Refrigeration device and method for assembling a refrigeration device

Abstract

The invention relates to a refrigeration device (10) with at least one inner container (12) which defines at least one interior space (14), with at least one partition (16) which divides the at least one interior space (14) into a receiving area (18) for storing goods and an evaporator area (20), and with at least one pressure sensor (22) for detecting the pressure of the at least one interior space (14). To provide a refrigeration device (10) of this type with improved operational safety and / or reliability, it is proposed that the at least one pressure sensor (22) be arranged in the evaporator area (20).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a refrigeration device and a method for assembling a refrigeration device.

[0002] From the prior art, for example DE 10 2006 061 083 A1 or EP 4 172 542 A1, a refrigeration appliance is already known with at least one inner container which delimits at least one interior space, with at least one separating element which divides the at least one interior space into a receiving area for storing goods and an evaporator area, and with at least one sensor unit which includes at least one pressure sensor for detecting a pressure of the interior space, wherein the at least one sensor unit is arranged in the receiving area.

[0003] The object of the invention is, in particular but not limited to, providing a refrigeration device of the generic type with improved characteristics with regard to operational safety and / or reliability. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claims 1 and 12, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

[0004] The invention relates to a refrigeration device with at least one inner container which defines at least one interior space, with at least one separating element which divides the at least one interior space into a receiving area for storing goods and an evaporator area, and with at least one pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of the at least one interior space.

[0005] It is proposed that at least one pressure sensor be located in the evaporator area.

[0006] Such a design allows for a significantly high level of operational reliability. In particular, the risk of damage to the pressure sensor by an operator of the refrigeration unit can be advantageously minimized, especially since the pressure sensor is located in an area within the refrigeration unit that is inaccessible to the operator during normal operation. Furthermore, the pressure sensor can be advantageously well protected from environmental factors, such as high humidity or sudden temperature fluctuations. Specifically, the influence of fluctuating ambient conditions in the evaporator area of ​​the refrigeration unit can be advantageously minimized compared to the receiving area.This leads to a particularly advantageous high reliability in further processing of the measured pressure, as the influence of fluctuating environmental conditions on the measured pressure can be kept to a minimum. Furthermore, a significantly high component efficiency can be achieved, since food-grade and / or food-compatible materials do not necessarily have to be used in the evaporator section, especially due to the spatial separation of the evaporator section and the receiving area.

[0007] Advantageously, the refrigeration appliance is designed to cool stored goods located in the receiving area in at least one operating state. These goods could include, for example, foodstuffs such as beverages, meat, fish, milk and / or dairy products, or pharmaceuticals or vaccines, or chemicals or cosmetic products, or plants, especially flowers or plant seeds, particularly to extend the shelf life or quality of the stored goods. The receiving area is specifically designed to receive stored goods, such as foodstuffs, placed into it by an operator. The refrigeration appliance may be a household refrigeration appliance, in particular a refrigerator and / or freezer.

[0008] Preferably, the refrigeration unit has at least one body. Preferably, the at least one body forms an outer casing of the refrigeration unit. Preferably, the at least one body and the at least one inner container are designed separately from one another. The at least one inner container is preferably housed within the at least one body. Alternatively, it would be conceivable for the at least one inner container and the at least one body to be formed as a single piece. Preferably, the refrigeration unit has at least one door, in particular for closing and / or opening the refrigeration unit. The at least one door is preferably pivotable, in particular connected to the at least one body by means of at least one hinge element. The at least one inner container is preferably box-shaped.The at least one inner container preferably comprises an open side, allowing goods to be placed into the receiving area through this open side. Preferably, the at least one refrigerator door is designed to close the open side of the at least one inner container. The at least one inner container preferably has a rear wall, which, in particular, faces the open side or the at least one refrigerator door when the refrigerator is closed. The at least one inner container preferably comprises at least one side wall, advantageously at least four side walls, extending from the plane containing the opening to the plane containing the rear wall. Preferably, the at least one interior space is bounded by the walls of the at least one inner container and the at least one refrigerator door.The at least one inner container is preferably at least partially, and advantageously entirely, made of at least one plastic. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the at least one inner container is at least partially, and advantageously entirely, made of at least one metal or at least one composite material. The at least one refrigerator door and / or the at least one body preferably has / have at least one sealing element. Preferably, the at least one sealing element is designed to seal the at least one interior space of the refrigerator, which is closed by the at least one refrigerator door, from a space located outside the refrigerator. Preferably, the sealing element is designed to maintain a leakage rate below a limit value specifically defined for the refrigerator, particularly when the at least one refrigerator door is closed.Preferably, the at least one door of the refrigeration unit is designed as a door, flap, window, or other unit that would be considered useful by a person skilled in the art for closing off the interior of the refrigeration unit. A thermally insulating material, for example, thermally insulating foam, is preferably inserted into a space between the at least one body and the at least one inner container.

[0009] The term "one-piece" is understood to mean, in particular, molded in a single piece. Preferably, this single piece is manufactured from a single blank, a compound, and / or a casting, most preferably using an injection molding process, especially a single- and / or multi-component injection molding process.

[0010] Preferably, the at least one separating element is at least partially, and advantageously completely, made of the same material as the at least one inner container, in order to create a homogeneous appearance of the at least one interior space. The at least one separating element is preferably arranged in the at least one interior space such that it divides the interior space into the at least one receiving area, which is accessible and visible, particularly for an operator, and the at least one evaporator area, which must not be accessible and / or visible, particularly for operating the refrigeration unit, and preferably is not accessible and / or visible from within the interior space without disassembling the at least one separating element. Preferably, the at least one separating element is mechanically connected to the at least one inner container.Preferably, the separating element has at least one ventilation channel and / or a ventilation opening for fluid coupling, particularly with regard to air circulation, of the at least one evaporator area with the at least one receiving area. Preferably, the at least one separating element covers at least one rear wall of the at least one inner container, at least partially, advantageously at least completely, and preferably entirely.The phrase "the separating element completely covers at least a large part of the at least one rear wall of the at least one inner container" means, in particular, that a surface of a side of the at least one rear wall of the at least one inner container facing the at least one interior space is covered by the separating element to at least 55%, advantageously at least 65%, preferably at least 75%, particularly preferably at least 85%, and particularly advantageously at least 95%, from a viewing direction outside the refrigeration unit through the opening of the inner container into the at least one interior space. Preferably, a principal extension plane of the separating element runs at least substantially parallel to a principal extension plane of the at least one rear wall.The term "at least substantially parallel" here refers in particular to an alignment of a plane relative to a reference plane, wherein the plane has a deviation from the reference plane of in particular less than 8°, advantageously less than 5° and particularly advantageously less than 2°.

[0011] A "principal extension plane" of a building unit shall in particular be understood to be a plane which is parallel to a largest side face of a smallest imaginary cuboid which just completely encloses the building unit, and in particular passes through the center of the cuboid.

[0012] The phrase "mechanically connected" to at least one further element shall be understood to mean in particular that the first element is advantageously connected to the further element by at least a force-fit and / or at least a form-fit, for example by a riveting and / or snap-fit ​​connection and / or a tongue-and-groove connection and / or a clamping connection and / or another connection that appears sensible to a person skilled in the art, and / or is materially bonded to the further element, for example by a welding process, an adhesive bonding process, an injection molding process and / or another process that appears sensible to a person skilled in the art.

[0013] The term "connected by a force-fit and / or form-fit" shall in particular be understood to mean a detachable connection, whereby a holding force between two components is preferably transmitted by a geometric engagement of the components with each other and / or a frictional force between the components.

[0014] The term "materially bonded" is understood to mean in particular that the mass components are held together by atomic or molecular forces, such as in soldering, welding, gluing and / or vulcanizing.

[0015] Preferably, the refrigeration unit has at least one refrigerant circuit for cooling the interior of the refrigeration unit. Preferably, the at least one refrigerant circuit includes at least one evaporator, in particular for evaporating a refrigerant. The at least one refrigerant circuit preferably has at least one condenser, in particular for liquefying the refrigerant. The at least one refrigerant circuit preferably has at least one compressor, in particular for circulating and compressing the refrigerant.

[0016] The at least one evaporator is preferably arranged in the at least one interior space. Advantageously, the at least one evaporator is arranged in the at least one evaporator area. The at least one evaporator area is preferably spatially separated from the at least one receiving area for storing goods by means of the at least one separating element. Preferably, the at least one evaporator area comprises a space which is at least partially, and advantageously at least largely completely, delimited by the at least one rear wall of the inner container and the at least one separating element.The phrase "that at least one evaporator area is at least largely completely delimited by means of at least one rear wall of the inner container and at least one separating element" shall in particular mean that the space is completely delimited in all spatial directions by means of these components to at least 55%, advantageously at least 65%, preferably at least 75%, particularly preferably at least 85% and particularly advantageously at least 95%.

[0017] Preferably, the refrigeration unit has at least one air conveying element, for example a fan, ventilator, or blower. This air conveying element is preferably located in the evaporator section to convey the air cooled by the evaporator into the intake section and / or the air from the intake section into the evaporator section, in particular by means of the ventilation duct and / or the ventilation opening. Preferably, the pressure sensor is located in close proximity to the evaporator.The phrase "in close proximity" to the at least one evaporator means, in particular, that the shortest distance between an outermost point of the smallest imaginary cuboid that just completely encloses the evaporator and another outermost point of the smallest imaginary cuboid that just completely encloses the at least one pressure sensor is preferably a maximum of 30 cm, advantageously a maximum of 25 cm, particularly advantageously a maximum of 20 cm, preferably a maximum of 15 cm, and most preferably a maximum of 10 cm, especially when measured along a straight line connecting the two points. The at least one pressure sensor can be arranged on the at least one rear wall of the inner container or on the at least one separating element, in particular on one side of the at least one separating element facing the at least one rear wall.

[0018] Preferably, the at least one separating element is provided in at least one operating state of the refrigeration unit to limit fluid exchange and thereby allow a temperature difference of at least 5°C, advantageously at least 7.5°C, particularly advantageously at least 10°C, preferably at least 12.5°C, and most preferably at least 15°C between the at least one evaporator section and the at least one receiving section. In particular, in the at least one operating state of the refrigeration unit, the temperature in the at least one evaporator section is lower than in the at least one receiving section.

[0019] Preferably, the at least one pressure sensor is designed to detect atmospheric pressure, in particular absolute pressure, or a measurement corresponding to atmospheric pressure within the at least one interior space of the refrigeration unit. Preferably, the at least one pressure sensor is configured as a digital pressure sensor. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the at least one pressure sensor is configured as an analog pressure sensor. The at least one pressure sensor is preferably configured as a barometric pressure sensor. More preferably, the pressure sensor is configured as a MEMS-based barometric pressure sensor. Alternatively, it would be conceivable that the at least one pressure sensor is configured as a piezoresistive pressure sensor, a capacitive pressure sensor, a resonant pressure sensor, an optical pressure sensor, or a ceramic pressure sensor.The at least one pressure sensor is preferably designed to detect the pressure at a sampling rate of at least 15 Hz, advantageously at least 50 Hz, particularly advantageously at least 100 Hz, preferably at least 200 Hz, and particularly preferably at least 240 Hz. Preferably, the at least one pressure sensor is designed to detect the pressure at a sampling rate of at most 1000 Hz, advantageously at most 750 Hz, particularly advantageously at most 500 Hz, preferably at most 300 Hz, and particularly preferably at most 250 Hz.

[0020] Preferably, the refrigeration unit has at least one evaluation unit. This evaluation unit is preferably designed to evaluate the pressure detected by the at least one pressure sensor in order to determine, for example, whether an operator has opened and / or closed the at least one refrigeration unit door and / or whether a door gap exists, depending on the detected pressure. It is conceivable that the refrigeration unit has a door opening unit for automatically opening the refrigeration unit door. It is also conceivable that the evaluation unit is designed to determine a request for automatic door opening by means of the door opening unit, depending on the detected pressure. An "evaluation unit" is understood to mean, in particular, a controller with a processor, a memory unit, and / or an operating, control, and / or calculation program stored in the memory unit.Preferably, the at least one pressure sensor and the at least one evaluation unit are interconnected via signal technology, in particular to provide data exchange.

[0021] The term "intended" should be understood to mean specifically programmed, designed, and / or equipped. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function should be understood to mean, in particular, that the object fulfills and / or executes this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

[0022] It is further proposed that the refrigeration unit comprises at least one housing unit, wherein the at least one pressure sensor is arranged within the at least one housing unit. Such a design allows for advantageously high protection of the pressure sensor against environmental influences, such as high humidity or misuse by an operator. Furthermore, it enables a conveniently simple installation process for the pressure sensor in the refrigeration unit. This ensures advantageously high operational reliability. Preferably, the at least one pressure sensor is arranged at least partially, and advantageously completely, within the at least one housing unit. Preferably, the at least one housing unit is designed to accommodate the at least one pressure sensor. Advantageously, the at least one housing unit is designed to accommodate the at least one evaluation unit.The at least one housing unit is preferably designed at least substantially cuboid-shaped. "At least substantially cuboid-shaped" is understood to mean, in particular, that an outer surface and / or volume of a component deviates from the outer surface and / or volume of the smallest imaginary ideal cuboid that just completely encloses the component by less than 45%, preferably less than 35%, and most preferably less than 25%. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the at least one housing unit is designed at least substantially cylindrical, conical, pyramidal, spherical, or the like. The at least one housing unit preferably comprises at least one base element.The housing unit, in particular the base element, preferably has a maximum longitudinal extent in a range between 50 mm and 200 mm, advantageously in a range between 75 mm and 150 mm, or more preferably in a range between 100 mm and 125 mm. Preferably, the base element has a recess. Preferably, the recess has an area with respect to a principal plane of extent of the housing unit, in particular of the at least one base element, of at least 20 cm², more particularly of at least 25 cm², advantageously of at least 30 cm², particularly advantageously of at least 35 cm², and more preferably of at least 40 cm². In particular, the recess has an area with respect to a principal plane of extent of the housing unit, in particular of the at least one base element, of a maximum of 70 cm², advantageously of a maximum of 60 cm², and more preferably of a maximum of 50 cm².In particular, the at least one pressure sensor is arranged within the recess of the at least one base element. Preferably, a volume enclosed by the housing unit extends and / or supplements the evaporator area. Preferably, the at least one housing unit is at least partially, advantageously at least to a large extent, and preferably completely made of a 5VA-classified material.

[0023] Preferably, the at least one housing unit has at least one flap element, in particular to cover the recess of the base element on one side of the base element facing away from the at least one rear wall. In particular, the at least one flap element is designed such that a side surface of the at least one base element, especially parallel to the main plane of extension of the base element, is at least largely, and advantageously completely, covered. The at least one flap element is preferably pivotably and / or, in particular, non-destructively, mechanically connected to the base element. The at least one flap element and the at least one base element preferably have corresponding locking elements. The at least one flap element has at least one cable routing opening.

[0024] Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one housing unit be arranged on a rear wall of the at least one inner container of the cooling unit, in particular the one mentioned above, opposite the at least one separating element. Such a design advantageously simplifies the assembly process. Preferably, the at least one housing unit is arranged at least partially, advantageously at least to a large extent, and preferably completely above the evaporator on the at least one rear wall with respect to its installation height. "At least to a large extent" is understood to mean at least 55%, advantageously at least 65%, preferably at least 75%, particularly preferably at least 85%, and particularly advantageously at least 95%. Preferably, the at least one housing unit is connected to the at least one rear wall.

[0025] Furthermore, it is proposed that a rear wall of the inner container, particularly the one mentioned above, has a recess, especially a through-opening, in which the at least one housing unit is at least partially arranged. Such a design allows for advantageously high installation space efficiency, particularly since the housing unit can project at least partially into the space between the inner container and the body. Preferably, the recess in the rear wall is located at least partially, advantageously at least largely, and preferably completely above the evaporator with respect to an installation height. Preferably, the recess in the rear wall has a rectangular shape. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the recess in the rear wall has a circular, square, or elliptical shape.Preferably, the recess in the rear wall has an area of ​​at least 20 cm² with respect to a main plane of extension of the rear wall, in particular at least 25 cm², advantageously at least 30 cm², particularly advantageously at least 35 cm², and preferably at least 40 cm². In particular, the recess in the rear wall has a cross-sectional area of ​​at most 70 cm², advantageously at most 60 cm², and preferably at most 50 cm². Preferably, the housing unit projects at least partially into the evaporator area and at least partially into the space between the inner container and the body. Preferably, the at least one housing unit is designed to be guided, particularly during an assembly process of the refrigeration unit, at least partially into the recess from a side of the rear wall of the inner container facing away from the interior.Preferably, the at least one housing unit is arranged in the recess in a form-fitting manner, at least partially. Preferably, the at least one housing unit, in particular the at least one base element, has a surrounding element. Preferably, the surrounding element surrounds the recess of the base element at least partially, advantageously at least to a large extent completely, and more preferably completely. In particular, the surrounding element, in particular an outer contour of the surrounding element, is arranged in a form-fitting manner against the recess of the rear wall, in particular a contour of the recess. Preferably, the surrounding element projects at least 5 mm, advantageously at least 10 mm, particularly advantageously at least 20 mm, preferably at least 30 mm and a maximum of 100 mm, advantageously a maximum of 60 mm, and more preferably a maximum of 50 mm, from the recess of the rear wall, in particular towards the at least one interior space.

[0026] It is further proposed that the maximum longitudinal extent of the at least one housing unit, in particular the at least one base element, be at least 5% and / or a maximum of 100% greater than the opening width of the recess in the rear wall, particularly if parallel to it. Such a design enables advantageously high assembly efficiency, especially when mounting the housing unit to the rear wall of the inner container. Furthermore, it provides advantageously high mounting stability for the housing unit. Preferably, the housing unit, in particular the at least one base element, has a maximum longitudinal extent that is at least 10%, advantageously at least 20%, preferably at least 30% and / or a maximum of 80%, advantageously a maximum of 70%, preferably a maximum of 50% greater than the opening width of the recess in the rear wall, particularly if parallel to it.Preferably, one side of the base element facing the rear wall rests at least partially, advantageously at least to a large extent, and preferably completely against the side of the rear wall facing away from the interior. Preferably, the base element is connected to the rear wall, in particular the side of the rear wall facing away from the interior, for example by means of a screw connection or an adhesive connection.

[0027] Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one housing unit has at least one sealing element for sealing the recess in the rear wall of the inner container. Such a design advantageously minimizes the risk of, for example, thermal bridges or moisture ingress into the space between the housing units, thereby enabling particularly high operational efficiency. Furthermore, it allows for advantageously high assembly efficiency, since the sealing element can provide both a sealing and a fastening function. Preferably, the at least one sealing element is designed as an elastomer seal, advantageously as a two-component or multi-component seal. Preferably, the sealing element is arranged between the base element of the housing unit and the rear wall, particularly the side of the rear wall facing away from the interior.Alternatively, it is conceivable that at least one sealing element is arranged between the recess in the back wall, in particular the contour of the recess, and the housing unit, in particular the surrounding element. Preferably, the sealing element has a self-adhesive effect. Preferably, the sealing element is designed to seal the recess in the back wall and to attach the housing unit to the back wall, in particular by means of the self-adhesive effect of the sealing element.

[0028] Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one housing unit has at least one, in particular removable, cover element, which includes at least one pressure transmission element, in particular for connecting the pressure sensor to the interior. Such a design provides a significantly higher level of user-friendliness, especially ease of installation and / or maintenance. It also provides a significantly higher level of protection for the pressure sensor against environmental influences such as high humidity or low temperatures. Preferably, the at least one housing unit, in particular the surrounding element, and the at least one cover element have corresponding locking or plug-in elements, in particular for connecting the at least one cover element to the housing unit.Preferably, the cover element, particularly in the assembled state of the refrigeration unit, is arranged at least partially, and preferably completely, within the evaporator area, especially on the interior side. It is conceivable that the cover element is at least partially made of an elastic material. Preferably, the pressure transmission element is designed as a through-opening, particularly a cable duct. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the pressure transmission element is designed as a membrane. Furthermore, it is alternatively conceivable that the pressure transmission element is formed by means of an elastic wall of the cover element, which in particular functions as a membrane for pressure transmission.It is conceivable that the at least one pressure transmission element comprises a foam part which is arranged within the pressure transmission element in order to advantageously minimize the risk of moisture ingress into the at least one housing unit.

[0029] It is further proposed that the at least one housing unit be arranged in the evaporator area such that the at least one pressure transmission element has a clear opening of at least 5 mm. The term "clear opening" for the pressure transmission element is understood to mean, in particular, that the pressure transmission element has a free space or free distance from an element other than the housing unit and / or the rear wall of the inner container, such as the evaporator or, in particular, an air conveying device, or from a wall of the inner container other than the rear wall or the separating element. Preferably, the pressure transmission element has a clear opening of at least 10 mm, advantageously at least 15 mm, particularly advantageously at least 20 mm, preferably at least 25 mm, and most preferably at least 30 mm.Preferably, the pressure transmission element has a clear width of a maximum of 100 mm, advantageously a maximum of 80 mm, particularly advantageously a maximum of 60 mm, preferably a maximum of 50 mm, and particularly preferably a maximum of 40 mm.

[0030] Furthermore, it is proposed that the refrigeration unit comprises at least one control board for controlling at least one environmental parameter of the receiving area, wherein the at least one pressure sensor is arranged on the at least one control board. Such a design allows for advantageously high utilization efficiency and / or space efficiency, particularly since the pressure sensor is directly connected to the control board. Advantageously, the at least one environmental parameter of the receiving area includes a temperature, in particular a setpoint temperature, within the receiving area. Additionally, the at least one environmental parameter of the receiving area can include a light intensity of a light source in the refrigeration unit. Preferably, the at least one control board is designed to control the refrigerant circuit and / or the at least one air conveying element to adjust the temperature in the receiving area.Preferably, the at least one evaluation unit for evaluating the pressure detected by the at least one pressure sensor is arranged on the at least one control board. In particular, the at least one control board is arranged within the at least one housing unit. Preferably, the at least one control board is suitable for at least pollution degree 3, in particular according to standard DIN EN 60664-1 VDE 0110-1.

[0031] Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one housing unit includes at least one pivotable receiving element for receiving the at least one pressure sensor. Such a design allows for a significantly higher level of ease of assembly and / or maintenance. Advantageously, the pivotable receiving element is designed to receive the at least one control board. Preferably, the at least one housing unit has at least one further pivotable receiving element. In particular, the at least one receiving element and the at least one further receiving element are each designed to receive a side edge of the at least one control board. Preferably, the at least one receiving element is pivotably arranged on the at least one base element, particularly within the recess of the at least one base element.In particular, the at least one receiving element is designed to be removable from the at least one base element, especially without damage. Preferably, the at least one further receiving element is pivotably arranged on the at least one base element, especially within the recess of the at least one base element. Advantageously, the at least one further receiving element is designed to be removable from the at least one base element, especially without damage. Advantageously, the at least one receiving element and / or the at least one further element is made of a material that meets the requirements of test GWEPT 750, in particular according to one of the standards UL 746A, IEC 60695-2-11 or comparable standards.

[0032] It is further proposed that the at least one receiving element includes at least one terminal strip for the electrical connection of the at least one pressure sensor. Such a design enables advantageously high utilization efficiency, space efficiency, and / or assembly efficiency. Preferably, the at least one terminal strip is provided for electrically contacting the at least one control board, in particular the connecting contacts of the at least one control board. Preferably, the at least one further receiving element has another terminal strip. In particular, the at least one further terminal strip is provided for electrically contacting the at least one control board, in particular further connecting contacts of the at least one control board.

[0033] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for assembling the aforementioned refrigeration unit. It is proposed that, in at least one process step, the at least one pressure sensor be arranged in the evaporator area. The method is characterized in particular by the advantageous properties that can be achieved through the features of the refrigeration unit described above.

[0034] Preferably, in at least one further process step of the process, the recess of the back wall of the at least one inner container is created during the manufacturing process of the at least one inner container, for example within an injection molding process, or subsequently, for example by means of a stamping or sawing process.

[0035] Preferably, in a further step of the process, electrical connecting lines, in particular connectors, corresponding to the at least one control board, are connected to the at least one receiving element, in particular to the at least one terminal strip of the at least one receiving element, which, in an assembled state, run at least partially in the interior space between the at least one inner container and the at least one body. The at least one receiving element is then arranged in the at least one housing unit. The housing unit is closed on one side by the at least one flap element, with the electrical connecting lines being routed through the cable guide of the flap element.

[0036] Preferably, the housing unit is positioned, particularly before the insertion of the at least one inner container into the at least one body, at least partially within the recess of the rear wall in at least one further process step. Specifically, the at least one housing unit is guided at least partially into the recess from a side of the rear wall facing away from the at least one interior space. In particular, only the at least one rim element of the housing unit is guided through the recess of the rear wall. Preferably, an outer contour of the rim element is positively engaged with the contour of the recess in the rear wall. The at least one housing unit is preferably held at least partially against the rear wall by the positive engagement between the rim element and the recess. Preferably, the recess is sealed by means of the sealing element of the housing unit.The at least one housing unit is preferably held at least partially on the rear wall by means of the sealing element, in particular by means of a self-adhesive effect of the sealing element.

[0037] Preferably, the at least one pressure sensor is arranged on the control board in at least one further process step of the method. Preferably, in this at least one process step, particularly after the insertion of the at least one inner container into the at least one body and the insertion of a thermally insulating material into the space between, the control board, particularly together with the at least one pressure sensor, is arranged within the at least one housing unit. Preferably, a side edge of the control board is received in the further receiving element of the at least one housing unit. Preferably, the at least one further terminal strip of the at least one receiving element contacts connection contacts of the at least one control board by inserting the control board into the further receiving element.In at least one further step of the process, the control board is inserted into the at least one receiving element. Preferably, the at least one terminal strip of the at least one receiving element contacts further connection contacts of the at least one control board by inserting the control board into the receiving element. Preferably, the at least one further receiving element is connected to the housing unit, in particular to the at least one base element. Preferably, in at least one further step of the process, the at least one cover element is mechanically connected to the at least one housing unit, in particular to the at least one surround element.

[0038] The refrigeration device according to the invention and the method according to the invention for assembling the refrigeration device according to the invention are not to be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the refrigeration device according to the invention and the method according to the invention for assembling the refrigeration device according to the invention may, in order to achieve a functionality described herein, comprise a different number of individual elements, components, units and / or process steps than the number specified herein.

[0039] Further advantages become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

[0040] They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a refrigeration device according to the invention, Fig. 2 a schematic partial representation of the refrigeration device according to the invention in an alternative perspective, Fig. 3 a schematic exploded view of a housing unit of the refrigeration device according to the invention and Fig. 4 a schematic flowchart of a method according to the invention for assembling the refrigeration device according to the invention.

[0041] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a refrigeration unit 10, particularly from a front view for an operator. In this case, the refrigeration unit 10 is designed as a refrigerator. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the refrigeration unit 10 is designed as a freezer or as a refrigerator-freezer combination.

[0042] The refrigeration unit 10 has at least one body 46, which is particularly in Figure 1The internal structure of the refrigeration unit 10 is shown schematically as a dashed, transparent box to illustrate its function. The at least one body 46 forms an outer housing of the refrigeration unit 10. The refrigeration unit 10 has at least one inner container 12. The at least one body 46 and the at least one inner container 12 are separate components. The at least one inner container 12 is enclosed within the at least one body 46. The refrigeration unit 10 has at least one door for closing and / or opening the refrigeration unit 10 (not shown). The at least one door is pivotable, in particular by means of at least one hinge element, to which the at least one body 46 is mechanically connected (not shown). The at least one inner container 12 is box-shaped. The at least one inner container 12 includes an open side 48.The at least one refrigerator door is designed to close the open side 48 of the at least one inner container 12. The at least one inner container 12 has a rear wall 26, which, in particular, faces the open side 48 or the at least one refrigerator door when the refrigerator 10 is closed. The at least one inner container 12 comprises four side walls extending from the plane in which the open side 48 lies to the plane in which the rear wall 26 lies. The at least one inner container 12 defines at least one interior space 14. The at least one interior space 14 is bounded by the walls of the at least one inner container, in particular the four side walls, the rear wall 26, and the at least one refrigerator door, especially when the refrigerator 10 is closed. The at least one inner container 12 is made at least partially, and advantageously entirely, of at least one plastic material.Alternatively, it is conceivable that the at least one inner container 12 is at least partially, and advantageously completely, made of at least one metal or at least one composite material. The at least one refrigerator door and / or the at least one body 46 has / have at least one sealing element (not shown). Preferably, the at least one sealing element is designed to seal the at least one interior space 14 of the refrigerator 10, which is closed by the at least one refrigerator door, from a space located outside the refrigerator 10. The sealing element is designed to maintain a leakage rate below a limit value specifically defined for the refrigerator 10, particularly when the refrigerator 10 is closed.A thermally insulating material, for example thermally insulating foam, is inserted in a space between the at least one body 46 and the at least one inner container 12 (not shown).

[0043] The refrigeration unit 10 has at least one partition 16 which divides the at least one interior space 14 into a storage area 18 for goods and an evaporator area 20. The storage area 18 is designed to receive goods, such as food, placed there by an operator. The storage area 18 is accessible and visible to an operator when the refrigeration unit 10 is open. The evaporator area 20 is not accessible and / or visible to an operator, particularly by means of the partition 16. Specifically, without disassembling the partition 16, the evaporator area 20 is not accessible and / or visible to an operator from within the interior space 14.The at least one separating element 16 is mechanically connected to the at least one inner container 12, for example by means of a plug connection or a snap-fit ​​connection. The at least one separating element 16 is at least partially, and advantageously completely, made of the same material as the at least one inner container 12, in order to ensure, in particular, a homogeneous appearance of the at least one interior space 14. The at least one separating element 16 has at least one ventilation channel 50 and / or a ventilation opening for fluid coupling, in particular with regard to air circulation, of the at least one evaporator area 20 with the at least one receiving area 18.The at least one separating element 16 conceals, in particular from a viewing direction into the at least one interior space 14 onto the at least one rear wall 26 of the at least one inner container 12, the at least one rear wall 26 of the at least one inner container 12 at least partially, advantageously to at least a large extent completely.

[0044] In Figure 2 A schematic partial representation of the refrigeration unit 10 is shown. Figure 2 The view from at least one interior space 14 of the refrigeration unit 10 to the evaporator area 20, which is concealed by at least one partition element 16, is shown. For better illustration of the evaporator area 20, the partition element 16 is shown in Figure 2 shown transparently.

[0045] The refrigeration unit 10 has at least one refrigerant circuit for cooling the at least one interior space 14 of the refrigeration unit 10. The at least one refrigerant circuit includes at least one evaporator 52 for evaporating a refrigerant. The at least one refrigerant circuit has at least one condenser for liquefying the refrigerant (not shown). The at least one refrigerant circuit has at least one compressor, in particular for circulating and compressing the refrigerant (not shown).

[0046] The at least one evaporator 52 is arranged in the at least one evaporator compartment 20. The at least one evaporator compartment 20 is spatially separated from the at least one receiving compartment 18 for storing goods by means of the at least one separating element 16. The at least one evaporator compartment 20 comprises a space which is at least partially, and advantageously at least to a large extent completely, bounded by the at least one rear wall 26 of the inner container 12 and the at least one separating element 16.

[0047] The refrigeration unit 10 has at least one air conveying element, for example a fan and / or a ventilator and / or a blower (not shown). The at least one air conveying element is arranged in the at least one evaporator section 20, in particular on the at least one separating element 16, in order to convey the air cooled by means of the at least one evaporator 52 into the receiving section 18 and / or the air from the receiving section 18 into the evaporator section 20, in particular by means of the at least one ventilation channel 50 and / or the at least one ventilation opening.

[0048] The at least one separating element 16 is provided in at least one operating state of the refrigeration unit 10 to limit fluid exchange and thereby enable a temperature difference of at least 5°C, advantageously at least 7.5°C, particularly advantageously at least 10°C, preferably at least 12.5°C, and most preferably at least 15°C between the at least one evaporator section 20 and the at least one receiving section 18. In particular, in the at least one operating state of the refrigeration unit 10, the temperature in the at least one evaporator section 20 is lower than in the at least one receiving section 18.

[0049] The refrigeration unit 10 has at least one pressure sensor 22 for detecting the pressure of at least one interior space 14 (see Figure 3The at least one pressure sensor 22 is designed to detect absolute air pressure or a measurement corresponding to air pressure within the at least one interior space of the refrigeration unit 10. The at least one pressure sensor 22 is configured as a digital pressure sensor. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the at least one pressure sensor 22 is configured as an analog pressure sensor. The at least one pressure sensor 22 is configured here as a MEMS-based barometric pressure sensor. Alternatively, it would be conceivable that the at least one pressure sensor 22 is configured as a piezoresistive pressure sensor, a capacitive pressure sensor, a resonant pressure sensor, an optical pressure sensor, or a ceramic pressure sensor. The at least one pressure sensor 22 is designed to detect the pressure with a sampling rate of at least 20 Hz. The at least one pressure sensor 22 is arranged in the evaporator area 20.

[0050] The cooling unit 10 includes at least one control board 36 for controlling at least one environmental parameter of the recording area 18 (see Figure 3 ). The at least one pressure sensor 22 is arranged on the at least one control board 36 (see figure). Figure 3 In the present case, the control board 36 is designed as a heat exchanger unit to control, in particular regulate, a temperature in the receiving area 18 by means of the refrigerant circuit and / or by means of the at least one air conveying medium. Additionally, the at least one environmental parameter of the receiving area 18 can include a light intensity of a light source of the refrigeration unit 10.

[0051] The refrigeration unit 10 has at least one evaluation unit 54 (see Figure 3The at least one evaluation unit 54 is designed to evaluate the pressure detected by the at least one pressure sensor 22 in order to determine, for example, whether an operator has opened and / or closed the at least one refrigerator door and / or whether a door gap exists, depending on the detected pressure. The refrigerator 10 has a door opening unit for automatically opening the refrigerator door (not shown). The at least one evaluation unit 54 is designed to determine a request to automatically open the door using the door opening unit, depending on the detected pressure. The at least one evaluation unit 54 is arranged on the at least one control board 36 (see figure). Figure 3The at least one pressure sensor 22 and the at least one evaluation unit 54 are interconnected via the at least one control board 36, in order to provide data exchange. The at least one control board 36 is suitable for pollution degree 3, in particular according to standard DIN EN 60664-1 VDE 0110-1.

[0052] The refrigeration unit 10 has at least one housing unit 24 (see Figure 3 The at least one pressure sensor 22 is arranged within the at least one housing unit 24. The at least one control board 36 is arranged within the at least one housing unit 24. The at least one housing unit 24 is designed to accommodate the at least one control board 36, in particular the at least one pressure sensor 22. The at least one housing unit 24 is arranged within the at least one evaporator area 20 (see figure). Figure 2The at least one housing unit 24 is at least substantially cuboid in shape. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the at least one housing unit 24 is at least substantially cylindrical, conical, pyramidal, spherical, or the like. The at least one housing unit 24 is at least partially, advantageously at least to a large extent, preferably completely, made of a 5VA-classified material.

[0053] The at least one housing unit 24 is arranged on the rear wall 26 of the at least one inner container 12 of the cooling device 10 opposite the at least one separating element 16 (cf. Figure 2 The at least one housing unit 24 is arranged at least partially, advantageously at least to a large extent completely, preferably completely, above the at least one evaporator 52 on the at least one rear wall 26 with respect to an installation height.

[0054] The at least one rear wall 26 of the inner container 12 has a recess 28, in particular a through-opening, in which the at least one housing unit 24 is at least partially arranged, in particular in Figure 2The recess 28 of the rear wall 26 of the at least one inner container 12 is represented by a dashed rectangle. It can be created directly during a manufacturing process of the at least one inner container 12, for example, within an injection molding process, or subsequently, for example, by a stamping or sawing process. In particular, the recess 28 of the rear wall 26 is located at least partially, advantageously at least largely, and preferably completely above the evaporator 52 with respect to an installation height. The recess 28 of the rear wall 26 has, in this case, a substantially rectangular shape. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the recess 28 of the rear wall 26 has a circular, square, or elliptical shape. In this case, the recess 28 of the rear wall 26 has an area of ​​45 cm² with respect to a principal plane of extension of the rear wall 26.The at least one housing unit 24, in its assembled state, projects at least partially into the at least one interior space 14 and at least partially into the space between the inner container 12 and the housing 46. The at least one housing unit 24 is designed to be guided, particularly during the assembly process of the refrigeration unit 10, at least partially into the recess 28 from a side of the rear wall 26 of the inner container 12 facing away from the interior space 14. A volume enclosed by the at least one housing unit 24 extends and / or supplements the evaporator area 20.

[0055] The at least one housing unit 24 has at least one basic element 56 (cf. Figure 3The at least one housing unit 24, in particular the at least one base element 56, preferably has a maximum longitudinal extent in a range between 100 mm and 125 mm. The at least one base element 56 has a recess 58, in particular a through-opening. The recess 58 of the at least one base element 56 of the at least one housing unit 24 has an area with respect to a principal plane of extent of the at least one base element 56, which is smaller than the area of ​​the recess 28 of the rear wall 26 of the at least one inner container 12. The at least one housing unit 24, in particular the at least one base element 56, has a surrounding element 60 (see Figure 1). Figure 3The surrounding element 60 surrounds the recess 58 of the base element 56 at least partially, advantageously at least to a large extent, and preferably completely. The surrounding element 60, in particular an outer contour of the surrounding element 60, is arranged, in a mounted state of the refrigeration unit 10, in a form-fitting manner, on the recess 28 of the rear wall 26, in particular a contour of the recess 28 of the rear wall. The surrounding element 60 projects, at least partially, in particular in the mounted state of the refrigeration unit 10, at least 30 mm out of the recess 28 of the rear wall 26 in the direction of the at least one interior space 14.

[0056] A maximum longitudinal extent of the at least one basic element 56 is at least 5% and / or at most 100% larger than an opening width of the recess 28 of the rear wall 26 of the at least one inner container 12, in particular parallel to it (cf. Figure 2In the present case, the at least one basic element 56 has a maximum longitudinal extent which is at least 30% greater than the opening width of the recess 28 of the rear wall 26, which is parallel to it. A side of the basic element 56 facing the rear wall 26 is at least partially, advantageously at least to a large extent completely, preferably completely, abutting the side of the rear wall 26 facing away from the at least one interior space 14.

[0057] The at least one housing unit 24 has at least one sealing element 30 for sealing the recess 28 of the rear wall 26 of the at least one inner container 12 (see Figure 3In this case, the at least one sealing element 30 is designed as a two-component seal. The at least one sealing element 30 is arranged between the base element 56 and the rear wall 26, in particular the side of the rear wall 26 facing away from the interior 14. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the at least one sealing element 30 is arranged between the recess 28 of the rear wall 26, in particular the contour of the recess 28, and the housing unit 24, in particular the surround element 60. The at least one sealing element 30 has a self-adhesive effect. The at least one sealing element 30 is designed to seal the recess 28 of the rear wall 26 of the at least one inner container 12 and to attach the at least one housing unit 24 to the rear wall 26, in particular by means of the self-adhesive effect of the sealing element 30.

[0058] The at least one housing unit 24 has at least one removable cover element 32 (see Figure 3The at least one cover element 32 comprises at least one pressure transmission element 34, in particular for a pressure connection of the at least one pressure sensor 22 to the at least one interior space 14. The at least one housing unit 24, in particular the surrounding element 60, and the at least one cover element 32 have corresponding locking elements or plug-in elements to mechanically connect the at least one cover element 32 to the housing unit 24. The at least one cover element 32 is, in particular in an assembled state of the refrigeration unit 10, arranged at least partially, preferably completely, within the evaporator area 20, in particular on the side of the interior space 14. It is conceivable that the at least one cover element 32 is at least partially made of an elastic material. The at least one pressure transmission element 34 is designed as a through-opening, in particular a cable duct.Alternatively, the at least one pressure transmission element 34 could be designed as a membrane. Furthermore, it is alternatively conceivable that the at least one pressure transmission element 34 could be formed by means of an elastic wall of the at least one cover element 32, which in particular functions as a membrane for pressure transmission. The at least one pressure transmission element 34 can comprise a foam component which is arranged within the through-opening in order to advantageously minimize the risk of moisture ingress into the at least one housing unit 24.

[0059] The at least one housing unit 24 is arranged in the evaporator area 20, in particular on the at least one rear wall 26 of the at least one inner container 12, such that the at least one pressure transmission element 34 has a clear width of at least 5 mm (cf. Figure 2). In the present case, at least one pressure transmission element 34 has a clear width of at least 25 mm.

[0060] The at least one housing unit 24 comprises at least one pivotable receiving element 38 for receiving the at least one pressure sensor 22 (see Figure 3 The at least one receiving element 38 is designed to receive the at least one control board 36. The at least one housing unit 24 comprises at least one further pivotable receiving element 62 (see figure). Figure 3The at least one receiving element 38 and the at least one further receiving element 62 are each designed to receive a side edge of the at least one control board 36. The at least one receiving element 38 is pivotably arranged on the at least one base element 56, in particular within the recess 58 of the at least one base element 56. The at least one receiving element 38 is designed to be removable from the at least one base element 56, in particular without damage. The at least one further receiving element 62 is pivotably arranged on the at least one base element 62, in particular within the recess 58 of the at least one base element 56. The at least one further receiving element 62 is designed to be removable from the at least one base element 56, in particular without damage.The at least one control board 36 is arranged within the recess 58 of the base element 56, wherein the control board 36 is held by means of the at least one receiving element 38 and the at least one further receiving element 62. In the present case, the at least one receiving element 38 and / or the at least one further receiving element 62 is formed from a material that meets the requirements of test GWEPT 750, in particular according to one of the standards UL 746A, IEC 60695-2-11 or comparable standards.

[0061] The at least one receiving element 38 includes at least one terminal strip 40 for the electrical connection of the at least one pressure sensor 22 (see Figure 3The at least one terminal strip 40 is designed to electrically contact the at least one control board 36, in particular the connecting contacts 64 of the at least one control board 36. The at least one further receiving element 62 has a further terminal strip (not shown). The at least one further terminal strip is designed to electrically contact the at least one control board 36, in particular further connecting contacts of the at least one control board 36.

[0062] The at least one housing unit 24 has at least one flap element 66 (cf. Figure 3) to cover, in particular, the recess 58 of the base element 56 on one side of the base element 56 facing away from the rear wall 26. The at least one flap element 66 is designed such that a side surface of the at least one base element 56 facing away from the rear wall 26, in particular parallel to the main extension plane of the base element 56, is at least largely, and advantageously completely, covered. The at least one flap element 66 is pivotably and / or, in particular, non-destructively, mechanically connected to the base element 56. The at least one flap element 66 and the at least one base element 56 have corresponding locking elements. The at least one flap element 66 has at least one cable guide opening (not shown).

[0063] In Figure 4Figure 1 shows a schematic flowchart of a process 42 for assembling the refrigeration unit 10. In at least one process step 44 of the process 42, the at least one pressure sensor 22 is arranged in the evaporator area 20.

[0064] In a further process step 68 of process 42, specifically prior to the insertion of the at least one inner container 12 into the at least one body 46, the at least one housing unit 24 is at least partially positioned in the recess 28 of the rear wall 26 of the at least one inner container 12. In the further process step 68, the at least one housing unit 24 is guided at least partially into the at least one recess 28 of the rear wall 26 from a side of the rear wall 26 facing away from the at least one interior space 14. In the present case, only the at least one rim element 60 of the housing unit 24 is guided through the recess 28 of the rear wall 26 in the further process step 68.

[0065] In a further additional process step 70 of process 42, the at least one pressure sensor 22 is arranged on the at least one control board 36. In the at least one process step 44, in particular after the insertion of the at least one inner container 12 into the at least one body 46 and the insertion of a thermally insulating material into the space between, the at least one control board 36, in particular together with the at least one pressure sensor 22, is arranged within the at least one housing unit 24 and in particular electrically contacted, wherein the at least one housing unit 24 is arranged in the evaporator area 20 in an assembled state of the refrigeration unit 10.

[0066] Of the objects that appear multiple times in the figures, only one is marked with a reference symbol. Reference sign

[0067] 10 Refrigeration unit 12 Inner container 14 Interior 16 Separating element 18 Mounting area 20 Evaporator area 22 Pressure sensor 24 Housing unit 26 Rear panel 28 Recess 30 Sealing element 32 Cover element 34 Pressure transmission element 36 Control board 38 Mounting element 40 Connection strip 42 Process 44 Process step 46 Body 48 Open side 50 Ventilation channel 52 Evaporator 54 Evaluation unit 56 Base element 58 Recess 60 Surround element 62 Additional mounting element 64 Connection contact 66 Flap element 68 Additional process step 70 Additional process step

Claims

1. Refrigeration appliance (10) with at least one inner container (12) which defines at least one interior space (14), with at least one partition (16) which divides the at least one interior space (14) into a receiving area (18) for storing goods and an evaporator area (20), and with at least one pressure sensor (22) for detecting the pressure of the at least one interior space (14), characterized by the fact that which at least one pressure sensor (22) is arranged in the evaporator area (20).

2. Refrigeration device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by at least one housing unit (24), wherein the at least one pressure sensor (22) is arranged within the at least one housing unit (24).

3. Refrigeration device (10) according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that which at least one housing unit (24) is arranged on a rear wall (26) of the at least one inner container (12) of the refrigerating appliance (10).

4. Refrigeration device (10) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by the fact thata rear wall (26) of the at least one inner container (12) has a recess (28) in which the at least one housing unit (24) is at least partially arranged.

5. Refrigeration device (10) according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that a maximum longitudinal extent of the at least one housing unit (24) is at least 5% and / or at most 100% larger than an opening width of the recess (28) of the rear wall (26), in particular parallel to it.

6. Refrigeration device (10) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by the fact that which includes at least one housing unit (24) and at least one sealing element (30) for sealing the recess (28) of the rear wall (26) of the at least one inner container (12).

7. Refrigeration device (10) according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized by the fact thatcomprising at least one housing unit (24) comprising at least one, in particular removable, cover element (32), which includes at least one pressure transmission element (34), in particular for a pressure connection of the at least one pressure sensor (22) to the at least one interior space (14).

8. Refrigeration device (10) according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that the at least one housing unit (24) is arranged in the evaporator area (20) such that the at least one pressure transmission element (34) has a clear width of at least 5 mm.

9. Refrigeration device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one control board (36) for controlling an environmental parameter of the recording area (18), wherein the at least one pressure sensor (22) is arranged on the at least one control board (36).

10. Refrigeration device (10) according to claim 9, characterized by the fact thatwhich has at least one housing unit (24) and at least one swiveling receiving element (38) for receiving at least one control board (36).

11. Refrigeration device (10) according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that which includes at least one receiving element (38) and at least one connection strip (40) for the electrical connection of at least one pressure sensor (22).

12. Method (42) for assembling a refrigeration unit (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by the fact that in at least one process step (44) in which at least one pressure sensor (22) is arranged in the evaporator area (20).

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