Door monitoring device for a refrigerator, a refrigerator, a method for operating a door monitoring device

Abstract

The invention relates to a door monitoring device (10) for a refrigeration unit (12), in particular a cooling unit, comprising at least one pressure sensor (14) for detecting pressure within at least one interior space (16) of the refrigeration unit (12), and at least one evaluation unit (18) for analyzing the detected pressure. To provide a generic device with improved energy efficiency, operational efficiency, and / or user comfort, it is proposed that the door monitoring device include at least one event detection unit (20) which connects the at least one pressure sensor (14) and the at least one evaluation unit (18) via a signal transmission system. The at least one event detection unit (20) is designed to activate the at least one evaluation unit (18), in particular from an energy-saving mode, depending on the detected pressure.

Description

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

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

[0003] The object of the invention is, in particular but not limited to, providing a generic device with improved properties with regard to energy efficiency and / or utilization efficiency and / or user comfort. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claims 1, 5 and 6, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

[0004] The invention relates to a door monitoring device for a refrigeration unit, in particular a cooling unit, with at least one pressure sensor for detecting pressure within an interior space of the refrigeration unit, and with at least one evaluation unit for analyzing the detected pressure.

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

[0006] This design of the operating procedure for the refrigeration unit allows for advantageously high utilization efficiency, particularly advantageously high energy efficiency. Advantageously low average computing power can be provided by the evaluation unit, since the evaluation unit does not continuously analyze the measured pressure, but only when the measured pressure meets predetermined conditions. Furthermore, advantageously low average energy consumption can be achieved, since the evaluation unit operates in an energy-saving mode as long as no relevant pressure change is detected by the event detection unit.

[0007] A "door monitoring device" is understood to mean, in particular, a device for automatically monitoring at least one position of at least one door of a refrigeration unit as a function of a detected pressure. Preferably, the door monitoring device forms at least a part, in particular a subassembly, of the refrigeration unit. It is also conceivable that the door monitoring device is designed as a separate module for the refrigeration unit. Preferably, the door monitoring device can be retrofitted to a refrigeration unit. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the door monitoring device is at least partially, and advantageously completely, integrated into the refrigeration unit.

[0008] Preferably, the at least one door monitoring device is provided for being arranged within the at least one housing of the refrigeration unit. It is conceivable that the door monitoring device is integrated into at least one control unit of the refrigeration unit.

[0009] Preferably, the door monitoring device is designed to detect the opening of at least one refrigerator door, depending on the detected pressure, particularly by means of the at least one evaluation unit. "Opening of the at least one refrigerator door" is understood to mean, in particular, a process in which the at least one refrigerator door is moved from a closed position, in which the at least one refrigerator door seals the at least one interior space of the refrigerator, to an open position, for example, by a user or at least a door opening unit of the refrigerator, to advantageously provide the user with access to the at least one interior space. Preferably, the door monitoring device is designed to detect the closing of the at least one refrigerator door, depending on the detected pressure, particularly by means of the at least one evaluation unit.The term "closing the at least one refrigerator door" shall in particular be understood to mean a process in which the at least one refrigerator door is moved from the open position, in which preferably an air exchange between the at least one interior space of the refrigerator and the outside ambient air of the refrigerator is provided, to a closed position, in which preferably the at least one refrigerator door seals the at least one interior space of the refrigerator, advantageously against the outside ambient air.

[0010] Preferably, the at least one evaluation unit comprises at least one processing unit. Preferably, the at least one evaluation unit also comprises, and in particular additionally comprises, at least one storage unit. Advantageously, an evaluation program for analyzing the measured pressure is stored in the at least one storage unit. Preferably, the at least one processing unit is designed to execute the evaluation program for analyzing the measured pressure. Preferably, the at least one evaluation unit is designed as a microcontroller or microprocessor. It is conceivable that the at least one evaluation unit comprises at least one signal processing unit, in particular to convert an incoming analog signal into a digital one.

[0011] Preferably, the at least one pressure sensor is designed to detect atmospheric pressure, particularly absolute pressure, or a measurement corresponding to atmospheric pressure within the at least one interior space of the refrigeration unit. It is conceivable that the at least one pressure sensor is designed as an analog pressure sensor. Preferably, the at least one pressure sensor is designed as a digital pressure sensor. The at least one pressure sensor is preferably designed as a barometric pressure sensor. Preferably, the pressure sensor is designed as a MEMS-based barometric pressure sensor. Alternatively, however, it would also be conceivable that the at least one pressure sensor is designed 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.

[0012] The at least one event detection unit is preferably designed to monitor the detected pressure. Advantageously, the at least one event detection unit is designed to compare the detected pressure with an activation pressure threshold. Advantageously, the at least one event detection unit is designed to send an activation signal to the at least one evaluation unit when the detected pressure exceeds the activation pressure threshold, in particular to wake the at least one evaluation unit from its energy-saving mode. An "energy-saving mode of the at least one evaluation unit" is understood to mean, in particular, an operating state in which the energy consumption of the at least one evaluation unit is reduced to a predetermined minimum.Preferably, the at least one evaluation unit in energy-saving mode has an energy consumption of preferably at least 20%, advantageously at least 15%, particularly advantageously at least 10%, preferably at least 5%, and particularly preferably at least 1% with respect to its maximum energy consumption. In particular, the at least one evaluation unit in energy-saving mode has an energy consumption of preferably at most 70%, advantageously at most 60%, particularly advantageously at most 50%, preferably at most 40%, and particularly preferably at most 30% with respect to its maximum energy consumption. Preferably, the at least one evaluation unit has a higher energy consumption in an operating state in which it evaluates the detected pressure than in energy-saving mode.

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

[0014] It is conceivable that the at least one event detection unit comprises at least one comparator, for example a comparator circuit, which is arranged, in particular, between the at least one pressure sensor and the at least one evaluation unit. Preferably, the comparator is designed to compare the detected pressure with the activation pressure threshold and, depending on whether the activation pressure threshold is exceeded, to send the activation signal to the at least one evaluation unit, in particular to wake the at least one evaluation unit from energy-saving mode.Alternatively, it is conceivable that the at least one event detection unit comprises a microcontroller or signal processor, in particular an energy-efficient and / or power-saving one, which is designed to compare the detected pressure with the activation pressure threshold and, depending on a detected exceedance of the activation pressure threshold, to send the activation signal to the at least one evaluation unit, in particular to wake up the at least one evaluation unit from the energy-saving mode.

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

[0016] 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.

[0017] It is proposed that the at least one event detection unit be at least partially integrated into the at least one pressure sensor. Such a design allows for a suitably compact door monitoring device, as no separate external unit is required. Preferably, the at least one event detection unit is fully integrated into the at least one pressure sensor. The at least one pressure sensor is preferably a MEMS-based pressure sensor. Preferably, the at least one pressure sensor includes control electronics. Advantageously, the at least one event detection unit includes the control electronics of the at least one pressure sensor. It is conceivable that the at least one event detection unit is at least partially integrated into the at least one evaluation unit.The at least one event detection unit, in particular the control electronics of the at least one pressure sensor, is preferably designed to compare the detected pressure with an activation pressure threshold, in particular the one mentioned above, and, depending on a detected exceedance of the activation pressure threshold, to send an activation signal, in particular the one mentioned above, to the at least one evaluation unit, in order in particular to wake up the at least one evaluation unit from the energy saving mode.

[0018] Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one event detection unit has at least one interrupt signal line leading from the at least one pressure sensor to the at least one evaluation unit. Such a design allows for advantageously high efficiency, particularly response efficiency and / or energy efficiency. In particular, an interrupt signal line enables an advantageously at least substantially immediate response to a predefined event. Furthermore, it advantageously avoids the evaluation unit constantly polling the pressure sensor, thereby enabling particularly advantageously high computational efficiency and / or energy efficiency. Preferably, the at least one evaluation unit includes at least one interrupt input pin. Preferably, the at least one pressure sensor, and in particular the control electronics of the at least one pressure sensor, includes at least one interrupt output pin.Preferably, the at least one interrupt signal line leads from the at least one pressure sensor, in particular the at least one interrupt output pin, to the at least one interrupt input pin of the at least one evaluation unit. In particular, the activation signal, generated especially by the at least one event detection unit, is configured as an interrupt signal for activating the at least one evaluation unit. Preferably, the at least one interrupt input pin is provided to receive the activation signal, in particular the interrupt signal, from the at least one event detection unit. Preferably, the at least one interrupt input pin is provided to trigger an interrupt depending on a received interrupt signal, in order to activate, in particular, the evaluation of the detected pressure by the at least one evaluation unit.

[0019] It is further proposed that the door monitoring device include at least one data link for transmitting data from the at least one pressure sensor to the at least one evaluation unit. Such a design allows for advantageously high and / or consistent data quality, since, in particular, a dedicated data link enables the reliable transmission of pressure sensor data to the evaluation unit without significant delay and / or distortion. Furthermore, the risk of signal interference can be advantageously minimized.The data link is configured, for example, as an SPL (Serial Peripheral Interface) data link, a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter) data link, a CAN (Controller Area Network) data link, a 1-Wire data link, a Modbus connection, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) data link, or the like. Preferably, the data link is configured as an I²C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) data link. In particular, the at least one evaluation unit and the at least one pressure sensor have a corresponding communication interface.

[0020] Furthermore, the invention relates to a refrigeration unit comprising at least one body, at least one interior space arranged within the at least one body, at least one refrigeration unit door movably arranged on the at least one body for closing the at least one interior space, and the aforementioned door monitoring device arranged within the at least one interior space. The refrigeration unit is characterized in particular by the advantageous properties that can be achieved by the features of the door monitoring device described above.

[0021] Advantageously, the refrigeration appliance is designed to cool stored goods, such as foodstuffs, especially beverages, meat, fish, milk and / or dairy products, or pharmaceuticals or vaccines, or chemicals or cosmetic products, or plants, especially flowers or plant seeds, in at least one operating state, particularly to extend the shelf life or maintain the quality of the stored goods. The refrigeration appliance may be a household refrigeration appliance, especially a chest freezer, and advantageously a refrigerator and / or freezer.

[0022] Preferably, the at least one body forms an outer casing of the refrigeration unit. Preferably, the refrigeration unit has at least one inner container. In particular, the at least one inner container is arranged at least partially, preferably at least to a large extent, advantageously completely within the at least one body. The phrase "at least to a large extent completely within the at least one body" means, in particular, that the at least one inner container is arranged at least 55%, advantageously at least 65%, particularly advantageously at least 75%, preferably at least 85%, and most preferably at least 95% completely within a smallest imaginary cuboid that just completely encloses the at least one body. 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 specifically enclosed within the at least one body. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the at least one inner container and the at least one body are formed as a single unit. The at least one inner container preferably has at least one wall, advantageously a plurality of walls. Preferably, the at least one interior space is bounded by the walls of the at least one inner container. The at least one inner container is, for example, made of at least one plastic, at least one metal, or at least one composite material.

[0023] 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.

[0024] The interior can be divided into several areas, for example, a receiving area and an evaporator area. Preferably, the receiving area is designed to receive stored goods, such as food, placed into the at least one receiving area by an operator. Preferably, the refrigeration unit has a refrigerant circuit for cooling the interior of the refrigeration unit. Preferably, the refrigerant circuit includes an evaporator. Preferably, the evaporator is arranged in the evaporator area. Preferably, the refrigeration unit has at least one partition to spatially separate the receiving area and the evaporator area.

[0025] Preferably, the at least one refrigerator door is designed to counteract, and in particular prevent, the escape of heat, cold, or fluids from the at least one interior space of the refrigerator, or the ingress of dust or foreign matter into the at least one interior space, particularly the receiving area, of the refrigerator. Preferably, the refrigerator has at least one hinge element. In particular, the at least one refrigerator door is connected to the at least one body by means of the at least one hinge element. Preferably, the at least one hinge element defines a mounting axis, in particular a pivot axis, for opening and / or closing the at least one refrigerator door. The at least one refrigerator door and / or the at least one body preferably has / have at least one sealing element, in particular a magnetic one.Preferably, the at least one sealing element of the at least one refrigerator door and / or the at least one body 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 at least one sealing element is designed to maintain a leakage rate below a limit value specifically defined for the refrigerator, particularly when the at least one interior space is closed by means of the at least one refrigerator door.

[0026] Preferably, the refrigerating appliance includes further components such as at least one light source for illuminating the interior and / or at least one compressor and / or at least one fan and / or at least one container and / or at least one shelf for storing food or the like and / or a door opening unit for automatically opening the at least one door of the refrigerating appliance.

[0027] Preferably, the refrigeration unit comprises at least one control unit, in particular the one mentioned above. A "control unit" is understood to mean, in particular, a unit with at least one electronic control device. The at least one control unit can, in principle, also be designed as a control unit. An electronic "control device" is understood to mean, in particular, a unit with at least one computing unit, in particular a processor unit, and with at least one storage unit, in particular one mentioned above, as well as with a control program stored in the storage unit.In principle, the at least one control and / or regulating unit can comprise several interconnected control units, which are preferably designed to communicate with each other via a bus system, a suitable wired data transmission system, or another data transmission system, such as, in particular, a wireless data transmission system. Preferably, the at least one control unit is designed to control and / or regulate several components or parts of the refrigeration unit, for example, controlling the at least one light source of the refrigeration unit, controlling the at least one refrigerant circuit (in particular, controlling the at least one compressor of the refrigeration unit), controlling the at least one fan of the refrigeration unit, and / or controlling the at least one door opening unit. Preferably, the at least one control unit comprises a control board.

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

[0029] The invention further relates to a method for operating the door monitoring device described above, wherein in at least one detection step, in particular by means of the at least one pressure sensor, a pressure in the interior of the refrigeration unit is detected, and wherein in at least one analysis step the detected pressure is evaluated, in particular by means of the at least one evaluation unit.

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

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

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

[0033] Preferably, in at least one further detection step, in particular by means of at least one further sensor of the door monitoring device, at least one position parameter of the at least one refrigerator door is detected. Preferably, in at least one interior state determination step of the method, in particular by means of the at least one evaluation unit or control electronics of the at least one further sensor, a state open by means of the at least one refrigerator door and / or a state closed by means of the at least one refrigerator door of the at least one interior is detected as a function of the detected position parameter of the at least one refrigerator door. In particular, depending on the detected position parameter of the at least one refrigerator door, an open signal or a closed signal is sent to the at least one evaluation unit and / or the at least one event detection unit.For example, the at least one position parameter of the at least one refrigerator door includes a detected angle between the at least one refrigerator door relative to a mounting axis of the at least one refrigerator door on at least one body of the refrigerator and the at least one body, or a detected distance of an edge opposite the mounting axis, in particular parallel, in particular a door frame, which connects at least one refrigerator door to the at least one body, or a door contact status of a contact switch or magnetic switch, or a resistance or a capacitance.A state of the at least one interior space that is open by means of the at least one refrigerator door can be detected in the at least one interior space state determination step if, for example, a detected angle of 10° between the at least one refrigerator door relative to the mounting axis of the at least one refrigerator door on the at least one body and the at least one body is greater than or equal to 10°, or if a resistance signal detected by means of the at least one sensor corresponds in particular to at least 70%, advantageously at least 80%, preferably at least 90% to an original resistance value.In particular, in the at least one interior state determination step, a closed state of the at least one interior space by means of the at least one refrigerator door can be detected by means of the at least one evaluation unit if, for example, the detected angle is less than 10° or the resistance signal detected by means of the at least one sensor is less than 70%, advantageously less than 80%, preferably less than 90% compared to the original resistance value.

[0034] Furthermore, it is proposed that in at least one pressure comparison step of the procedure, the detected pressure, in particular by means of the at least one event detection unit, is compared with an activation pressure threshold, in particular the one mentioned above. If, in the at least one pressure comparison step, the detected pressure is found to exceed the activation pressure threshold, at least one activation step is initiated. It is conceivable that at least one pressure threshold, for example the activation pressure threshold, is stored in a memory of the at least one evaluation unit and / or the at least one event detection unit.Preferably, the at least one pressure threshold, in particular the activation pressure threshold, is determined and / or updated as a function of a pressure reference value in at least one pressure threshold determination step of the method, particularly by means of the at least one evaluation unit and / or the at least one event detection unit. It is conceivable that the at least one pressure reference value is stored in the memory of the at least one evaluation unit and / or the at least one event detection unit. Preferably, the at least one pressure reference value is determined and / or updated in at least one pressure reference determination step, particularly by means of the at least one evaluation unit and / or the at least one event detection unit.It is conceivable that the at least one pressure reference determination step for setting the pressure reference value is performed once after the initial commissioning of the refrigeration unit at its installation location or once a day, for example, every 24 hours. Preferably, the at least one pressure reference determination step is performed at least once per hour, advantageously at least once every 10 minutes, particularly advantageously at least once every 1 minute, and preferably at least once every 30 seconds to update the pressure reference value. Preferably, the pressure reference value in the at least one pressure reference determination step is set as the atmospheric pressure at the installation location of the refrigeration unit.In particular, the atmospheric pressure at the installation location of the refrigeration unit is only detected if the state of the at least one interior compartment, as opened by means of the at least one refrigeration unit door, is recognized in the at least one interior compartment state determination step, depending on the detected position parameter of the at least one refrigeration unit door. Advantageously, the pressure reference value is determined in the at least one pressure reference determination step by calculating an average of the detected pressure over a period of at least 1 s, particularly advantageously at least 3 s, preferably at least 5 s, and most preferably at least 10 s. In particular, the average value of the detected pressure is only determined if the state of the at least one interior compartment, as closed by means of the at least one refrigeration unit door, is recognized in the at least one interior compartment state determination step, depending on the detected position parameter of the at least one refrigeration unit door.It is conceivable that the at least one pressure threshold determination step for setting the at least one pressure threshold, in particular the activation threshold, is performed once after initial commissioning of the refrigeration unit at the installation site or once a day, for example, every 24 hours. Preferably, the at least one pressure threshold determination step is performed at least once per hour, advantageously at least once every 10 minutes, particularly advantageously at least once every 1 minute, and preferably at least once every 30 seconds, in order to update the at least one pressure threshold, in particular the activation threshold. Preferably, each pressure reference determination step is followed by an execution of the at least one pressure threshold determination step, in particular to determine the activation threshold as a function of the pressure reference value.

[0035] Furthermore, it is proposed that in at least one pressure reference determination step, particularly the one mentioned above, a moving average of the detected pressure is calculated, in particular by means of the at least one evaluation unit and / or the at least one event detection unit, and that in at least one pressure threshold determination step, particularly the one mentioned above, an activation pressure threshold, in particular the one mentioned above, is determined dynamically, depending on the moving average of the detected pressure calculated in the at least one pressure reference determination step. Such a design allows for the advantageous consideration of the influence of, for example, a temperature change in the interior of the refrigeration unit when evaluating the detected pressure.Preferably, the moving average calculated in the at least one pressure reference determination step is used as the pressure reference value to determine a pressure threshold, in particular the activation threshold. Preferably, in the at least one pressure reference determination step, the moving average of at least the last five values, advantageously at least the last four values, and preferably at least the last three values ​​of the detected pressure is calculated, in particular by means of the at least one evaluation unit and / or the at least one event detection unit.Preferably, the at least one pressure reference determination step for calculating the moving average of the detected pressure is only executed by the at least one evaluation unit and / or the event detection unit if a closed state of the interior (by means of the refrigerator door) is detected in the at least one interior state determination step, depending on the detected position parameter of the refrigerator door. Preferably, each pressure reference determination step is followed by an execution of the at least one pressure threshold determination step, in order to dynamically determine the activation threshold, in particular, as a function of the moving average of the detected pressure.

[0036] Furthermore, it is proposed that the activation pressure threshold, particularly in the at least one pressure threshold determination step, be set to a value that deviates from the moving average of the detected pressure by a minimum of 2 Pa and / or a maximum of 8 Pa. Such a design advantageously minimizes the risk of unnecessarily initiating the analysis step, thereby enabling particularly high energy efficiency and / or user-friendliness. Preferably, the activation pressure threshold in the at least one pressure threshold determination step is set at least 3 Pa, particularly advantageously at least 4 Pa, and more preferably at least 5 Pa higher than the pressure reference value, in particular the moving average of the detected pressure.Preferably, the activation pressure threshold is set in the at least one pressure threshold determination step to be a maximum of 9 Pa, advantageously a maximum of 10 Pa, greater than the pressure reference value.

[0037] Furthermore, it is proposed that in at least one deactivation step of the method, depending on a pressure profile above an opening pressure threshold (which differs from the activation pressure threshold), the at least one evaluation unit is switched to energy-saving mode, particularly by means of the at least one evaluation unit. This allows for advantageously high efficiency, particularly energy efficiency, since the evaluation unit can automatically return to a state of reduced energy consumption. Preferably, in the at least one analysis step, a pressure profile above the opening pressure threshold is evaluated, particularly by means of the at least one evaluation unit. Preferably, a door opening request is detected depending on the pressure profile above the opening pressure threshold.A "door opening request" is understood to mean, in particular, a detected condition indicating that the at least one door of the refrigeration unit is to be opened by means of at least one door opening unit of the refrigeration unit, especially one of the aforementioned units. Advantageously, the at least one evaluation unit initiates at least one door opening step for opening the at least one door of the refrigeration unit by means of the at least one door opening unit when a door opening request is detected in the at least one analysis step. It is conceivable that the at least one door opening step is initiated with a time delay of preferably a maximum of 5 s, advantageously a maximum of 4 s, particularly advantageously a maximum of 3 s, preferably a maximum of 2 s, and most preferably a maximum of 1 s, after a door opening request has been detected in the at least one analysis step.Preferably, a door opening request is detected in at least one analysis step when the detected pressure exceeds the opening pressure threshold. Advantageously, a door opening request is detected in at least one analysis step when a time interval of at least 0.1 s and / or at most 2 s, preferably at most 1.5 s, particularly at most 1 s, preferably at most 0.8 s, and most preferably at most 0.6 s, is detected between a point in time when the opening pressure threshold is exceeded and a subsequent point in time when it falls below it. Advantageously, the deactivation step is initiated if no door opening request is detected in the at least one analysis step, depending on the pressure profile above the opening pressure threshold.In particular, the opening pressure threshold is set at least 2 Pa, preferably at least 3 Pa, advantageously at least 4 Pa, and preferably at least 5 Pa higher than the activation pressure threshold in the at least one pressure threshold determination step. Preferably, the opening pressure threshold is set at most 8 Pa, and advantageously at most 10 Pa, higher than the activation pressure threshold in the at least one pressure threshold determination step. Preferably, the at least one deactivation step is initiated if no door opening request is detected in the at least one analysis step within a time span of at least 2 s, in particular at least 3 s, advantageously at least 4 s, preferably at least 5 s, and at most 10 s, from the start of the at least one analysis step, and in particular from the time the activation pressure threshold is exceeded.

[0038] It is further proposed that in at least one additional deactivation step, the at least one evaluation unit is put into energy-saving mode if, in the at least one analysis step, a closed state of the at least one interior compartment of the refrigeration unit is detected, particularly after the at least one refrigeration unit door has been opened by a user and / or the at least one door opening unit. This allows for advantageously high energy efficiency, as the evaluation unit is returned to a state of reduced energy consumption after the pressure evaluation has been completed. Preferably, the closed state of the at least one interior compartment of the refrigeration unit, determined by the pressure measured in the at least one analysis step, is detected as a function of the pressure.In particular, the opening of at least one refrigerator door is detected as a function of the measured pressure in at least one analysis step. Similarly, the closing of at least one refrigerator door is detected as a function of the measured pressure in at least one analysis step. Advantageously, the closed state of at least one interior compartment of the refrigerator, as determined by the measured pressure, is detected in at least one analysis step if the closing of the refrigerator door is detected after it has been opened. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the closed state of at least one interior compartment of the refrigerator, as determined by the measured position parameter of the refrigerator door, is detected as a function of the measured position parameter of the refrigerator door.In particular, the closed state of at least one interior compartment of the refrigeration unit, as determined by the position parameter of at least one door, is detected when the closed signal follows the open signal sent by at least one other sensor. In at least one analysis step, the at least one evaluation unit preferably checks whether the detected position parameter of the refrigeration unit door correlates with the detected pressure in order to confirm an evaluation of the detected pressure, specifically regarding the closed state of at least one interior compartment of the refrigeration unit, as determined by the closed door.It is conceivable that at least one further deactivation step is initiated with a time delay of at least 2 s, in particular at least 3 s, advantageously at least 4 s, preferably at least 5 s, and at most 10 s, from the detection of the closed state of the at least one interior space by means of the at least one refrigerator door.

[0039] The door monitoring device, the refrigeration unit, and the method for operating the door monitoring device according to the invention are not limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the door monitoring device, the refrigeration unit, and the method for operating the door monitoring device according to the invention may, to achieve a functionality described herein, comprise a different number of individual elements, components, units, and / or process steps than the number specified herein.

[0040] 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.

[0041] They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a refrigeration device according to the invention with a door monitoring device according to the invention, Fig. 2 a schematic sectional view of the door monitoring device according to the invention, Fig. 3 a schematic flow diagram of a method according to the invention for operating the door monitoring device according to the invention and Fig. 4 an exemplary pressure-time diagram of a detected pressure profile in the course of the method according to the invention.

[0042] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a refrigeration device 12. In this case, the refrigeration device 12 is designed as a refrigerator. However, other configurations of the refrigeration device 12 would also be conceivable, such as a freezer or a chest freezer.

[0043] The refrigeration unit 12 has at least one body 26. The at least one body 26 forms an outer casing of the refrigeration unit 12. The refrigeration unit 12 has at least one inner container 52. The at least one inner container 52 defines at least one interior space 16 of the refrigeration unit 12. The at least one inner container 52 is housed within the at least one body 26. The at least one inner container 52 and the at least one body 26 are designed separately from each other. The refrigeration unit 12 has at least one door 28 for closing the interior space 16. The at least one inner container 52 has multiple walls. The inner container 52 has a rear wall 54, which is located opposite an opening in the body 26 that can be closed by the door 28. Furthermore, the inner container 52 has a bottom wall 56, a top wall 58, a side wall, and another side wall.The at least one interior space 16 is bounded by the walls of the at least one inner container 52. In this case, the at least one inner container 52 is at least partially, and in particular completely, made of at least one plastic. Alternatively, however, it would also be conceivable that the at least one inner container 52 is at least partially, and in particular completely, made of a metal or a composite material. A thermally insulating material, in particular a thermally insulating foam, is inserted (not shown) into a space 60 between the at least one body 26, in particular the outer housing, and the at least one inner container 52, in particular the walls of the inner container 52, preferably on the side of the at least one inner container 52 facing away from the at least one interior space 16.

[0044] The refrigeration unit 12 has at least one interior compartment 16 with a receiving area 62. The receiving area 62 is designed to receive and cool stored goods, such as food, placed into it by an operator. The stored goods can be stored using at least one storage compartment and / or storage container and / or storage shelves. The refrigeration unit 12 has at least one refrigerant circuit 64 for cooling the at least one interior compartment 16 of the refrigeration unit 12. The at least one refrigerant circuit 64 has at least one evaporator 66. The at least one refrigerant circuit 64 has at least one condenser 68. The at least one refrigerant circuit 64 has at least one compressor 70.

[0045] The at least one evaporator 66 of the at least one refrigerant circuit 64 is arranged on the side of the rear wall 54 of the at least one inner container 52 facing the at least one interior space 16. The refrigeration unit 12 has at least one partition 74 to separate the at least one interior space 16 into a further area, namely an evaporator area 72. The at least one partition 74 spatially separates the receiving area 62 and the evaporator area 72 from each other. In particular, the partition 74 has recesses and / or air channels to facilitate air exchange between the evaporator area 72 and the receiving area 62, especially for cooling the receiving area 62. At least one fan 76 and at least one further fan are arranged in the evaporator area 72 to ensure, in particular, a advantageously high air exchange and / or advantageously targeted airflow between the evaporator area 72 and the receiving area 62.

[0046] The at least one refrigerator door 28 is designed to counteract, and in particular prevent, the escape of heat or cold or fluids from the at least one interior space 16 of the refrigerator 12 or the entry of dust or foreign bodies into the at least one interior space 16, in particular into the receiving area 62, of the refrigerator 12.

[0047] The refrigeration unit 12 has at least one hinge element (not shown). The at least one refrigerator door 28 is connected to the at least one body 26 by means of the at least one hinge element. The at least one hinge element defines a mounting axis, in particular a pivot axis, for opening and / or closing the refrigerator door 28.

[0048] The refrigeration unit 12 has at least one magnetic sealing element 78. This magnetic sealing element 78 is arranged on the at least one door 28 of the refrigeration unit. The sealing element 78 is designed to seal the at least one interior compartment 16 of the refrigeration unit 12, which is closed by the door 28, from a space located outside the refrigeration unit 12. The magnetic sealing element 78 is designed, in particular when the interior compartment 16 is closed by means of the door 28, to maintain a leakage rate below a limit value specifically defined for the refrigeration unit 12, which is designed as a refrigerator, in order to comply, for example, with the standard ISO 15502 or EN 62552.

[0049] The refrigeration unit 12 comprises at least one door opening unit 80. The at least one door opening unit 80 has at least one drive unit (not shown). The at least one door opening unit 80 is arranged at least partially within the space 60 between the at least one body 26 of the refrigeration unit 12 and the at least one inner container 52, in particular the bottom wall 56 of the at least one inner container 52, of the refrigeration unit 12. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable that the at least one door opening unit 80 is arranged at least partially on the at least one body 26, in particular the outer casing of the refrigeration unit 12. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable that the at least one door opening unit 80 is arranged in the space 60 between the at least one body 26 and the side wall of the inner container 52 or the top wall 58 of the inner container 52.Alternatively, it would also be conceivable that at least one door opening unit 80 is arranged on or at least partially inside at least one refrigerator door 28.

[0050] The at least one door opening unit 80 comprises at least one plunger 82, which can be driven by the at least one drive unit, for opening the at least one refrigerator door 28. The at least one drive unit of the at least one door opening unit 80 is designed to retract and / or extend the at least one plunger 82, in particular to open the at least one refrigerator door 28.

[0051] The refrigeration unit 12 comprises at least one door monitoring device 10. The at least one door monitoring device 10 is arranged within the at least one body 26 of the refrigeration unit 12. In particular, the at least one door monitoring device 10 is arranged at least partially within the at least one interior space 16, advantageously at least partially within the evaporator area 72.

[0052] The at least one door monitoring device 10 has at least one pressure sensor 14, in particular a digital one, for detecting pressure within the at least one interior space 16 of the refrigeration unit 12. The at least one pressure sensor 14 is designed as a MEMS-based barometric pressure sensor. The at least one pressure sensor 14 is intended to detect absolute atmospheric pressure within the interior space 16 of the refrigeration unit 12. Alternatively, however, it would also be conceivable for the at least one pressure sensor to be designed 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 14 is arranged within the at least one interior space 16, in particular within the evaporator area 72.The at least one pressure sensor 14 is specifically designed to detect the pressure with a sampling rate of at least 15 Hz, in this case exactly 20 Hz.

[0053] The at least one door monitoring device 10 comprises at least one evaluation unit 18 for analyzing the detected pressure. The at least one evaluation unit 18 can be configured as a microcontroller or microprocessor. The at least one evaluation unit 18 is located within the at least one interior space 16, in particular within the evaporator area 72. The at least one evaluation unit 18 comprises at least one evaluation program for evaluating the detected pressure. The at least one evaluation unit 18 is designed to detect a door opening request, in particular to open the at least one refrigerator door by means of the at least one door opening unit 80, depending on the detected pressure. The at least one evaluation unit 18 is designed to detect the opening of the at least one refrigerator door 28 of the refrigerator 12 depending on the detected pressure.The at least one evaluation unit 18 is designed to detect, depending on the detected pressure, the closing of at least one refrigeration unit door 28 of the refrigeration unit 12.

[0054] The at least one door monitoring device 10 comprises at least one event detection unit 20 (see Figure 2The at least one event detection unit 20 connects the at least one pressure sensor 14 and the at least one evaluation unit 18 via signal transmission. In this case, the at least one event detection unit 20 is at least partially integrated into the at least one pressure sensor 14. The at least one pressure sensor 14 has control electronics. The at least one event detection unit 20 at least partially forms the control electronics of the at least one pressure sensor 14. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the at least one event detection unit 20 includes at least one comparator, for example, a comparator circuit, which is arranged, in particular, between the at least one pressure sensor 14 and the at least one evaluation unit 18.

[0055] The at least one event detection unit 20 has at least one interrupt signal line 22, which leads from the at least one pressure sensor 14 to the at least one evaluation unit 18 (see Figure 2 The at least one evaluation unit 18 includes at least one interrupt input pin (not shown). The at least one pressure sensor 14, in particular the control electronics of the at least one pressure sensor 14, has at least one interrupt output pin (not shown). The at least one interrupt signal line 22 leads from the at least one interrupt output pin of the at least one pressure sensor 14 to the at least one interrupt input pin of the at least one evaluation unit 18.

[0056] The at least one door monitoring device 10 has at least one data connection line 24 for transmitting data from the at least one pressure sensor 14 to the at least one evaluation unit 18. The at least one data connection line 24 is configured as an I²C data connection line (Inter-Integrated Circuit). In particular, the at least one evaluation unit 18 and the at least one pressure sensor 14 have a corresponding communication interface (not shown). Alternatively, it is conceivable that the at least one data connection line 24 is configured, for example, as an SPI data connection line (Serial Peripheral Interface), a UART data connection line (Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter), a CAN data connection line (Controller Area Network), a 1-Wire data connection line, a Modbus connection line, a BLE data connection line (Bluetooth Low Energy), or the like.

[0057] The at least one event detection unit 20 is designed to activate the at least one evaluation unit 18 from a power-saving mode, depending on the detected pressure. The at least one event detection unit 20 is designed to monitor the detected pressure. The at least one event detection unit 20 is designed to compare the detected pressure with an activation pressure threshold 40. The at least one event detection unit 20 is designed to send an activation signal, in particular an interrupt signal, via the at least one interrupt signal line 22 to the at least one evaluation unit 18 when the detected pressure exceeds the activation pressure threshold 40, in order to wake the at least one evaluation unit 18 from the power-saving mode.

[0058] The at least one door monitoring device 10 comprises at least one sensor 84 for detecting a position parameter of the at least one refrigerator door 28 (see Figure 1 The at least one sensor 84 for detecting the position parameter of the at least one refrigerator door 28 is designed as a magnetoresistive sensor. The at least one sensor 84 comprises at least one magnetic element, which is arranged on the at least one refrigerator door 28 (see Figure 1). Figure 1The at least one sensor 84 includes at least one control electronics unit for processing the detected position parameter. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the at least one sensor 84 for detecting the position parameter of the at least one refrigerator door 28 is designed as a Hall effect sensor, an infrared sensor, a capacitive proximity sensor, an inductive proximity sensor, a rotary angle sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a contact switch. In particular, the at least one sensor 84 for detecting the position parameter of the refrigerator door 28 is connected to the at least one evaluation unit 18 via a signal connection.

[0059] The refrigeration unit 12 comprises at least one control unit. The at least one control unit is designed to control at least one door opening unit 80. In particular, the at least one control unit is also designed to control and / or regulate several components of the refrigeration unit 12, for example, controlling a light source of the refrigeration unit 12, controlling the at least one refrigerant circuit 64, preferably the compressor 70, of the refrigeration unit 12, or controlling the at least one fan 76. The at least one control unit comprises at least one control board 86 (see Figure 86). Figure 1The at least one control board 86 is arranged on the rear wall 54 of the at least one inner container 52, in particular on a side of the rear wall 54 facing the at least one interior space 16. The at least one door monitoring device 10 is at least partially integrated into the at least one control unit of the refrigeration unit 12. The at least one door monitoring device 10 is at least partially arranged on the at least one control board 86. The at least one evaluation unit 18 is arranged on the at least one control board 86. The at least one pressure sensor 18 is arranged on the at least one control board 86. In particular, the at least one event detection unit 20 is arranged on the at least one control board 86.

[0060] Of the objects that appear multiple times in the figures, only one is marked with a reference symbol.

[0061] Figure 3shows a schematic flowchart of a procedure 30 for the operation of at least one door monitoring device 10 of the refrigeration unit 12.

[0062] Method 30 comprises at least one acquisition step 32. In this acquisition step 32, a pressure is acquired using at least one pressure sensor 14 in the at least one interior space 16 of the refrigeration unit 12. Alternatively, in this acquisition step 32, an absolute pressure is acquired using at least one pressure sensor 14 in the at least one interior space 16. It is also conceivable that in this acquisition step 32, a relative pressure or a differential pressure, in particular relative to atmospheric pressure at the installation location of the refrigeration unit 12, is acquired. In this acquisition step 32, the pressure in the at least one interior space 16 is acquired at a sampling rate of 20 Hz.

[0063] Method 30 comprises at least one pressure reference determination step 42, which is performed by the at least one evaluation unit 18 and / or the at least one pressure sensor 14, in particular by the at least one event detection unit 20. In the at least one pressure reference determination step 42, a moving average of the detected pressure is calculated. In the at least one pressure reference determination step 42, the moving average of the last four detected pressure values ​​is calculated.

[0064] The moving average of the measured pressure calculated in at least one pressure reference determination step 42 is used as a pressure reference value to determine at least one pressure threshold value in at least one pressure threshold determination step 44 of the method 30. The at least one pressure threshold determination step 44 is executed, in particular, by the at least one evaluation unit 18 and / or the at least one event detection unit 20, especially by the at least one event detection unit 20. In the present case, each pressure reference determination step 42 is followed by an execution of the pressure threshold determination step 44 in order to determine and / or update the at least one pressure threshold value as a function of the pressure reference value, in particular the moving average of the measured pressure, during the ongoing operation of the refrigeration unit 12.

[0065] In at least one further detection step of method 30, the position parameter of the at least one refrigerator door 28 is detected, in particular by means of the at least one sensor 84 for detecting the position parameter of the at least one refrigerator door 28 (not shown). In at least one interior state determination step of method 30, a state open by means of the at least one refrigerator door 28 and / or a state closed by means of the at least one refrigerator door 28 is detected, in particular by means of the control electronics of the at least one sensor 84, depending on the detected position parameter of the at least one refrigerator door 28 (not shown).Depending on the detected position parameter of the at least one refrigerator door 28, an open or closed signal is sent to the at least one evaluation unit 18 and / or the at least one event detection unit 20 in the at least one interior state determination step. In this case, the at least one position parameter of the at least one refrigerator door 28 comprises a resistance signal. A state of the at least one interior 16 that is open by means of the at least one refrigerator door 28 can be detected in the at least one interior state determination step if, for example, the resistance signal detected by the sensor 84, in particular the magnetoresistive sensor, corresponds to at least 90% of an original resistance value.If an open state of the at least one interior compartment 16 is detected by means of the at least one refrigerator door 28, depending on the at least one position parameter of the at least one refrigerator door 28, the sensor 84 sends the open signal to the at least one evaluation unit 18 and / or the at least one event detection unit 20. In particular, in the at least one interior compartment state determination step, a closed state of the at least one interior compartment 16 by means of the at least one refrigerator door 28 can be detected if the resistance signal detected by the magnetoresistive sensor is less than 90% of the original resistance value.If a closed state of the at least one interior space 16 is detected by means of the at least one refrigerator door 28 depending on the at least one position parameter of the at least one refrigerator door 28, the sensor 84 sends the closed signal to the at least one evaluation unit 18 and / or the at least one event detection unit 20.

[0066] In the present case, at least one pressure reference determination step 42 of the method 30 for forming the moving average of the detected pressure is only executed if a closed state of the at least one interior space 18a, determined by means of the at least one refrigerator door 28, is detected as a function of the detected position parameter of the at least one refrigerator door 28 in the at least one interior space state determination step. In particular, if the open signal is present, the determined pressure reference value remains at the value of the moving average of the detected pressure last formed in the at least one pressure reference determination step 42.

[0067] In at least one pressure threshold determination step 44, the activation pressure threshold 40 is set to a value that deviates from the moving average of the measured pressure by a minimum of 2 Pa and / or a maximum of 8 Pa. In this case, the activation pressure threshold 40 is set 4 Pa ​​higher than the moving average in at least one pressure threshold determination step 44.

[0068] In at least one pressure threshold determination step 44, an opening pressure threshold 48 is set to a value that deviates from the activation pressure threshold by at least 2 Pa and / or a maximum of 8 Pa. In this case, the opening pressure threshold is set 4 Pa ​​higher than the activation pressure threshold 40.

[0069] In the at least one pressure threshold determination step 44, further pressure thresholds are determined, such as a door closing pressure threshold 88 for detecting a closing of the at least one refrigerator door 28 and / or a door opening pressure threshold 90 for detecting an opening of the at least one refrigerator door 28 by the at least one door opening unit 80 and / or a further door opening pressure threshold for detecting an opening of the at least one refrigerator door 28 by a user and / or a door gap pressure threshold for detecting a door gap.

[0070] In at least one pressure comparison step 38 of the procedure 30, the detected pressure is compared with the activation pressure threshold 40 by means of at least one event detection unit 20. If, in at least one pressure comparison step 38, an exceedance of the activation pressure threshold 40 is detected, at least one activation step 36 is initiated. In at least one activation step 36, depending on the detected pressure, at least one evaluation unit 18 is activated for evaluating the detected pressure from an energy-saving mode by means of at least one event detection unit 20. In at least one activation step 36, depending on the detected pressure, in particular depending on a detected exceedance of the activation pressure threshold 40, the at least one event detection unit 20 generates an activation signal, in particular an interrupt signal.The activation signal, in particular the interrupt signal, is sent by the at least one event detection unit 20, in particular via the interrupt output pin, to the at least one evaluation unit 18, in particular to the at least one interrupt input pin. The at least one interrupt input pin triggers an interrupt when the activation signal is present, in order to activate the at least one evaluation unit 18 from power-saving mode. The at least one activation step 36 initiates at least one analysis step 34 for analyzing the detected pressure using the at least one evaluation unit 18.

[0071] In at least one analysis step 34, the recorded pressure is evaluated using at least one evaluation unit 18. In at least one analysis step 34, a door opening request is detected depending on the pressure profile above the opening pressure threshold 48. Specifically, a door opening request is detected in at least one analysis step 34 if a time interval of at least 0.1 s and at most 0.8 s is recorded between a point in time when the opening pressure threshold 48 is exceeded and a subsequent point in time when it falls below it. If a door opening request is detected in at least one analysis step 34, at least one evaluation unit 18 initiates at least one door opening step 92 of the procedure 30 for opening the at least one refrigerator door 28 using at least one door opening unit 80.It is conceivable that the at least one door opening step 92 is initiated with a time delay of, for example, a maximum of 5 s, advantageously a maximum of 4 s, particularly advantageously a maximum of 3 s, preferably a maximum of 2 s, particularly preferably a maximum of 1 s, after a door opening request has been detected in the at least one analysis step 34.

[0072] In at least one deactivation step 46 of the method 30, the at least one evaluation unit 18 is switched to energy-saving mode, in particular by means of the at least one evaluation unit 18, depending on a pressure profile above the opening pressure threshold 48. In the present case, the at least one deactivation step 46 is initiated if no door opening request is detected in the at least one analysis step 34, depending on the pressure profile above the opening pressure threshold 48. The at least one deactivation step 46 is initiated if no door opening request is detected in the at least one analysis step 34 within a time period of at least 2 s, in particular at least 3 s, advantageously at least 4 s, preferably at least 5 s, and at most 10 s, from the start of the at least one analysis step 34, in particular from the time the activation pressure threshold 40 is exceeded.

[0073] In at least one further deactivation step 50 of the procedure 30, the at least one evaluation unit 18 is put into energy-saving mode, in particular by means of the at least one evaluation unit 18, if in the at least one analysis step 34 a closed state of the at least one interior 16 of the refrigeration unit 12 is detected by means of the at least one refrigeration unit door 28, in particular after the at least one refrigeration unit door 28 has been opened by a user and / or the at least one door opening unit 80.

[0074] The closed state of the at least one interior space 16 of the refrigeration unit 12, as determined by the at least one refrigeration unit door 28, is detected in at least one analysis step 34 as a function of the detected pressure. In at least one analysis step 34, the opening of the at least one refrigeration unit door 28 by a user and / or by the at least one door opening unit 80 is detected as a function of the detected pressure. In at least one analysis step 34, the opening of the at least one refrigeration unit door 28 by a user can be detected if the further door opening pressure threshold is undershot and then exceeded again within a time span of, for example, a minimum of 0.1 s and a maximum of 0.8 s. In at least one pressure threshold determination step 44, the further door opening pressure threshold is set, for example, 20 Pa lower than the moving average of the detected pressure.In at least one analysis step 34, the opening of at least one refrigerator door 28 by at least one door opening unit 80 is detected, particularly after the initiation of at least one door opening step 92, if the detected pressure falls below and then exceeds the door opening pressure threshold 90 within a time span of at least 0.1 s and at most 1 s. In at least one pressure threshold determination step 44, the door opening pressure threshold 90 is set 10 Pa lower than the moving average of the detected pressure. In at least one analysis step 34, the closing of at least one refrigerator door 28 is detected as a function of the detected pressure.In at least one analysis step 34, the closing of at least one refrigerator door 28 is detected when the measured pressure exceeds and falls below the door closing pressure threshold 88 within a time span of at least 0.1 s and at most 1 s. In at least one pressure threshold determination step 44, the door closing pressure threshold 88 is set 20 Pa higher than the moving average of the measured pressure. The closed state of at least one interior space 16, as determined by the at least one refrigerator door 28, is detected in at least one analysis step 34 as a function of the measured pressure, if the closing of at least one refrigerator door 28 is detected after it has been detected opening.Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the closed state of the at least one interior compartment 16, as determined by the at least one refrigerator door 28, is detected depending on the detected position parameter of the at least one refrigerator door 28. In particular, the closed state of the at least one interior compartment 16, as determined by the detected position parameter of the at least one refrigerator door 28, is detected depending on the detected position parameter of the at least one refrigerator door 28 if the closed signal follows the open signal sent by the at least one further sensor 84. In the at least one analysis step 34, the at least one evaluation unit 18 preferably checks whether the detected position parameter of the refrigerator door 28, in particular the sent open signal and / or closed signal, correlates with the detected pressure in order to confirm an evaluation of the detected pressure.It is conceivable that at least one further deactivation step 50 is initiated with a time delay of at least 2 s, in particular at least 3 s, advantageously at least 4 s, preferably at least 5 s, and at most 10 s, from the detection of the closed state of the at least one interior space 16 by means of the at least one refrigerator door 28, in order in particular to further analyze the detected pressure.

[0075] Figure 4 Figure 1 shows a time-pressure diagram describing an exemplary pressure profile 94 during procedure 30. The pressure profile 94 describes the absolute pressure in the at least one interior space 16 of the refrigeration unit 12, as measured by at least one pressure sensor 14 in at least one measurement step 32, as a function of time. The measured absolute pressure is plotted on an axis 96 against an axis 98 of time.

[0076] The pressure curve 94 starts with a pressure that is at least essentially constant, which corresponds at least essentially to the atmospheric pressure at the installation location of the refrigeration unit 12. The at least one interior space 16 is in a closed state by means of the at least one refrigeration unit door 28.

[0077] In at least one pressure reference determination step 42 of procedure 30, a moving average of the detected pressure is determined. The moving average of the detected pressure is used as the pressure reference value. In at least one pressure threshold determination step 44, the activation pressure threshold 40 and the opening pressure threshold 48 are determined as a function of the pressure reference value, in particular as a function of the moving average of the detected pressure. In at least one pressure threshold determination step 44, the activation pressure threshold 40 is set 4 Pa ​​higher than the pressure reference value. In at least one pressure threshold determination step 44, the opening pressure threshold 48 is set 4 Pa ​​higher than the activation pressure threshold 40.In at least one pressure threshold determination step 44, the door opening pressure threshold 90 and the door closing pressure threshold 88 are determined as a function of the pressure reference value, in particular as a function of the moving average of the detected pressure. In at least one pressure threshold determination step 44, the door opening pressure threshold 90 is set 10 Pa lower than the pressure reference value. In at least one pressure threshold determination step 44, the door closing pressure threshold 88 is set 20 Pa higher than the pressure reference value, in particular the moving average of the detected pressure.

[0078] During a period of 100, a user exerts a pressure force on at least one refrigerator door 28, for example, by briefly pushing against it. This pressure force causes a change in pressure within at least one interior compartment 16 of the refrigerator 12. Specifically, the pressure force compresses at least one sealing element 78 of the refrigerator 12, reducing the volume of the interior compartment 16 and causing a pressure increase. When the user releases the pressure force, the sealing element 78 expands again, increasing the volume of the interior compartment 16 and causing a pressure drop.

[0079] In at least one pressure comparison step 38 of the procedure 30, an exceedance of the activation pressure threshold 40 is detected by means of at least one event detection unit 20. The at least one event detection unit 20 generates an activation signal, in particular an interrupt signal, which is sent to the at least one evaluation unit 18 to activate the evaluation unit 18 from energy-saving mode. The at least one evaluation unit 18 initiates the at least one analysis step 34. In the at least one analysis step 34, the detected pressure is evaluated by means of the at least one evaluation unit 18.

[0080] For period 100, at least one analysis step 34 detects that at least one pressure value exceeds the opening pressure threshold 48. In at least one analysis step 34, it is also detected that the time interval between exceeding and falling below the opening pressure threshold 48 is greater than 0.1 s and less than 1 s. In at least one analysis step 34, a door opening request is detected for period 100. Based on this door opening request, at least one evaluation unit 18 triggers at least one door opening step 92 to open at least one refrigerator door 28.If no door opening request is detected in analysis step 34 within a maximum time span of 5 s from the initiation of at least one analysis step 34, the at least one evaluation unit 18 initiates the at least one deactivation step 46 to transfer the at least one evaluation unit 18 into energy saving mode.

[0081] In a further period 102, the door opening step 92 is carried out to open the at least one refrigerator door 28 by means of the at least one door opening unit 80. The at least one door opening unit 80 extends the at least one plunger 82 to open the at least one refrigerator door 28. The at least one plunger 82 exerts a pressure force on the at least one refrigerator door 28, causing the at least one sealing element 78 to expand. The volume of the at least one interior space 16 increases, which in turn creates a pressure drop in the at least one interior space 16. At a certain point, the sealing element 78 detaches from the at least one body 26 of the refrigerator 12, allowing ambient air to flow into the at least one interior space 16, which in turn creates a pressure increase in the at least one interior space 16.The detected pressure falls below and exceeds the door opening pressure threshold value 90 within a time span of a minimum of 0.1 s and a maximum of 1 s in the further period 102, whereby the at least one evaluation unit 18 detects an opening of the at least one refrigerator door 28 for the further period 102.

[0082] After completion of at least one door opening step 92, the at least one refrigerator door 28 can be opened further by a user. The user opens the at least one refrigerator door 28 to place stored goods into the receiving area 62 of the at least one interior space 16. As the user further opens the at least one refrigerator door 28, the at least one interior space state determination step detects, at time 104, that the at least one interior space 16 is open via the at least one refrigerator door 28, depending on the position parameter of the at least one refrigerator door 28. After a certain time, the user closes the at least one refrigerator door 28.In the at least one interior state determination step, at a further time 106, a closed state of the at least one interior 16 is detected by means of the at least one sensor 84, depending on the position parameter of the at least one refrigerator door 28.

[0083] During an additional period 108, the closing of at least one refrigerator door 28 presses at least one sealing element 78 against at least one housing 26. The sealing element 78 is compressed, thereby reducing the volume of at least one interior space 16 and generating a pressure increase within that space. The detected pressure exceeds and falls below the door-closing pressure threshold 88 within a time span of at least 0.1 s and at most 1 s during this additional period 108. Consequently, in at least one analysis step 34 for this additional period 108, the evaluation unit 18 detects the closing of at least one refrigerator door 28.In at least one analysis step 34, the closed state of at least one interior space 16, determined by the successive detection of the opening and closing of at least one refrigerator door 28, is recognized as a function of the detected pressure. After recognizing the closed state of at least one interior space 16, determined by the detected pressure, the at least one evaluation unit 18 initiates at least one further deactivation step 50 to put the at least one evaluation unit 18 into energy-saving mode. Reference sign

[0084] 10 Door monitoring device 12 Refrigeration unit 14 Pressure sensor 16 Interior 18 Evaluation unit 20 Event detection unit 22 Interrupt signal line 24 Data connection line 26 Housing 28 Refrigeration unit door 30 Procedure 32 Detection step 34 Analysis step 36 Activation step 38 Pressure comparison step 40 Activation pressure threshold 42 Pressure reference determination step 44 Pressure threshold determination step 46 Deactivation step 48 Opening pressure threshold 50 Further deactivation step 52 Interior container 54 Rear wall 56 Bottom wall 58 Top wall 60 Intermediate space 62 Recording area 64 Refrigerant circuit 66 Evaporator 68 Condenser 70 Compressor 72 Evaporator area 74 Separating element 76 Fan 78 Sealing element 80 Door opening unit 82 Plunger 84 Sensor 86 Control board 88 Door closing pressure threshold 90 Door opening pressure threshold 92 Door opening step 94 Pressure profile 96 Axis 98 Axis 100 Period 102 Further period 104 Time point 106 Further time point 108 Additional period

Claims

1. Door monitoring device (10) for a refrigeration appliance (12), in particular a cooling appliance, comprising at least one pressure sensor (14) for detecting pressure within at least one interior space (16) of the refrigeration appliance (12), and comprising at least one evaluation unit (18) for analyzing the detected pressure, characterized by at least one event detection unit (20) which connects the at least one pressure sensor (14) and the at least one evaluation unit (18) via a signal connection, wherein the at least one event detection unit (20) is provided to activate the at least one evaluation unit (18), in particular from an energy saving mode, depending on the detected pressure.

2. Door monitoring device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that which at least one event detection unit (20) is at least partially integrated into at least one pressure sensor (14).

3. Door monitoring device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact thatwhich has at least one event detection unit (20) and at least one interrupt signal line (22) leading from the at least one pressure sensor (14) to the at least one evaluation unit (18).

4. Door monitoring device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one data connection line (24) for transmitting data from the at least one pressure sensor (14) to the at least one evaluation unit (18).

5. Refrigeration appliance (12) with at least one body (26), with at least one interior space (16) arranged within the at least one body (26), with at least one refrigeration appliance door (28) movably arranged on the at least one body (26) for closing the at least one interior space (16) and with the above-mentioned door monitoring device (10) arranged within the at least one body (26) according to one of the preceding claims.

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

7. Method (30) according to claim 6, characterized by the fact thatin at least one pressure comparison step (38) the detected pressure is compared with an activation pressure threshold (40), wherein if in the at least one pressure comparison step (38) an exceedance of the detected pressure with respect to the activation pressure threshold (40) is detected, at least one activation step (36) is initiated.

8. Method (30) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by the fact that in at least one pressure reference determination step (42) a moving average of the detected pressure is formed and in at least one pressure threshold determination step (44), in particular dynamically, an activation pressure threshold (40) is determined depending on the moving average of the detected pressure formed in the at least one pressure reference determination step (42).

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

10. Method (30) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized by the fact that in at least one deactivation step (46) depending on a pressure profile above an opening pressure threshold (48) the at least one evaluation unit (18) is put into energy saving mode.

11. Method (30) according to any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized by the fact that in at least one further deactivation step (50) the at least one evaluation unit (18) is put into energy saving mode if in the at least one analysis step (34) a closed state of the at least one interior (16) of the refrigeration unit (12) by means of the at least one refrigeration unit door (28) is detected.

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