EP3034969B1 - Refrigeration and/or freezer device - Google Patents

Description

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

When a refrigerator or freezer is closed, a vacuum is created in the cooled interior following the closing process. This negative pressure arises immediately after the user closes the device because the cold air has previously flowed out during the device opening and warm air has flowed in from the surroundings. This inflow of warm air cools down relatively quickly within the cooled interior. The consequence of this is that the air pressure in the cooled interior is reduced due to the thermal contraction or that a negative pressure is created.

The result of the negative pressure is that the door opening forces required to open the door or another closure element, such as a cover or a drawer, are comparatively large. Would like that If the user of the device opens again immediately after closing, these high opening forces oppose it, making it comparatively difficult for him to open the door or the other locking element.

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

Such a device is in the KR 0 117 185 Y1 described. All features from the preamble of claim 1 are described therein.

The present invention has for its object to develop a refrigerator and / or freezer of the type mentioned in such a way that the opening of the closure element is possible immediately after it is closed with little effort.

This object is achieved by a refrigerator and / or freezer with the features of claim 1. According to this, it is provided, inter alia, 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 connecting means connecting the actuating element to the functional element. Furthermore, it is provided that the actuating element is arranged such that it moves or moves from a first to a second position or from a first to a second state after the closure element, in particular a door or a cover, etc. has been closed by a user or is switched and by means of the connecting means causes a movement or switching of the functional element from its first to 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 another locking element in the direction of the body ensures that an actuating element is actuated. This actuating element is connected to the functional element and is activated by it. The functional element causes the seal from the body or from the closure element, i.e. is at least slightly lifted off the sealing surface, so that a gap is created through which air from the surroundings can enter the cooled interior. This reduces the existing negative pressure in the cooled or is completely eliminated, which has the advantage that the opening of the closure element is comparatively easy or without any special effort.

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 leads to the seal being lifted up a little 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 in such a way that it moves from its first to its second position or state through the closure element, preferably through the inside of the door, the lid, a drawer etc. is switched. This actuation of the actuating element involves at least partial lifting or lifting or other deformation of the seal, this movement of the seal being caused by the at least one functional element.

In a further embodiment of the invention it is provided that the closure element is in a first position after the closure element has been closed by a user 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 second state when the closure element is in its second position.

This means that the actuating element is not moved or switched from the first to the second position when the closure element is closed by the user, but only when the closure element is further pulled up on the body by the negative pressure which forms. In this embodiment, i.e. when the closing element is pulled up by the vacuum, an actuation or a switching of the actuating element is carried out, 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, the occurrence of the negative pressure ensures that the actuating element is brought into its second position or state or switched.

If the user wants to reopen after the closure element has been closed, this is relatively easy because of the no longer existing or lower vacuum.

It is conceivable that the connecting means that connects the actuating element to the functional element is designed as a rocker or as a lever that can be moved about a pivot point. The fulcrum is preferably located in a central area of the rocker or lever. A pivot point offset to this is also possible. The rocker is directly or indirectly connected to the actuating element on one side and indirectly or directly to the functional element on the other side. A specific transmission ratio can be set via the respective distance to the fulcrum.

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

If the negative pressure is largely or completely reduced, the closure element moves away from the body again, so that no or only a slight force is exerted on the actuating element. This leads to the actuating element being moved or switched back to its starting position. The same applies to the functional element.

The restoring means is preferably 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 resetting means can also be an electronic or electrical component, such as a control or regulating unit, which returns the actuating element, such as a sensor, to its initial state, i.e. switches to the first state.

In principle, it is also conceivable that the resetting means is part of the actuating element and / or of the functional element. It is conceivable that the sensor automatically switches back to the first state if e.g. the distance of the closure element to the sensor again exceeds a certain value.

It can further 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 designed as separate parts that interact in the manner described above.

The rocker can be integral with the actuating element and with the functional element, i.e. in one piece. Furthermore, the rocker and / or the actuating element and / or the functional element can have a pressure web and / or tension web or the like, by means of which force is transmitted by pressure or tension.

It is also conceivable for the connecting means to be formed by a wheel and in particular by a gearwheel which is connected to the actuating element on the one hand and to the functional element on the other and undergoes a rotational movement when the actuating element is actuated. 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. It is conceivable that this unit consists of several segments connected to one another by flexible connecting sections. 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 deforming of the seal.

The connecting means can also be formed by an electrical or electronic component. Signal transmission is possible, e.g. from a sensor to the functional element. In this case, a control or regulating unit can be interposed, which receives the signal from the sensor and, if necessary, forwards it after processing in such a way that the functional element is activated.

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 cover or a flap etc. The seal is preferably located on the closure element and the surface on which the seal rests when the closure element is closed is on the body.

In order to create a particularly good and fast-acting pressure equalization option, it can be provided that the device has several pressure equalization units which act on the seal at different points.

Further details and advantages of the invention are 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:

Figure 1:

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

Figure 2:

perspective views of the pressure compensation unit of the invention,

Figure 3 - 7:

different embodiments of pressure compensation units according to the invention,

Figure 8:

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

Figure 9:

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

Figure 10:

2 shows a perspective view of the pressure compensation unit in the actuated state, ie in the second position of the tappet,

Figure 11:

a perspective, partially cutaway view of the pressure compensation unit according Figure 10 and

Figure 12:

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

Figure 1 shows a sectional view through 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 located largely or completely in the insulation area, that is to say in the foam or other heat insulation of the device body 100, in order to minimize cold spots.

Figure 1 shows the position of the door of 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 plunger 30 is arranged to be movable back and forth in the mechanical housing 60, which is arranged in the outer housing 70 of the pressure compensation unit. The same applies to the functional tappet 40, which corresponds to the door in the closed first position Figure 1 communicates with the seal 20 of the door 10 or adjoins it without exerting any force thereon. In this state, the functional tappet is flush with the edge or surface of the body 100, against which the seal 20 rests in the closed state of the door.

How this continues Figure 1 a rocker 50 is provided, which can be pivoted or rotated about the fixed pivot point 51. This rocker or lever 50 is formed in one piece with the actuating plunger 30 and with the functional plunger 40. The connecting areas are formed by the webs 32 and 42, the web 42 serving to exert a pulling force on the plunger 40 from the rocker 50, which pulls the plunger in. The reference numerals 31 and 41 denote pressure lugs via which a force acting in the direction of extension of the plunger is applied to the plunger by the rocker 50 or via which a force is applied from the plunger 30 to the rocker 50. The pressure lugs 31, 41 are in the pressurized state or in the installation situation according to FIG Figure 1 with corresponding counter surfaces 52, 53 of the rocker 50 in connection.

The basic function of in Figure 1 Pressure compensation unit shown is that the movement of the door is used to at least partially achieve a pressure compensation or to reduce the negative pressure prevailing in the cooled interior, preferably without this User intervention is required. This door movement is caused 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 towards the body 100. This movement is reversed by a fulcrum 51.

As stated above, when the refrigerator or freezer is closed by a user, the inner door 10 rests on the actuating plunger. As a result of a negative pressure, the door 10 is pulled towards the body, that is to say the door 10 moves in accordance with Figure 1 down and thus presses the actuating plunger 30 in accordance with Figure 1 downward. The door thus moves over the path s to the body.

The associated pushing in of the plunger 30 is transmitted to the rocker 50 via the pressure lug 31 and the counter surface 51, that is to say the rocker 50 rotates about the point 51 in accordance with Figure 1 clockwise. This movement is transmitted via the surface 53 and the pressure lug 41 to the functional tappet 40, which in accordance with Figure 1 is moved upward and thus presses the seal 20 in the area of the plunger 40 away from the counter surface, ie from the actual sealing contact surface on the body. This sealing contact surface, which results 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 counter surface on the body 100, through which air can flow into the cooled interior from the surroundings of the device.

This inflow of air leads to a reduction in the negative pressure 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 a spring made in one piece with the rocker 50. This spring is tensioned when the plunger 30 is retracted and the plunger 40 is extended.

If the vacuum in the cooled interior thus decreases, the spring 65 causes the rocker 50 to return to its position in FIG Figure 1 position shown is moved back and the plunger 30 rests against the inner door 10, but without or largely without the transmission of a force from the door to the plunger 30.

The sealing pressure exerted by the functional tappet 40 can be suitably adjusted by the transmission ratio L1 to L2.

If the pressure has been largely or completely equalized, the arrangement moves accordingly Figure 1 back into the Figure 1 Function or position shown back in which the plunger and the door assume their first position.

In order to obtain an inexpensive assembly, all movement functions, that is to say the rocker 50 or the lever 50, the plunger 30, 40 and the spring 65 are preferably implemented in one part.

When swiveling back from the in Figure 1 Not shown second position in the illustrated first position of the plunger 30, 40, a tensile force is exerted on the plunger 40 via the pull web 42, which pulls the plunger back into the position shown in FIG Figure 1 withdrawn position shown.

Such a tie bar is not necessary for the plunger 30, since the force that pushes it in is effected by the door 10. Thus, the reference numeral 32 does not identify a train web, but a connecting web.

Figure 2a shows the rocker with the plungers in a perspective view in the non-installed state. Due to the manufacturing process, both plungers 30, 40 are inclined relative to the rocker 50 like this Figure 2a emerges. A cross-sectional weakening ensures the flexibility of the entire component, in particular in the area of the webs 32, 42.

When installed according to Figure 2b there is contact between the pressure lugs 31, 41 (O-gap) and the web 50 or the counterparts 52, 53.

A pressure force transmission can thus take place when the arrangement is actuated.

Like this already in Figure 1 was carried out, the reference numeral 65 denotes a spring, for example a plastic spring, which is biased and / or biased as a result of the actuation of the actuating plunger 30. The actuating plunger 30 is reset after the vacuum compensation by the spring restoring force until the actuating plunger 30 has a largely or completely weak contact with the inner door 10. Instead of the spring arranged in one piece, any other spring designed as a separate element is also conceivable.

The Figures 3 to 7 show alternative approaches, the same or functionally identical components are identified with the same reference numerals as in the Figures 1 and 2nd .

According to Figure 3 two individual plungers 30, 40 are used and a gear or gear segment 80 which reverses the linear movement of the plungers. This means that an insertion movement of the plunger 30 leads to a rotation of the gear 80 and this causes the plunger 40 to be pushed out. In order to generate a return movement, it can be provided that the gear 80 is prestressed in the direction of rotation.

Figure 3 , left illustration shows the position before closing and Figure 3 , the illustration on the right shows the position when pressure equalization. In this position, the plunger 40 acts on the seal 20 and compresses it.

Figure 4 shows an arrangement with two individual plungers 30, 40, which are preferably articulated via a rocker with a plug connection. The rocker 90 is pivotably arranged about a fixed pivot point. Figure 4 , left representation shows the arrangement after closing the door and Figure 4, middle representation when pressure equalization. Figure 4 The right-hand illustration shows a schematic side or sectional view through the plungers 30, 40 and clarifies that the rocker 90 is inserted into recesses in the plungers 30, 40 in such a way that a rotational movement of the plungers 30, 40 relative to the rocker 90 is possible is.

The embodiment according to Figure 5 comprises a flexible middle part 200, which consists of a pull / pressure transmitting articulated unit. Like this Figure 5 emerges, the unit has segments which are connected to one another by flexible intermediate pieces. By pushing the actuating plunger 30, the flexible unit 200 is pushed along a predetermined path, which can be designed as a channel or tube, that is to say a compressive force is transmitted to the functional plunger 40. The functional plunger 40 thus follows this movement according to the displacement principle.

Figure 5 , left representation shows the arrangement after closing by a user and Figure 5 , the right illustration shows the arrangement for pressure equalization.

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

The actuation of the actuating plunger 30 by the door 10 when the negative pressure occurs leads to a movement of the liquid or gas column from right to left and thus to an extension of the functional plunger 40. This acts on the seal 20, so that 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 shown in Figure 7 is shown. In this case, the actuating element 220 is formed by a sensor, such as a proximity sensor, which transmits a signal to a control or regulating unit 240 via a line 230. Depending on the signal, this causes the actuation of the actuator 250, which can be driven electrically or also magnetically and then acts on the seal 200, via a further line.

Figure 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 number 40 denotes the function tappet and the reference number 30 denotes the actuating tappet.

Figure 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 necessary because this has already taken place. This state also arises immediately after a user closes the door.

Like this Figure 8 emerges, the functional plunger 40 is flush with the adjoining surfaces, so that a smooth surface is formed which serves as a sealing contact surface.

The housing of the in Figure 8 unit shown can be designed as a mechanical housing and z. B. be made in two parts.

Figure 9 shows that again Figure 1 elements of the pressure compensation unit already described in the non-actuated state, whereby in order to avoid repetitions on the statements according to Figure 1 is referred.

Out Figure 9 it can be seen particularly clearly that the spring 65 rests on a surface, which has the consequence that when the rocker 50 is deflected via the spring 65, a counterforce is exerted on the rocker, which leads to a return movement of the rocker.

If the inner door is pulled towards the body due to the negative pressure, the actuating plunger 30 is pressed partially or completely into the housing, as shown in FIG Figure 10 is shown. The functional tappet 40 is pushed out via the aforementioned rocker construction or another mechanical or electrical or electronic connection. As a result, the seal, which must now run over the raised plunger 40, clears one or more gaps between the seal itself and the sealing contact surface, which changes in position according to Figure 8 results. Air can flow into the cooled interior through this gap and the vacuum is partially or completely reduced. This vacuum reduction leads to the fact that the force of the door on the actuating plunger decreases, so that a reset in the Figure 8 shown position can take place in which there is again a smooth or flat sealing surface.

Figure 11 shows the opposite Figure 9 the rocker 50 was rotated when the inner door was actuated. The force of the spring 65 causes the plunger 30, 40 to return to the first position from this second position Figure 9 takes place when the door no longer exerts force on the actuating plunger 30.

Figure 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 an area of the body and is therefore in the foam on its side facing away from the door. The assembly 70 or the outer housing can have an outwardly projecting flange, which forms a sealing surface with a counterpart of the body, so that an escape of foam is prevented.

Figure 12 shows the arrangement in the first position of the plunger, in which the door 10 does not exert any force on the actuating plunger 30. Accordingly, the seal 20 lies completely and circumferentially on a counter surface of the body and is not lifted off by the functional tappet 40.

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

In principle, the vacuum compensation unit can be used at any position around the seal. In order to intensify or accelerate the desired pressure compensation effect, it can also be provided that several vacuum compensation units are used.

Claims (14)

1. Refrigerator and/or freezer comprising
   an appliance body (100),
   a cooled interior, which is located in the appliance body (100),
   a closure element (10) for closing the cooled interior,
   a seal (20) on the closure element (10) or on the body (100) in order to seal the cooled interior, and
   a pressure-equalizing unit, which comprises an actuation element (30), a functional element (40) and a connection means (50) connecting the actuation element (30) to the functional element (40),
   characterized in that
   the closure element (10) is in a first position after being closed and is in a second position after subsequently forming a negative pressure in the cooled interior, and
   the actuation element (30) is arranged such that, when the closure element (10) transitions from the first position into the second position, it brings about a movement of the functional element (40), which raises the seal (20) from the body (100) or the closure element (10) in the process;
   if the negative pressure is largely or completely relieved, the closure element (10) moves away from the appliance body (100) again such that no force or only little force is exerted on the actuation element (30), which results in the actuation element (30) being moved or switched into its initial position again, and the same applies to the functional element (40).
2. Refrigerator and/or freezer according to claim 1, characterized in that the functional element (40) and/or the actuation element (30) are designed as tappets.
3. Refrigerator and/or freezer according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection means (50) is designed as a rocker which is movable about a fulcrum (51) which separates the rocker into two sides, the rocker being connected to the actuation element (30) on one side and to the functional element (40) on the other side.
4. Refrigerator and/or freezer according to claim 3, characterized in that the rocker is integrally connected to the actuation element (30) and to the functional element (40), respectively, via a connection bar (32, 42) and in that the rocker and/or the actuation element (30) and/or the functional element (40) comprise a pressure bar (31, 41), by means of which force is transmitted.
5. Refrigerator and/or freezer according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a return means (65) is provided which is designed such that it moves the actuation element (30) and the functional element (40) from the second position back into the first position.
6. Refrigerator and/or freezer according to claim 5, characterized in that the return means (65) is a spring or a resilient element which is arranged on the actuation element (30), the functional element (40) or the connection means (50) or acts on one or more thereof, or in that the return means (65) is an electrical or electronic component.
7. Refrigerator and/or freezer according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection means (50), the actuation element (30) and the functional element (40) are integral parts of a single component or are designed as separate parts.
8. Refrigerator and/or freezer according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection means (50) is formed by a wheel (80), and in particular by a toothed wheel.
9. Refrigerator and/or freezer according to any of the preceding claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the connection means (50) consists of a flexibly deformable unit (200), it preferably being provided that the unit consists of a plurality of segments interconnected by flexible connection portions.
10. Refrigerator and/or freezer according to any of the preceding claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the connection means (50) consists of a fluid (210).
11. Refrigerator and/or freezer according to any of the preceding claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the connection means (50) is formed by an electrical or electronic component.
12. Refrigerator and/or freezer according to claim 11, characterized in that the actuation element (30) is formed by a sensor (220) and in that the functional element (40) is formed by an actuator (240), which is preferably electrically or magnetically operated.
13. Refrigerator and/or freezer according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure-equalizing unit is arranged in the closure element (10) or in the body (100) of the appliance.
14. Refrigerator and/or freezer according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the appliance comprises a plurality of pressure-equalizing units.

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