Patent Publication Number: US-7895858-B2

Title: Modular refrigerating appliance

Description:
The invention relates to a modular refrigerating appliance comprising a first planar heat-insulating element and additional planar heat-insulating elements which are joined to one another and can also be detached from one another again and, when joined, form a housing of the refrigerating appliance. The refrigerating appliance also has a cooling air circuit which comprises an evaporator, a condenser and a compressor and which is mounted on the first planar heat-insulating element. 
     Such a modular refrigerating appliance is disclosed, for example, in DE 84 15 798 U1. This modular refrigerating appliance consists of two replaceable lateral walls, a rear wall, a ceiling wall, a bottom wall and a front door which are fastened to each other by fastening and joining means. The lateral walls, the rear wall, the ceiling wall and the bottom wall are each manufactured as a complete unit, are fixed to each by means of screws, for example, and form the housing of the refrigerating appliance. A compressor, a condenser, a thermostat and a throttle valve of the refrigerating appliance are all fastened to the rear wall, the condenser being mounted on the flat outer surface of the rear wall. Because the condenser is fastened to the flat outer surface of the rear wall it projects and may therefore be damaged relatively easily, particularly during transport of the rear wall. 
     The object of this invention is therefore to construct a modular refrigerating appliance in such a manner that the possibility of damage to the cooling circuit and, in particular the evaporator and condenser, is reduced in during transport of the rear wall of the modular refrigerating appliance. 
     The object of the invention is achieved by a modular refrigerating appliance comprising a first planar heat-insulating element and additional planar heat-insulating elements which can be joined to one another and detached from one another again, and which, when joined, form a housing of the refrigerating appliance, and also having a cooling circuit which comprises an evaporator, a condenser and a compressor and which is mounted on the first planar heat-insulating element, characterised in that solely by the construction of the first planar heat-insulating element at least the condenser is, at least in part, mechanically protected on its surface facing away from the first planar heat-insulating element. The modular refrigerating appliance according to the invention is designed, in particular, to be delivered to an end consumer or an end user in the non-assembled, i.e. dismantled condition, so that he or she is able to assemble the planar heat-insulating elements, which comprise, for example, two lateral elements, a bottom element, a ceiling element and a rear wall, to form a functional refrigerating appliance. However, planar heat-insulating elements may also be a combination of a lateral element and a ceiling element, for example, i.e. a planar heat-insulating element is part of the housing of the refrigerating appliance. The individual planar heat-insulating elements and, in particular, the first planar heat-insulating element, advantageously comprise an inner lining and an outer lining which enclose a cavity filled with a heat-insulating material. Because at least the condenser is mechanically protected solely by the construction of the first heat-insulating element, the risk of damage to the condenser, in particular, during transport of the rear wall is reduced. Because the entire cooling circuit is mounted on the first heat-insulating element, the circuit can already be filled with the required refrigerant, tested and delivered in a functional condition before delivery of the individual planar heat-insulating elements. 
     The condenser is protected extremely well when it is provided according to a preferred embodiment of the modular refrigerating appliance according to the intention in which is integrated the first planar element. This embodiment enables the outer surface of the first planar element, which then preferably represents the rear wall of the housing, to be of a smooth construction, which also reduces the risk of injury during transport of the first planar element. Since the condenser is integrated inside the first planar element, it is also protected from contamination. 
     According to a further variant of the modular refrigerating appliance according to the invention the condenser is in heat-conducting contact with the outer lining of the first planar element and/or is joined by foaming to the heat insulating material of the first planar element. Conditions are therefore provided for relatively good dissipation of heat from the condenser to the outside air during operation of the refrigerating appliance. 
     According to a further embodiment of the modular refrigerating appliance according to the invention the first planar element is provided on the outwardly directed lateral surface with an indentation whose depth is greater than the thickness of the condenser, and which is arranged in the condenser. Because the indentation is designed deeper than the thickness of the condenser, it is possible to fasten the condenser to the first planar element, which is preferably the rear wall, in such a manner that the condenser does not project from the indentation. The edging of the indentation therefore protects the condenser from mechanical damage. The condenser can be varnished on its visible side and an additional protective player layer can further protect the condenser from damage. An additional lining, which at least partially covers the indentation, can also provide improved protection of the condenser. 
     According to a preferred embodiment of the modular refrigerating appliance according to the invention the indentation is an open channel running along the rear wall. 
     According to a variant of the refrigerating appliance according to the invention a so- called wire needle, roll bond or tube-on-plate condenser is used as the condenser. Tube- on-plate heat transmitters comprise, for example, meandering metal and bent tubes which are connected by various technologies to a metal plate. Here the fitted metal plate may act as a rib and serve to transfer heat to the inner wall of the rear wall. Tube-on-plate late heat transmitters are sometimes also referred to as hot-wall heat transmitters. 
     According to a variant of the refrigerating appliance according to the invention the first planar element comprises a recess in which the compressor is fastened. If the first planar element is the rear wall, it can be designed very compactly if the recess is arranged in the lower region of the rear wall. The size of the recess is preferably adapted to the spatial expansions of the compressor. To enable the compressor to discharge exhaust heat to the area surrounding the assembled refrigerating appliance the recess is accessible from the outside of the housing according to an embodiment of the refrigerating appliance according to the invention. Since the compressor is fastened in the recess it does not project from the rear wall surrounding the recess, which means that the compressor is also protected from damage solely by the construction of the rear wall. 
     According to a further variant of the modular refrigerating appliance according to the invention the indentation at its lower end opens into the recess, thereby enabling air to flow upwards from the recess through the channel and cool the condenser. 
     According to a further advantageous embodiment of the modular refrigerating appliance according to the invention the condenser, which is preferably a spiral condenser, a tube-on-plate condenser or a wound wire tube condenser, is arranged in the recess. 
     According to a further embodiment of the modular refrigerating appliance according to the invention a ventilating device assigned to the condenser is provided for improved cooling of the condenser. The ventilating device can be arranged at the lower end of the indentation and/or in the recess. The ventilating device is a fan, for example. The ventilating device enables the condenser to be designed as small as possible, which also reduces the expansion of the indentation, for example. 
     The evaporator is particularly well protected when it is integrated in the first planar element, which is preferably the rear wall, as provided for according to a preferred embodiment of the modular refrigerating appliance according to the invention. This embodiment enables the inner surface of the first planar element to be designed smooth, thereby also reducing the risk of injury during transport of the first planar element. Since the evaporator is integrated within the first planar element it is also protected from contamination. 
     According to a further variant of the modular refrigerating appliance according to the invention the evaporator is in heat-conducting contact with the inner lining of the first planar element and/or is joined by foam to the heat insulating material of the first planar element. Conditions are therefore created for relatively good cooling of the housing of the refrigerating appliance. 
     According to a variant of the refrigerating appliance according to the invention a so-called roll-bond or tube-on-plate condenser is used as the evaporator. If tube-on-plate heat transmitters are also used both for the evaporator and for the condenser, they may be the same for the evaporator and condenser, which may in turn reduce the production costs of the refrigerating appliance according to the invention. 
     Alternatively a so-called lamellar evaporator in particular may also be used. A fan is preferably assigned to this evaporator. 
     In addition to the cooling circuit, a refrigerating appliance also comprises electronic components such as a regulating device for maintaining a theoretical temperature inside the refrigerating appliance. If the electricity for these electronic components is supplied from the rear wall, as provided for according to a further variant of the refrigerating appliance according to the invention, the cost of the electricity supply for the entire refrigerating appliance can be minimised and the refrigerating appliance can be designed as compactly as possible. 
     The refrigerating appliance according to the invention is provided in particular for being assembled by a customer himself, at home for example. In addition to a mechanical connection of the planar heat-insulating elements, it may also be necessary, according to the design, possibly to make electrical connections, e.g. an electrical cable from the refrigerating control to the cooling circuit. Such an electrical connection may be made relatively easily when, according to a preferred embodiment of the refrigerating appliance, an electrical contact device is integrated in the rear wall, which device electrically contacts an electrical counter-contact device integrated in this planar heat-insulating element automatically during the mechanical connection of the rear wall to a further planar heat-insulating element. Such a contact/counter-contact device is, for example, an electrical plug-socket connection. To ensure that the refrigerating appliance according to the invention has as few electrical connection points as possible, both the electricity supply for the electronic components and electrical control signals from the electronic components to the cooling circuit may be conducted by means of the electrical contact/counter-contact device. 
     If, according to a further variant of the refrigerating appliance according to the invention, all the electrical components are combined to form a single electronic unit, the number of electrical cables is reduced. The electronic components comprise, for example, a temperature sensor, the temperature electronics, a setting device for setting the theoretical temperature, or a lighting device for illuminating the interior of the housing. The electronic unit may, for example, be fastened to an inner side of one of the planar heat-insulating elements so that it is only accessible when the door of the refrigerating appliance is open. The electronic unit is suitably fastened to the ceiling element or to one of the lateral elements. In order to reduce the electricity consumption of the refrigerating appliance according to the invention, it may be advantageous for the lighting device to be switched on when the door of the refrigerating appliance is open and switched off when it is closed. The lighting device is switched on and off with a door opening switch, for example. 
     In order to reduce the cost of laying the electrical cables, for example, a channel for feeding through an electrical cable is integrated in at least one of the planar heat-insulating elements according to a further variant of the refrigerating appliance according to the invention. This channel may, for example, take the form of an empty tube or may also be provided for making a cooling circuit connection. The channel is advantageously laid in the planar heat-insulating element to which the electronic unit is also fastened. It is particularly advantageous for one of the channel to lead to the electronic unit and the other end of the channel to the counter-contact device, so that both the electricity supply for the electronic unit and the electrical cable for the electrical control signals transmitted from the electronic unit for the cooling circuit can be fed in the same channel. This results in a relatively clear, simple electrical cable routing. It is also advantageous for the channel to run in the rear wall and for one end of the channel to terminate at the electrical contact device so that the electricity supply for the electronic unit and the electrical cable for the electrical control signals transmitted from the electronic unit for the cooling circuit are in turn fed in this channel. 
     According to a further embodiment of the modular refrigerating appliance according to the invention, this appliance comprises a support device for receiving an inner device of the refrigerating appliance, which is part of the inner lining. A support device is, for example, a ribbed area for receiving shelves. The support device is preferably produced during a drawing or injection process for the inner lining surrounding the heat insulating material. In this embodiment the refrigerating appliance according to the invention is designed so that functional characteristics, e.g. the refrigerating appliance for receiving the shelf, are immanent. This renders an additional fastening of retaining parts for receiving added or equipment parts superfluous. 
    
    
     
       Exemplary embodiments of modular refrigerating appliances according to the invention are represented by way of example in the following diagrammatic figures, in which; 
         FIG. 1  shows a first exemplary embodiment of a modular refrigerating appliance when assembled, 
         FIG. 2  shows the rear wall with the cooling circuit of the refrigerating appliance shown in  FIG. 1 , 
         FIG. 3  shows the ceiling element with an electronic unit of the refrigerating appliance shown in  FIG. 1 , 
         FIG. 4  shows the rear wall and the bottom element when detached from each other, 
         FIG. 5  shows the rear wall and the bottom element, when joined together, 
         FIG. 6  shows the rear wall, with the bottom element connected to it, and the ceiling element detached from it, 
         FIG. 7  shows the finish assembled housing of the refrigerating appliance, 
         FIG. 8  shows the housing and a door of the refrigerating appliance when not assembled, 
         FIG. 9  shows the housing of the refrigerating appliance with partially assembled door, 
         FIG. 10  shows an oblique view of a rear wall of a second exemplary embodiment of a modular refrigerating appliance, 
         FIG. 11  shows a side view of the rear wall shown in  FIG. 10 , 
         FIG. 12  shows a side view of a rear wall of a third exemplary embodiment of a modular refrigerating appliance, 
         FIG. 13  shows an oblique view of the rear wall shown in  FIG. 12 , 
         FIGS. 14 and 15  show oblique views of a rear wall of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a modular refrigerating appliance, 
         FIG. 16  shows a side view of a modular refrigerating appliance according to a fifth embodiment when assembled, 
         FIG. 17  shows a rear view of the modular refrigerating appliance shown in  FIG. 16 , 
         FIG. 18  shows a side view of a modular refrigerating appliance according to a sixth embodiment when assembled, and 
         FIG. 19  shows a rear view of the modular refrigerating appliance shown in  FIG. 18 . 
     
    
    
       FIG. 1  shows a first exemplary embodiment of a modular refrigerating appliance KG 1  according to the invention when assembled and ready for operation. In the case of this exemplary embodiment, refrigerating appliance KG 1  comprises two lateral walls  2  and  3 , a ceiling element  4 , a bottom element  5 , a rear wall  6  and a door  7  which have been assembled together to form refrigerating appliance KG 1 . In this exemplary embodiment both lateral walls  2  and  3 , ceiling element  4 , bottom element  5  and rear wall  6  form housing G 1  of refrigerating appliance KG 1 , which can be sealed with door  7 . An inner device of refrigerating appliance KG 1 , e.g. drawers or shelves, are not shown in further detail in the figures. However, a ribbed area R for receiving shelves is shown. In the case of this exemplary embodiment ribbed area R was manufactured during a drawing or injection process of the inner lining of lateral walls  2  and  3  surrounding a heat-insulating material. Both lateral walls  2  and  3 , ceiling element  4 , bottom element  5 , rear wall  6  and door  7  are connected to one another so that they can also be detached from each other. 
     Both lateral walls  2  and  3 , ceiling element  4 , bottom element  5 , rear wall  6  and door  7  are designed as planar heat-insulating elements and in this exemplary embodiment each comprise an inner and outer lining which surround a cavity filled with a heat-insulating material. In this exemplary embodiment the heat-insulating material is an insulating foam  12 .  FIG. 2  shows in greater detail, by way of example, rear wall  6  with its inner lining  6   a  and its outer lining  6   b.    
     Furthermore, the entire cooling circuit of refrigerating appliance KG 1  is fastened to rear wall  6 . The cooling circuit comprises essentially an evaporator  8 , a condenser  9  and compressor  10 , pipes connecting evaporator  8 , condenser  9  and compressor  10 , not shown in detail in the figures, and a refrigerant, not shown in detail. Both evaporator  8  and condenser  9 , which in this exemplary embodiment are tube-on-plate heat transmitters of identical construction in this exemplary embodiment, are connected to the insulating foam  12  of rear wall  6 . Evaporator  9  is in heat-conducting contact with inner lining  6   a , and condenser  9  is in heat-conducting contact with outer lining  6   b . Consequently condenser  9  is able to discharge its heat relatively well to the air surrounding refrigerating appliance KG 1 , and evaporator  8  is able to cool the interior of housing G 1  of refrigerating appliance  1  relatively well. Therefore it is also possible to arrange as much insulating foam  12  as possible between evaporator  8  and condenser  9 , as a result of which condenser  9  heats evaporator  8  as little as possible. 
     In this exemplary embodiment rear wall  6  comprises a recess  6   c  arranged in the lower region of rear wall  6 , in which recess compressor  10  is fastened. Recess  6   c  is designed so that it is accessible from outside housing G 1  of refrigerating appliance KG 1 , so that compressor  10  discharges its heat relatively well to the air surrounding housing G 1 . In this exemplary embodiment recess  6   c  does not extend over the entire width of housing G 1 . Compressor  10  is also supplied with electricity by means of mains cable  13 . 
     In this exemplary embodiment the cooling circuit is tested before delivery of the disassembled refrigerating appliance KG 1  and is fully functional, i.e. refrigerating appliance KG 1  is ready for operation as soon as it is assembled and connected to an electricity mains. 
     In this exemplary embodiment refrigerating appliance KG 1  comprises another electronic unit  14  in which all the electronic components of refrigerating appliance KG 1  are assembled. Electronic unit  14  is shown in greater detail in  FIG. 3 . In this exemplary embodiment the electronic components comprise a regulating and control unit, not shown in detail, for regulating the inside temperature of refrigerating appliance KG 1 , a temperature sensor  15  required for this regulation, inputting means  16  for setting the desired theoretical temperature of refrigerating appliance KG 1  and illumination  16   a  for illuminating the interior of housing G 1 . In this exemplary embodiment electronic unit  14  is fastened to the inner surface of ceiling element  4  and comprises a switch  17 , which interacts with door  7  so that illumination  16   a  is switched on when door  7  is open and is switched off when door  7  is closed. 
     In order to regulate the temperature of refrigerating appliance  1 , electronic unit  14  is electrically connected to compressor  10  when refrigerating appliance KG 1  is assembled. In this exemplary embodiment this electrical connection comprises an electrical cable  30  which runs in a channel running in ceiling element  4  of refrigerating appliance KG 1 , which channel is in this exemplary embodiment is an empty tube  31 , an electrical cable  32  which runs in a channel running in rear wall  6 , which channel is in this exemplary embodiment an empty tube  33 , and an electrical contact and counter-contact device, which in this exemplary embodiment is an electrical plug-socket device. Socket  34   a  of the plug-socket device is here fastened to ceiling element  4  and plug  34   b  of the plug-socket device is fastened to rear wall  6 . 
     In this exemplary embodiment empty tube  33  is lathered in insulating foam  12  of rear wall  6  and empty tube  31  is lathered in the insulating foam of ceiling element  4 . The one end of empty tube  31  integrated in ceiling element  4  leads to electronic unit  14 , and the other end of empty tube  31  leads to socket  34   a . The one end of empty tube  33  integrated in rear wall  6  leads to recess  6   c  and the other end of empty tube  33  leads to plug  34   b . Electrical cable  30  running in empty tube  31  electrically connects electronic unit  14  to socket  34   a , electrical cable  32  running in empty tube  33  connects compressor  10  electrically to plug  34   b , and plug  34   b  and socket  34   a  are designed so that when assembled, electronic unit  14  is electrically connected to compressor  10  so that electronic unit  14  activates compressor  10  according to the set theoretical temperature and the actual temperature measured with temperature sensor  15 . 
     An electricity supply provided for electronic unit  14 , in the form of electrical cables  35  and  36 , which are also laid in empty tubes  31  and  33  and are connected to one another by means of the plug-socket device. Power supply  37  required for establishing the low voltage is secured in recess  6   c  of rear wall  6  in this exemplary embodiment. 
     The assembly of refrigerating appliance KG 1  is explained in more detail in the following with reference to  FIGS. 4 to 9 . To obtain housing G 1  of refrigerating appliance  1 , bottom element  5  and rear wall  6  are first connected to furniture fittings  40  in this exemplary embodiment. Furniture fittings  40  are designed so that bottom element  5  and rear wall  6  can also be detached from each, i.e. so that housing G 1  can also be taken apart again. Some of furniture fittings  40  are shown in more detail in  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 4 , together with  FIG. 5 , also illustrate, by way of example, how rear wall  6  and bottom element  5  are connected to one another by means of some of furniture fittings  40 . 
     In this exemplary embodiment furniture fittings  40  each comprise a metal pin  40   a , which is provided with a thread  40   b . In this exemplary embodiment thread  40   b  is screwed into holes  41  predrilled into rear wall  6  with a screwdriver, not shown. One of metal pins  40   a ′ is shown in  FIG. 4  still in the unscrewed condition. The remaining metal pins  40   a  shown in  FIG. 4  are, on the other hand, shown already screwed into rear wall  6 . 
     After metal pins  40   a  have been screwed into rear wall  6 , bottom element  5 , which in this exemplary embodiment comprises predrilled holes  42  corresponding to metal pins  40   a , are fitted to rear wall  6  in the direction of arrows  43  so that metal pins  40   a  screwed in rear wall  6  are inserted into holes  42  of bottom element  5  corresponding to them. Metal pins  40   a  are then provided with lock nuts  40   c , by means of the screwdriver, so that rear wall  6  and bottom element  5  are fixedly connected to one another, as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     After bottom element  5  and rear wall  6  have been fixedly connected to one another by means of furniture fittings  40 , further metal pins  40   a  are screwed into rear wall  6  in holes predrilled for this purpose. These screwed metal pins  40   a  are shown in  FIG. 6  in the screwed condition. Ceiling element  4  is then presented to rear wall  6  in the direction of arrow  50  so that metal pins  40   a  are inserted into holes of ceiling element  4  corresponding to them, not shown in  FIG. 6 . By inserting metal pins  40   a  of rear wall  60  into the holes in ceiling element  4 , socket  34   a  fastened to ceiling element  4  and plug  34   b  fastened to rear wall  6  are also aligned relative to one another so that they are automatically connected when ceiling element  4  and rear wall  6  are joined together, thus enabling the electrical contact to be made between compressor  10  and electronic unit  14 . Finally metal pins  40   a  are also provided with lock nuts  40   c  so that rear wall  6  and ceiling element  4  are fixedly connected to one another. 
     Finally, in order to assembly housing G 1  fully both lateral walls  2  and  3  are also connected to furniture fittings  40 , rear wall  6 , ceiling element  4  and bottom element  5 . The fully assembled housing G 1  is shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     Moreover, two further fittings  70  and  71  are each screwed with two screws  72  to the lower side of housing G 1 . One of fittings  71  is provided with a pin  73  to which door  7  of refrigerating appliance KG 1  can be pivotably fastened. As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , door  7  is first placed on pin  73  of fitting  71  for fastening door  7  to housing G 1 . Door  7  has a suitable hole  74  for this purpose. 
     A further fitting  80  is then screwed on with screws  81  to the upper side of housing G 1 , as can be seen in  FIG. 9 . Fitting  80  comprises a pin  82 , which is inserted into a further hole  83  of door  7 . 
       FIGS. 10 and 11  show a rear wall  106  of a second exemplary embodiment of a modular refrigerating appliance according to the invention. This refrigerating appliance is constructed essentially as modular refrigerating appliance KG 1  shown in  FIGS. 1 to 9 , except for rear wall  106 . Therefore only rear wall  106  of the second exemplary embodiment is explained in more detail below. In this exemplary embodiment rear wall  106  also comprises an inner lining  106   a  and an outer lining  106   b , which surround a cavity filled with a heat-insulating material. IN this exemplary embodiment this heat-insulating material is an insulating foam  1012 . 
     The entire cooling circuit, comprising essentially an evaporator  108 , a condenser  109 , a compressor  1010  and pipes connecting evaporator  108 , condenser  109  and compressor  1010 , shown only in part in the figures, is also fastened to rear wall  106  of the second exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . Evaporator  108 , which is a tube-on-plate heat transmitter in this exemplary embodiment, is joined to insulating foam  1012  in a similar manner to refrigerating appliance KG 1  shown in  FIGS. 1 to 9 , and is in heat-conducting contact with inner lining  106   a.    
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , rear wall  106  comprises an open channel K 1  running on is outside and along rear wall  106 , in which channel condenser  109 , which in this exemplary embodiment is a wire needle condenser, is mounted. The open channel K 1  running along rear wall  106  is designed so deep that condenser  109  does not project from the outside of rear wall  106 . It is therefore possible to cover condenser  109  on the outside with a lining not shown in the figures. In this exemplary example the lining extends as far as the upper side of rear wall  106  and is screwed to rear wall  106 . 
     Just as rear wall  6  of refrigerating appliance KG, rear wall  106  in this exemplary embodiment also comprises a recess  106   c  arranged in the lower region of rear wall  106 , in which recess compressor  1010  is fastened. Recess  106   c  is designed so that it is accessible from outside the housing of the refrigerating appliance according to the second exemplary embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment recess  106   c  extends over the entire width of the housing. Compressor  1010  is also supplied with electricity by means of a mains cable  1013 . Furthermore, open channel K 1 , running along rear wall  106 , extends as far as recess  106   c  and the lining covering channel K 1  extends as far as the upper edge of recess  106   c  in order to cover condenser  109  completely. 
     For better cooling of condenser  109  a fan V 1  is in this exemplary embodiment fastened in recess  106   c  and below open channel K 1  running along rear wall  106 , which fan, when the refrigerating appliance according to the second exemplary embodiment is in operation, blows air from below to condenser  109 . Due to the forced cooling of fan V 1  it is possible to design condenser  109  with relatively small dimensions so that in this exemplary embodiment condenser  109  extends over approximately one third of the width of rear wall  106  and therefore the width of open channel K 1  running along rear wall  106  is also approximately equal to one third of the width of rear wall  106 . 
     Similarly to the case of rear wall  6  of the first exemplary embodiment of modular refrigerating appliance KG 1 , a channel in the form of an empty tube  1033  runs inside rear wall  106  of the refrigerating appliance according to the second exemplary embodiment, in which tube are laid an electrical cable  1032  for activating compressor  1010  and an electrical cable  1036  for supplying electricity to electronic unit  14 . Moreover, a plug  1034   b  is fastened to rear wall  106 , to which plug electrical cables  1032  and  1036  are connected. When assembled, electronic unit  14  is therefore electrically connected to compressor  1010 . Power supply  1037  required for generating the low voltage is in this exemplary embodiment fastened in recess  106   c  of rear wall  106 . 
       FIGS. 12 and 13  show a rear wall  126  according to a third exemplary embodiment of a modular refrigerating appliance according to the invention. This refrigerating appliance is constructed essentially the same as modular refrigerating appliance KG 1  shown in  FIGS. 1 to 9 , except for rear wall  126 , thus only rear wall  126  of the refrigerating appliance according to the third exemplary embodiment will be explained in more detail in the following. In this exemplary embodiment rear wall  126  comprises an inner lining  126   a  and an outer lining  126   b , each of which surrounds a cavity filled with heat-insulating material. In this exemplary embodiment the heat-insulating material is an insulating foam  1212 . 
     The entire cooling circuit is also fastened to rear wall  126  of the third exemplary embodiment of a refrigerating appliance, shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , this circuit comprising essentially an evaporator  128 , a condenser  129 , a compressor  1210  and pipes, represented only partially in the figures, connecting evaporator  128 , condenser  129  and compressor  1210 . Evaporator  128 , which is a tube-on-plate heat transmitter in this exemplary embodiment, is joined by foam to insulating foam  121 , just as evaporators  9  and  109  of the two refrigerating appliances according to the first and second exemplary embodiments, and is in heat-conducting contact with inner lining  126   a.    
     Similarly to rear wall  6  of refrigerating appliance KG 1 , rear wall  106  comprises in this exemplary embodiment a recess  126   c  arranged in the lower region of rear wall  136 , in which recess compressor  1210  and condenser  129  are fastened. However, in this exemplary embodiment recess  126   c  extends over the entire width of the housing of the refrigerating appliance according to the third exemplary embodiment. Compressor  1210  is also supplied with electricity by means of a mains cable  1213 . 
     Condenser  129  is in this exemplary embodiment a spiral condenser which is force cooled with a fan V 2 . 
     Similarly to rear wall  6  of the first exemplary embodiment of modular refrigerating appliance KG 1 , a channel runs inside rear wall  126  in the form of an empty tube  1233  in which are laid an electrical cable  1232  for activating compressor  1210  and an electrical cable  1236  for supplying electronic unit  14  with electricity. Moreover, a plug  1234   b , to which electrical cables  1232  and  1236  are connected, is fastened to rear wall  126 . When assembled electronic unit  14  is therefore electrically connected to compressor  1210 . Power supply  1237  required to generate the low voltage is in this exemplary embodiment fastened in recess  126   c  of rear wall  126 . 
       FIGS. 14 and 15  show a rear wall  146  of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a modular refrigerating appliance according to the invention. This refrigerating appliance is essentially of the same construction as modular refrigerating appliance KG 1  shown in  FIGS. 1 to 9 , except for rear wall  146 , thus only rear wall  146  of the fourth exemplary embodiment is explained in more detail in the following. Similarly to rear walls  6 ,  106  and  126  of the exemplary embodiments described above, rear wall  146  comprises in this exemplary embodiment an inner lining and an outer lining, not shown in more detail in the figures, which linings surround a cavity filled with a heat-insulating material, not shown in further detail either. In this exemplary embodiment the heat-insulating material is an insulating foam. 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , rear wall  146  comprises an open channel  2  running on its outside and along rear wall  146 , in which channel is mounted a condenser  19 , which in this exemplary embodiment is a wire needle condenser. Open channel  2  running along rear wall  146  is designed so deep that condenser  149  does not project from the outside of rear wall  146 . It is therefore possible to cover condenser  149  on the outside with a lining not shown in the figures. In this exemplary embodiment the lining extends as far as the upper side of rear wall  146  and is screwed to rear wall  146 . 
     Unlike condenser  109  of the second exemplary embodiment, condenser  149  is not force cooled in the fourth exemplary embodiment, which is why condenser  149  is designed with larger dimensions than condenser  109  in the second exemplary embodiment and extends approximately over the entire width of rear wall  149 . Channel K 2  therefore also extends approximately over the entire width of rear wall  149 . Alternatively, however, condenser  149  of the fourth exemplary embodiment may also be force cooled with a fan, just as condenser  149  in the second exemplary embodiment. 
     Rear wall  146  also comprises, in this exemplary embodiment, a recess  146   c  in which is fastened a compressor  1410 . Recess  146   c  extends in this exemplary embodiment over approximately half the entire width of rear wall  146 . Recess  1462  is designed so that it is accessible from outside the housing of the refrigerating appliance according to the fourth exemplary embodiment. Compressor  1410  is also supplied with electricity by means of a mains cable  1413 . 
     The cooling circuit in the fourth exemplary embodiment comprises a lamellar evaporator  148  with a fan integrated in the upper part of lamellar evaporator  148 . Lamellar evaporator  148 , with the fan, is also secured in recess  146   c  on rear wall  146 , as shown in  FIG. 15 . When the refrigerating appliance in the fourth exemplary embodiment is assembled, lamellar evaporator  148  is arranged inside the housing of this refrigerating appliance. The air to be cooled when the refrigerating appliance ready for use is in operation is sucked in through openings underneath lamellar evaporator  148 . The fan of lamellar evaporator  148  blows the air cooled by lamellar evaporator  148  back into the interior of the housing. 
     Similarly to rear wall  6  in the first exemplary embodiment of modular refrigerating appliance KG 1 , a channel not shown, runs inside rear wall  146  in the form of an empty tube in which are laid an electrical cable for activating compressor  1410  and an electrical cable for supplying electronic unit  14  with electricity. Moreover, a plug, not shown in more detail, to which the electrical cables are connected, is fastened to rear wall  146 . When assembled, electronic unit  14  is therefore electrically connected to compressor  1410 . The power supply required for generating the low voltage is in this exemplary embodiment fastened in recess  146   c  of rear wall  146 , and is not shown in more detail either. 
       FIGS. 16 and 17  show a fifth exemplary embodiment of a modular refrigerating appliance KG 5  when assembled. Refrigerating appliance KG 5  comprises in this exemplary embodiment two lateral walls  162  and  163 , a ceiling element  164 , a bottom element  165 , a rear wall  166 , a door  167  and a base element S 1 , which have been assembled to form refrigerating appliance KG 1 . Both lateral walls  162  and  163 , ceiling element  164 , bottom element  165 , rear wall  166  and base element S 1  form in this exemplary embodiment housing G 5  of refrigerating appliance KG 5 , which can be sealed with door  167 . An inner device of refrigerating appliance KG 1 , e.g. drawers or shelves, are not shown in further detail in the figures. Refrigerating appliance KG 5  also comprises a ribbed area, not shown in more detail, similar to ribbed area R of refrigerating appliance KG 1  shown in  FIGS. 1 to 9 . Both lateral walls  162  and  163 , ceiling element  164 , bottom element  165 , rear wall  166 , base element S 1  and door  16  are connected to one another so that they can again be detached from one another. 
     Both lateral walls  162  and  163 , ceiling element  164 , bottom element  165 , rear wall  166 , base element S and door  167  are designed as planar heat-insulating elements and in this exemplary embodiment each comprise an inner and an outer lining which surround a cavity filled with a heat-insulating material. 
     Base element S is constructed similarly to recess  106   c  of the refrigerating appliance according to the second exemplary embodiment. A compressor  1610  and a spiral condenser  169 , which is force cooled dynamically with a fan V 3 , is fastened in base element S. 
     The cooling circuit of refrigerating appliance KG 5  comprises a lamellar evaporator  168 , which is fastened to base element S. When refrigerating appliance KG 5  is assembled, lamellar evaporator  168  is arranged inside housing G 5 . The air to be cooled in the operation of the ready to use refrigerating appliance KG 5  is sucked in through openings on the front side of lamellar evaporator  168 . For uniform air distribution these openings should be formed so that the flow resistance is at its maximum in the centre and decreases towards the outside. A radial fan V 4  deflects the air horizontally sucked in to a vertical discharge with little loss in this exemplary embodiment. In addition, an air distributor device L 1  is provided in this exemplary embodiment which distributes the cold air of lamellar evaporator  168  through openings Ö 1  in air distributor device L 1  into the interior of housing G 5 . 
       FIGS. 18 and 19  show a sixth exemplary embodiment of a modular refrigerating appliance KG 6  when assembled. In this exemplary embodiment refrigerating appliance KG 6  comprises two lateral walls  182  and  183 , a ceiling element  184 , a bottom element  185 , a rear wall  186  and a door  187 , which have been assembled to form refrigerating appliance KG 6 . Both lateral walls  182  and  183 , ceiling element  184 , bottom element  185  and rear wall  186  form in this exemplary embodiment housing G 6  of refrigerating appliance KG 6 , which can be sealed with door  187 . An inner device of refrigerating appliance KG 6 , e.g. drawers or shelves, are not shown in more detail in the figures. Refrigerating appliance KG 6  also comprises a ribbed area, not shown in more detail, similar to ribbed area R of refrigerating appliance KG 1  shown in  FIGS. 1 to 9 . Both lateral walls  182  and  183 , ceiling element  184 , bottom element  185 , rear wall  186  and door  187  are connected to one another so that they can also be detached from one another again. 
     Both lateral walls  182  and  183 , ceiling element  184 , bottom element  185 , rear wall  186  and door  187  are designed as planar heat-insulating elements and in this exemplary embodiment each comprise an inner an outer lining which surround a cavity filled with a heat-insulating material. 
     Bottom element  185  comprises, in its rear section, a recess  185   c , which is constructed similarly to base element S of refrigerating appliance KG 5 . A compressor  1810  and a spiral condenser  189 , which is dynamically force cooled with fan V 5 , is fastened in recess  185   c . The cooling circuit of refrigerating appliance KG 6  comprises a lamellar evaporator  188 , which is fastened to bottom element  185 . When refrigerating appliance KG 6  is assembled, lamellar evaporator  188  is arranged inside housing G 6 . The air to be cooled when ready to use refrigerating appliance KG 6  is in operation is sucked in through openings on the front side of lamellar evaporator  188 . For uniform air distribution these openings should be formed so that the flow resistance is at its maximum in the centre and decreases towards the outside. In this exemplary embodiment a radial fan V 6  deflects the air horizontally sucked in to a vertical discharge with little loss. IN addition, an air distributor device L 2  is provided in this exemplary embodiment which distributes the cold air of lamellar evaporator  188  through openings Ö 2  in air distributor device L 2  into the interior of housing G 6