Method for operating refrigeration device and refrigeration device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (10) for operating a refrigeration device (12), in which a pressure in an interior (18) of the refrigeration device (12) is detected in at least one detection step (14) by means of at least one sensor unit (16) and the detected pressure is evaluated in at least one evaluation step (20), in particular by means of at least one evaluation unit (22) of the refrigeration device (12). In order to provide a similar method (10) with improved properties in terms of user comfort and / or use efficiency, it is suggested that in the at least one analysis step (20), in particular by means of an evaluation unit (22) of the refrigeration device (12), the door slot is identified as a function of the detected pressure. The invention further relates to refrigeration equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating a refrigeration device and a refrigeration device. Background Technology

[0002] From the prior art, such as EP4172542A1, a method for operating a refrigeration device is known, wherein in at least one detection step, in particular by at least one sensor unit of the refrigeration device, pressure within the internal space of the refrigeration device is detected, and in at least one analysis step, the detected pressure is evaluated by at least one evaluation unit of the refrigeration device, and in said at least one analysis step, the open and / or closed state of the internal space of the refrigeration device is identified solely based on the detected pressure. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The objective of this invention is, in particular but not limited to, providing a similar method that offers improved characteristics in terms of user comfort and / or efficiency. This objective is achieved according to the invention through features of preferred technical solutions, while advantageous configurations and further improvements of the invention can be derived from alternative technical solutions.

[0004] The present invention is based on a method for operating a refrigeration device, wherein in at least one detection step, pressure within the internal space of the refrigeration device is detected by at least one sensor unit, and in at least one analysis step, particularly by at least one evaluation unit of the refrigeration device, the detected pressure is evaluated.

[0005] It is recommended that, in the at least one analysis step, particularly through the evaluation unit of the refrigeration equipment, the door gap be identified based on the detected pressure.

[0006] This configuration allows for the advantageous detection of situations where the interior space of the refrigeration unit is not properly closed. This can particularly improve energy efficiency, as door gaps typically correspond to increased energy consumption during refrigeration unit operation. Furthermore, it can advantageously provide a high level of user comfort, as the presence of a door gap can be specifically communicated to the operator of the refrigeration unit, thus addressing any inefficiencies in the unit's operation.

[0007] The term "identifying the door gap based on the detected pressure in the at least one analysis step" should be understood in particular as identifying the opening position of the refrigeration unit door based on the detected pressure in the at least one analysis step. Preferably, in the at least one analysis step, the distance between the refrigeration unit door and the body is identified based on the detected pressure, particularly on the edge of the refrigeration unit door opposite the hinge element of the refrigeration unit, wherein the distance between the refrigeration unit door and the body is greater than the thickness of the sealing element of the refrigeration unit.

[0008] Preferably, in the at least one detection step, the pressure generated by the movement of the refrigeration equipment door, particularly by the operator or the door opening unit of the refrigeration equipment, and especially by pressure changes, is detected. Preferably, in the at least one detection step, the pressure is detected at a sampling rate of at least 10 Hz, advantageously at least 20 Hz, particularly advantageously at least 50 Hz, preferably at least 100 Hz, and particularly preferably at least 200 Hz. Preferably, in the at least one detection step, the pressure is detected at a sampling rate of at most 1000 Hz, advantageously at most 750 Hz, particularly advantageously at most 500 Hz, and preferably at most 250 Hz. Preferably, in the at least one detection step, the absolute pressure within the internal space of the refrigeration equipment is detected. Alternatively, it is conceivable that in the at least one detection step, relative pressure or differential pressure, particularly relative to the atmospheric pressure at the installation location of the refrigeration equipment, is detected.

[0009] Preferably, in the at least one analysis step, particularly by an evaluation unit, the door gap is identified based on exceeding and / or falling below at least one predetermined pressure threshold. Specifically, the predetermined pressure threshold can be a pressure value that is preferably at least 25% smaller or larger than a reference pressure value, or advantageously at least 20%, particularly advantageously at least 15%, preferably at least 10%, or particularly preferably at least 5%, such as atmospheric pressure, preferably at the installation location of the refrigeration equipment. The reference value and / or the at least one predetermined pressure threshold can be stored in the memory of the evaluation unit. Preferably, the at least one predetermined pressure threshold is determined based on the reference pressure in the at least one pressure threshold determination step, particularly by the evaluation unit. Alternatively, it is conceivable that a difference quotient or derivative of the detected pressure is formed in the at least one analysis step. Preferably, in this alternative configuration, the door gap is determined in the at least one analysis step by falling below and / or exceeding the difference quotient threshold or derivative threshold.

[0010] It is further suggested that, in at least one calculation step, particularly through an evaluation unit and / or a sensor unit, a moving average of the detected pressure is formed so as to determine at least one pressure threshold for determining the door gap during the operation of the refrigeration equipment based on the moving average of the detected pressure. This method configuration advantageously provides flexible calculation for determining the pressure threshold for the door gap, particularly regarding the installation location of the refrigeration equipment. Furthermore, the influence of, for example, the temperature within the interior space of the refrigeration equipment on the assessment of the detected pressure can be advantageously considered. This advantageously keeps the risk of incorrectly determining the door gap minimal, thereby advantageously providing a high level of user comfort. Preferably, the moving average of the last five values, advantageously the last four values, and preferably the last three values ​​of the detected pressure is formed in the calculation step, particularly through the at least one evaluation unit. The moving average of the detected pressure formed in the at least one calculation step is preferably used as a reference value to determine the at least one pressure threshold in at least one, particularly the aforementioned, pressure threshold determination step. Preferably, the at least one pressure threshold determination step is performed once per hour, advantageously once every 10 minutes, particularly advantageously once every minute, and preferably once every second. Particularly preferably, a pressure threshold determination step is performed after each calculation step to determine the at least one pressure threshold dynamically, specifically based on a moving average of the detected pressure. Preferably, in the at least one pressure threshold determination step, at least one predetermined constant value is added to or subtracted from the moving average to determine the at least one pressure threshold. Alternatively, in the at least one pressure threshold determination step, a percentage value of the moving average is determined and added to or subtracted from the moving average to determine the at least one pressure threshold.

[0011] Furthermore, it is suggested that, in the at least one analysis step, when the detected pressure is below the opening threshold, particularly when it crosses within a predetermined opening time interval, the opening of one (particularly the aforementioned) refrigeration unit door of the refrigeration unit is identified, particularly by the evaluation unit. This configuration advantageously allows for the identification of the opening position of the at least one refrigeration unit door. In particular, it advantageously allows for the identification of the time point at which the at least one refrigeration unit door is opened. Information regarding the opening state of the interior space can achieve advantageously high user comfort and / or advantageously high usage efficiency, because, for example, the information regarding the opening state of the interior space can be used to adjust the function of the refrigeration unit to, in particular, provide the safety and / or long lifespan of the refrigeration unit. The opening threshold is preferably determined in the at least one pressure threshold determination step based on a reference pressure, particularly based on the moving average of the detected pressure. Preferably, in the at least one pressure threshold determination step, particularly by the evaluation unit, the opening threshold is set to be at least 10 Pa less than the reference value, advantageously at least 20 Pa, particularly advantageously at least 30 Pa, preferably at least 40 Pa, and particularly preferably at least 50 Pa. The opening time interval is preferably stored in the memory of the evaluation unit. Preferably, the opening time interval includes a maximum of 2 seconds, advantageously a maximum of 1.5 seconds, preferably a maximum of 1 second, and particularly preferably a maximum of 0.5 seconds. This advantageously minimizes the risk of erroneous positive analyses used to determine the pressure at which the refrigeration unit door is open, such as the risk caused by slow pressure fluctuations within the internal space. Preferably, the internal space is in a closed state through the refrigeration unit door so that subsequent opening of the refrigeration unit door can be identified through the at least one analysis step. Specifically, when opening the refrigeration unit door, a pulling or pressing force is applied to the refrigeration unit door by the user or the door opening unit to open the refrigeration unit door. Specifically, the volume of the internal space is increased by the expansion of the sealing element of the refrigeration unit, preferably before the sealing element detaches from the refrigeration unit door or the body of the refrigeration unit, thereby creating a pressure drop in the internal space. Specifically, when the sealing element detaches from the refrigeration unit door or body, the detected pressure rises again until the detected pressure corresponds to the ambient pressure. Preferably, the above process to identify the opening of the refrigeration unit door is evaluated by an evaluation unit in the at least one analysis step.

[0012] The term "detected pressure crosses the pressure threshold once within a time interval" should be understood in particular as the detected pressure exceeding and falling below the pressure threshold once within a time interval. Preferably, the detected pressure is first below the pressure threshold and then exceeds the pressure threshold within the time interval, or the detected pressure first exceeds the pressure threshold and then falls below the pressure threshold within the time interval.

[0013] It is further suggested that, in the at least one analysis step, the closure of the refrigeration equipment door is identified when the detected pressure exceeds a closing threshold, particularly when it crosses within a closing time interval. This configuration advantageously allows for the identification of the closed position of the at least one refrigeration equipment door. In particular, it advantageously allows for the identification of the time point at which the at least one refrigeration equipment door is closed. Information regarding the closed refrigeration equipment door can achieve advantageously high user comfort and / or advantageously high usage efficiency, because, for example, information about the closed state of the interior space can be used to adjust the function of the refrigeration equipment to, in particular, provide the safety and / or long lifespan of the refrigeration equipment. The closing threshold is preferably determined in the at least one pressure threshold determination step based on a reference pressure, particularly based on a moving average of the detected pressure. Preferably, in the at least one pressure threshold determination step, particularly by the evaluation unit, the closing threshold is set to be at least 10 Pa greater than the reference value, advantageously at least 20 Pa, particularly advantageously at least 30 Pa, preferably at least 40 Pa, and particularly preferably at least 50 Pa. The closing time interval is preferably stored in the memory of the evaluation unit. Preferably, the closing time interval includes a time span of a maximum of 2 seconds, advantageously a maximum of 1.5 seconds, preferably a maximum of 1 second, and particularly preferably a maximum of 0.5 seconds. Preferably, the internal space is in a state where the refrigeration equipment door is open, particularly unclosed, so that subsequent closure of the refrigeration equipment door can be identified in the at least one analysis step. Preferably, with the internal space in the open state of the refrigeration equipment door, the detected pressure corresponds to the ambient pressure of the refrigeration equipment. Specifically, when closing the refrigeration equipment door, pressure is applied to the refrigeration equipment door by the user to close it. Specifically, at the point in time when one (particularly the aforementioned) sealing element of the refrigeration equipment comes into contact with the refrigeration equipment door or one (particularly the aforementioned) body, the volume of the internal space is reduced by compressing the sealing element, thereby creating a pressure increase in the internal space. Specifically, when the sealing element returns to its original shape, the detected pressure drops again. Preferably, the above process is evaluated by an evaluation unit in the at least one analysis step to identify the closure of the refrigeration equipment door.

[0014] It is further suggested that, in the at least one analysis step, a door gap is identified when the detected pressure exceeds an upper pressure threshold and, at least substantially immediately thereafter, falls below a lower pressure threshold. This configuration advantageously minimizes the risk of false positive analyses used to determine the pressure of the door gap, as multiple conditions must be met to identify the gap. This advantageously provides a high level of user comfort. The term "the first time event at least substantially immediately follows the second time event" should be understood in particular as a maximum time span between the first and second time events, preferably a maximum of 2 seconds, advantageously a maximum of 1.5 seconds, preferably a maximum of 1 second, and particularly preferably a maximum of 0.5 seconds. The upper pressure threshold and / or lower pressure threshold are preferably determined in the at least one pressure threshold determination step based on a reference pressure, particularly based on a (particularly the above-described) moving average of the detected pressure. Preferably, in the at least one pressure threshold determination step, particularly by means of an evaluation unit, the upper pressure threshold is set to be at least 30 Pa greater than the reference value, advantageously at least 40 Pa, particularly advantageously at least 45 Pa, preferably at least 50 Pa, and particularly preferably at least 55 Pa. Preferably, in the at least one pressure threshold determination step, the lower limit pressure threshold is set to be less than one (particularly the above-mentioned) opening threshold. Preferably, in the at least one pressure threshold determination step, particularly by the evaluation unit, the lower limit pressure threshold is set to be at most 5 Pa less than the reference value, advantageously at most 3.5 Pa, particularly advantageously at most 2 Pa, and preferably at most 1 Pa. Particularly preferably, the lower limit pressure threshold is set to be equal to the reference value.

[0015] Furthermore, it is suggested that in the at least one analysis step, a door gap is identified when the detected pressure is within the upper limit time interval, particularly a maximum of 1.5 seconds, crossing the upper limit pressure threshold. This configuration advantageously minimizes the risk of false positives and / or false negatives in assessing the detected pressure for determining the door gap, particularly in identifying closure. This advantageously provides high user comfort. Preferably, the upper limit time interval includes a time span of a maximum of 1.25 seconds, advantageously a maximum of 1 second, preferably a maximum of 0.75 seconds, and particularly preferably a maximum of 0.5 seconds. Preferably, the upper limit time interval is stored in the memory of the evaluation unit. Preferably, in at least one time interval determination step, particularly by the evaluation unit, the upper limit time interval is determined based on a closing time interval (particularly as described above) for identifying the refrigeration equipment door closure. Preferably, in at least one further method step, the upper limit time interval, particularly by the evaluation unit, is set to be smaller than the closing time interval by a factor of at least 1.1, advantageously at least 1.2, particularly advantageously at least 1.25, preferably at least 1.5, and particularly preferably at least 1.75.

[0016] It is further suggested that, in the at least one analysis step, a door gap is identified when the detected pressure is within a lower limit time interval, particularly a maximum of 1 second, crossing the lower limit pressure threshold. This configuration advantageously minimizes the risk of false positives and / or false negatives in assessing the pressure used to determine the door gap, particularly in identifying the opening of the refrigeration equipment door. This advantageously provides a high level of user comfort. Preferably, the lower limit time interval includes a time span of a maximum of 0.75 seconds, advantageously a maximum of 0.5 seconds, particularly advantageously a maximum of 0.4 seconds, preferably a maximum of 0.3 seconds, and particularly preferably a maximum of 0.2 seconds. Preferably, the lower limit time interval is stored in the memory of the evaluation unit. Preferably, in at least one (particularly the above-mentioned) time interval determination step, particularly by the evaluation unit, the lower limit time interval is determined based on an (particularly the above-mentioned) opening time interval used to identify the opening of the refrigeration equipment door. Preferably, in at least one (particularly the above-mentioned) further method step, the lower limit time interval, particularly through the at least one evaluation unit, is set to be a factor smaller than the opening time interval by at least 1.1, advantageously at least 1.2, particularly advantageously at least 1.25, preferably at least 1.5, particularly preferably at least 1.75.

[0017] It is further suggested that, in at least one (particularly the above-mentioned) pressure threshold determination step, the upper pressure threshold is set to be at least 5 Pa greater than the closing threshold used to identify the refrigeration equipment door closing. This configuration advantageously minimizes the risk of incorrect door gap determination, as the evaluation unit can advantageously clearly and / or distinguish between door gaps and the normal closing process of the refrigeration equipment door. This advantageously provides a high level of user comfort. Preferably, in the at least one pressure threshold determination step, particularly in the above-mentioned at least one pressure threshold determination step, the upper pressure threshold is set to be at least 10 Pa, advantageously at least 15 Pa, and preferably at least 20 Pa greater than the closing threshold.

[0018] Furthermore, it is recommended that at least one position parameter of the refrigeration unit door be detected in at least one further detection step, particularly by the at least one sensor unit, wherein the door gap is identified based on the position parameter of the refrigeration unit door in the at least one analysis step. This configuration advantageously minimizes the risk of misidentifying the door gap, because the evaluation unit uses another parameter besides the pressure within the internal space to determine the door gap, and this other parameter alone is insufficient for door gap identification due to inaccuracy. This advantageously provides a high level of user comfort. Preferably, the position of the refrigeration unit door, particularly the state of the internal space being closed by the refrigeration unit door and / or the state of the internal space being open by the refrigeration unit door, particularly the state of not being closed, is identified based on the detected position parameter of the refrigeration unit door in the at least one analysis step. For example, the at least one position parameter of the refrigeration unit door includes, by the sensor unit, particularly by the sensor for detecting the position parameter of the refrigeration unit door, the angle of the refrigeration unit door relative to its fixed axis on the refrigeration unit body, or the distance from the edge, particularly the door frame, opposite to the fixed axis and particularly parallel to it, to the body, or the door contact state of a contact switch or magnetic switch, or resistance or capacitance. The at least one evaluation unit preferably checks in the at least one analysis step whether the detected position parameters of the refrigeration equipment door are related to the detected pressure to confirm the analysis of the detected pressure. Preferably, in the at least one analysis step, a door gap is identified when the analysis of the detected position parameters previously identified that the interior space is open, particularly not closed, through the refrigeration equipment door. Advantageously, in the at least one analysis step, a door gap is identified when the analysis of the detected position parameters previously identified that the interior space is open through the refrigeration equipment door and when the interior space is closed through the refrigeration equipment door, particularly in this order. Additionally, it is conceivable that in the at least one analysis step, when the analysis of the detected refrigeration equipment door position parameters previously identified that the interior space is open, particularly not closed, through the refrigeration equipment door open, the analysis of the detected pressure is initiated to achieve advantageously high efficiency, particularly the computational efficiency and / or energy efficiency of the evaluation unit. It is further conceivable that a moving average is determined in the at least one calculation step only when the analysis of the detected refrigeration equipment door position parameters identifies that the interior space is closed through the refrigeration equipment door.

[0019] Furthermore, the present invention is based on a refrigeration device comprising: an inner container defining an internal space (particularly as described above); at least one refrigeration device door (particularly as described above) for closing the internal space; at least one sensor unit having at least one pressure sensor for detecting the pressure in the internal space; and at least one evaluation unit (particularly as described above) for evaluating the detected pressure to identify door gaps, particularly according to the method described above. The refrigeration device is characterized, in particular, by the advantageous features achievable through the features of the previously described method for operating the refrigeration device.

[0020] Advantageous refrigeration equipment is designed to cool stored goods, such as food, especially beverages, meat, fish, milk and / or dairy products, or pharmaceuticals or vaccines or chemicals or cosmetics, or plants, especially flowers or plant seeds, in at least one operating state, in order to achieve, in particular, a longer shelf life of the stored goods or to maintain their existing quality. The refrigeration equipment can be a household refrigeration unit, particularly a freezer, and advantageously a refrigerator and / or freezer box.

[0021] Preferably, the refrigeration device has at least one body. Preferably, the at least one body constitutes the outer casing of the refrigeration device. Preferably, the at least one body and the at least one internal container are separately constructed from each other. The at least one internal container is preferably housed within the at least one body. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the at least one internal container and the at least one body are integrally constructed. The at least one internal container preferably has at least one wall, advantageously multiple walls. Preferably, the at least one internal space is defined by the walls of the at least one internal container. The at least one internal container is made, for example, of at least one plastic, at least one metal, or at least one composite material.

[0022] The term "mono" should be understood, in particular, as being formed as a single part. Preferably, this single part is manufactured from a single blank, a single piece of material, and / or a casting, and particularly preferably by injection molding, especially single-component and / or multi-component injection molding.

[0023] The internal space can be divided into multiple zones, such as a containment zone and an evaporator zone. Preferably, the containment zone is designed to contain stored items, such as food, placed by an operator within the at least one containment zone. Preferably, the refrigeration equipment has a refrigerant circuit for cooling the internal space of the refrigeration equipment. Preferably, the refrigerant circuit includes an evaporator. Preferably, the evaporator is arranged in the evaporator zone. Preferably, the refrigeration equipment has at least one partition element to spatially separate the containment zone and the evaporator zone.

[0024] Preferably, the refrigeration equipment door is designed to suppress, in particular prevent, the escape of heat or cold or fluid from the internal space of the refrigeration equipment, or the entry of dust or foreign matter into the internal space of the refrigeration equipment, particularly the receiving area. Preferably, the refrigeration equipment has at least one hinge element. In particular, the refrigeration equipment door is connected to the body via the hinge element. Preferably, the at least one hinge element defines a fixed axis, particularly a swing axis, for opening and / or closing the refrigeration equipment door. The refrigeration equipment door and / or body preferably have at least one, particularly magnetic, sealing element. Preferably, the sealing element of the refrigeration equipment door and / or body is designed to seal the internal space of the refrigeration equipment when the refrigeration equipment door is closed, isolating it from the space outside the refrigeration equipment. Preferably, the sealing element is designed, particularly when the refrigeration equipment is closed via the refrigeration equipment door, to maintain a leakage rate below a limit specifically set for the refrigeration equipment.

[0025] The term "sensor unit" should be understood in particular as a unit designed to detect at least one characteristic parameter and / or physical property, wherein detection can be active, such as by generating and transmitting electrical measurement signals, and / or passive, such as by detecting changes in the characteristics of sensor components.

[0026] The at least one sensor unit is preferably arranged at least partially, advantageously entirely, within the interior space. The at least one sensor unit may, particularly, be arranged at least partially, advantageously entirely, within the housing area or the evaporator area.

[0027] Preferably, the at least one sensor unit includes at least one further sensor, particularly different from the at least one pressure sensor. It is conceivable that the at least one sensor unit includes at least one temperature sensor or at least one humidity sensor. It is conceivable that the at least one sensor unit includes multiple further sensors. Preferably, the at least one sensor unit includes an amplifier unit for amplifying at least one measurement variable detected by the sensor unit. Advantageously, the at least one sensor unit includes at least one sensor for detecting a position parameter of the refrigeration equipment door. The at least one sensor for detecting the position parameter of the refrigeration equipment door is configured, for example, as a magnetoresistive sensor, a Hall effect sensor, an infrared sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, an inductive proximity sensor, an angle sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a contact switch.

[0028] Preferably, the at least one pressure sensor of the at least one sensor unit is intended for detecting, in particular, absolute, air pressure or a measurement variable corresponding to air pressure. The at least one pressure sensor is preferably configured as a pneumatic pressure sensor. Alternatively, the at least one pressure sensor is configured as a piezoresistive pressure sensor, a capacitive pressure sensor, a resonant pressure sensor, a MEMS-based pressure sensor, an optical pressure sensor, or a ceramic pressure sensor. Preferably, the at least one pressure sensor is arranged directly or indirectly within the internal space of the refrigeration equipment, particularly on the wall of the internal container.

[0029] The at least one evaluation unit is preferably intended for evaluating the pressure detected by the at least one sensor unit, particularly by the at least one pressure sensor, to determine, in particular, the opening and / or closing of the refrigeration equipment door and / or door gap by an operator based on the detected pressure. Additionally, it is conceivable that the refrigeration equipment has an opening unit for automatically opening the refrigeration equipment door. It is conceivable that the evaluation unit is intended for determining, based on the detected pressure, the desire to automatically open the door via the opening unit. Preferably, the evaluation unit includes a computing unit and, in particular, a memory in addition to the computing unit, stores an evaluation program for evaluating the detected pressure, particularly according to the method described above, which is intended to be executed by the computing unit. Preferably, the at least one sensor unit and the at least one evaluation unit are interconnected via signal technology to provide, in particular, data exchange.

[0030] The term "intended" should be understood, in particular, to be specifically programmed, designed and / or equipped. An object intended for a particular function should be understood, in particular, that the object satisfies and / or performs that particular function in at least one application and / or operating state.

[0031] The method for operating the refrigeration device of the present invention and the refrigeration device of the present invention should not be limited to the applications and embodiments described above. In particular, the method for operating the refrigeration device of the present invention and the refrigeration device of the present invention may have a number different from the number of individual elements, components, units and / or method steps mentioned herein in order to achieve the functions described herein. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the accompanying drawings. Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings. The drawings, description, and claims contain a large number of combined features. Those skilled in the art will also appropriately consider these features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations. The drawings are as follows.

[0033] Figure 1 A schematic representation of the refrigeration device of the present invention is shown.

[0034] Figure 2A schematic flowchart of the method of the present invention for operating the refrigeration equipment of the present invention is shown.

[0035] Figure 3 An exemplary pressure-time plot of two detected pressure curves is shown during the process of the method of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Figure 1 A schematic representation of the refrigeration unit 12 is shown. The refrigeration unit 12 is currently configured as a refrigerator. However, other configurations of the refrigeration unit 12 are also conceivable, such as as a freezer or a freezer compartment.

[0037] The refrigeration device 12 has at least one body 44. The at least one body 44 constitutes the outer casing of the refrigeration device 12. The refrigeration device 12 has at least one inner container 40. The at least one inner container 40 defines at least one internal space 18 of the refrigeration device 12. The at least one inner container 40 is housed within the at least one body 44. The at least one inner container 40 and the at least one body 44 are configured separately from each other. The refrigeration device 12 has at least one refrigeration device door 26 for closing the internal space 18. The at least one inner container 40 has multiple walls. The inner container 40 has a rear wall 46, which is arranged opposite to the opening of the body 44 that can be closed through the refrigeration device door 26. Furthermore, the inner container 40 has a bottom wall, a top wall, and two side walls. The at least one internal space 18 is defined by the walls of the at least one inner container 40. The at least one inner container 40 is currently at least partially, and particularly entirely, made of at least one type of plastic. Alternatively, however, it is conceivable that the inner container 40 is at least partially, and particularly entirely, made of metal or a composite material. The intermediate space between the at least one body 44 and the at least one internal container 40 is filled with thermal insulation material, particularly thermal insulation foam (not shown).

[0038] The interior space 18 is currently divided into two areas: a receiving area 48 and an evaporator area 50. The refrigeration device 12 has at least one dividing element 52 for spatially dividing the interior space 18 into the receiving area 48 and the evaporator area 50. Currently, the at least one dividing element 52 is constructed separately from the interior container 40. The dividing element 52 may be constructed of the same material as the interior container 40 to provide a uniform appearance for the interior space 18. Alternatively, the dividing element 52 may be constructed integrally with the interior container 40. The receiving area 48 is intended to receive and cool any storage items, such as food, placed in the at least one receiving area 48 by a user. The refrigeration device 12 has a refrigerant circuit (not shown) for cooling the interior space 18 of the refrigeration device 12. The refrigerant circuit has an evaporator 54. The evaporator 54 is arranged in the evaporator area 50. The evaporator area 50 and the receiving area 48 are interconnected by fluid technology, such as through an air passage in the at least one dividing element 52 or through an opening (not shown).

[0039] The at least one refrigeration unit door 26 is designed to suppress, in particular prevent, the escape of heat or cold or fluid from the internal space 18 of the refrigeration unit 12, or the entry of dust or foreign matter into the internal space 18, particularly the receiving area 48, of the refrigeration unit 12. The refrigeration unit 12 has at least one hinge element (not shown). The at least one refrigeration unit door 26 is connected to the at least one body 44 via the at least one hinge element. The at least one hinge element defines a fixed axis, particularly a swing axis, for opening and / or closing the refrigeration unit door 26. The refrigeration unit 12 may have a handle element (not shown) for opening and / or closing the refrigeration unit door 26. The handle element may be arranged on the refrigeration unit door 26 for opening and / or closing, near the edge opposite the swing axis, for example, 0.5 cm to 15 cm from that edge. The refrigeration unit 12 has at least one magnetic sealing element 56. The magnetic sealing element 56 is currently arranged on the at least one body 44. The sealing element 56 is designed to seal the internal space 18 of the refrigeration unit 12 when closed via the refrigeration unit door 26, isolating it from the space outside the refrigeration unit 12. The at least one magnetic sealing element 56 is intended to maintain a leakage rate below a limit specifically set for the refrigeration equipment 12 configured as a refrigerator, particularly in the state where the refrigeration equipment 12 is closed through the refrigeration equipment door 26, especially the internal space 18, in order to meet, for example, ISO 15502 or EN 62552 standards.

[0040] The refrigeration device 12 has at least one sensor unit 16, which has at least one pressure sensor 42 for detecting pressure within an internal space 18. The at least one sensor unit 16 is at least partially arranged within the internal space 18. The at least one sensor unit 16 is particularly at least partially arranged within the evaporator region 50. The at least one pressure sensor 42 is currently configured as a MEMS-based pressure sensor. The at least one pressure sensor 42 is intended for detecting the absolute air pressure within the internal space 18 of the refrigeration device 12. The at least one pressure sensor 42 is arranged within the at least one internal space 18 of the refrigeration device 12, particularly on the wall of the internal container 40 facing the receiving area 48 or the evaporator region 50. Currently, the pressure sensor 42 is arranged within the evaporator region 50, particularly on the portion of the rear wall 46 of the internal container 40 that corresponds to and faces the evaporator region 50.

[0041] The at least one sensor unit 16 includes at least one further sensor, particularly different from the at least one pressure sensor 42. The at least one sensor unit 16 includes a temperature sensor and at least one humidity sensor (not shown). Furthermore, the at least one sensor unit 16 includes a door position sensor 58 for detecting position parameters of the refrigeration unit door 26. The at least one door position sensor 58 for detecting position parameters of the refrigeration unit door 26 is currently configured as a magnetoresistive sensor. The at least one door position sensor 58 for detecting position parameters of the refrigeration unit door 26 is currently arranged on the edge of the body 44 opposite to the fixed axis, particularly on the body frame.

[0042] The refrigeration device 12 has at least one evaluation unit 22 for evaluating pressure detected by the at least one sensor unit 16 to identify door gaps. The at least one evaluation unit 22 is intended to evaluate the pressure detected by the at least one sensor unit 16, particularly by the at least one pressure sensor 42, to determine, in particular, the opening, closing, and gaping of the refrigeration device door 26, based on the detected pressure. The evaluation unit 22 includes a computing unit and, in addition to the computing unit, a memory storing an evaluation program for evaluating the detected pressure, wherein the evaluation program is intended to be executed by the computing unit (not shown). The evaluation unit 22 is currently configured as a microcontroller. Furthermore, the at least one evaluation unit 22 is intended to determine the opening and closing of the refrigeration device door 26 based on detected position parameters of the refrigeration device door 26.

[0043] The refrigeration unit 12 has at least one control circuit board 60 for controlling environmental parameters of the internal space 18 of the refrigeration unit 12, such as temperature or humidity or the brightness level of lighting devices. The at least one control circuit board 60 is designed to control the at least one environmental parameter based on the result of pressure assessment by the evaluation unit 22. For example, the at least one control circuit board 60 is designed to turn on the lighting devices when a detected opening of the refrigeration unit door 26 is detected. The at least one pressure sensor 42 of the at least one sensor unit 16 is arranged on the control circuit board 60. The at least one evaluation unit 22 is arranged on the at least one control circuit board 60. The at least one pressure sensor 42 is connected to the at least one evaluation unit 22 via the at least one control circuit board 60 in signal and data technology. The at least one control circuit board 60 is arranged within the evaporator region 50, particularly on the portion of the rear wall 46 of the inner container 40 that corresponds to and faces the evaporator region 50. The at least one door position sensor 58 for detecting the position parameters of the refrigeration equipment door 26 is connected in data and signal technology to the control circuit board 60, and in particular the at least one evaluation unit 22, via an electrical connection 62. The at least one control circuit board 60 has a housing 78 for protection. The at least one control circuit board 60 is arranged on the rear wall 46 of the inner container 40 by snap-fit ​​connection, plug-in connection, screw connection, or adhesive connection.

[0044] The refrigeration device 12 has at least one output unit designed to report detected door gaps (not shown) to an operator. The at least one output unit is designed to transmit the detected door gaps to the operator via auditory and / or visual signals. The at least one output unit has at least one output element. The at least one output element may be configured as a speaker and / or a touchscreen and / or an indicator light. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the at least one output unit is configured as a wireless communication point for transmitting auditory signals to at least one external output unit (not shown). The at least one external unit may be configured, for example, as a mobile speaker or mobile terminal device to notify the user of the detected door gaps (not shown).

[0045] The refrigeration device 12 has a user interface (not shown). The user interface can be configured as a touchscreen for operating the refrigeration device 12. In particular, the user interface is electrically connected to the control circuit board 60 to, for example, adjust the cooling performance of the refrigeration device 12 or the sensitivity of pressure assessment.

[0046] For objects that exist in multiple forms, only one of them is marked with an appendix label in the figure.

[0047] Figure 2A flowchart of a method 10 for operating a refrigeration device 12 is shown, wherein in at least one detection step 14, pressure within the internal space 18 of the refrigeration device 12 is detected by the at least one sensor unit 16, particularly by the at least one pressure sensor 42; wherein in at least one analysis step 20, the detected pressure is evaluated, particularly by the at least one evaluation unit 22 of the refrigeration device 12; and wherein in the at least one analysis step 20, particularly by the evaluation unit 22 of the refrigeration device 12, door gaps are identified based on the detected pressure.

[0048] In the at least one detection step 14 of method 10, pressure is currently detected at a sampling rate of 20 Hz. The absolute pressure within the internal space 18 of the refrigeration device 12 is detected in the at least one detection step 14. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the relative pressure or differential pressure, particularly the relative pressure or differential pressure relative to the atmospheric pressure at the installation location of the refrigeration device 12, is detected in the at least one detection step 14.

[0049] In at least one calculation step 24 of method 10, a moving average of the detected pressure is formed by evaluation unit 22 to determine at least one pressure threshold for determining the door gap based on the moving average of the detected pressure during operation of the refrigeration equipment 12. A moving average of the last three values ​​of the detected pressure is formed in calculation step 24. The moving average of the detected pressure formed in at least one calculation step 24 is used as a reference value to determine the at least one pressure threshold in at least one pressure threshold determination step 36 of method 10. Preferably, the pressure threshold determination step 36 is performed once after each calculation step 24 to determine the at least one pressure threshold dynamically, particularly based on the moving average of the detected pressure. In the at least one pressure threshold determination step 36, at least one predetermined constant value is added to or subtracted from the moving average to determine the at least one pressure threshold. Alternatively, in the at least one pressure threshold determination step 36, a percentage value of the moving average is determined and added to or subtracted from the moving average to determine the at least one pressure threshold. Alternatively, in the at least one pressure threshold determination step 36, a predetermined factor is multiplied by the moving average to determine the at least one pressure threshold.

[0050] In the at least one analysis step 20 of method 10, when the detected pressure is below the opening threshold 28, particularly when it crosses within a predetermined opening time interval, the opening of the refrigeration door 26 of the refrigeration device 12 is identified by the evaluation unit 22. The opening threshold 28 is determined by the evaluation unit 22 in the at least one pressure threshold determination step 36 based on the moving average of the detected pressure determined in calculation step 24. In the at least one pressure threshold determination step 36, the opening threshold 28, particularly by the evaluation unit 22, is set to be at least 30 Pa less than the moving average of the detected pressure. The opening time interval is stored in the memory of the evaluation unit 22. The opening time interval includes a maximum time span of 1 second.

[0051] In the at least one analysis step 20 of method 10, when the detected pressure exceeds the closing threshold 30, particularly when it crosses within the closing time interval, the closure of the refrigeration equipment door 26 is identified by the at least one evaluation unit 22. The closing threshold 30 is determined in the at least one pressure threshold determination step 36 based on the moving average of the detected pressure. The closing threshold 30, in the at least one pressure threshold determination step 36, particularly by the evaluation unit 22, is set to be at least 30 Pa greater than the moving average of the detected pressure. The closing time interval is stored in the memory of the evaluation unit 22. The closing time interval includes a maximum time span of 1 second.

[0052] In the at least one analysis step 20 of method 10, a door gap is identified by the at least one evaluation unit 22 when the detected pressure exceeds the upper pressure threshold 32 and is at least substantially immediately below the lower pressure threshold 34 thereafter. In analysis step 20, a door gap is identified when the detected pressure additionally crosses the upper pressure threshold 32 within the upper time interval, for a maximum of 0.75 seconds. The upper time interval is stored in the memory of the evaluation unit 22. In the at least one analysis step 20, a door gap is identified when the detected pressure additionally crosses the lower pressure threshold 34 within the lower time interval, for a maximum of 0.4 seconds. The lower time interval is stored in the memory of the evaluation unit 22. A door gap is identified when the maximum time span between the time point exceeding the upper pressure threshold 32 and the time point falling below the lower pressure threshold 34 is a maximum of 1 second. In the at least one pressure threshold determination step 36, the upper pressure threshold 32 is set by the at least one evaluation unit 22 to be at least 5 Pa greater than the closing threshold 30 used to identify the refrigeration equipment door 26 as closed. In the at least one pressure threshold determination step 36, the lower limit pressure threshold 34 is currently set to be equal to the moving average by the at least one evaluation unit 22.

[0053] It is conceivable that the operator can adjust the sensitivity (not shown) of identifying the opening and / or closing of the door gap and / or refrigeration equipment door 26 based on pressure via a user interface during the adjustment step. For example, the operator can select a sensitive mode or a less sensitive mode during the adjustment step, wherein determined pressure thresholds, such as opening threshold 28 and / or upper limit pressure threshold 32, and in particular time intervals, such as opening time interval and / or upper limit time interval, are set and / or determined based on values ​​stored in the memory of the evaluation unit 22.

[0054] In at least one further detection step 38 of method 10, position parameters of the refrigeration equipment door 26 are detected by the at least one sensor unit 16, particularly by the door position sensor 58, wherein door gaps are identified based on the position parameters of the refrigeration equipment door 26 in the at least one analysis step 20. In the at least one analysis step 20, the position of the refrigeration equipment door 26, particularly the state of the interior space 18 being closed through the refrigeration equipment door 26 and the state of the interior space 18 being open through the refrigeration equipment door 26, particularly the state of not being closed, is identified based on the detected position parameters of the refrigeration equipment door 26. In the at least one analysis step 20, the at least one evaluation unit 22 analyzes the detected position parameters of the refrigeration equipment door 26, particularly the resistance signal of the door position sensor 58 configured as a magnetoresistive sensor. When the refrigeration equipment door 26 moves away from the body 44 during opening or moves closer to the body 44 during closing, this generates a resistance change in the door position sensor 58 configured as a magnetoresistive sensor. If the resistance detected by the at least one door position sensor 58 used to detect the position parameters of the refrigeration equipment door 26 is greater than or equal to a resistance threshold, then in analysis step 20, the at least one evaluation unit 22 determines that the interior space 18 is closed through the refrigeration equipment door 26. The resistance threshold is stored in the memory of the at least one evaluation unit 22. If the resistance detected by the at least one door position sensor 58 used to detect the position parameters of the refrigeration equipment door 26 is less than the resistance threshold, then in analysis step 20, the at least one evaluation unit 22 determines that the interior space 18 is open, particularly unclosed, through the refrigeration equipment door 26. In the at least one analysis step 20, when the previously identified state of the interior space 18 being open, particularly unclosed, through the refrigeration equipment door 26 and the state of the interior space 18 being closed, particularly in this order, are identified based on the detected pressure, a door gap is identified.

[0055] Figure 3Time-pressure graphs are shown to illustrate two exemplary pressure curves 64 and 66 during the process of method 10. Pressure curves 64 and 66 respectively describe the change of absolute pressure within the internal space 18 of the refrigeration device 12 as a function of time axis 68, as detected by the at least one pressure sensor 42.

[0056] Pressure curves 64 and 66 begin with at least substantially constant, identical pressures. The interior space 18 is closed via the refrigeration unit door 26. In the at least one calculation step 24 of method 10, a moving average of the detected pressures is dynamically determined. The opening process is initiated by the operator or the door opening unit of the refrigeration unit 12, see particularly... Figure 3 Region 70. Specifically, during the door opening process, a pulling or pressing force is applied to the refrigeration equipment door 26 by the user or the door opening unit of the refrigeration equipment 12 to open the refrigeration equipment door 26. Specifically, the volume of the internal space 18 is increased by the expansion of the sealing element 56 of the refrigeration equipment 12, preferably before the sealing element 56 is disengaged from the refrigeration equipment door 26, thereby creating a pressure drop in the internal space 18. In region 70 of pressure curves 64 and 66, pressure changes, particularly negative pressure, are detected by the at least one pressure sensor 42. The pressure detected by pressure curves 64 and 66 in region 70 is below the opening threshold 28, which is determined by the at least one evaluation unit 22 based on a moving average in the at least one pressure threshold determination step 36 of method 10. In the at least one pressure threshold determination step 36, the opening threshold 28 is set to be 50 Pa less than the moving average. Specifically, when the sealing element 56 is disengaged from the refrigeration equipment door 26, the detected pressure rises again until the detected pressure corresponds to the ambient pressure. In particular, the detected pressures of pressure curves 64 and 66 cross the opening threshold 28 within a maximum 1-second opening time interval. In the at least one analysis step 20 of method 10, the at least one evaluation unit 22 thereby identifies the opening of the refrigeration equipment door 26 in region 70 of pressure curves 64 and 66.

[0057] In a further detection step 38 of method 10, the sensor unit detects the position parameters of the refrigeration equipment door 26. In the at least one analysis step 20, at time point 72, particularly later than the pressure change detected in region 70, the state of the interior space 18 being open, particularly not closed, through the refrigeration equipment door 26 is identified.

[0058] The interior space 18 is in a state where the refrigeration unit door 26 is open, specifically not closed. With the interior space open via the refrigeration unit door 26, the detected pressure corresponds specifically to the ambient pressure of the refrigeration unit 12. The shutdown process is initiated by the operator; see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 3Further region 74. At a further time point 76, the evaluation unit 22, in the at least one analysis step 20, identifies the closed state of the internal space 18 through the refrigeration equipment door 26 by analyzing the position parameters of the at least one refrigeration equipment door 26, particularly in time before a significant pressure change is detected due to the closing process. Specifically, when closing the refrigeration equipment door 26, pressure is applied to the refrigeration equipment door 26 by the user of the refrigeration equipment 12 to close it. Specifically, at the time point when the sealing element 56 of the refrigeration equipment 12 contacts the refrigeration equipment door 26, the volume of the internal space 18 is reduced by compressing the sealing element 56, thereby generating a pressure increase in the internal space 18. In a further region 74 of the pressure curve 64, a pressure change, particularly positive pressure, is detected by the at least one pressure sensor 42. The pressure detected in the pressure curve 64 exceeds a closing threshold 30 in the further region 74, which is determined by the at least one evaluation unit 22 in the at least one pressure threshold determination step 36 based on a moving average. In the at least one pressure threshold determination step 36, the closing threshold 30 is set to be 30 Pa greater than the moving average. In particular, the detected pressure drops again when the sealing element 56 returns to its original shape. Specifically, the detected pressure of pressure curve 64 crosses the closing threshold 30 within a maximum 1-second closing time interval in further region 74. However, the detected pressure of pressure curve 64 does not exceed the upper pressure threshold 32 in further region 74, which is set by the at least one evaluation unit 22 to be 30 Pa higher than the closing threshold 30. Therefore, in the at least one analysis step 20, pressure curve 64 in region 74 only identifies the closure of the refrigeration equipment door 26, specifically without any gaps.

[0059] The pressure detected by pressure curve 66 exceeds the upper limit threshold 32 in the further region 74. Specifically, the pressure detected by pressure curve 66 in the further region 74 crosses the upper limit threshold 32 within the upper limit time interval, a maximum of 0.75 seconds. Furthermore, the pressure detected by pressure curve 66 in the further region 74 is below the lower limit threshold 34, which is determined by the at least one evaluation unit 22 in the at least one pressure threshold determination step 36 based on a moving average. In the at least one pressure threshold determination step 36, the lower limit pressure threshold 34 is set to be equal to the moving average of the detected pressure. The lower limit threshold 34 follows at least substantially immediately after exceeding the upper limit pressure threshold 32, specifically within a time span of a maximum of 1 second. Specifically, the pressure detected by pressure curve 66 in the further region 74 crosses the lower limit pressure threshold 34 within the lower limit time interval, a maximum of 0.4 seconds. Thus, a door gap is identified for pressure curve 66 in the further region 74 in the at least one analysis step 20.

[0060] List of reference numerals 10 methods 12 Refrigeration Equipment 14 Detection Steps 16 sensor units 18 Interior Space 20 Analysis Steps 22 assessment units 24 Calculation Steps 26 Refrigeration Equipment Door 28 Open Threshold 30 closing threshold 32 Upper pressure threshold 34 Lower limit pressure threshold 36. Steps for determining the pressure threshold 38 Further testing steps 40 inner container 42 pressure sensors 44 body 46 posterior wall 48 Accommodation Area 50 Evaporator Area 52 Separating Elements 54 Evaporator 56 Sealing elements 58-gate position sensor 60 control circuit board 62 electrical connection 64 pressure curve 66 pressure curve 68 axes 70 areas 72 time points 74 Further Areas 76 Further Time Points 78. Casing.

Claims

1. A method (10) for operating a refrigeration device (12), wherein pressure in an internal space (18) of the refrigeration device (12) is detected by at least one sensor unit (16) in at least one detection step (14), wherein the detected pressure is evaluated by at least one evaluation unit (22) of the refrigeration device (12) in at least one analysis step (20), characterized in that, In the at least one analysis step (20), in particular by the evaluation unit (22) of the refrigeration device (12), the door gap is identified based on the detected pressure.

2. The method (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, In at least one calculation step (24), particularly by evaluation unit (22), a moving average of the detected pressure is formed so as to determine at least one pressure threshold for determining the door gap during operation of the refrigeration equipment (12) based on the moving average of the detected pressure.

3. The method (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In the at least one analysis step (20), the opening of the refrigeration equipment door (26) is identified when the detected pressure is below the opening threshold (28), particularly when the opening threshold is crossed within a predetermined opening time interval.

4. The method (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, In the at least one analysis step (20), the closure of the refrigeration equipment door (26) is identified when the detected pressure exceeds the closure threshold (30), particularly when the closure threshold is crossed during the closure time interval.

5. The method (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, In the at least one analysis step (20), a door gap is identified when the detected pressure exceeds the upper pressure threshold (32) and is at least substantially immediately below the lower pressure threshold (34) thereafter.

6. The method (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that, In the at least one analysis step (20), a door gap is identified when the detected pressure is within the upper limit time interval, particularly the maximum of 1.5 seconds, and crosses the upper limit pressure threshold (32).

7. The method (10) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, In the at least one analysis step (20), a door gap is identified when the detected pressure is within the lower limit time interval, particularly the maximum of 1 second, and crosses the lower limit pressure threshold (34).

8. The method (10) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that, In at least one pressure threshold determination step, the upper limit pressure threshold is set to be at least 5 Pa greater than the closing threshold used to identify when the refrigeration equipment door is closed.

9. The method (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, In at least one further detection step (38), in particular by means of the at least one sensor unit (16), the position parameters of the refrigeration equipment door (26) are detected, wherein the door gap is identified in the at least one analysis step (20) based on at least one position parameter of the refrigeration equipment door (26).

10. A refrigeration device (12) comprising: an inner container (40) defining an inner space (18); at least one refrigeration device door (26) for closing the inner space (18); at least one sensor unit (16) having at least one pressure sensor (42) for detecting pressure in the inner space (18); and at least one evaluation unit (22) for evaluating the detected pressure to identify a door gap, particularly by means of the method (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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