises immediately after the closing operation of the device by a user, since the cold air has previously flowed out during the device opening and warm air has flowed in from the environment. This inflowing warm air cools relatively quickly within the cooled interior. This has the consequence that due to the thermal contraction reduces the air pressure in the cooled interior or that a negative pressure arises.

The negative pressure has the consequence that the door opening forces, which are required for opening the door or any other closure element, such as a lid or a drawer, are comparatively large. If the user of the device wants to perform a reopening immediately after closing, these high opening forces stand against him, so that it is comparatively difficult for him to open the door or the other closure element.

Furthermore, refrigerators and / or freezers are known from the state of the art, in which the door seal is permanently deformed over a short section in such a way that air enters the cooled interior.

The present invention has the object of developing a refrigerator and / or freezer of the type mentioned in that the opening of the closure element is possible immediately after its closing with a small amount of force.

This object is achieved by a refrigerator and / or freezer with the features of claim 1. Thereafter, it is provided that the device has at least one pressure compensation unit which has at least one actuating element, at least one functional element and at least one connection means connecting the actuating element to the functional element. Furthermore, it is provided that the actuating element is arranged so that it moves after a made by a user closing the closure element, in particular a door or a lid, etc. from a first to a second position or from a first to a second state or is switched and by means of the connecting means causes a movement or switching of the functional element of the first in its second position or state. The functional element is arranged such that it is in its second position or in its second state the seal lifts at least in sections from the body or from the closure element.

The present invention is therefore based on the idea that the movement of the door or other closure element in the direction of the body ensures that an actuating element is actuated. This actuator is in communication with the functional element and is activated by this. The functional element causes the seal of the body or of the closure element, i. is raised at least slightly from the sealing surface, so that a gap is formed, can enter through the air from the environment in the cooled interior. This reduces the existing negative pressure in the cooled or is completely removed, which has the advantage that the opening of the closure element is relatively easy or without special effort possible.

The functional element can act directly on the seal and push it away, for example. However, the invention also includes the case that the functional element exerts a force on the closure element, which in turn causes the seal is lifted a little way from its counter surface, so that air can flow into the cooled interior.

It is preferably provided that the functional element and / or the actuating element are designed as plungers.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the actuating element is arranged such that it moves through the closure element, preferably through the inside of the door, the lid, a drawer, etc. from its first to its second position or state is switched. This actuation of the actuating element is at least partially lifting or lifting or other deforming the seal forth, this movement of the seal is caused by the at least one functional element.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the closing element is in a first position after closing of the closure element by a user in a first position and after the subsequent formation of a negative pressure in the cooled interior in a second position.

It can further be provided that the actuating element is designed such that it is in its first position or state when the closure element is in its first position or state and that the actuating element is in its second position or its second state when the closure element is in its second position.

This means that the actuating element is not already moved or switched from the first to the second position when closing the closure element by the user, but only when further pulling of the closure element on the body takes place by the negative pressure that forms. In this embodiment, only then, i. when the closure element is pulled by the negative pressure, an actuation or a switching of the actuating element is made, which in turn leads to an actuation or to a switching of the functional element and thus to a deformation or to a lifting of the seal.

In this case, thus, the occurrence of the negative pressure ensures that the actuating element is brought or switched into its second position or state.

Will the user to perform a reopening after closing the closure element, this is relatively easily possible due to the no longer existing or lower negative pressure.

It is conceivable that the connecting means that connects the actuating element with the functional element, is designed as a rocker, or as a lever which is movable about a pivot point. The pivot point is preferably located in a central region of the rocker or the lever. Even a staggered pivot point is possible. The rocker is on one side directly or indirectly with the actuating element and on the other side directly or indirectly with the functional element in connection. About the respective distance to the fulcrum can be set a certain gear ratio.

In a further embodiment of the invention, return means are provided, which are designed such that they move or switch the actuating element and the functional element from the second back to the first position or in the first state.

If the negative pressure largely or completely degraded, the closure element moves away from the body, so that no or only a small force is exerted on the actuator. This causes the actuator is moved back to its original position or switched. The same applies to the functional element.

Preferably, the return means is a mechanical element, such as a spring or a resilient element, which is arranged on the actuating element and / or on the functional element and / or on the connecting means or acts on one or more of these elements.

The return means may also be an electronic or electrical component such as a control unit which returns the actuator, such as a sensor, to its initial state, i. switches to the first state.

In principle, it is also conceivable that the return means is part of the actuating element and / or the functional element. Thus, it is conceivable that the sensor automatically returns to the first state when e.g. the distance of the closure element to the sensor again exceeds a certain value.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the connecting means, the actuating element and the functional element are integral components of a common assembly. In principle, it is also conceivable that these elements are formed as separate parts which cooperate in the manner described above.

The rocker can be connected via a connecting web to the actuating element and to the functional element integrally, i. in one piece. Furthermore, the rocker and / or the actuating element and / or the functional element may have a pressure ridge and / or draw web or the like, by means of which a power transmission takes place by means of pressure or tension.

It is also conceivable that the connecting means is formed by a wheel and in particular by a toothed wheel which communicates with the actuating element on the one hand and with the functional element on the other hand and undergoes a rotational movement upon actuation of the actuating element. This is transferred to the functional element.

In a further embodiment of the invention it is provided that the connecting means consists of a flexibly deformable unit. That's it conceivable that this unit consists of several interconnected by flexible connecting segments segments. It is also conceivable that the connecting means consists of a fluid, such as a gas or a liquid.

If the actuating element is actuated, a force is transmitted to the functional element via the connecting means or, for example, via the flexibly deformable unit or via the fluid, which leads to a lifting or deformation of the seal.

The connecting means may also be formed by an electrical or electronic component. Thus, signal transmission is possible, e.g. from a sensor to the functional element. In this case, a control or regulation unit can be interposed, which receives the signal from the sensor and, if necessary, passes this on to a processing in such a way that an activation of the functional element takes place.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the pressure compensation unit is provided on the closure element. However, it is preferred to provide this unit in the body of the device. The actuating element is preferably actuated by the inner door or by the inside of the lid or a flap, etc. The seal is preferably located on the closure element and the surface on which the seal rests in the closed state of the closure element, on the body.

In order to create a particularly good and fast-acting pressure compensation possibility, it can be provided that the device has a plurality of pressure compensation units, which act on the seal at various locations.

Further details and advantages of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawing.

Figur 1:

Eine Schnittansicht durch eine Druckausgleichseinheit gemäß der Erfindung,

Figur 2:

perspektivische Ansichten der Druckausgleichseinheit der Erfindung,

Figur 3 - 7:

unterschiedliche Ausführungsformen von Druckausgleichseinheiten gemäß der Erfindung,

Figur 8:

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Druckausgleichseinheit in der ersten Position der Stößel,

Figur 9:

eine perspektivische, teilweise aufgeschnittene Ansicht der Druckausgleichseinheit,

Figur 10:

eine perspektivische Ansicht der Druckausgleichseinheit im betätigten Zustand, d.h. in der zweiten Position der Stößel,

Figur 11:

eine perspektivische, teilweise aufgeschnittene Ansicht der Druckausgleichseinehit gemäß Figur 10 und

Figur 12:

eine perspektivische, geschnittene Ansicht des Kühl- bzw. Gefriergerätes mit der Druck-Ausgleichseinheit.

Show it:

FIG. 1:

A sectional view through a pressure compensation unit according to the invention,

FIG. 2:

perspective views of the pressure compensation unit of the invention,

FIGS. 3 to 7:

different embodiments of pressure compensation units according to the invention,

FIG. 8:

a perspective view of the pressure compensation unit in the first position of the plunger,

FIG. 9:

a perspective, partially cutaway view of the pressure compensation unit,

FIG. 10:

a perspective view of the pressure compensation unit in the actuated state, ie in the second position of the plunger,

FIG. 11:

a perspective, partially cutaway view of the pressure equalization according to FIG. 10 and

FIG. 12:

a perspective, sectional view of the refrigerator or freezer with the pressure compensation unit.

FIG. 1 shows a sectional view through a part of the door or inner door 10 with the door seal 20 and the pressure compensation unit. The latter is arranged in the body 100 of the device. It is preferably provided that the pressure compensation unit is largely or completely in the isolation region, that is, in the foaming or other heat insulation of the device body 100 to minimize cold spots.

FIG. 1 shows the position of the door a refrigerator or freezer in the state in which it was closed by a user. In this first state, the inner door 10 rests on the actuating plunger 30, without inserting it.

The actuating tappet 30 is arranged in the mechanism housing 60, which is arranged in the outer housing 70 of the pressure compensation unit, movable back and forth. The same applies to the functional plunger 40, which in the closed first position of the door according to FIG. 1 with the seal 20 of the door 10 is in communication or adjacent to this, without exerting a force on them. In this state, the functional plunger is flush with the edge or surface of the body 100 against which the gasket 20 rests in the closed state of the door.

Like this further FIG. 1 shows, a rocker 50 is provided which is pivotable or rotatable about the fixed pivot point 51. This rocker or this lever 50 is formed integrally with the actuating plunger 30 and with the functional plunger 40. The connecting portions are formed by the webs 32 and 42, wherein the web 42 serves to exert a pulling force from the rocker 50 on the plunger 40, which feeds the plunger. The reference numerals 31 and 41 indicate pressure noses, over which a force acting in the extension direction of the plunger force is applied to the plunger by the rocker 50 and via which a force is applied by the plunger 30 to the rocker 50. The pressure noses 31, 41 are in the pressurized state or in the installation situation according to FIG. 1 with corresponding mating surfaces 52, 53 of the rocker 50 in conjunction.

The basic function of in FIG. 1 illustrated pressure-compensating unit is that the movement of the door is used to achieve a pressure equalization at least partially or to reduce the pressure prevailing in the cooled interior negative pressure, preferably without that one Intervention of the user is required. This door movement is created by the cooling of the air flowing in quickly when the door 10 is open. This creates a negative pressure in the refrigerator and / or freezer or in the cooled interior, which pulls the door 10 against the body 100. This movement is reversed by a fulcrum 51.

As stated above, in the case of a user closed state of the refrigerator or freezer, the inner door 10 is located on the actuating plunger. By creating a negative pressure, the door 10 is used on the body, that is, the door 10 moves according to FIG. 1 down and thus pushes the actuating plunger 30 according to FIG. 1 downward. Thus, the door moves over the distance s to the body.

The concomitant pressing of the plunger 30 is transmitted via the pressure nose 31 and the counter surface 51 on the rocker 50, that is, the rocker 50 rotates about the point 51 in accordance FIG. 1 clockwise. This movement is transmitted via the surface 53 and the pressure nose 41 on the functional plunger 40, which according to FIG. 1 is moved upward and thus the seal 20 in the region of the plunger 40 of the opposite surface, that is pushed away from the actual sealing contact surface on the body. This sealing abutment surface resulting when the functional element 40 is not actuated is formed by the surface of the plunger 40 or the functional element 40 and the adjacent surfaces of the body. This creates a gap between the seal 20 and the mating surface on the body 100, through which air from the environment of the device can flow into the cooled interior.

This inflow of air leads to a reduction in the vacuum located in the cooled interior. As the degradation occurs, the force with which the inner door 10 acts on the plunger 30 decreases. The reference numeral 65 denotes an integrally formed with the rocker 50 spring. This spring is tensioned when the plunger 30 retracted and the plunger 40 is extended.

Thus, if the negative pressure in the cooled interior decreases, the spring 65 causes the rocker 50 back into its in FIG. 1 shown position is moved back and the plunger 30 rests against the inner door 10, but without or largely without the transfer of force from the door on the plunger 30th

By the gear ratio L1 to L2, the Dichtungsabdrückkraft that is applied by the functional plunger 40, set appropriately.

If a substantial or complete pressure equalization takes place, the arrangement moves according to FIG. 1 back in the FIG. 1 shown function or position back, in which the plunger and the door occupy their first position.

In order to obtain a cost-effective assembly, all movement functions, that is, the rocker 50 and the lever 50, the plunger 30, 40 and the spring 65 are preferably realized in one part.

When swinging back from the in FIG. 1 not shown second position in the illustrated first position of the plunger 30, 40 is applied to the plunger 40 via the draw bar 42, a tensile force, the plunger back into the in FIG. 1 withdrawn position shown.

Such a pull bar is not necessary for the plunger 30, since the force pushing this through the door 10 is effected. Thus, the reference numeral 32 does not designate a pull bar but a connecting bar.

FIG. 2a shows the rocker with the plungers in a perspective view in the uninstalled state. Due to the manufacturing process, both plungers 30, 40 inclined relative to the rocker 50, as is made FIG. 2a evident. A cross-sectional weakening ensures the flexibility of the entire component, in particular in the region of the webs 32, 42.

In the installed state according to FIG. 2b There is contact between the pressure noses 31, 41 (0-gap) and the web 50 and the counterparts 52, 53rd

Thus, a pressure force transmission can take place during the actuation of the arrangement.

As already in FIG. 1 has been carried out, the reference numeral 65 denotes a spring, for example a plastic spring, which is preloaded and / or further biased as a result of the actuation of the actuating plunger 30. The provision of the actuating plunger 30 after the vacuum equalization is performed by the spring restoring force until the actuating plunger 30 has a largely or completely powerless contact with the inner door 10. Instead of the integrally arranged spring and any other, designed as a separate element spring is conceivable.

The FIGS. 3 to 7 show alternative approaches, wherein the same or funtkionsgleiche components are identified by the same reference numerals, as in the FIGS. 1 and 2 ,

According to FIG. 3 two individual plungers 30, 40 are used and a gear or gear segment 80, which reverses the linear movement of the plunger. This means that an insertion movement of the plunger 30 leads to a rotation of the gear 80 and this to a pushing out of the plunger 40. To produce a return movement, it can be provided that the gear 80 is biased in the direction of rotation.

FIG. 3 , left picture shows the position before closing and FIG. 3 , right-hand view shows the position during pressure equalization. In this position, the plunger 40 acts on the seal 20 and compresses it.

FIG. 4 shows an arrangement with two individual plungers 30, 40, which are connected via a rocker, preferably with a plug connection articulated. The rocker 90 is pivotally mounted via a stationary pivot point. FIG. 4 , Left view shows the arrangement after closing the door and Figure 4, middle view during pressure equalization. FIG. 4 , right-hand illustration shows a schematic side or sectional view through the plunger 30, 40 and illustrates that the rocker 90 is inserted in recesses of the plunger 30, 40 in such a way that a rotational movement of the plunger 30, 40 relative to the rocker 90 possible is.

The embodiment according to FIG. 5 comprises a flexible middle part 200, which consists of a tension / pressure transmitting articulated unit. Like this FIG. 5 shows, the unit has segments which are interconnected by flexible spacers. By pressing the actuating plunger 30, the flexible unit 200 along a predetermined path, which may be formed as a channel or tube, pushed along, that is, a compressive force is transmitted to the functional plunger 40. The functional plunger 40 thus follows this movement according to the displacement principle.

FIG. 5 The left-hand illustration shows the arrangement after closure by a user and FIG. 5 , right-hand illustration shows the arrangement during pressure equalization.

FIG. 6 shows an arrangement in which the connecting means is formed by a fluid, that is by a liquid or by a gas. This is in FIG. 6 designated by the reference numeral 210.

The actuation of the actuating plunger 30 by the door 10 when the negative pressure arises leads to a movement of the liquid or gas column from right to left and thus to a pushing out of the functional plunger 40. This acts on the seal 20, so that a pressure compensation can take place.

The pressure compensation unit according to the invention can thus be designed mechanically. But it can also have electrical or electronic components, as in FIG. 7 is shown. In this case, the actuator 220 is formed by a sensor, such as a proximity sensor, which transmits a signal to a control unit 240 via a line 230. This causes, depending on the signal via another line, the actuation of the actuator 250, which can be electrically or magnetically expelled and then acts on the seal 200.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the assembly used in the body of the device with the outer housing 70, the z. B. is used in the foaming of the body.

The reference numeral 40 denotes the functional plunger, and the reference numeral 30 denotes the actuating plunger.

FIG. 8 shows the position of the plunger in the non-actuated state, that is, in a state in which the door is either open or no pressure equalization is required because it has already been done. This condition also arises immediately after the door is closed by a user.

Like this FIG. 8 As can be seen, the functional plunger 40 is flush with the adjacent thereto surfaces, so that a smooth surface is formed, which serves as a sealing bearing surface.

The case of in FIG. 8 unit shown can be designed as a mechanical housing and z. B. be carried out in two parts.

FIG. 9 shows again to the FIG. 1 already described elements of the pressure-equalizing unit in the non-actuated state, wherein to avoid repetition of the statements according to FIG. 1 is referenced.

Out FIG. 9 is particularly clear that the spring 65 abuts a surface, which has the consequence that when deflecting the rocker 50 via the spring 65 on the rocker a counter force is exerted, which leads to a return movement of the rocker.

If the inner door is used because of the negative pressure to the body, the actuating plunger 30 is partially or completely pressed into the housing, as shown in FIG. 10 is shown. About the said rocker construction or other mechanical or electrical or electronic connection of the functional plunger 40 is ejected. As a result, the seal, which now has to pass over the raised plunger 40, releases one or more gaps between the seal itself and the sealing abutment surface which, in the position according to FIG FIG. 8 results. Through this gap, air can flow into the cooled interior and the negative pressure is partially or completely degraded. This reduction in pressure causes the force of the door on the actuating plunger decreases, so that a provision in the in FIG. 8 shown position can take place, in which there is again a smooth or flat sealing surface.

FIG. 11 shows the opposite FIG. 9 followed rotation of the rocker 50 in the operation of the inner door. The force of the spring 65 causes from this second position of the plunger 30, 40 a provision in the first position according to FIG. 9 occurs when the door no longer exerts force on the actuating plunger 30.

FIG. 12 finally shows a partial section of the door 10 and the body 100 in a sectional view.

From this figure it can be seen that the pressure compensation unit can be used as a compact assembly in a region of the body and thus located on its side facing away from the door side in the foaming. The assembly 70 and the outer housing may have an outwardly projecting flange which forms a sealing surface with a counterpart of the body, so that leakage of foam is prevented.

FIG. 12 shows the arrangement in the first position of the plunger, in which the door 10 exerts no force on the actuating plunger 30. Accordingly, the seal 20 is fully and circumferentially on a mating surface of the body and is not lifted by the functional plunger 40.

In principle, it is also conceivable and encompassed by the invention to integrate the vacuum compensation unit in the door 10 or in another closure element, instead of in the device body.

Basically, the vacuum compensation unit can be used at any position circumferentially following the seal. In order to increase or accelerate the desired pressure equalization effect, provision may also be made for a plurality of vacuum equalization units to be used.

Claims (15)

A refrigerator and / or freezer with a device body and with a cooled interior, which is located in the device body, and with a closure member for closing the cooled interior, wherein on the closure member or on the body, a seal is provided to seal the cooled interior characterized in that the apparatus comprises a pressure compensating unit having an actuating element, a functional element and a connection means connecting the actuating element to the functional element, wherein the actuating element is arranged such that, after the closure of the closure element by a user the first in a second position or state is moved or switched and via the connecting means causes a movement or switching of the functional element from a first to a second position or state, wherein the functional element in its second position or in its second State the seal from the body or from the closure element lifts. Cooling and / or freezing appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that the functional element and / or the actuating element are designed as plungers. The refrigerator and / or freezer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the closure element is in a second position after closing by a user in a first position and after the subsequent formation of a negative pressure in the cooled interior and in that the actuating element is designed such that it is in its first position or in its first state when the closure element is in its first position and is in its second position or in its second state when the closure element is in its second position Position is located. Refrigerating and / or freezing appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting means is designed as a rocker which is movable about a pivot point which separates the rocker in two sides, wherein the rocker on one side with the actuating element and on the other Page is in communication with the functional element. Refrigerating and / or freezing appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a restoring means is provided which is designed such that it moves or switches the actuating element and the functional element from the second to the first position or state. The refrigerator and / or freezer according to claim 5, characterized in that it is the return means is a spring or a resilient element which is arranged on the actuating element, on the functional element or on the connecting means or on one or more of these acts or that the return means is an electrical or electronic component. The refrigerator and / or freezer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting means, the actuating element and the functional element is an integral part of a common component or are designed as separate parts. Cooling and / or freezing appliance according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the rocker via a connecting web in each case with the actuating element and with the functional element is integrally connected and that the rocker and / or the actuating element and / or the functional element a Compression strip, by means of which a power transmission takes place. Cooling and / or freezing appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting means is formed by a wheel and in particular by a gear. Refrigerator and / or freezer according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting means consists of a flexibly deformable unit, wherein it is preferably provided that the unit consists of a plurality of interconnected by flexible connecting portions segments. Cooling and / or freezing appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting means consists of a fluid. Cooling and / or freezing appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting means is formed by an electrical or electronic component. Refrigerated and / or freezer according to claim 12, characterized in that the actuating element is formed by a sensor and that the Functional element is formed by an actuator, which is preferably operated electrically or magnetically. Cooling and / or Gefriegerät according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure-equalizing unit is arranged in the closure element or in the body of the device. Cooling and / or freezing appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device has a plurality of pressure equalizing units.

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