Door monitoring device for refrigeration device, refrigeration device, and method for operating door monitoring device

Abstract

The invention relates to a door monitoring device (10) for a refrigeration device (12), in particular a refrigeration device, having at least one pressure sensor (14) for detecting a pressure in at least one interior (16) of the refrigeration device (12) and having at least one evaluation unit (18) for evaluating the detected pressure. In order to provide a similar device (10) with improved properties in terms of energy efficiency and / or use efficiency and / or user comfort, it is proposed that the door monitoring device comprises at least one event detection unit (20), which connects the at least one pressure sensor (14) and the at least one evaluation unit (18) by means of signal technology, wherein the at least one event detection unit (20) is intended for activating the at least one evaluation unit (18) depending on the detected pressure, in particular from an energy saving mode. The invention also relates to a refrigeration device and a method for operating the door monitoring device.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a door monitoring device for a refrigeration appliance, to a refrigeration appliance and to a method for operating a door monitoring device. BACKGROUND

[0002] From the prior art, for example from EP 4 172 542 A1, a door monitoring device for a refrigeration appliance, in particular a refrigeration appliance, is known, which has at least one pressure sensor for detecting a pressure within an interior space of the refrigeration appliance and at least one evaluation unit for analyzing the detected pressure. SUMMARY

[0003] The task of the invention is in particular, but not exclusively, to provide a device of the kind specified at the outset, which has improved properties in terms of energy efficiency and / or use efficiency and / or user comfort. This task is solved according to the invention by the features of the preferred technical solution, while advantageous configurations and further improvements of the invention can be derived from the alternative technical solutions.

[0004] The invention is based on a door monitoring device for a refrigeration appliance, in particular a refrigeration appliance, which has at least one pressure sensor for detecting a pressure within an interior space of the refrigeration appliance and at least one evaluation unit for analyzing the detected pressure.

[0005] It is proposed that the door monitoring device comprises at least one event detection unit, which connects the at least one pressure sensor and the at least one evaluation unit by signal technology, wherein the at least one event detection unit is intended to activate the at least one evaluation unit, in particular from an energy-saving mode, depending on the detected pressure.

[0006] With such a configuration it is advantageously possible to provide a high use efficiency, in particular a high energy efficiency. It is advantageously possible to provide a low average computing power of the evaluation unit, since in particular the evaluation unit is not continuously analyzing the detected pressure, but only does so when the detected pressure meets predetermined conditions. It is furthermore advantageously possible to achieve a low average energy consumption, since in particular the evaluation unit is in an energy-saving mode as long as no relevant pressure change is detected by the event detection unit.

[0007] The term "door monitoring device" is to be understood in particular as a device for automatically monitoring at least one position of at least one refrigeration appliance door of a refrigeration appliance depending on a detected pressure. Preferably, the door monitoring device constitutes at least a part, in particular a subassembly, of the refrigeration appliance. It is additionally conceivable that the door monitoring device is configured as a module separate from the refrigeration appliance. Preferably, the door monitoring device is retrofittable to the refrigeration appliance. It is furthermore conceivable that the door monitoring device is at least partially, advantageously completely, integrated in the refrigeration appliance.

[0008] Preferably, the at least one door monitoring device is intended to be arranged within the at least one body of the refrigeration device. It is conceivable that the door monitoring device is integrated in at least one control unit of the refrigeration device.

[0009] Preferably, the door monitoring device is intended to be used for identifying an opening of at least one refrigeration device door of the refrigeration device depending on the detected pressure, in particular by means of the at least one evaluation unit. The term "opening of at least one refrigeration device door" is to be understood in particular as a process in which the at least one refrigeration device door is moved from a closed position in which the at least one refrigeration device door sealingly closes the at least one refrigeration device interior space to an open position, for example by a user or at least one door opening unit of the refrigeration device, to advantageably provide the user with access to the at least one interior space. Preferably, the door monitoring device is intended to be used for identifying a closing of the at least one refrigeration device door depending on the detected pressure, in particular by means of the at least one evaluation unit. The term "closing of at least one refrigeration device door" is to be understood in particular as a process in which the at least one refrigeration device door is moved from an open position in which an air exchange between the at least one interior space of the refrigeration device and the ambient air is preferably provided to a closed position in which the at least one refrigeration device door sealingly, advantageously with respect to the ambient air, closes the at least one interior space of the at least one refrigeration device.

[0010] Preferably, the at least one evaluation unit comprises at least one computing unit. Preferably, the at least one evaluation unit, in particular additionally, comprises at least one storage unit. Advantageously, an evaluation program for analyzing the detected pressure is stored in the at least one storage unit. Preferably, the at least one computing unit is intended to execute the evaluation program for analyzing the detected pressure. Preferably, the at least one evaluation unit is configured as a microcontroller or microprocessor. It is conceivable that the at least one evaluation unit has at least one signal processing unit in order to convert input analog signals in particular to digital signals.

[0011] Preferably the at least one pressure sensor is intended for detecting, in particular absolutely, the air pressure or a measured variable corresponding to the air pressure in the at least one interior space of the refrigeration device. It is conceivable that the at least one pressure sensor is configured as an analog pressure sensor. Preferably the at least one pressure sensor is configured as a digital pressure sensor. The at least one pressure sensor is preferably configured as a barometric pressure sensor. Preferably the pressure sensor is configured as a MEMS-based barometric pressure sensor. However it is alternatively also conceivable that the at least one pressure sensor is configured as a piezo-resistive pressure sensor or a capacitive pressure sensor or a resonant pressure sensor or an optical pressure sensor or a ceramic pressure sensor. The at least one pressure sensor is preferably intended to detect the pressure with a sampling rate of at least 15 Hz, advantageously at least 50 Hz, particularly advantageously at least 100 Hz, preferably at least 200 Hz, particularly preferably at least 240 Hz. Preferably the at least one pressure sensor is intended to detect the pressure with a sampling rate of at most 1000 Hz, advantageously at most 750 Hz, particularly advantageously at most 500 Hz, preferably at most 300 Hz, particularly preferably at most 250 Hz.

[0012] The at least one event detection unit is preferably intended for monitoring the detected pressure. The at least one event detection unit is advantageously intended for comparing the detected pressure with an activation pressure threshold. Advantageously the at least one event detection unit is intended for sending an activation signal to the at least one evaluation unit when the detected pressure exceeds the activation pressure threshold, in order to particularly wake up the at least one evaluation unit from an energy-saving mode. The term "energy-saving mode of the at least one evaluation unit" is to be understood in particular as an operating state in which the energy consumption of the at least one evaluation unit is reduced to a predetermined minimum. Preferably the at least one evaluation unit has an energy consumption in the energy-saving mode of preferably at least 20%, advantageously at least 15%, particularly advantageously at least 10%, preferably at least 5%, particularly preferably at least 1%, relative to the maximum energy consumption of the at least one evaluation unit. In particular the at least one evaluation unit has an energy consumption in the energy-saving mode of preferably at most 70%, advantageously at most 60%, particularly advantageously at most 50%, preferably at most 40%, particularly preferably at most 30%, relative to the maximum energy consumption of the at least one evaluation unit. Preferably the at least one evaluation unit has a higher energy consumption in an operating state of the at least one evaluation unit in which the detected pressure is analyzed than in the energy-saving mode.

[0013] The at least one activation pressure threshold is preferably at least 2 Pa, advantageously at least 3 Pa, particularly advantageously at least 4 Pa, preferably at least 5 Pa, smaller or larger than the pressure reference value. The activation pressure threshold is preferably at most 8 Pa, advantageously at most 10 Pa, smaller or larger than the pressure reference value. The pressure reference value can be, for example, the atmospheric pressure at the installation site of the refrigeration device or an average value of the detected pressure, which can be determined over a period of at least 1 s, particularly advantageously at least 3 s, preferably at least 5 s, particularly preferably at least 10 s. The pressure reference value is advantageously a moving average value of the detected pressure, in particular an average value of the last five values, preferably the last four values and preferably the last three values of the detected pressure. Preferably, the at least one evaluation unit and / or the at least one pressure sensor and / or the at least one event detection unit are intended for determining the pressure reference value. Preferably, the at least one evaluation unit and / or the at least one pressure sensor and / or the at least one event detection unit are intended for determining the activation pressure threshold.

[0014] It is conceivable that the at least one event detection unit comprises at least one comparator, for example a comparator circuit, which is particularly arranged in circuit technology between the at least one pressure sensor and the at least one evaluation unit. The comparator is preferably intended for comparing the detected pressure with the activation pressure threshold and for sending an activation signal to the at least one evaluation unit upon recognition of an excess of the activation pressure threshold, in order to particularly wake up the at least one evaluation unit from the energy-saving mode. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the at least one event detection unit comprises one, in particular energy-efficient and / or power-saving, microcontroller or signal processor, which is intended for comparing the detected pressure with the activation pressure threshold and for sending an activation signal to the at least one evaluation unit upon recognition of an excess of the activation pressure threshold, in order to particularly wake up the at least one evaluation unit from the energy-saving mode.

[0015] The door monitoring device preferably has at least one sensor for detecting a position parameter of the at least one refrigeration device door. The at least one sensor for detecting a position parameter of the at least one refrigeration device door is preferably configured as a magnetoresistive sensor. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the at least one sensor for detecting a position parameter of the at least one refrigeration device door is configured as a Hall effect sensor or an infrared sensor or a capacitive proximity sensor or an inductive proximity sensor or an angle sensor or an ultrasonic sensor or a contact switch. In particular, the at least one sensor for detecting a position parameter of the at least one refrigeration device door is connected by signal technology to the at least one evaluation unit.

[0016] The term "intended" is to be understood in particular as being specially programmed, designed and / or equipped. An object intended for a specific function is to be understood in particular as the object fulfilling and / or performing the specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

[0017] It is proposed that the at least one event detection unit is at least partially integrated in the at least one pressure sensor. With such a configuration an advantageous compact configuration of the door monitoring device can be achieved, since in particular no separate external unit is required. Preferably the at least one event detection unit is completely integrated in the at least one pressure sensor. The at least one pressure sensor is preferably configured as a MEMS-based pressure sensor. Preferably the at least one pressure sensor comprises control electronics. Advantageously the at least one event detection unit comprises the control electronics of the at least one pressure sensor. It is conceivable that the at least one event detection unit is at least partially integrated in the at least one evaluation unit. The at least one event detection unit, in particular the control electronics of the at least one pressure sensor, is preferably intended for comparing the detected pressure with one, in particular the above-mentioned, activation pressure threshold value and for sending one, in particular the above-mentioned, activation signal to the at least one evaluation unit upon recognition of an exceeded activation pressure threshold value in order to in particular wake up the at least one evaluation unit from an energy saving mode.

[0018] It is furthermore proposed that the at least one event detection unit has at least one interrupt signal line leading from the at least one pressure sensor to the at least one evaluation unit. With such a configuration an advantageous high efficiency, in particular reactivity and / or energy efficiency, can be provided. In particular the interrupt signal line allows an advantageous at least substantially immediate reaction to a predetermined event. Furthermore it can be advantageously avoided that the evaluation unit constantly queries the pressure sensor, so that in particular an advantageous high computational efficiency and / or energy efficiency can be achieved. Preferably the at least one evaluation unit comprises at least one interrupt input pin. Preferably the at least one pressure sensor, in particular the control electronics of the at least one pressure sensor, comprises at least one interrupt output pin. Preferably the at least one interrupt signal line leads from the at least one pressure sensor, in particular the at least one interrupt output pin, to the at least one interrupt input pin of the at least one evaluation unit. In particular the activation signal, in particular generated by the at least one event detection unit, for activating the at least one evaluation unit is configured as an interrupt signal. Preferably the at least one interrupt input pin is intended for receiving the activation signal, in particular the interrupt signal, from the at least one event detection unit. Preferably the at least one interrupt input pin is intended for triggering an interrupt depending on the received interrupt signal in order to in particular activate the evaluation of the detected pressure by the at least one evaluation unit.

[0019] It is further proposed that the door monitoring device has at least one data connection line for transmitting data of the at least one pressure sensor to the at least one evaluation unit. With such a configuration, a high and / or consistent data quality can advantageously be provided, since, in particular, by means of the dedicated data connection line, data of the pressure sensor can advantageously be transmitted to the evaluation unit reliably and / or without significant delay and / or without significant distortion. Furthermore, the risk of signal interference can advantageously be kept small. The data connection line is, for example, configured as an SPI data connection line (Serial Peripheral Interface) or as a UART data connection line (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) or as a CAN data connection line (Controller Area Network) or as a 1-Wire data connection line or as a Modbus connection line or as a BLE data connection line (Bluetooth Low Energy) or the like. Preferably, the data connection line is configured as an I2C data connection line (Inter-Integrated Circuit). In particular, the at least one evaluation unit and the at least one pressure sensor have a corresponding communication interface.

[0020] Furthermore, the present application relates to a refrigeration appliance having at least one body, at least one interior space arranged inside the at least one body, at least one refrigeration appliance door movably arranged on the at least one body for closing the at least one interior space, and a door monitoring device as described above arranged inside the at least one body. The refrigeration appliance is characterized in particular by the advantageous properties achievable by the features of the door monitoring device described previously.

[0021] The refrigeration appliance is advantageously intended to cool, in at least one operating state, storage goods, for example foodstuffs, such as in particular beverages, meat, fish, milk and / or dairy products, or pharmaceuticals or vaccines or chemicals or cosmetics or plants, in particular flowers or plant seeds, in order to achieve, in particular, a longer shelf life or to maintain an existing quality of the storage goods. The refrigeration appliance can be a domestic refrigeration appliance, in particular a freezer cabinet, and advantageously a refrigerator cabinet and / or a freezer chest.

[0022] Preferably the at least one body constitutes an outer housing of the refrigeration device. Preferably the refrigeration device has at least one interior container. In particular the at least one interior container is arranged at least partially, preferably at least mostly, advantageously completely within the at least one body. The term "the at least one interior container is arranged at least mostly completely within the at least one body" is to be understood in particular as meaning that the at least one interior container is arranged completely within a smallest imaginary cuboid which just completely surrounds the at least one body at least 55%, advantageously at least 65%, particularly advantageously at least 75%, preferably at least 85%, particularly preferably at least 95%. Preferably the at least one body and the at least one interior container are constituted separately from one another. The at least one interior container is in particular accommodated within the at least one body. Alternatively it is conceivable that the at least one interior container and the at least one body are constituted integrally. The at least one interior container preferably has at least one wall, advantageously a plurality of walls. Preferably the at least one interior space is delimited by the walls of the at least one interior container. The at least one interior container is for example made of at least one plastic or at least one metal or at least one composite material.

[0023] The term "integrally" is to be understood in particular as meaning shaped as one piece. Preferably this one piece is manufactured from a single blank, a piece of material and / or a casting, particularly preferably by means of an injection-moulding process, in particular a single-component and / or multi-component injection-moulding process.

[0024] The interior space can be divided into a plurality of regions, for example a receiving region and an evaporator region. Preferably the receiving region is intended to accommodate a store, for example a food product, which is placed in the at least one receiving region by an operator. Preferably the refrigeration device has a refrigerant circuit for cooling the interior space of the refrigeration device. Preferably the refrigerant circuit comprises an evaporator. Preferably the evaporator is arranged in the evaporator region. Preferably the refrigeration device has at least one partition element in order to spatially separate the receiving region and the evaporator region.

[0025] Preferably the at least one refrigeration appliance door is intended to inhibit, in particular prevent, the escape of heat or cold or a fluid from the at least one interior space of the refrigeration appliance or the entry of dust or foreign bodies into the at least one interior space, in particular the accommodation region, of the refrigeration appliance. Preferably the refrigeration appliance has at least one hinge element. In particular the at least one refrigeration appliance door is connected to the at least one body by means of the hinge element. Preferably the at least one hinge element defines a fixed axis, in particular a swivel axis, for opening and / or closing the at least one refrigeration appliance door. The at least one refrigeration appliance door and / or the at least one body preferably has at least one, in particular magnetic, sealing element. Preferably the sealing element of the at least one refrigeration appliance door and / or the at least one body is intended to seal the at least one interior space of the refrigeration appliance enclosed by the at least one refrigeration appliance door from the space outside the refrigeration appliance. Preferably the sealing element is intended, in particular in the state of the at least one interior space closed by the at least one refrigeration appliance door, to maintain a leakage rate below a limit value specified for the refrigeration appliance.

[0026] Preferably the refrigeration appliance comprises further components, for example at least one lighting device for illuminating the interior space and / or at least one compressor and / or at least one fan and / or at least one container and / or at least one shelf for storing foodstuffs or the like and / or an opening door unit for automatically opening the at least one refrigeration appliance door.

[0027] Preferably the refrigeration appliance comprises at least one, in particular the above-mentioned, control unit. The term "control unit" is to be understood in particular as a unit having at least one electronic controller. The at least one control unit can also essentially be configured as a regulating unit. The term electronic "controller" is to be understood in particular as a unit having at least one, in particular the above-mentioned, computing unit, in particular processor unit, and having at least one, in particular the above-mentioned, storage unit and having a control program stored in the storage unit. Essentially the at least one control and / or regulating unit can have a plurality of controllers connected to one another, which are preferably intended to communicate with one another by means of a bus system or by means of a suitable wired data transmission system or by means of other data transmission systems, in particular wireless data transmission systems. Preferably the at least one control unit is intended to control and / or regulate a plurality of components or parts of the refrigeration appliance, for example the control of the at least one lighting device of the refrigeration appliance and / or the control of the at least one refrigerant circuit of the refrigeration appliance, in particular the control of the at least one compressor of the refrigeration appliance, and / or the control of the at least one fan of the refrigeration appliance and / or the control of the at least one opening door unit. Preferably the at least one control unit comprises a control circuit board.

[0028] Preferably the at least one door monitoring device is arranged within the at least one interior space. The at least one door monitoring device can be arranged in particular at least partially, advantageously completely, in the accommodation region or evaporator region. It is conceivable that the at least one door monitoring device is arranged on a wall of the at least one interior container facing the at least one interior space. Preferably the at least one door monitoring device is at least partially, advantageously completely, integrated in the at least one control unit. Preferably the at least one door monitoring device is at least partially arranged on the at least one control circuit board of the at least one control unit.

[0029] Furthermore, the present application is based on a method for operating the above-mentioned door monitoring device, wherein in at least one detection step, in particular by means of the at least one pressure sensor, a pressure within the interior space of the refrigeration device is detected, and wherein in at least one analysis step, the detected pressure is evaluated, in particular by means of the at least one evaluation unit.

[0030] It is proposed that in at least one activation step, the at least one evaluation unit is activated by means of the at least one event detection unit to evaluate the detected pressure, in particular from an energy-saving mode, depending on the detected pressure. By means of such a configuration of the method for operating the door monitoring device, a high use efficiency, in particular a high energy efficiency, can advantageously be provided. An average computing capacity of the evaluation unit can advantageously be provided to be low, since in particular the evaluation unit does not have to continuously analyze the detected pressure, but only when the detected pressure meets predetermined conditions.

[0031] Preferably the pressure change is generated by moving the at least one refrigeration device door, in particular by a user of the refrigeration device. Advantageously, the pressure change is generated by a pressure exerted by the user on the at least one refrigeration device door. Preferably in the at least one detection step, an absolute pressure within the at least one interior space of the refrigeration device is detected by means of the at least one pressure sensor. Alternatively it is conceivable that in the at least one detection step, a relative pressure or differential pressure is detected, in particular a relative pressure or differential pressure with respect to the atmospheric pressure at the installation site of the refrigeration device.

[0032] Preferably the at least one event detection unit generates an activation signal, in particular an interrupt signal, to the at least one evaluation unit in the at least one activation step depending on the detected pressure, in order to in particular wake up the evaluation unit from an energy-saving mode and initiate the at least one analysis step to analyze the detected pressure.

[0033] Preferably at least one position parameter of the at least one refrigeration device door is detected in at least one further detection step, in particular by at least one further sensor of the door monitoring device. Preferably in at least one interior space state determination step of the method, in particular by the control electronics of the at least one evaluation unit or of the at least one further sensor, a state of the at least one interior space opened by the at least one refrigeration device door and / or a state of the at least one interior space closed by the at least one refrigeration device door is identified from the detected position parameter of the at least one refrigeration device door. In particular an opening signal or a closing signal is transmitted to the at least one evaluation unit and / or to the at least one event detection unit from the detected position parameter of the at least one refrigeration device door. For example the position parameter of the at least one refrigeration device door comprises an angle of the detected at least one refrigeration device door relative to a fixed axis of the at least one refrigeration device door on the at least one body of the refrigeration device or a door contact state of a contact switch or a magnetic switch or a resistance or a capacitance detected opposite to the fixed axis, in particular parallel, to an edge, in particular a door frame, to the at least one body. The state of the at least one interior space opened by the at least one refrigeration device door can be identified in the at least one interior space state determination step, for example when the detected angle of the at least one refrigeration device door relative to its fixed axis on the at least one body is greater than or equal to 10° or a resistance signal detected by the at least one sensor, in particular at least 70%, advantageously at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, corresponds to an original resistance value. In particular the state of the at least one interior space closed by the at least one refrigeration device door can be identified in the at least one interior space state determination step by the at least one evaluation unit, for example when the detected angle is less than 10° or a resistance signal detected by the at least one sensor is less than 70%, advantageously less than 80%, preferably less than 90%, compared to an original resistance value.

[0034] Furthermore it is proposed to compare the detected pressure, in particular by the at least one event detection unit, with one, in particular the above mentioned, activation pressure threshold value in at least one pressure comparison step of the method, wherein the at least one activation step is initiated when an exceeding of the detected pressure with respect to the activation pressure threshold value is identified in the at least one pressure comparison step. It is conceivable that the at least one pressure threshold value, e.g. the activation pressure threshold value, is stored in a memory of the at least one evaluation unit and / or the at least one event detection unit. Preferably the at least one pressure threshold value, in particular the activation pressure threshold value, is determined and / or updated in at least one pressure threshold determination step of the method, in particular by the at least one evaluation unit and / or the at least one event detection unit, from a pressure reference value. It is conceivable that the at least one pressure reference value is stored in a memory of the at least one evaluation unit and / or the at least one event detection unit. Preferably the at least one pressure reference value is determined and / or updated in at least one pressure reference determination step, in particular by the at least one evaluation unit and / or the at least one event detection unit. It is conceivable that the at least one pressure reference determination step is performed once or once a day, e.g. every 24 hours, after the refrigeration appliance is put into operation for the first time at the installation site, in order to fix the pressure reference value. Preferably the at least one pressure reference determination step is performed at least every hour, advantageously at least every 10 minutes, particularly advantageously at least every 1 minute, preferably at least every 30 seconds, in order to update the pressure reference value. Preferably the pressure reference value is set to the atmospheric pressure at the installation site of the refrigeration appliance in the at least one pressure reference determination step. In particular the atmospheric pressure at the installation site of the refrigeration appliance is detected only when a state of the at least one interior space is identified in the at least one interior space state determination step from the detected position parameter of the at least one refrigeration appliance door that the at least one interior space is opened by the at least one refrigeration appliance door. Advantageously the pressure reference value is determined in the at least one pressure reference determination step by forming an average value of the detected pressure over a time period of at least 1 s, particularly advantageously at least 3 s, preferably at least 5 s, particularly preferably at least 10 s. In particular the average value of the detected pressure is determined only when a state of the at least one interior space is identified in the at least one interior space state determination step from the detected position parameter of the at least one refrigeration appliance door that the at least one interior space is closed by the at least one refrigeration appliance door. It is conceivable that the at least one pressure threshold determination step is performed once or once a day, e.g. every 24 hours, after the refrigeration appliance is put into operation for the first time at the installation site, in order to fix the at least one pressure threshold value, in particular the activation threshold value.Preferably the at least one pressure threshold determination step is performed at least once per hour, advantageously at least once per 10 minutes, particularly advantageously at least once per 1 minute, preferably at least once per 30 seconds, to update the at least one pressure threshold, in particular the activation threshold. Preferably the at least one pressure threshold determination step is performed once after each pressure reference determination step, to determine the activation threshold, in particular dynamically, from the pressure reference value.

[0035] Further it is proposed to form a moving average of the detected pressure, in particular by the at least one evaluation unit and / or the at least one event detection unit, in the at least one, in particular above mentioned, pressure reference determination step and to determine one, in particular above mentioned, activation pressure threshold, in particular dynamically, from the moving average of the detected pressure formed in the at least one pressure reference determination step, in the at least one, in particular above mentioned, pressure threshold determination step. By such a configuration it can be advantageously considered that e.g. temperature changes in the interior space of the refrigeration device have an influence on the evaluation of the detected pressure. Preferably the moving average formed in the at least one pressure reference determination step is used as pressure reference value to determine the pressure threshold, in particular the activation threshold. Preferably a moving average of the last five, advantageously the last four and preferably the last three values of the detected pressure, in particular by the at least one evaluation unit and / or the at least one event detection unit, is formed in the at least one pressure reference determination step. Preferably the at least one pressure reference determination step for forming a moving average of the detected pressure is only performed by the at least one evaluation unit and / or event detection unit, when in the at least one interior space state determination step it is identified from the detected position parameter of the refrigeration device door that the interior space is in a state in which it is closed by the refrigeration device door. Preferably the at least one pressure threshold determination step is performed once after each pressure reference determination step, to dynamically determine the activation threshold, in particular from the moving average of the detected pressure.

[0036] Further it is proposed that the activation pressure threshold, in particular in the at least one pressure threshold determination step, is set to a value which deviates from the moving average of the detected pressure by a minimum of 2 Pa and / or a maximum of 8 Pa. By such a configuration it can be advantageously kept that the risk of an unnecessary initiation of the analysis step is small, so that in particular an advantageously high energy efficiency and / or an advantageously high user comfort can be achieved. Preferably the activation pressure threshold is set in the at least one pressure threshold determination step to be at least 3 Pa, in particular advantageously at least 4 Pa, preferably at least 5 Pa, higher than the pressure reference value, in particular the moving average of the detected pressure. Preferably the activation pressure threshold is set in the at least one pressure threshold determination step to be a maximum of 9 Pa, advantageously a maximum of 10 Pa, greater than the pressure reference value.

[0037] Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one evaluation unit, in particular by the at least one evaluation unit, is switched into an energy saving mode according to a pressure curve above an opening pressure threshold value in at least one deactivation step of the method. Thereby, a high efficiency, in particular an energy efficiency, can advantageously be provided, since in particular the evaluation unit can automatically return into a state of reduced energy consumption. Preferably, a pressure curve above an opening pressure threshold value is evaluated in the at least one analysis step, in particular by the at least one evaluation unit. Preferably, an open door wish is identified according to a pressure curve above an opening pressure threshold value. The term "open door wish" is to be understood in particular as a state of identification which indicates that the at least one refrigeration appliance door of the refrigeration appliance shall be opened by at least one, in particular the aforementioned, open door unit of the refrigeration appliance. Advantageously, when an open door wish is identified in the at least one analysis step, the at least one evaluation unit initiates at least one open door step to open the at least one refrigeration appliance door by the at least one open door unit. It is conceivable that the at least one open door step is initiated with a time delay, preferably of maximum 5 s, advantageously of maximum 4 s, particularly advantageously of maximum 3 s, preferably of maximum 2 s, particularly preferably of maximum 1 s, after the open door wish is identified in the at least one analysis step. Preferably, an open door wish is identified in the at least one analysis step when the detected pressure exceeds the opening pressure threshold value. Advantageously, an open door wish is identified in the at least one analysis step when the time span between the point in time at which the opening pressure threshold value is exceeded and another point in time at which the opening pressure threshold value is undershot is at least 0.1 s and / or at most 2 s, preferably at most 1.5 s, particularly at most 1 s, preferably at most 0.8 s, particularly preferably at most 0.6 s. Advantageously, a deactivation step is initiated when an open door wish is not identified according to a pressure curve above an opening pressure threshold value in the at least one analysis step. In particular, the opening pressure threshold value is set to be at least 2 Pa, preferably at least 3 Pa, advantageously at least 4 Pa, preferably at least 5 Pa, higher than the activation pressure threshold value in the at least one pressure threshold value determination step. Preferably, the opening pressure threshold value is set to be at most 8 Pa, advantageously at most 10 Pa, greater than the activation pressure threshold value in the at least one pressure threshold value determination step. Preferably, the at least one deactivation step is initiated when an open door wish is not identified within a time span of at least 2 s, in particular at least 3 s, advantageously at least 4 s, preferably at least 5 s, and at most 10 s, in particular from the point in time at which the activation pressure threshold value is exceeded, after the start of the at least one analysis step.

[0038] It is further proposed that the at least one evaluation unit is switched to an energy saving mode in at least one further deactivation step when a state of the at least one interior space of the refrigeration appliance being closed by the at least one refrigeration appliance door is identified in the at least one analysis step, in particular after the user and / or the at least one door opening unit has opened the at least one refrigeration appliance door. Thereby, a high energy efficiency can advantageously be provided since in particular the evaluation unit is returned to a state of reduced energy consumption after the pressure analysis is completed. Preferably, the state of the at least one interior space of the refrigeration appliance being closed by the at least one refrigeration appliance door is identified in the at least one analysis step from the detected pressure. In particular, the opening of the at least one refrigeration appliance door is identified in the at least one analysis step from the detected pressure. In particular, the closing of the at least one refrigeration appliance door is identified in the at least one analysis step from the detected pressure. Advantageously, the state of the at least one interior space of the refrigeration appliance being closed by the at least one refrigeration appliance door is identified in the at least one analysis step from the detected pressure when the closing of the refrigeration appliance door is identified after the opening of the at least one refrigeration appliance door is identified. Alternatively or additionally, it can be envisaged that the state of the at least one interior space of the refrigeration appliance being closed by the at least one refrigeration appliance door is identified from the detected position parameter of the at least one refrigeration appliance door. In particular, the state of the at least one interior space of the refrigeration appliance being closed by the at least one refrigeration appliance door is identified from the detected position parameter of the at least one refrigeration appliance door when an opening signal sent by the at least one further sensor is followed by a closing signal. The at least one evaluation unit preferably checks in the at least one analysis step whether the detected position parameter of the refrigeration appliance door correlates with the detected pressure to confirm the evaluation of the detected pressure, in particular the state of the at least one interior space of the refrigeration appliance being closed by the at least one refrigeration appliance door. It can be envisaged that the at least one further deactivation step is initiated after a delay of at least 2 s, in particular at least 3 s, advantageously at least 4 s, preferably at least 5 s, and at maximum 10 s from the identification of the state of the at least one interior space being closed by the at least one refrigeration appliance door.

[0039] The door monitoring device of the present invention, the refrigeration appliance of the present invention and the method for operating the door monitoring device of the present invention shall not be limited to the above described applications and embodiments. In particular, the door monitoring device of the present invention, the refrigeration appliance of the present invention and the method for operating the door monitoring device of the present invention can have a different number of individual elements, components, units and / or method steps mentioned herein in order to realize the functional approach described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0040] Further advantages emerge from the following description of the figures. In the figures, embodiments of the application are shown. The figures, the description and the claims contain a large number of features in combination. The person skilled in the art will also consider these features individually and in combination to meaningful further combinations, as appropriate. The figures are as follows.

[0041] Figure 1 A schematic representation of a refrigeration appliance of the application is shown with a door monitoring device of the application.

[0042] Figure 2 A schematic sectional view of a door monitoring device of the application is shown.

[0043] Figure 3 A schematic flow chart of a method of the application for operating a door monitoring device of the application is shown.

[0044] Figure 4 An exemplary pressure-time diagram showing a pressure curve detected during a method of the application is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Figure 1 A schematic representation of a refrigeration appliance 12 is shown. The refrigeration appliance 12 is presently configured as a refrigeration cabinet. Alternatively, however, other configurations of the refrigeration appliance 12 can also be envisaged, for example as a freezer cabinet or a freezer chest.

[0046] The refrigeration appliance 12 has at least one body 26. The at least one body 26 constitutes an outer housing of the refrigeration appliance 12. The refrigeration appliance 12 has at least one interior container 52. The at least one interior container 52 defines at least one interior space 16 of the refrigeration appliance 12. The at least one interior container 52 is accommodated within the at least one body 26. The at least one interior container 52 and the at least one body 26 are presently configured separately from one another. The refrigeration appliance 12 has at least one refrigeration appliance door 28 for closing the interior space 16. The at least one interior container 52 has a plurality of walls. The interior container 52 has a rear wall 54, which is in particular arranged opposite an opening of the body 26 closable by the refrigeration appliance door 28. Furthermore, the interior container 52 has a bottom wall 56, a top wall 58, a side wall and a further side wall. The at least one interior space 16 is delimited by the walls of the at least one interior container 52. The at least one interior container 52 is presently at least partially, in particular completely, composed of at least one plastic. Alternatively, however, it can also be envisaged that the at least one interior container 52 is at least partially, in particular completely, composed of metal or a composite material. An intermediate space 60 between the at least one body 26, in particular the outer housing, and the at least one interior container 52, in particular the walls of the interior container 52, is filled with a thermal insulation material, in particular a thermal insulation foam (not shown), preferably on the side of the at least one interior container 52 facing away from the at least one interior space 16.

[0047] The at least one interior space 16 of the refrigeration device 12 has a holding area 62. The holding area 62 is intended to hold and cool storage, for example food, which is placed therein by a user. The storage can be stored here by at least one storage compartment and / or storage container and / or storage shelf. The refrigeration device 12 has at least one refrigerant circuit 64 for cooling the at least one interior space 16 of the refrigeration device 12. The at least one refrigerant circuit 64 has at least one evaporator 66. The at least one refrigerant circuit 64 has at least one condenser 68. The at least one refrigerant circuit 64 has at least one compressor 70.

[0048] The at least one evaporator 66 of the at least one refrigerant circuit 64 is arranged on the side of the rear wall 54 of the at least one interior container 52 which faces the at least one interior space 16. The refrigeration device 12 has at least one partition element 74 to divide the at least one interior space 16 into a further area, namely an evaporator area 72. The at least one partition element 74 spatially separates the holding area 62 and the evaporator area 72. In particular, the partition element 74 has recesses and / or air channels to establish an air exchange between the evaporator area 72 and the holding area 62, in particular for cooling the holding area 62. In the evaporator area 72, at least one fan 76 and at least one further fan are arranged in order to, in particular, provide a favorable high air exchange and / or a favorable targeted air guidance between the evaporator area 72 and the holding area 62.

[0049] The at least one refrigeration device door 28 is intended to inhibit, in particular prevent, heat or cold or fluids from escaping from the at least one interior space 16 of the refrigeration device 12 or dust or foreign bodies from entering the at least one interior space 16 of the refrigeration device 12, in particular the holding area 62.

[0050] The refrigeration device 12 has at least one hinge element (not shown). The at least one refrigeration device door 28 is connected to the at least one body 26 by means of the at least one hinge element. The at least one hinge element defines a fixed axis, in particular a swivel axis, for opening and / or closing the refrigeration device door 28.

[0051] The refrigeration appliance 12 has at least one magnetic sealing element 78. The at least one magnetic sealing element 78 is currently arranged on the at least one refrigeration appliance door 28. The at least one sealing element 78 is intended to seal the at least one interior space 16 of the refrigeration appliance 12 closed by the at least one refrigeration appliance door 28 from the space outside the refrigeration appliance 12. The at least one magnetic sealing element 78 is intended to maintain a leakage rate below a limit value specified for refrigeration appliances 12 configured as refrigerated cabinets, in particular in the state of the at least one interior space 16 closed by the at least one refrigeration appliance door 28, for example to meet the ISO 15502 or EN 62552 standard.

[0052] The refrigeration appliance 12 comprises at least one door opening unit 80. The at least one door opening unit 80 has at least one drive unit (not shown). The at least one door opening unit 80 is arranged at least partially within the intermediate space 60 between the at least one body 26 of the refrigeration appliance 12 and the at least one interior container 52, in particular the bottom wall 56 of the interior container 52. It is alternatively also conceivable for the at least one door opening unit 80 to be arranged at least partially on the at least one body 26, in particular the outer housing of the refrigeration appliance 12. It is alternatively however also conceivable for the at least one door opening unit 80 to be arranged within the intermediate space 60 between the at least one body 26 and the side wall of the interior container 52 or the top wall 58 of the interior container 52. It is alternatively furthermore conceivable for the at least one door opening unit 80 to be arranged within or at least partially within the at least one refrigeration appliance door 28.

[0053] The at least one door opening unit 80 comprises at least one push rod 82 drivable by the at least one drive unit in order to open the at least one refrigeration appliance door 28. The at least one drive unit of the at least one door opening unit 80 is intended to retract and / or extend the at least one push rod 82 in order to open the at least one refrigeration appliance door 28, in particular.

[0054] The refrigeration appliance 12 comprises at least one door monitoring device 10. The at least one door monitoring device 10 is arranged inside the at least one body 26 of the refrigeration appliance 12. In particular, the at least one door monitoring device 10 is arranged at least partially within the at least one interior space 16, advantageously at least partially within the evaporator region 72.

[0055] The at least one door monitoring device 10 has at least one, in particular digital, pressure sensor 14 for detecting a pressure in the at least one interior space 16 of the refrigeration device 12. The at least one pressure sensor 14 is currently configured as a MEMS-based barometric pressure sensor. The at least one pressure sensor 14 is intended to be used for detecting an absolute air pressure in the interior space 16 of the refrigeration device 12. It is alternatively however also conceivable that the at least one pressure sensor is configured as a piezo-resistive pressure sensor or as a capacitive pressure sensor or as a resonant pressure sensor or as an optical pressure sensor or as a ceramic pressure sensor. The at least one pressure sensor 14 is currently arranged in the at least one interior space 16, in particular in the evaporator region 72. The at least one pressure sensor 14 is in particular intended to detect the pressure with a sampling rate of at least 15 Hz, currently exactly 20 Hz.

[0056] The at least one door monitoring device 10 comprises at least one evaluation unit 18 for analyzing the detected pressure. The at least one evaluation unit 18 can be configured as a microcontroller or as a microprocessor. The at least one evaluation unit 18 is currently arranged in the at least one interior space 16, in particular in the evaporator region 72. The at least one evaluation unit 18 comprises at least one evaluation program for evaluating the detected pressure. The at least one evaluation unit 18 is intended to be used for recognizing an opening desire of the at least one refrigeration device door from the detected pressure, in particular for opening the at least one refrigeration device door by means of the at least one door opening unit 80. The at least one evaluation unit 18 is intended to be used for recognizing an opening of the at least one refrigeration device door 28 of the refrigeration device 12 from the detected pressure. The at least one evaluation unit 18 is intended to be used for recognizing a closing of the at least one refrigeration device door 28 of the refrigeration device 12 from the detected pressure.

[0057] The at least one door monitoring device 10 comprises at least one event detection unit 20 (cf. Figure 2 ). The at least one event detection unit 20 connects the at least one pressure sensor 14 and the at least one evaluation unit 18 to one another by means of signal technology. The at least one event detection unit 20 is currently at least partially integrated in the at least one pressure sensor 14. The at least one pressure sensor 14 has control electronics. The at least one event detection unit 20 at least partially constitutes the control electronics of the at least one pressure sensor 14. It is alternatively conceivable that the at least one event detection unit 20 comprises at least one comparator, for example a comparator circuit, which is in particular arranged in circuit technology between the at least one pressure sensor 14 and the at least one evaluation unit 18.

[0058] The at least one event detection unit 20 has at least one interrupt signal line 22, which leads from the at least one pressure sensor 14 to the at least one evaluation unit 18 (cf. Figure 2 ). The at least one evaluation unit 18 comprises at least one interrupt input pin (not shown). The at least one pressure sensor 14, in particular the control electronics of the at least one pressure sensor 14, has at least one interrupt output pin (not shown). The at least one interrupt signal line 22 leads from the at least one interrupt output pin of the at least one pressure sensor 14 to the at least one interrupt input pin of the at least one evaluation unit 18.

[0059] The at least one door monitoring device 10 has at least one data connection line 24 for transmitting data of the at least one pressure sensor 14 to the at least one evaluation unit 18. The at least one data connection line 24 is currently configured as an I2C data connection line (inter-integrated circuit). In particular, the at least one evaluation unit 18 and the at least one pressure sensor 14 have corresponding communication interfaces (not shown). Alternatively, it is conceivable that the at least one data connection line 24 is configured as an SPI data connection line (serial peripheral interface), or a UART data connection line (universal asynchronous receiver transmitter), or a CAN data connection line (controller area network), or a 1-Wire data connection line, or a Modbus connection line, or a BLE data connection line (Bluetooth Low Energy), or the like.

[0060] The at least one event detection unit 20 is intended to activate the at least one evaluation unit 18 from an energy-saving mode in accordance with a detected pressure. The at least one event detection unit 20 is intended to monitor a detected pressure. The at least one event detection unit 20 is intended to compare the detected pressure with an activation pressure threshold 40. The at least one event detection unit 20 is intended to send an activation signal, in particular an interrupt signal, to the at least one evaluation unit 18 via the at least one interrupt signal line 22 when the detected pressure exceeds the activation pressure threshold 40, in order to, in particular, wake up the at least one evaluation unit 18 from an energy-saving mode.

[0061] The at least one door monitoring device 10 comprises at least one sensor 84 for detecting a position parameter of the at least one refrigeration appliance door 28 (cf. Figure 1 ). The at least one sensor 84 is currently configured as a magnetoresistive sensor in order to detect the position parameter of the at least one refrigeration appliance door 28. The at least one sensor 84 comprises at least one magnetic element, which is arranged on the at least one refrigeration appliance door 28 (cf. Figure 1). The at least one sensor 84 comprises at least one control electronics for processing the detected position parameter. It is alternatively conceivable that the at least one sensor 84 is configured as a Hall effect sensor or an infrared sensor or a capacitive proximity sensor or an inductive proximity sensor or an angle sensor or an ultrasonic sensor or a contact switch for detecting the position parameter of the at least one refrigeration appliance door 28. In particular the at least one sensor 84 is connected by signal technology to the at least one evaluation unit 18 for detecting the position parameter of the refrigeration appliance door 28.

[0062] The refrigeration appliance 12 comprises at least one control unit. The at least one control unit is at least intended for controlling the at least one door opening unit 80. In particular the at least one control unit is furthermore intended for controlling and / or regulating components of the refrigeration appliance 12, for example the control of lighting means of the refrigeration appliance 12 or the control of the at least one refrigerant circuit 64, preferably the control of the compressor 70 of the refrigeration appliance 12 or the control of the at least one fan 76. The at least one control unit comprises at least one control circuit board 86 (cf. Figure 1 ). The at least one control circuit board 86 is currently arranged on the rear wall 54 of the at least one interior container 52, in particular on the side of the rear wall 54 facing the at least one interior space 16. The at least one door monitoring device 10 is at least partially integrated in the at least one control unit of the refrigeration appliance 12. The at least one door monitoring device 10 is at least partially arranged on the at least one control circuit board 86. The at least one evaluation unit 18 is currently arranged on the at least one control circuit board 86. The at least one pressure sensor 18 is currently arranged on the at least one control circuit board 86. In particular the at least one event detection unit 20 is arranged on the at least one control circuit board 86.

[0063] For multiple existing objects, only one is labeled with a reference numeral in the figures.

[0064] Figure 3 A schematic flow chart of a method 30 for operating the at least one door monitoring device 10 of the refrigeration appliance 12 is shown.

[0065] The method 30 comprises at least one detection step 32. In the at least one detection step 32 a pressure within the at least one interior space 16 of the refrigeration device 12 is detected by the at least one pressure sensor 14. In the at least one detection step 32 an absolute pressure within the at least one interior space 16 is detected by the at least one pressure sensor 14. Alternatively it is conceivable that in the at least one detection step 32 a relative pressure or a differential pressure is detected, in particular a relative pressure or a differential pressure with respect to an atmospheric pressure at the installation site of the refrigeration device 12. In the at least one detection step 32 the pressure within the at least one interior space 16 is currently detected with a sampling rate of 20 Hz.

[0066] The method 30 comprises at least one pressure reference determination step 42, which is carried out by the at least one evaluation unit 18 and / or the at least one pressure sensor 14, in particular by the at least one event detection unit 20. In the at least one pressure reference determination step 42 a moving average of the detected pressure is formed. In the at least one pressure reference determination step 42 a moving average of the last four values of the detected pressure is currently formed.

[0067] The moving average of the detected pressure formed in the at least one pressure reference determination step 42 is used as a pressure reference value to determine at least one pressure threshold value in a at least one pressure threshold determination step 44 of the method 30. The at least one pressure threshold determination step 44 is carried out in particular by the at least one evaluation unit 18 and / or the at least one event detection unit 20, in particular by the at least one event detection unit 20. The pressure threshold determination step 44 is currently carried out once after each pressure reference determination step 42 to determine and / or update the at least one pressure threshold value in particular during the operation of the refrigeration device 12, in particular depending on the pressure reference value, in particular the moving average of the detected pressure.

[0068] In at least one further detection step of the method 30, in particular by means of the at least one sensor 84 for detecting a position parameter of the at least one refrigeration device door 28, the at least one position parameter of the at least one refrigeration device door 28 is detected (not shown). In at least one interior space state determination step of the method 30, in particular by means of a control electronics of the at least one sensor 84, a state of the at least one interior space 16 opened by the at least one refrigeration device door 28 and / or a state of the at least one interior space 16 closed by the at least one refrigeration device door 28 is identified from the detected position parameter of the at least one refrigeration device door 28 (not shown). An opening signal or a closing signal is transmitted in the at least one interior space state determination step from the detected position parameter of the at least one refrigeration device door 28 to the at least one evaluation unit 18 and / or to the at least one event detection unit 20. The at least one position parameter of the at least one refrigeration device door 28 currently comprises a resistance signal. A state of the at least one interior space 16 opened by the at least one refrigeration device door 28 can be identified in the at least one interior space state determination step, for example when a resistance signal detected by the sensor 84, in particular a magnetoresistive sensor, is at least 90% of an original resistance value. When a state of the at least one interior space 16 opened by the at least one refrigeration device door 28 is identified from the at least one position parameter of the at least one refrigeration device door 28, the sensor 84 transmits an opening signal to the at least one evaluation unit 18 and / or to the at least one event detection unit 20. In particular a state of the at least one interior space 16 closed by the at least one refrigeration device door 28 can be identified in the at least one interior space state determination step, when a resistance signal detected by the magnetoresistive sensor is less than 90% of an original resistance value. When a state of the at least one interior space 16 closed by the at least one refrigeration device door 28 is identified from the at least one position parameter of the at least one refrigeration device door 28, the sensor 84 transmits a closing signal to the at least one evaluation unit 18 and / or to the at least one event detection unit 20.

[0069] Currently, the at least one pressure reference determination step 42 of the method 30 is performed only when a state of the interior space 18a closed by the at least one refrigeration device door 28 is identified in the at least one interior space state determination step from the detected position parameter of the at least one refrigeration device door 28 in order to form a moving average of the detected pressure. In particular, when an opening signal is present, the determined pressure reference value remains in the at least one pressure reference determination step 42 at the last formed moving average of the detected pressure.

[0070] The activation pressure threshold 40 is set in the at least one pressure threshold determination step 44 to a value which deviates by a minimum of 2 Pa and / or a maximum of 8 Pa from the moving average of the detected pressure. Currently, the activation pressure threshold 40 is set in the at least one pressure threshold determination step 44 to a value which is 4 Pa higher than the moving average.

[0071] The opening pressure threshold 48 is set in the at least one pressure threshold determination step 44 to a value which deviates by a minimum of 2 Pa and / or a maximum of 8 Pa from the activation pressure threshold. Currently, the opening pressure threshold is set to a value which is 4 Pa higher than the activation pressure threshold 40.

[0072] Further pressure thresholds are determined in the at least one pressure threshold determination step 44, for example a door closing pressure threshold 88 for identifying a closing of the at least one refrigeration appliance door 28 and / or a door opening pressure threshold 90 for identifying an opening of the at least one refrigeration appliance door 28 by the at least one door opening unit 80 and / or a further door opening pressure threshold for identifying an opening of the at least one refrigeration appliance door 28 by a user and / or a door gap pressure threshold for identifying a door gap.

[0073] The detected pressure is compared in the at least one pressure comparison step 38 of the method 30 by the at least one event detection unit 20 to the activation pressure threshold 40. When an exceeding of the detected pressure with respect to the activation pressure threshold 40 is identified in the at least one pressure comparison step 38, at least one activation step 36 is initiated. The at least one evaluation unit 18 is activated from the energy saving mode in the at least one activation step 36 to evaluate the detected pressure depending on the detected pressure by the at least one event detection unit 20. The at least one event detection unit 20 generates an activation signal, in particular an interrupt signal, in the at least one activation step 36 depending on the detected pressure, in particular depending on the identified exceeding of the activation pressure threshold 40. The activation signal, in particular the interrupt signal, is sent by the at least one event detection unit 20, in particular by an interrupt output pin, to the at least one evaluation unit 18, in particular to the at least one interrupt input pin. The at least one interrupt input pin triggers an interrupt when the activation signal is present to activate the at least one evaluation unit 18 from the energy saving mode. The at least one activation step 36 initiates the at least one analysis step 34 to analyze the detected pressure by the at least one evaluation unit 18.

[0074] The detected pressure is evaluated in the at least one evaluation step 34 by the at least one evaluation unit 18. In the at least one evaluation step 34 an opening door wish is identified from a pressure profile which is above the opening pressure threshold 48. At present an opening door wish is identified in the at least one evaluation step 34 when the time span between the point in time when the opening pressure threshold 48 is exceeded and another point in time when the opening pressure threshold 48 is undershot is between a minimum of 0.1 s and a maximum of 0.8 s. When an opening door wish is identified in the at least one evaluation step 34 the at least one evaluation unit 18 initiates at least one opening door step 92 of the method 30 to open the at least one refrigeration device door 28 by the at least one opening door unit 80. It is conceivable that the at least one opening door step 92 is initiated with a time delay after an opening door wish is identified in the at least one evaluation step 34 of e.g. a maximum of 5 s, advantageously a maximum of 4 s, particularly advantageously a maximum of 3 s, preferably a maximum of 2 s, particularly preferably a maximum of 1 s.

[0075] In the at least one deactivation step 46 of the method 30 the at least one evaluation unit 18, in particular by the at least one evaluation unit 18, is switched into an energy saving mode from a pressure profile which is above the opening pressure threshold 48. At present the at least one deactivation step 46 is initiated when no opening door wish is identified in the at least one evaluation step 34 from a pressure profile which is above the opening pressure threshold 48. The at least one deactivation step 46 is initiated when no opening door wish is identified within a time span of at least 2 s, in particular at least 3 s, advantageously at least 4 s, preferably at least 5 s and a maximum of 10 s after the start of the at least one evaluation step 34, in particular from the point in time when the activation pressure threshold 40 is exceeded.

[0076] In the at least one further deactivation step 50 of the method 30 the at least one evaluation unit 18, in particular by the at least one evaluation unit 18, is switched into an energy saving mode when a state is identified in the at least one evaluation step 34 that the at least one interior space 16 of the refrigeration device 12 is closed by the at least one refrigeration device door 28, in particular after the user and / or the at least one opening door unit 80 has opened the at least one refrigeration device door 28.

[0077] The state of the at least one interior space 16 of the refrigeration appliance 12 being closed by the at least one refrigeration appliance door 28 is identified in the at least one analysis step 34 from the detected pressure. The opening of the at least one refrigeration appliance door 28 by a user and / or by the at least one door opening unit 80 is identified in the at least one analysis step 34 from the detected pressure. The opening of the at least one refrigeration appliance door 28 by a user can be identified in the at least one analysis step 34 when a further door opening pressure threshold value is undershot and overshot again within a time span of, for example, a minimum of 0.1 s and a maximum of 0.8 s. The further door opening pressure threshold value is set in the at least one pressure threshold value determination step 44 to be, for example, 20 Pa less than the moving average of the detected pressure. The opening of the at least one refrigeration appliance door 28 by the at least one door opening unit 80 is identified in the at least one analysis step 34, in particular after the initiation of the at least one door opening step 92, when the detected pressure is undershot and overshot again within a time span of a minimum of 0.1 s and a maximum of 1 s by a door opening pressure threshold value 90. The door opening pressure threshold value 90 is set in the at least one pressure threshold value determination step 44 to be, for example, 10 Pa less than the moving average of the detected pressure at the moment. The closing of the at least one refrigeration appliance door 28 is identified in the at least one analysis step 34 from the detected pressure. The closing of the at least one refrigeration appliance door 28 is identified in the at least one analysis step 34 when the detected pressure is overshot and undershot again within a time span of a minimum of 0.1 s and a maximum of 1 s by a door closing pressure threshold value 88. The door closing pressure threshold value 88 is set in the at least one pressure threshold value determination step 44 to be, for example, 20 Pa more than the moving average of the detected pressure at the moment. The state of the at least one interior space 16 of the refrigeration appliance 12 being closed by the at least one refrigeration appliance door 28 is identified in the at least one analysis step 34 from the detected pressure when the closing of the at least one refrigeration appliance door 28 is identified after the opening of the at least one refrigeration appliance door 28 has been identified. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the state of the at least one interior space 16 of the refrigeration appliance 12 being closed by the at least one refrigeration appliance door 28 is identified from the detected position parameter of the at least one refrigeration appliance door 28. In particular, the state of the at least one interior space 16 of the refrigeration appliance 12 being closed by the at least one refrigeration appliance door 28 is identified from the detected position parameter of the at least one refrigeration appliance door 28 when an opening signal sent by the at least one further sensor 84 is followed by a closing signal. The at least one evaluation unit 18 preferably checks in the at least one analysis step 34 whether the detected position parameter of the refrigeration appliance door 28, in particular the sent opening signal and / or closing signal, correlates with the detected pressure in order to confirm the evaluation of the detected pressure.It is conceivable that the at least one further deactivation step 50 is initiated after a delay of at least 2 s, in particular at least 3 s, advantageously at least 4 s, preferably at least 5 s, and at most 10 s from the recognition of the at least one interior space 16 being in a state closed by the at least one refrigeration appliance door 28, in order to analyze the detected pressure in particular further.

[0078] Figure 4 A time-pressure diagram is shown for describing an exemplary pressure curve 94 during the method 30. The pressure curve 94 describes the change of the absolute pressure within the at least one interior space 16 of the refrigeration appliance 12 detected by the at least one pressure sensor 14 over time in the at least one detection step 32. The detected absolute pressure is plotted on an axis 96 against a time axis 98.

[0079] The pressure curve 94 starts with a substantially constant pressure, which substantially corresponds to the atmospheric pressure at the installation site of the refrigeration appliance 12. The at least one interior space 16 is in a state closed by the at least one refrigeration appliance door 28.

[0080] A moving average of the detected pressure is determined in the at least one pressure reference determination step 42 of the method 30. The moving average of the detected pressure is used as a pressure reference value. The activation pressure threshold 40 and the opening pressure threshold 48 are determined in the at least one pressure threshold determination step 44 from the pressure reference value, in particular from the moving average of the detected pressure. The activation pressure threshold 40 is set to be 4 Pa greater than the pressure reference value in the at least one pressure threshold determination step 44. The opening pressure threshold 48 is set to be 4 Pa greater than the activation pressure threshold 40 in the at least one pressure threshold determination step 44. The door opening pressure threshold 90 and the door closing pressure threshold 88 are determined in the at least one pressure threshold determination step 44 from the pressure reference value, in particular from the moving average of the detected pressure. The door opening pressure threshold 90 is set to be 10 Pa less than the pressure reference value in the at least one pressure threshold determination step 44. The door closing pressure threshold 88 is set to be 20 Pa greater than the pressure reference value, in particular the moving average of the detected pressure, in the at least one pressure threshold determination step 44.

[0081] The user exerts a pressure on the at least one refrigerator door 28, for example by briefly pushing on the at least one refrigerator door 28, over a time period 100. The pressure exerted by the user on the at least one refrigerator door 28 generates a pressure change in the at least one interior space 16 of the refrigerator 12. In particular, the at least one sealing element 78 of the refrigerator 12 is compressed by the pressure exerted on the at least one refrigerator door 28, thereby reducing the volume of the at least one interior space 16 and generating a pressure rise. When the user no longer exerts a pressure on the at least one refrigerator door 28, the at least one sealing element 78 expands again, thereby increasing the volume of the interior space 16 again, which in turn generates a pressure drop.

[0082] In the at least one pressure comparison step 38 of the method 30, an exceeding of the activation pressure threshold 40 is identified by the at least one event detection unit 20. The at least one event detection unit 20 generates an activation signal, in particular an interrupt signal, which is sent to the at least one evaluation unit 18 to activate the evaluation unit 18 from the energy-saving mode. The at least one evaluation unit 18 initiates the at least one analysis step 34. In the at least one analysis step 34, the detected pressure is evaluated by the at least one evaluation unit 18.

[0083] For a time period 100, in the at least one analysis step 34, it is identified that at least one pressure value exceeds the opening pressure threshold 48. In the at least one analysis step 34, it is also identified that the time span between the point in time at which the opening pressure threshold 48 is exceeded and the point in time at which the opening pressure threshold 48 is undershot is greater than 0.1 s and less than 1 s. In the at least one analysis step 34, for a time period 100, an opening desire is identified. The at least one evaluation unit 18 triggers the at least one opening step 92 to open the at least one refrigerator door 28 as a result of the opening desire being identified. If, in the analysis step 34, no opening desire is identified within a maximum time span of 5 s after the initiation of the at least one analysis step 34, the at least one evaluation unit 18 initiates the at least one deactivation step 46 to switch the at least one evaluation unit 18 to the energy-saving mode.

[0084] The at least one door opening step 92 is performed by the at least one door opening unit 80 to open the at least one refrigerator door 28 within a further time period 102. The at least one door opening unit 80 extends the at least one push rod 82 to open the at least one refrigerator door 28. The at least one push rod 82 exerts a pressure on the at least one refrigerator door 28, thereby expanding the at least one sealing element 78. The volume of the at least one interior space 16 increases, which in turn leads to a pressure drop within the at least one interior space 16. From a certain point the sealing element 78 detaches from the at least one body 26 of the refrigerator 12, thereby allowing ambient air to flow into the at least one interior space 16, which in turn leads to a pressure rise within the at least one interior space 16. The detected pressure is below and exceeds the door opening pressure threshold 90 within a time span of a minimum of 0.1 s and a maximum of 1 s within the further time period 102, so that the at least one evaluation unit 18 recognizes the opening of the at least one refrigerator door 28 for the further time period 102.

[0085] After the at least one door opening step 92 is completed, the at least one refrigerator door 28 is further visible to the user. The user opens the at least one refrigerator door 28 to place a storage item into the holding area 62 of the at least one interior space 16. By the user further opening the at least one refrigerator door 28, a state of the at least one interior space 16 is recognized by the at least one sensor 84 in the at least one interior space state determination step at a time point 104 from a position parameter of the at least one refrigerator door 28 that the at least one interior space 16 is open by the at least one refrigerator door 28. After a period of time the user closes the at least one refrigerator door 28. A state of the at least one interior space 16 is recognized by the at least one sensor 84 in the at least one interior space state determination step at a further time point 106 from a position parameter of the at least one refrigerator door 28 that the at least one interior space 16 is closed by the at least one refrigerator door 28.

[0086] The at least one sealing element 78 is pressed against the at least one body 26 by closing the at least one refrigeration appliance door 28 over an additional time period 108. The at least one sealing element 78 is compressed, thereby reducing the volume of the at least one interior space 16 and generating a pressure rise within the at least one interior space 16. The detected pressure exceeds and falls below the door-closed pressure threshold 88 over a time span of a minimum of 0.1 s and a maximum of 1 s over the additional time period 108, so that the at least one evaluation unit 18 recognizes the closing of the at least one refrigeration appliance door 28 for the additional time period 108 in the at least one analysis step 34. The closing of the at least one interior space 16 by the at least one refrigeration appliance door 28 is recognized from the detected pressure by continuously recognizing the opening of the at least one refrigeration appliance door 28 and the closing of the at least one refrigeration appliance door 28 in the at least one analysis step 34. After recognizing the closing of the at least one interior space 16 by the at least one refrigeration appliance door 28 from the detected pressure, the at least one evaluation unit 18 initiates the at least one further deactivation step 50 to switch the at least one evaluation unit 18 into an energy-saving mode.

[0087] List of reference signs 10 door monitoring device 12 refrigeration appliance 14 pressure sensor 16 interior space 18 evaluation unit 20 event detection unit 22 interrupt signal line 24 data connection line 26 body 28 refrigeration appliance door 30 method 32 detection step 34 analysis step 36 activation step 38 pressure comparison step 40 activation pressure threshold 42 pressure reference determination step 44 pressure threshold determination step 46 deactivation step 48 opening pressure threshold 50 further deactivation step 52 interior container 54 rear wall 56 bottom wall 58 top wall 60 intermediate space 62 containment area 64 refrigerant circuit 66 evaporator 68 condenser 70 compressor 72 evaporator area 74 partition element 76 fan 78 sealing element 80 door opening unit 82 push rod 84 sensor 86 control circuit board 88 door closing pressure threshold 90 door opening pressure threshold 92 door opening step 94 pressure curve 96 axis 98 axis 100 time period 102 further time period 104 time point 106 further time point 108 additional time period.

Claims

1. A door monitoring device (10) for a refrigeration appliance (12), in particular a refrigeration appliance, having at least one pressure sensor (14) for detecting a pressure in at least one interior space (16) of the refrigeration appliance (12) and at least one evaluation unit (18) for analyzing the detected pressure, characterized in that at least one event detection unit (20) which connects the at least one pressure sensor (14) and the at least one evaluation unit (18) by signal technology, wherein the at least one event detection unit (20) is intended to activate the at least one evaluation unit (18), in particular from an energy-saving mode, as a function of the detected pressure.

2. The door monitoring device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The at least one event detection unit (20) is at least partially integrated in the at least one pressure sensor (14).

3. The door monitoring device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The at least one event detection unit (20) has at least one interrupt signal line (22) which leads from the at least one pressure sensor (14) to the at least one evaluation unit (18).

4. The door monitoring arrangement (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that At least one data connection line (24) for transmitting data of the at least one pressure sensor (14) to the at least one evaluation unit (18).

5. A refrigeration appliance (12) having at least one body (26), at least one interior space (16) arranged inside the at least one body (26), at least one refrigeration appliance door (28) movably arranged on the at least one body (26) for closing the at least one interior space (16), and a door monitoring device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims arranged inside the at least one body (26).

6. A method (30) for operating a door monitoring device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein in at least one detection step (32) a pressure in an interior space (16) of a refrigeration appliance (10) is detected, and wherein in at least one analysis step (34) the detected pressure is evaluated, characterized in that in at least one activation step (36) the at least one evaluation unit (18) is activated by the at least one event detection unit (20) as a function of the detected pressure for evaluating the detected pressure, in particular from an energy-saving mode.

7. The method (30) according to claim 6, characterized by In at least one pressure comparison step (38) the detected pressure is compared to an activation pressure threshold value (40), wherein the at least one activation step (36) is initiated when in the at least one pressure comparison step (38) an exceeding of the activation pressure threshold value (40) by the detected pressure is identified.

8. The method (30) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by, In at least one pressure reference determination step (42) a moving average of the detected pressure is formed, and in at least one pressure threshold value determination step (44), in particular dynamically, an activation pressure threshold value (40) is determined as a function of the moving average of the detected pressure formed in the at least one pressure reference determination step (42).

9. The method (30) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by, The activation pressure threshold (40), in particular in the at least one pressure threshold determination step (44), is set to a value which deviates by a minimum of 2 Pa and / or a maximum of 8 Pa from the moving average of the detected pressure.

10. The method (30) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized by, In at least one deactivation step (46), the at least one evaluation unit (18) is placed into the energy-saving mode in accordance with the pressure profile being above the opening pressure threshold (48).

11. The method (30) according to any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized by, In at least one further deactivation step (50), the at least one evaluation unit (18) is placed into the energy-saving mode when, in the at least one analysis step (34), a state is recognized in which at least one interior space (16) of the refrigeration device (12) is closed by at least one refrigeration device door (28).

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