TEMPERATURE DETERMINATION IN A REFRIGERATOR

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the determination of the temperature of a beverage in a cooling device.

[0002] A cooling appliance is designed to hold objects and cool them to a predetermined temperature. Specifically, a cooling appliance can be a household device and may be, for example, a refrigerator, freezer, or refrigerated drawer. When an uncooled object is placed in the cooling appliance, it takes a certain amount of time for it to cool down to the appliance's internal temperature. During the cooling process, the contents of the cooling appliance can be changed, for example, by adding another object, removing an object, or moving an object within the appliance.

[0003] The cooling process of an object typically progresses from the outside in, so an object that already feels cool on the outside may still be relatively warm inside. Assessing the internal temperature of an object can therefore be difficult. For example, if there are several beverage bottles in the cooler, one of which is occasionally removed and replaced with an unchilled one, a user can easily lose track after just a few exchanges of which bottles are cooled to a drinkable temperature and which are not.

[0004] DE 102017125797 A1 proposes using an infrared sensor to determine the temperature of an object. However, such a sensor is usually expensive and cannot directly measure the internal temperature of the object. A sensor attached to the object also cannot directly determine its internal temperature. The object may contain food, so using an internal temperature sensor may be undesirable for hygienic reasons. JP H10205951A discloses a method for determining the temperature of food in a refrigerator.

[0005] One of the problems underlying the present invention is to provide an improved technique for determining the temperature of a beverage in a cooling appliance. The invention solves this problem by means of the subject matter of the independent claims. Dependent claims describe preferred embodiments.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method for determining the temperature of an object, namely a beverage, in a cooling device comprises steps of determining when to place the object in the cooling device; determining a first temperature prevailing in the environment of the cooling device; determining a residence time of the object in the cooling device; determining a second temperature prevailing in the cooling device; and determining a third temperature of the object based on the residence time, the first and the second temperature, assuming that the object had the temperature of the environment at the time of placement.

[0007] According to the invention, the cooling process of an object in a cooling device can be monitored based on simple and reliable measurements. The object's temperature can be determined with good approximation. In particular, if the cooling device is a household appliance, and preferably a kitchen appliance, the temperature can be reliably determined and made available. The object includes a beverage, for example, a bottle of water, wine, or beer. The beverage's temperature can be easily determined, thus enabling the beverage to be served at a desired temperature.

[0008] In one embodiment, the object can be predetermined, or an object whose heat exchange properties are known can be used. For example, beverages in standardized bottles can have essentially the same thermophysical properties. Different bottles can be distinguished; for beer, for instance, between a Euro bottle, an NRW bottle, and a long-neck bottle. For water, a standard bottle from the Association of German Mineral Water Producers can be assumed. Other bottles can be made of PET or another plastic instead of glass; their properties can also be modeled accordingly.

[0009] The beverage is recognized, and it is determined that the beverage has a predetermined type. The third temperature is then determined based on a thermophysical property of the beverage's packaging and a thermophysical property of the beverage itself. This property can be associated with the recognized beverage and used to improve the modeling of heat exchange between the beverage and the cooling device. For example, the thermophysical property could include mass, specific heat capacity, specific thermal conductivity, or the surface area of ​​the object. The property could also include, for example, the state of matter of the object's contents.

[0010] Recognition can be based on an optical scan of the object, for example using a camera. Alternatively, an identification element of the object can be scanned, such as a barcode, a QR code, or an RFID tag.

[0011] The third temperature is determined based on a thermophysical property of the packaging and a thermophysical property of the contents. This allows the influence of the packaging or container to be taken into account. For example, a 0.5-liter aluminum can and a 0.5-liter glass bottle may have different insulating properties, meaning the contents of the can may cool down more quickly than those of the bottle. Optionally, the influence of a label on the packaging can be considered, especially if the label is designed for thermal insulation. Furthermore, the influence of outer packaging can also be considered, such as a beverage carton containing a six-pack of bottles or cans, or a six-bottle case of wine.

[0012] It is determined that the object must be of a predetermined type. Objects of a different type cannot be considered. The method is limited to beverages, as their current temperature can be of particular importance. More preferably, the method is carried out only with an object that can also be stored without refrigeration, for example, a beverage such as beer, wine, soft drink, or water. For such objects, it can be more readily assumed that their temperature upon placement in the cooling device corresponds to the initial temperature prevailing in the vicinity of the cooling device. Objects that can only be stored under refrigeration can be excluded. Such objects, for example, dairy products, meat, or frozen goods, may have a temperature upon placement that can deviate significantly from the initial temperature.

[0013] Determining the object's temperature can be done in two ways: firstly, using empirical information that reflects the object's cooling process. For example, the temperature can be determined based on a characteristic curve, where, in addition to the initial and second temperatures and the dwell time, other physical parameters that can influence heat exchange can be specified. Secondly, the temperature can be determined using a physical model. Here, too, parameters other than the initial and second temperatures can be considered. In both methods, the object's temperature can be determined as a function of its dwell time in the cooling device.

[0014] One example parameter that can be considered for determining the third temperature is the humidity inside the refrigerator. The higher the humidity, the greater the potential heat exchange between the refrigerator (or the air inside it) and the object being stored. Humidity can be measured using a sensor or estimated based on the refrigerator's design. For instance, a zero-degree compartment typically has high humidity, while a butter compartment might have lower humidity. Preferably, the relative humidity is considered, relative to air at a predetermined temperature.

[0015] The third temperature can also be determined based on convection within the cooling unit. This convection can be caused by a fan or by a thermal gradient. If the interior of the cooling unit is well-filled, convection may be lower than if there are only a few items inside. The temperature of the items inside the cooling unit can also influence convection. These and other factors affecting convection can be determined and taken into account when calculating the third temperature.

[0016] The third temperature can also be determined based on the object's position within the cooling unit. For example, an object placed directly beneath a condenser will be cooled more effectively than one located further away. A thermal mass in the vicinity of the object can slow down or accelerate the cooling process, depending on the temperature of that thermal mass.

[0017] The third temperature can also be determined based on the temperature of another object placed inside the cooling unit. For example, it can be taken into account that the cooling unit's heat output is limited to a predetermined value. If a large mass to be cooled is placed in the cooling unit, it may take longer for it to cool down to the temperature of the interior.

[0018] The third temperature can be displayed to a user, for example, via a display device that may be attached to or inside the cooling unit. Various ways of displaying the specific temperature of the object are conceivable. Typically, third temperatures are determined and displayed for several objects.

[0019] It is preferred that the movement of the object within the cooling unit is detected. A specific third temperature of the object can be indicated by reference to its current position within the cooling unit. For example, if the cooling unit is used to chill several bottles, and an unchilled bottle is added each time a bottle is removed, tracking the bottles allows for a reliable determination of how much each bottle has cooled. This is particularly relevant if the bottles are stacked in the cooling unit and removing a lower (chilled) bottle can cause an upper (unchilled) bottle to slide down.

[0020] In a further embodiment, the opening process of the cooling unit is detected while the object is inside. The third temperature can then be additionally determined based on this opening process. This takes into account that with each opening, cooled air escapes from the cooling unit and uncooled outside air flows in. The more frequently or for the longer the cooling unit is opened, the less effective the cooling of the object will be.

[0021] It is also possible to determine when the third temperature is expected to reach a predetermined value. This value can be a predetermined amount higher than the second temperature prevailing inside the unit. Once the predetermined value is reached, a user can be notified. In yet another embodiment, it can be determined for a large number of items in the refrigerator whether their third temperature has fallen below the predetermined value. This makes it easier to locate items cooled to their intended operating temperature within the refrigerator. A user can then more easily decide whether to prefer a partially chilled first beverage to a well-chilled second one.

[0022] In another embodiment, an identification number for the object is determined, and a property of the object relating to its identification is queried from an external source. This property can include information beyond a thermophysical property. For example, a name, symbol, logo, or trademark of the object can be queried to display this information along with the determined temperature and, if applicable, its location within the refrigerator. In yet another embodiment, the alcohol content, caffeine content, allergens present, or suitability of the object for consumption by pregnant women can also be determined.

[0023] According to another aspect, a control device for a cooling appliance comprises a scanning device for detecting the insertion of a beverage into the cooling appliance; a timer for determining the insertion time and the current time; a first temperature sensor for determining a first temperature prevailing in the vicinity of the cooling appliance; a second temperature sensor for determining a second temperature prevailing in the cooling appliance; a processing device configured to determine a third temperature of the beverage based on the beverage's residence time in the cooling appliance, the first and second temperatures; and an output device for outputting an indication of the determined temperature of the item.The object is recognized and it is determined that the beverage has a predetermined type, with the third temperature being determined on the basis of a thermophysical property of the beverage's packaging and a thermophysical property of the beverage itself.

[0024] The processing equipment may be configured to execute all or part of a method described herein. For this purpose, the processing equipment may include a programmable microcomputer or microcontroller, and the method may be in the form of a computer program product with program code. The computer program product may also be stored on a computer-readable data carrier. Features or advantages of the method may be transferred to the equipment and vice versa.

[0025] According to yet another aspect, a cooling device includes a control device as described herein.

[0026] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a system comprises a cooling device as described herein and an external location, wherein the cooling device is configured to determine an identification of the object, transmit it to the external location, and receive from the external location an indication of the cooling behavior of the object.

[0027] The external entity can also provide further information about the object. In one variant, the third temperature can be determined by the processing unit of the cooling device, optionally based on information provided by the external entity; in a second variant, the temperature can be determined by the external entity itself. In a derived variant, the external entity can provide a time-dependent function, enabling the cooling device to determine the desired temperature of the object depending on its exposure time. This function can be determined based on the first and second temperatures and, if applicable, other physical parameters present in the cooling device's vicinity or associated with the object. The function can be presented, for example, as a table, a curve, or a functional equation.

[0028] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 shows a system with a cooling unit; Figure 2 shows representations of objects in a cooling unit; and Figure 3 shows a flowchart of a process. represents.

[0029] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a system 100 comprising a cooling unit 105, an optional control unit 110, and an optional external location 115. The cooling unit 105 preferably comprises a household appliance, in particular a kitchen appliance, more preferably a refrigerator, a refrigerated drawer, or a refrigerator-freezer combination, and is configured to cool an item 120 to a predetermined temperature, which is particularly preferably above the freezing point of the item 120. For this purpose, an interior space 125, in which the item 120 can be arranged, is cooled to the predetermined temperature, which can be selected by a user. The cooling unit 105 can, in particular, operate in the manner of a compressor cooling unit with phase transitions of a refrigerant.

[0030] The control unit 110 is shown separately from the cooling unit 105, but can also be designed as part of the cooling unit 105 and attached to or within the cooling unit 105. The control unit comprises an optical, preferably graphic-capable, output device 130 and an optional input device, which in this case is combined with the output device 130 in the form of a touchscreen. A wireless communication device 135 can be provided for communication with the cooling unit 105. If the control unit 110 is attached to the cooling unit 105, a graphic-capable output device 130 is preferred, which can in particular be attached to the outside of a unit door 140.

[0031] The cooling device 105 comprises a control device 145 configured to determine the temperature of an object 120 without directly measuring it. The control device includes a processing unit 150 with a timer, a first temperature sensor 155 for determining a first temperature prevailing in the vicinity of the cooling device 105, a second temperature sensor 160 for determining a second temperature prevailing in the interior 120 of the cooling device 105, and an optional communication device 165 for communicating with the operating unit 110 and / or the external location 115. A scanning device 170 for scanning the interior 120, in particular the object 120, is also preferably provided.

[0032] In a first variant, the scanning device 170 is configured to detect an object 120 placed in the interior 125. For this purpose, the object 120 can be brought into the area of ​​the scanning device 170, for example by guiding it towards the scanning device 170. The scanning device 170 can, for example, comprise a reader for a binary optical code, an RFID reader, or a camera.

[0033] In a second variant, the scanning device 170 is configured to detect the storage location of an object 120 or any changes to that location. For this purpose, the scanning device 170 can, in particular, include an optical camera, a laser scanner, a radar sensor, or an ultrasonic sensor. The two variants can be combined so that the scanning device 170 can both detect or identify the object 120 and determine its location within the interior 125. Detection can occur during a loading process or afterward, once the object 125 has been placed in a storage location within the interior 125.

[0034] A sensor 175 can be used to detect whether the appliance door 140 is opened or closed. The sensor 175 can determine the opening angle of the appliance door 140 or be coupled with an automatic light switch that turns on a light inside 125 when the appliance 105 is opened.

[0035] It is proposed that the control device 145 be configured to determine the temperature of the object 120 based on a cooling process of the object 120 within the interior 125. The cooling process can be determined, in particular, based on the first and second temperatures and the residence time of the object 120 within the interior 125. It is assumed that the object 120 has the first temperature of the environment of the cooling device 105 at the time of its placement within the interior 125. The cooling process can be determined based on a physical model or on empirical observations. In both cases, factors influencing the cooling process can be taken into account. In principle, a heating process of the object 120 can also be modeled in a corresponding manner instead of a cooling process.

[0036] The temperature of object 120 is also referred to herein as the third temperature. It denotes a temperature prevailing inside object 120. Object 120 may comprise packaging, a container, and contents, with the third temperature being that of the contents. Should the contents exhibit a non-uniform temperature distribution, the third temperature usually refers to the temperature prevailing in the innermost part. The third temperature may be the temperature furthest from the second.

[0037] The external point 115 is preferably configured to provide information about an object 120. For this purpose, it can receive an identification of the object 120 and provide stored information related to it. The point 115 preferably comprises a communication device 180, a processing device 185, and a data storage device 190. In another embodiment, the information can also be provided by the control device 145. Determinations carried out by the control device 145, in particular for determining the temperature of the object 120 based on physical parameters, can also be carried out by the external point 115. The point 115 is external to the cooling device 105 and can, for example, be implemented as a server or a service in a cloud.

[0038] Figure 2Figure 1 shows exemplary views of the interior 125 of a cooling appliance 105. The interior 125 contains several objects 120, which may have the same shapes, sizes, masses, and materials. For example, these may be bottles 120, particularly long-necked beer bottles, each containing 0.5 liters of beer. Different types or brands of beer may be included, which typically have at least approximately the same thermal properties. The temperatures of the objects 120 are shown in Figures 2a and 2bThe temperature is symbolically color-coded according to a scale, with a light color representing the first temperature, light hatching a slight cooling, dense hatching a significant cooling, and a dark representation the second temperature. If the output device 130 is configured to display colors, a false-color representation can be selected. For example, the temperature of an object 120 can be indicated on a color gradient between a first and a second color, where the first color, for example blue, represents a low temperature, and the second color, for example red, a high temperature. The temperature can also be represented in other ways, for example numerically or symbolically, such as by means of a stylized thermometer.

[0039] Figure 2aFigure 1 shows an initial configuration of items 120, using the aforementioned bottles as an example. From this configuration, a first bottle 205 and a second bottle 210 are removed. A third bottle 215 replaces the first bottle 205, and a fourth bottle 220 replaces the second bottle 210. A user then replaces the third bottle 215 with a fifth bottle 225 and the fourth bottle 220 with a sixth bottle 230, each of which has the first temperature.

[0040] Figure 2bFigure 1 shows a second arrangement of bottles 120 after the aforementioned modifications. While in the first arrangement it could still be vaguely assumed that bottles 120 located lower down were cooler than those located higher up, in the second arrangement a bottle 120 of each of the aforementioned temperatures can be found in the lower position. The present invention makes it easy to find, among the well-mixed bottles 120 with respect to their temperatures, those that are well chilled.

[0041] It is proposed to track a change in the location of a bottle 120, for example, due to a user removing or adding a bottle. For this purpose, the scanning device 170 can be attached, for example, to the appliance door 140 or to an opposite rear wall of the cooling unit 105. A specific temperature reading of a bottle 120 can be output along with a specific location of the bottle 120 within the interior 125. For example, a graphic can be provided that depicts an arrangement of items 120 within the interior 125 of the cooling unit 105 (see Figure 1). Figures 2a and 2b Specific temperatures can be indicated symbolically or spatially close to the respective depicted object 120. This allows a user to determine the temperature in relation to the location where a bottle 120 is stored.

[0042] Once item 120 has been detected, further information about it can be provided, such as its type or manufacturer. Additional specific information, like fill level or storage duration, can also be specified. This allows a user to more easily decide, for example, whether a partially used item 120 should be consumed or no longer served, such as in the case of sparkling wine. The user can be informed about the available beverage and its temperature even before opening the refrigerator 105. This allows them to make a more informed decision about which beverage to take without opening the refrigerator 105, thus saving energy for cooling the interior 125.

[0043] Figure 3Figure 300 shows a flowchart of a method 300, which can be carried out in particular in connection with a cooling unit 105 with a control device 145. In step 305, the insertion of an object 120 into the cooling unit 105 or its interior 125 can be detected. Prior to this, it can be determined that a unit door 140 has been opened.

[0044] In step 310, the object 120 is identified. For this purpose, the object 120 or a marking attached to it can be scanned using the scanning device 170. The identification of the object 120 can be performed locally, for example, based on the scanned marking or by means of image recognition of the object 120 or a product label. In another embodiment, a user can also provide information about the object 120, for example, manually. Optionally, in step 315, further information about the object 120 can be obtained, in particular from the external entity 115. For this purpose, a specific identifier, for example, an image, a recognized product name, or the scanned marking, can be sent to the external entity 115. The external entity 115 can then provide information about the object 120 in response to this data.The information may relate to a thermophysical property of the item 120; furthermore, information about the content or the product may be provided that might be of interest to a user.

[0045] In step 320, it is determined whether the item 120 is of a predetermined type to be dealt with in procedure 300. The procedure is limited to beverages.

[0046] If the assessment is positive, a thermophysical property of the item 120 can be determined in step 325, provided it has not already been determined in step 315. Optionally, a further request can be sent to the external entity 115 to determine the property. For some items 120, it may be sufficient to use a generic thermophysical property. For example, the property can be applied to all beverages contained in a bottle of a predetermined standard.

[0047] In step 330, the first temperature in the area of ​​the cooling unit 105 is determined.

[0048] The first temperature is preferably determined continuously and, more preferably, by determining an air temperature in the vicinity of the cooling device 105 that is as unaffected as possible by, for example, solar radiation or heat from an external radiator. The first temperature sensor 155 can, for example, be located below the heat exchanger to be positioned as much as possible within the airflow of convection air.

[0049] In one embodiment, the first temperature sensor 155 can be located some distance from the cooling unit 105, for example, in a storage area for beverages, which can be brought from there to the cooling unit 105 and placed inside. The storage area is usually located close enough to the cooling unit 105 that adding items 120 does not require excessive effort from the user. For example, the storage area can be located in the same building as the cooling unit 105, in particular in the same room or in an adjacent room. The storage area can also be part of the exterior of a building in which the cooling unit 105 is located. For example, the storage area can include a balcony or a terrace.

[0050] In step 335, the second temperature in the interior 125 is determined, in particular by means of the second temperature sensor 160 or indirectly via a setting of a cooling level of the cooling unit 105. In step 340, one or more further parameters can be determined that influence a temperature exchange between the object 120 and the interior 125. Such a parameter can, for example, relate to a storage location, other objects 120 stored in the interior 125 and their current temperatures, dimensions or thermal masses, or the humidity in the interior 125. Furthermore, in this step, the duration of the object 120's stay in the cooling unit 105 can be determined, i.e., how long the object 120 has already been cooled.

[0051] In step 345, the third temperature of object 120 is determined based on the recorded parameters.

[0052] For this purpose, a physical model for heat exchange can be applied to the parameters, or the parameters can be incorporated into an empirical model that determines the temperature. If the cooling effect on the object 120 has changed during the exposure time, for example, by opening the device door 140 or adding or removing another object 120, this can be taken into account when determining the temperature. It should be noted that in some embodiments, the temperature can be determined by the external location 115.

[0053] In one embodiment, it can be determined whether the specified third temperature has fallen below a predetermined threshold, which, for example, characterizes an acceptable drinking temperature and is usually above a target temperature to which the interior 125 is ultimately cooled.

[0054] The specific temperature of object 120 can be provided in step 350. The temperature can, for example, be displayed optically on the output device 130. Preferably, further information is also provided, such as a specific storage location of object 120 within the interior 125 or a marking of object 120. This information can be presented purely or in a mixed format, either textually or graphically. An acoustic or haptic output is also conceivable. Reference sign

[0055] 100 System 105 Cooling unit 110 Control unit 115 External location 120 Object, for example, bottle 125 Interior 130 Dispensing device 135 Communication device 140 Device door 145 Control device 150 Processing device 155 First temperature sensor (surroundings of the cooling unit) 160 Second temperature sensor (interior of the cooling unit) 165 Communication device 170 Sampling device 175 Sensor 180 Communication device 185 Processing device 190 Data storage 205 first bottle 210 second bottle 215 third bottle 220 fourth bottle 225 fifth bottle 230 sixth bottle 300 Procedure 305 Recording the insertion of an object 310 Determining the object 315 Obtaining information 320 Predetermined type? 325 Determining the thermophysical property 330 Determining the first temperature 335 Determining the second temperature 340 Determining further parameters 345 Determining the temperature of the object 350 Providing the temperature

Claims

1. Method (300) for determining a temperature of a beverage (120) in a refrigeration appliance (105), the method (300) comprising the following steps: - determining (305) the insertion of a beverage (120) into the refrigeration appliance (105); - identifying the beverage (120) and determining that the beverage (120) is of a predetermined type; - determining (330) a first temperature prevailing in the vicinity of the refrigeration appliance (105); - determining (340) the length of time the beverage (120) has been stored in the refrigeration appliance (105); - determining (335) a second temperature prevailing in the refrigeration appliance (105); - determining (345) a third temperature of the beverage (120) based on the length of time stored, the first and second temperatures, assuming that the beverage (120) was at the temperature of the vicinity at the time of insertion; - wherein the third temperature is determined based on a thermal-physical property of the packaging of the beverage and a thermal-physical property of the content of the beverage (120).

2. Method (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the third temperature is also determined based on the humidity in the refrigeration appliance (105).

3. Method (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the third temperature is also determined based on convection in the refrigeration appliance (105).

4. Method (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the third temperature is also determined based on the position of the beverage (120) in the refrigeration appliance (105).

5. Method (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the third temperature is also determined based on the temperature of a further object (120) arranged in the refrigeration appliance (105).

6. Method (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a movement of the beverage (120) in the refrigeration appliance (105) is detected.

7. Method (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an opening operation of the refrigeration appliance (105) is detected during the time the beverage (120) is stored in the refrigeration appliance (105); and wherein the third temperature is also determined based on the opening operation.

8. Method (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein it is determined when the third temperature is likely to reach a predetermined value.

9. Method (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein identification of the beverage (120) is determined and a property of the beverage (120) relating to the identification is called up from an external site (115).

10. Control apparatus (145) for a refrigeration appliance (105), wherein the control apparatus (145) comprises the following: - a scanning apparatus (170) for detecting the insertion of a beverage (120) into the refrigeration appliance (105); - a timer (150) for determining the time of insertion and a current time; - a first temperature sensor (155) for determining a first temperature prevailing in the vicinity of the refrigeration appliance (105); - a second temperature sensor (160) for determining a second temperature prevailing in the refrigeration appliance (105); - a processing facility (150), which is designed to determine a third temperature of the beverage (120) based on the length of time the beverage (120) has been stored in the refrigeration appliance (105), the first and second temperatures, - wherein the beverage (120) is identified and it is determined that the beverage is of a predetermined type, - wherein the third temperature is determined based on a thermal-physical property of the packaging of the beverage and a thermal-physical property of the content of the beverage (120); and - an output apparatus (130) for outputting an indication of the determined temperature of the beverage (120).

11. Refrigeration appliance (105), comprising a control apparatus (145) according to claim 10.

12. System (100), comprising a refrigeration appliance (105) according to claim 11 and an external site (115), wherein the refrigeration appliance (105) is designed to determine an identification of the beverage (120), transmit it to the external site (115) and receive an indication of the cooling behaviour of the beverage (120) from the external site (115).