REFRIGERATION DEVICE, METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING A REFRIGERATION DEVICE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 119, of German Patent Application DE 102024209 855.8, filed October 10, 2024; the prior application is herewith incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

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

Already known from the prior art, for example from published, non-prosecuted German patent application DE 102006061083 A1, corresponding to U.S. patent No. 9,062,911, or from European patent application EP 4172542 A1, corresponding to U.S. patent publication No. 2023/0296306, is a refrigeration device with at least one interior container which delimits at least one interior space. The refrigerator further has at least one separator element which divides the at least one interior space into a receiving area for storing stored goods and an evaporator area, and with at least one sensor unit which comprises at least one pressure sensor for detecting a pressure of the interior space. The at least one sensor unit is arranged in the receiving area.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention consists in particular in, but is not restricted to, providing a generic refrigeration device with improved properties in respect of operational safety and/or reliability. The object is inventively achieved by the features of the independent claims, while advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention can be taken from the subclaims.

The invention is based on a refrigeration device with at least one interior container which delimits at least one interior space, with at least one separator element which divides the at least one interior space into a receiving area for storing stored goods and an evaporator area, and with at least one pressure sensor for detecting a pressure of the at least one interior space.

It is proposed that the at least one pressure sensor is arranged in the evaporator area.

Thanks to such a configuration an advantageously high level of operational safety can be provided. In particular, a risk of the pressure sensor being damaged by an operator of the refrigeration device can be advantageously minimized, in particular since the pressure sensor is arranged in an area inside the refrigeration device which is inaccessible for the operator during use, in particular regular use, of the refrigeration device. Further, an advantageously high level of protection of the pressure sensor against environmental factors, for example high humidity or sudden fluctuations in temperature, can be provided. In particular, an influence of fluctuating environmental conditions in the evaporator area of the refrigeration device in comparison to the receiving area of the refrigeration device can be advantageously minimized. This results in particular in advantageously high reliability during further processing of the detected pressure, since an influence of fluctuating environmental conditions on the detected pressure can be advantageously minimized. Further, an advantageously high level of component efficiency can be provided, since food-compatible and/or food-grade materials need not necessarily be used in the evaporator area, in particular due to the spatial separation of the evaporator area and the receiving area.

The refrigeration device is advantageously intended, in at least one operating state, to refrigerate stored goods situated in the receiving area, for example foodstuffs, such as in particular beverages, meat, fish, milk and/or dairy products, or medicines or vaccines or chemicals or cosmetic products or plants, in particular flowers or plant seeds, in particular to bring about a longer shelf life or quality of the stored goods. The at least one receiving area is in particular intended to accommodate stored goods, for example food, placed in the at least one receiving area by an operator. The refrigeration device can be a household refrigeration device, in particular a refrigerator and/or a freezer.

The refrigeration device advantageously has at least one body or body. The at least one body advantageously forms an outer housing of the refrigeration device. The at least one body and the at least one interior container are advantageously designed separately from one another. The at least one interior container is preferably accommodated in the at least one body. Alternatively, it would be conceivable for the at least one interior container and the at least one body to be designed integrally with one another. The refrigeration device preferably has at least one refrigeration device door, in particular for closing and/or opening the refrigeration device. The at least one refrigeration device door is preferably connected to the at least one body in a pivot-mounted manner, in particular by means of at least one hinge element. The at least one interior container is preferably designed to be box-shaped. The at least one interior container preferably comprises an open side, wherein in particular stored goods can be placed into the receiving area through the open side. The at least one refrigeration device door is preferably intended to close the open side of the at least one interior container. The at least one interior container preferably has a back wall, which in particular opposes the open side or the at least one refrigeration device door in a closed state of the refrigeration device. The at least one interior container preferably comprises at least one side wall, advantageously at least four side walls, which extends from a plane in which the opening lies to the plane in which the back wall lies. The at least one interior space is preferably delimited by the walls of the at least one interior container and the at least one refrigeration device door. The at least one interior container is preferably formed at least partially, advantageously completely, from at least one plastic material. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the at least one interior container to be formed at least partially, advantageously completely, from at least one metal or from at least one composite material. The at least one refrigeration device door and/or the at least one body preferably has/have at least one sealing element. The at least one sealing element is preferably intended to seal the at least one interior space of the refrigeration device closed by the at least one refrigeration device door against a space situated outside the refrigeration device. The sealing element is preferably intended, in particular in a closed state of the at least one refrigeration device door, to maintain a leakage rate below a limit value specifically fixed for the refrigeration device. The at least one refrigeration device door is preferably designed as a door or hatch or window or as a unit which appears expedient to a person skilled in the art for closing an interior space of a refrigeration device. A thermally insulating material, for example thermally insulating foam, is preferably introduced into an intermediate space between the at least one body and the at least one interior container.

The term “integral” should in particular be understood to mean formed in one piece. This one piece is preferably produced from a single blank, a mass and/or a casting, particularly preferably in an injection molding process, in particular a single- and/or multi-component injection molding process.

The at least one separator element is preferably formed at least partially, advantageously completely, from the same material as the at least one interior container, in order in particular to produce a homogeneous appearance of the at least one interior space. The at least one separator element is preferably arranged in the at least one interior space such that the at least one separator element divides the at least one interior space into the at least one receiving area, which in particular is accessible and visible for an operator, and the at least one evaporator area, which in particular need not be accessible and/or visible for operation of the refrigeration device and preferably is not accessible and/or not visible without disassembling the at least one separator element out of the at least one interior space. The at least one separator element is preferably connected mechanically to the at least one interior container. The separator element preferably has at least one ventilation duct and/or a ventilation opening for the fluid technology coupling, in particular in respect of a circulation of air, of the at least one evaporator area to the at least one receiving area. The at least one separator element preferably covers the at least one back wall of the at least one interior container at least partially, advantageously at least to a large extent completely, preferably completely. “The separator element covers the at least one back wall of the at least one interior container at least to a large extent completely” should in particular be understood to mean that a surface of a side, facing the at least one interior space, of the at least one back wall of the at least one interior container is covered from a direction of view outside the refrigeration device through the opening of the interior container into the at least one interior space at least 55%, advantageously at least 65%, preferably at least 75%, particularly preferably at least 85%, particularly advantageously at least 95% by the at least one separator element. A main plane of extension of the at least one separator element preferably runs at least substantially parallel to a main plane of extension of the at least one back wall. “At least substantially parallel” should here in particular be understood to mean an orientation of a plane relative to a reference plane, wherein the plane has a deviation from the reference plane in particular of less than 8°, advantageously less than 5° and particularly advantageously less than 2°.

A “main plane of extension” of a structural unit should in particular be understood to mean a plane which is parallel to a largest lateral surface of a smallest imagined cuboid which completely encloses the structural unit, and in particular runs through the center point of the cuboid.

The fact that at least one first element is “mechanically connected” to at least one further element should in particular be understood to mean that the first element is advantageously connected to the further element via at least one force-fit connection and/or at least one form-fit connection, for example via riveting and/or a latching connection and/or a tongue-and-groove connection and/or a clamp connection and/or a further connection appearing expedient to the person skilled in the art, and/or is connected to the further element in a material-bonded manner, for example by a welding process, a bonding process, an injection process and/or another process appearing expedient to the person skilled in the art.

“Connected via a force-fit connection and/or form-fit connection” should in this case be understood in particular to mean a detachable connection, wherein a holding force between two components is preferably transmitted by a geometric engagement of the components in one another and/or a friction force between the components.

“Connected in a material-bonded manner” should in particular be understood to mean that the mass parts are held together by atomic or molecular forces, such as for example in soldering, welding, adhesive bonding and/or vulcanizing.

The refrigeration device preferably has at least one refrigerant circuit for cooling the interior space of the refrigeration device. The at least one refrigerant circuit preferably contains at least one evaporator, in particular for evaporating a refrigerant. The at least one refrigerant circuit preferably has at least one condenser, in order in particular to condense the refrigerant. The at least one refrigerant circuit preferably has at least one compressor, in order in particular to convey and compress the refrigerant.

The at least one evaporator is preferably arranged in the at least one interior space. The at least one evaporator is advantageously 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 stored goods by means of the at least one separator element. The at least one evaporator area preferably comprises a space which is delimited at least partially, advantageously at least to a large extent completely, by means of the at least one back wall of the interior container and the at least one separator element. The fact that at least one evaporator area is delimited at least to a large extent completely by the at least one back wall of the interior container and the at least one separator element should in particular be understood to mean that the space is delimited by these components at least 55%, advantageously at least 65%, preferably at least 75%, particularly preferably at least 85% and particularly advantageously at least 95% completely in all spatial directions.

The refrigeration device preferably has at least one air conveyance element, for example a fan or ventilator or blower. The at least one air conveyance element is preferably arranged in the at least one evaporator area, in order to convey the air cooled by means of the at least one evaporator into the receiving area and/or to convey the air out of the receiving area into the evaporator area, in particular by means of the at least one ventilation duct and/or the at least one ventilation opening. The at least one pressure sensor is preferably arranged in the vicinity of the evaporator. The fact that the at least one pressure sensor is arranged “in the vicinity” of the at least one evaporator should in particular be understood to mean that the shortest distance between an outermost point of a smallest imagined cuboid which only just encloses the evaporator completely, and a further outermost point of a smallest imagined cuboid which only just encloses the at least one pressure sensor completely, is preferably maximally 30 cm, advantageously maximally 25 cm, particularly advantageously maximally 20 cm, preferably maximally 15 cm, particularly preferably maximally 10 cm, in particular measured along a straight line which connects both the points. The at least one pressure sensor can be arranged on the at least one back wall of the interior container or on the at least one separator element, in particular a side, facing the at least one back wall, of the at least one separator element.

The at least one separator element is preferably intended in at least one operating state of the refrigeration device to limit an exchange of fluid and thereby to enable a temperature difference of at least 5°C, advantageously at least 7.5°C, particularly advantageously of at least 10°C, preferably at least 12.5°C and particularly preferably at least 15°C between the at least one evaporator area and the at least one receiving area. In particular, in the at least one operating state of the refrigeration device the temperature in the at least one evaporator area is less than in the at least one receiving area.

The at least one pressure sensor is preferably intended to detect an, in particular absolute, air pressure or a measured variable corresponding to the air pressure inside the at least one interior space of the refrigeration device. The at least one pressure sensor is preferably designed as a digital pressure sensor. Alternatively it is conceivable for the at least one pressure sensor to be designed as an analog pressure sensor. The at least one pressure sensor is preferably designed as a barometric pressure sensor. The pressure sensor is preferably designed as a MEMS-based barometric pressure sensor. Alternatively it would be conceivable for the at least one pressure sensor to be designed as a piezoresistive pressure sensor or as a capacitive pressure sensor or as a resonance pressure sensor or as an optical pressure sensor or as a ceramic pressure sensor. The at least one pressure sensor is preferably intended to detect the pressure at a scanning frequency of at least 15 Hz, advantageously at least 50 Hz, particularly advantageously of at least 100 Hz, preferably of at least 200 Hz, particularly preferably of at least 240 Hz. The at least one pressure sensor is preferably provided to detect the pressure at a scanning frequency of maximally 1000 Hz, advantageously maximally 750 Hz, particularly advantageously of maximally 500 Hz, preferably of maximally 300 Hz, particularly preferably of maximally 250 Hz.

The refrigeration device preferably has at least one evaluation unit. The at least one evaluation unit is preferably intended to evaluate the pressure detected by means of the at least one pressure sensor, in order for example to determine an opening and/or closing of the at least one refrigeration device door by an operator and/or a door gap as a function of the detected pressure. It is conceivable for the refrigeration device to have a door opening unit for the automatic opening of the refrigeration device door. It is conceivable for the at least one evaluation unit to be intended to determine a door opening request for automatic door opening by means of the door opening unit as a function of the detected pressure. An “evaluation unit” should in particular be understood to mean a controller with a processor, a memory unit, and/or an operating, control and/or calculation program stored in the memory unit. The at least one pressure sensor and the at least one evaluation unit are preferably connected to one another using signaling technology, in order in particular to provide an exchange of data.

“Intended” should in particular be understood to mean specially programmed, designed and/or equipped. The fact that an object is intended for a particular function should in particular be understood to mean that the object fulfills and/or executes this particular function in at least one application state and/or operating state.

It is further proposed that the refrigeration device has at least one housing unit, wherein the at least one pressure sensor is arranged inside the at least one housing unit. Thanks to such a configuration an advantageously high level of protection of the pressure sensor against environmental influences, such as high humidity or misuse by an operator, can be provided by means of the housing unit. Further, an advantageously simple assembly process of the pressure sensor in the refrigeration device can be provided. As a result, an advantageously high level of operational safety can be provided. The at least one pressure sensor is preferably arranged at least partially, advantageously completely, inside the at least one housing unit. The at least one housing unit is preferably intended to accommodate the at least one pressure sensor. The at least one housing unit is preferably intended to accommodate the at least one evaluation unit. The at least one housing unit is preferably at least substantially designed as a cuboid. “At least substantially designed as a cuboid” should in particular be understood to mean that an external surface and/or a volume of a component deviates from an external surface and/or volume of a smallest imagined ideal cuboid which only just encloses the component completely, by in particular less than 45%, preferably less than 35% and particularly preferably less than 25%. Alternatively it is conceivable for the at least one housing unit to be designed at least substantially as cylindrical or conical or pyramidal or spherical or the like. The at least one housing unit preferably has at least one base element. The housing unit, in particular the base element, preferably has a maximum longitudinal extension in a range between 50 mm and 200 mm, advantageously in a range between 75 mm and 150 mm or preferably in a range between 100 mm and 125 mm. The base element preferably has a recess. The recess preferably has a surface area in respect of a main plane of extension of the housing unit, in particular of the at least one base element, of at least 20 cm², in particular of at least 25 cm², advantageously of at least 30 cm², particularly advantageously of at least 35 cm², preferably of at least 40 cm². In particular, the recess has a surface area in respect of a main plane of extension of the housing unit, in particular of the at least one base element, of maximally 70 cm², advantageously maximally 60 cm², preferably of maximally 50 cm². In particular, the at least one pressure sensor is arranged inside the recess of the at least one base element. A volume enclosed by the housing unit preferably extends and/or complements the evaporator area. The at least one housing unit is preferably formed at least partially, advantageously at least to a large extent, preferably completely from a 5VA classified material.

The at least one housing unit preferably has at least one hatch element, in order in particular to cover the recess of the base element at a side of the base element facing away from the at least one back wall. In particular, the at least one hatch element is designed such that a lateral surface of the at least one base element, in particular in parallel to the main plane of extension of the base element, is covered at least to a large extent completely, advantageously completely. The at least one hatch element is preferably pivot-mounted and/or, in particular non-destructively, removably mechanically connected to the base element. The at least one hatch element and the at least one base element preferably have corresponding latching elements. The at least one hatch element has at least one cable routing opening.

It is furthermore proposed that the at least one housing unit is arranged on an, in particular the above-mentioned, back wall, opposing the at least one separator element, of the at least one interior container of the refrigerating device. Thanks to such a configuration an assembly process can advantageously be easily enabled. The at least one housing unit is preferably arranged, in respect of an installation height, at least partially, advantageously at least to a large extent completely, preferably completely above the evaporator on the at least one back wall. “At least to a large extent completely” should in particular be 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% completely. The at least one housing unit is preferably connected to the at least one back wall.

Further, it is proposed that an, in particular the afore-mentioned, back wall of the interior container has a recess, in particular a feed-through opening, in which the at least one housing unit is at least partially arranged. Thanks to such a configuration an advantageously high level of efficiency of the installation space can be provided, in particular since the housing unit can protrude at least partially into the intermediate space between the interior container and the body. The recess of the back wall is preferably arranged, in respect of an installation height, at least partially, advantageously at least to a large extent completely, preferably completely, above the evaporator. The recess of the back wall preferably has a rectangular shape. Alternatively it is conceivable for the recess of the back wall to have a circular or square or elliptical shape. The recess of the back wall preferably has a surface area in respect of a main plane of extension of the back wall of at least 20 cm², in particular of at least 25 cm², advantageously of at least 30 cm², particularly advantageously of at least 35 cm², preferably of at least 40 cm². In particular, the recess of the back wall has a cross-sectional area of maximally 70 cm², advantageously maximally 60 cm², preferably maximally 50 cm². The housing unit preferably protrudes at least partially into the evaporator area and at least partially into the intermediate space between the interior container and the body. The at least one housing unit is preferably intended, in particular during an assembly process of the refrigeration device, to be guided from a side, facing away from the interior space, of the back wall of the interior container at least partially into the recess. The at least one housing unit is preferably arranged at least partially in a form-fit manner in the recess. The at least one housing unit, in particular the at least one base element, preferably has a border element. The border element preferably borders the recess of the base element at least partially, advantageously at least to a large extent completely, preferably completely. In particular, the border element, in particular an outer contour of the border element, is arranged in a form-fit manner on the recess of the back wall, in particular a contour of the recess. The border element preferably protrudes at least 5 mm, advantageously at least 10 mm, particularly advantageously at least 20 mm, preferably at least 30 mm and maximally 100 mm, advantageously maximally 60 mm, preferably maximally 50 mm, out of the recess of the back wall, in particular in the direction of the at least one interior space.

It is further proposed that a maximum longitudinal extension of the at least one housing unit, in particular of the at least one base element, is designed to be at least 5% and/or maximally 100% bigger than an opening width, in particular parallel thereto, of the recess of the back wall. Thanks to such a configuration an advantageously high level of assembly efficiency can be enabled, in particular during the assembly of the housing unit on the back wall of the interior container. Further, an advantageously high level of assembly stability of the housing unit can be provided. The housing unit, in particular the at least one base element, preferably has a maximum longitudinal extension which is bigger by at least 10%, advantageously by at least 20%, preferably by at least 30% and/or maximally 80%, advantageously maximally 70%, preferably maximally 50% than the opening width, in particular parallel thereto, of the recess of the back wall. A side, facing the back wall, of the base element preferably abuts at least partially, advantageously at least to a large extent completely, preferably completely the side, facing away from the interior space, of the back wall. The base element is preferably connected to the back wall, in particular the side of the back wall facing away from the interior space, for example by means of a screw connection or an adhesive bonding connection.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one housing unit has at least one sealing element to seal the recess of the back wall of the interior container. Thanks to such a configuration a risk of, for example, thermal bridges or moisture ingress into the intermediate space can be advantageously minimized, thereby enabling in particular an advantageously high level of operational efficiency. Further, an advantageously high level of assembly efficiency can be enabled, since the sealing element can also have a fastening effect in addition to the sealing effect. The at least one sealing element is preferably designed as an elastomer seal, advantageously as a two-component seal or multi-component seal. The sealing element is preferably arranged between the base element of the housing unit and the back wall, in particular the side of the back wall facing away from the interior space. Alternatively it is conceivable for the at least one sealing element to be arranged between the recess of the back wall, in particular the contour of the recess, and the housing unit, in particular the border element. The sealing element preferably has a self-adhesive effect. The sealing element is preferably intended to seal the recess of the back wall and to fasten the housing unit to the back wall, in particular by means of the self-adhesive effect of the sealing element.

Further, it is proposed that the at least one housing unit has at least one, in particular detachable, cover element which comprises at least one pressure transmission element, in particular for a pressure connection of the pressure sensor to the interior space. Thanks to such a configuration an advantageously high level of convenience, in particular convenience of assembly and/or convenience of maintenance, can be provided. Further, an advantageously high level of protection of the pressure sensor against environmental influences, such as high humidity or low temperatures, can be provided. The at least one housing unit, in particular the border element, and the at least one cover element, preferably have corresponding latching elements or plug-in elements, in order in particular to connect the at least one cover element to the housing unit. The cover element, in particular in an assembled state of the refrigeration device, is preferably arranged at least partially, preferably completely inside the evaporator area, in particular in the interior space. It is conceivable for the cover element to be formed at least partially from an elastic material. The pressure transmission element is preferably designed as a feed-through opening, in particular a cable duct. Alternatively it is conceivable for the pressure transmission element to be designed as a membrane. Further, it is alternatively conceivable for the pressure transmission element to be formed by means of an elastic wall of the cover element, the elastic wall in particular acting as a membrane for pressure transmission. It is conceivable for the at least one pressure transmission element to comprise a foam part which is arranged inside the pressure transmission element, in order in particular for a risk of moisture ingress into the at least one housing unit to be advantageously minimized.

It is further proposed that the at least one housing unit is arranged in the evaporator area such that the at least one pressure transmission element has a clear width of at least 5 mm. The fact that the pressure transmission element has a “clear width” should in particular be understood to mean that the pressure transmission element has a free space or free distance from an element different from the housing unit and/or the back wall of the interior container, such as for example the evaporator or an, in particular the above-mentioned, air-conveyance means or from a wall, different from the back wall, of the interior container, or from the separator element. The pressure transmission element preferably has a clear width of at least 10 mm, advantageously of at least 15 mm, particularly advantageously of at least 20 mm, preferably of at least 25 mm, particularly preferably of at least 30 mm. The pressure transmission element preferably has a clear width of maximally 100 mm, advantageously of maximally 80 mm, particularly advantageously of maximally 60 mm, preferably of maximally 50 mm, particularly preferably of maximally 40 mm.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the refrigeration device 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. Thanks to such a configuration an advantageously high level of efficiency of usage and/or efficiency of the installation space can be provided, in particular since the pressure sensor is directly connected to the control board. The at least one environmental parameter of the receiving area advantageously comprises a temperature, in particular a target temperature, in the receiving area. Additionally, the at least one environmental parameter of the receiving area can comprise a light intensity of an illuminant of the refrigeration device. The at least one control board is preferably at least intended to control the refrigerant circuit and/or the at least one air conveyance element, in order to adjust the temperature in the receiving area. The at least one evaluation unit for evaluating the pressure detected by means of the at least one pressure sensor is preferably arranged on the at least one control board. In particular, the at least one control board is arranged inside the at least one housing unit. The at least one control board is preferably at least suitable for pollution degree 3, in particular in accordance with standard DIN EN 60664-1 VDE 0110-1.

Further, it is proposed that the at least one housing unit contains at least one pivot-mounted receiving element for receiving the at least one pressure sensor. Thanks to such a configuration an advantageously high level of convenience of assembly and/or convenience of maintenance can be enabled. The pivot-mounted receiving element is preferably intended to receive the at least one control board. The at least one housing unit preferably has at least one further pivot-mounted receiving element. In particular, the at least one receiving element and the at least one further receiving element are each intended to receive a side edge of the at least one control board. The at least one receiving element is preferably arranged pivot-mounted on the at least one base element, in particular inside the recess of the at least one base element. In particular, the at least one receiving element is preferably designed to be removable from the at least one base element, in particular non-destructively. The at least one further receiving element is preferably arranged pivot-mounted on the at least one base element, in particular inside the recess of the at least one base element. In particular, the at least one further receiving element is designed to be removable from the at least one base element, in particular non-destructively. The at least one receiving element and/or the at least one further element are advantageously formed from a material which fulfills the GWEPT 750 test, in particular in accordance with one of the standards UL 746A, IEC 60695-2-11 or comparable standards.

It is further proposed that the at least one receiving element comprises at least one connection strip for the electrical connection of the at least one pressure sensor. Thanks to such a configuration an advantageously high level of efficiency of usage and/or efficiency of installation space and/or efficiency of assembly can be enabled. The at least one connection strip is preferably intended to electrically contact the at least one control board, in particular connection contacts of the at least one control board. The at least one further receiving element preferably has a further connection strip. In particular, the at least one further connection strip is intended to electrically contact the at least one control board, in particular further connection contacts of the at least one control board.

Furthermore, the invention is based on a method for assembling the aforementioned refrigeration device. It is proposed that in at least one method step the at least one pressure sensor is arranged in the evaporator area. The method is characterized in particular by the advantageous properties which can be achieved by the previously described features of the refrigeration device.

In at least one further method step of the method the recess of the back wall of the at least one interior container is preferably created during the production process of the at least one interior container, for example as part of an injection-molding process, or subsequently for example by means of a punching process or sawing process.

In a further method step of the method, electrical connection lines, in particular connectors, corresponding to the at least one control board are preferably connected to the at least one receiving element, in particular to the at least one connection 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 interior 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 of the at least one housing unit by the at least one hatch element, wherein the electrical connection lines are routed through the cable duct of the hatch element.

The housing unit is preferably arranged, in particular before the at least one interior container is introduced into the at least one body, at least partially in the recess of the back wall in at least one further method step of the method. In particular, the at least one housing unit is guided from a side, facing away from the at least one interior space, of the back wall at least partially into the at least one recess. In particular, only the at least one border element of the housing unit is guided through the recess of the back wall. An outer contour of the border element preferably abuts the contour of the recess of the back wall in a form-fit manner. The at least one housing unit is preferably at least partially held on the back wall via the form-fit between border element and the recess of the back wall. The recess is preferably sealed by means of the sealing element of the housing unit. The at least one housing unit is preferably held on the back wall at least partially by means of the sealing element, in particular by means of a self-adhesive effect of the sealing element.

In at least one further method step of the method the at least one pressure sensor is preferably arranged on the control board. In the at least one method step of the method, in particular after the at least one interior container has been inserted into the at least one body and a thermally insulating material has been introduced into the intermediate space, the control board in particular is preferably arranged together with the at least one pressure sensor inside the at least one housing unit. A side edge of the control board is preferably accommodated in the further receiving element of the at least one housing unit. The at least one further connection strip of the at least one receiving element preferably contacts connection contacts of the at least one control board by the control board being inserted into the further receiving element. In at least one further method step of the method the control board is inserted into the at least one receiving element. The at least one connection strip of the at least one receiving element preferably contacts further connection contacts of the at least one control board by the control board being inserted into the receiving element. The at least one further receiving element is preferably connected to the housing unit, in particular to the at least one base element. In at least one further method step of the method the at least one cover element is preferably mechanically connected to the at least one housing unit, in particular the at least one border element.

The inventive refrigeration device and the inventive method for assembly of the inventive refrigeration device should here not be restricted to the application and form of embodiment described above. In particular, the inventive refrigeration device and the inventive method for assembling the inventive refrigeration device can have a different number of individual elements, components, units and/or method steps for the fulfillment of a function described herein.

Other features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims.

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a refrigeration device and a method for assembling a refrigeration device, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.

The construction and method of operation of the invention, however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

The drawing, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. The person skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic, perspective view of a refrigeration device according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the inventive refrigeration device;

FIG. 3 is an exploded, perspective view of a housing unit of the inventive refrigeration device; and

FIG. 4 is a schematic flow diagram of an inventive method for assembling the inventive refrigeration device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the figures of the drawings in detail and first, particularly to FIG. 1 thereof, there is shown a schematic representation of a refrigeration device 10, in particular from a front perspective for an operator. In the present case, the refrigeration device 10 is designed as a refrigerator. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the refrigeration device 10 to be designed as a freezer or as a refrigerator-freezer combination.

The refrigeration device 10 has at least one body or body or carcass 46, which in particular in FIG. 1, for clarification of the internal structure of the refrigeration device 10, is only schematically shown as a dashed transparent box. The at least one body 46 forms an outer housing of the refrigeration device 10. The refrigeration device 10 has at least one interior container 12. The at least one body 46 and the at least one interior container 12 are designed separately from one another. The at least one interior container 12 is accommodated in the at least one body 46. The refrigeration device 10 has at least one refrigeration device door for closing and/or opening the refrigeration device 10 (not shown). The at least one refrigeration device door is pivot-mounted, in particular by means of at least one hinge element, to which at least one body 46 is mechanically connected (not shown). The at least one interior container 12 is designed to be box-shaped. The at least one interior container 12 comprises an open side 48. The at least one refrigeration device door is intended to close the open side 48 of the at least one interior container 12. The at least one interior container 12 has a back wall 26 which in particular opposes the open side 48 or the at least one refrigeration device door in a closed state of the refrigeration device 10. The at least one interior container 12 comprises four side walls, which extend from a plane in which the open side 48 lies to the plane in which the back wall 26 lies. The at least one interior container 12 delimits at least one interior space 14. The at least one interior space 14 is delimited by the walls of the at least one interior container, in particular the four side walls, the back wall 26 and the at least one refrigeration device door, in particular in the closed state of the refrigeration device 10. The at least one interior container 12 is formed at least partially, advantageously completely, from at least one plastic material. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the at least one interior container 12 to be formed at least partially, advantageously completely, from at least one metal or from at least one composite material. The at least one refrigeration device door and/or the at least one body 46 has/have at least one sealing element (not shown). The at least one sealing element is preferably intended to seal the at least one interior space 14, closed by the at least one refrigeration device door, of the refrigeration device 10 against a space situated outside the refrigeration device 10. The sealing element is intended, in particular in a closed state of the refrigeration device 10, to maintain a leakage rate below a limit value specifically fixed for the refrigeration device 10. A thermally insulating material, for example thermally insulating foam, is introduced in an intermediate space between the at least one body 46 and the at least one interior container 12 (not shown).

The refrigeration device 10 has at least one separator element 16 which divides the at least one interior space 14 into a receiving area 18 for storing stored goods and an evaporator area 20. The at least one receiving area 18 is intended to accommodate stored goods, for example food, placed into the at least one receiving area 18 by an operator. The at least one receiving area 18 is accessible and visible for an operator in an open state of the refrigeration device 10. The at least one evaporator area 20 is not accessible and/or not visible, in particular by means of the at least one separator element 16, for operation of the refrigeration device 10. In particular, without disassembling the at least one separator element 16 the at least one evaporator area 20 is not accessible and/or not visible for an operator from the at least one interior space 14. The at least one separator element 16 is mechanically connected to the at least one interior container 12, for example by means of a plug-in connection or a latching connection. The at least one separator element 16 is formed at least partially, advantageously completely, from the same material as the at least one interior container 12, in order in particular to produce a homogeneous appearance of the at least one interior space 14. The at least one separator element 16 has at least one ventilation duct 50 and/or one ventilation opening for the fluid technology coupling, in particular in respect of a circulation of air, of the at least one evaporator area 20 to the at least one receiving area 18. The at least one separator element 16 covers, in particular from a direction of view into the at least one interior space 14 to the at least one back wall 26 of the at least one interior container 12, the at least one back wall 26 of the at least one interior container 12 at least partially, advantageously to at least a large extent completely.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic partial representation of the refrigeration device 10. FIG. 2 shows the view from the at least one interior space 14 of the refrigeration device 10 to the evaporator area 20 covered by means of the at least one separator element 16. For a better representation of the evaporator area 20, the at least one separator element 16 is shown transparently in FIG. 2.

The refrigeration device 10 has at least one refrigerant circuit for cooling the at least one interior space 14 of the refrigeration device 10. The at least one refrigerant circuit comprises at least one evaporator 52 for evaporating a refrigerant. The at least one refrigerant circuit has at least one condenser, in order to condense the refrigerant (not shown). The at least one refrigerant circuit has at least one compressor, in order in particular to convey and to compress the refrigerant (not shown).

The at least one evaporator 52 is arranged in the at least one evaporator area 20. The at least one evaporator area 20 is spatially separated from the at least one receiving area 18 for storing stored goods by means of the at least one separator element 16. The at least one evaporator area 20 comprises a space which is delimited at least partially, advantageously at least to a large extent completely, by the at least one back wall 26 of the interior container 12 and the at least one separator element 16.

The refrigeration device 10 has at least one air conveyance element, for example a fan and/or a ventilator and/or a blower (not shown). The at least one air conveyance element is arranged in the at least one evaporator area 20, in particular on the at least one separator element 16, in order to convey the air cooled by means of the at least one evaporator 52 into the receiving area 18 and/or to convey the air out of the receiving area 18 into the evaporator area 20, in particular by means of the at least one ventilation duct 50 and/or the at least one ventilation opening.

In at least one operating state of the refrigeration device 10 the at least one separator element 16 is intended to limit an exchange of fluid and thereby to 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 particularly preferably at least 15°C between the at least one evaporator area 20 and the at least one receiving area 18. In particular, in the at least one operating state of the refrigeration device 10 the temperature in the at least one evaporator area 20 is lower than in the at least one receiving area 18.

The refrigeration device 10 has at least one pressure sensor 22 for detecting a pressure of the at least one interior space 14 (see FIG. 3). The at least one pressure sensor 22 is intended to detect an absolute air pressure or a measured variable corresponding to the air pressure inside the at least one interior space of the refrigeration device 10. The at least one pressure sensor 22 is designed as a digital pressure sensor. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the at least one pressure sensor 22 to be designed as an analog pressure sensor. The at least one pressure sensor 22 is in the present case designed as a MEMS-based barometric pressure sensor. Alternatively, it would be conceivable for the at least one pressure sensor 22 to be designed as a piezoresistive pressure sensor or as a capacitive pressure sensor or as a resonance pressure sensor or as an optical pressure sensor or as a ceramic pressure sensor. The at least one pressure sensor 22 is intended to detect the pressure at a scanning frequency of at least 20 Hz. The at least one pressure sensor 22 is arranged in the evaporator area 20.

The refrigeration device 10 comprises at least one control board 36 for controlling at least one environmental parameter of the receiving area 18 (see FIG. 3). The at least one pressure sensor 22 is arranged on the at least one control board 36 (see FIG. 3). In the present case the control board 36 is designed as a heat exchange unit, in order to control, in particular to regulate, a temperature in the receiving area 18 by means of the refrigerant circuit and/or by means of the at least one air-conveyance means. Additionally the at least one environmental parameter of the receiving area 18 can comprise a light intensity of an illuminant of the refrigeration device 10.

The refrigeration device 10 has at least one evaluation unit 54 (see FIG. 3). The at least one evaluation unit 54 is intended to evaluate the pressure detected by means of the at least one pressure sensor 22, in order for example to determine an opening and/or closing of the at least one refrigeration device door by an operator and/or a door gap as a function of the detected pressure. The refrigeration device 10 has a door opening unit for automatic opening of the refrigeration device door (not shown). The at least one evaluation unit 54 is intended to determine a door opening request for automatic door opening by means of the door opening unit as a function of the detected pressure. The at least one evaluation unit 54 is arranged on the at least one control board 36 (see FIG. 3). The at least one pressure sensor 22 and the at least one evaluation unit 54 are connected to one another using signaling technology by means of the at least one control board 36, in order in particular to provide an exchange of data. The at least one control board 36 is in the present case suitable at least for pollution degree 3, in particular in accordance with standard DIN EN 60664-1 VDE 0110-1.

The refrigeration device 10 has at least one housing unit 24 (see FIG. 3). The at least one pressure sensor 22 is arranged inside the at least one housing unit 24. The at least one control board 36 is arranged inside the at least one housing unit 24. The at least one housing unit 24 is intended 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 inside the at least one evaporator area 20 (see FIG. 2). The at least one housing unit 24 is designed at least substantially to be cuboid. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the at least one housing unit 24 to be designed at least substantially to be cylindrical or conical or pyramidal or spherical or the like. The at least one housing unit 24 is formed at least partially, advantageously at least to a large extent, preferably completely, from a 5VA classified material.

The at least one housing unit 24 is arranged on the back wall 26, opposing the at least one separator element 16, of the at least one interior container 12 of the refrigerating device 10 (see FIG. 2). The at least one housing unit 24 is in respect of an installation height 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 back wall 26.

The at least one back wall 26 of the interior container 12 has a recess 28, in particular a feed-through opening, in which the at least one housing unit 24 is at least partially arranged, shown in particular in FIG. 2 by means of a dashed rectangle. The recess 28 of the back wall 26 of the at least one interior container 12 can be directly created during a production process of the at least one interior container 12, for example as part of an injection molding process, or subsequently for example by means of a punching process or sawing process. In particular, the recess 28 of the back wall 26 is arranged in respect of an installation height at least partially, advantageously at least to a large extent completely, preferably completely, above the evaporator 52. The recess 28 of the back wall 26 in the present case has an at least substantially rectangular shape. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the recess 28 of the back wall 26 to have a circular or square or elliptical shape. In the present case the recess 28 of the back wall 26 has a surface area in respect of a main plane of extension of the back wall 26 of 45 cm² in the present case. The at least one housing unit 24 in the present case protrudes in an assembled state at least partially into the at least one interior space 14 and at least partially into the intermediate space between the interior container 12 and the body 46. The at least one housing unit 24 is intended, in particular during an assembly process of the refrigeration device 10, to be guided from a side, facing away from the interior space 14, of the back wall 26 of the interior container 12 at least partially into the recess 28. A volume enclosed by the at least one housing unit 24 extends and/or complements the evaporator area 20.

The at least one housing unit 24 has at least one base element 56 (see FIG. 3). The at least one housing unit 24, in particular the at least one base element 56, preferably has a maximum longitudinal extension in a range between 100 mm and 125 mm. The at least one base element 56 has a recess 58, in particular a feed-through opening. The recess 58 of the at least one base element 56 of the at least one housing unit 24 in the present case has a surface area in respect of a main plane of extension of the at least one base element 56 which is smaller than the surface area of the recess 28 of the back wall 26 of the at least one interior container 12. The at least one housing unit 24, in particular the at least one base element 56, has a border element 60 (see FIG. 3). The border element 60 borders the recess 58 of the base element 56 at least partially, advantageously at least to a large extent completely, preferably completely. The border element 60, in particular an outer contour of the border element 60, is in an assembled state of the refrigeration device 10, arranged in particular in a form-fit manner on the recess 28 of the back wall 26, in particular a contour of the recess 28 of the back wall. The border element 60 in the present case protrudes at least partially, in particular in the assembled state of the refrigeration device 10, by at least 30 mm out of the recess 28 of the back wall 26 in the direction of the at least one interior space 14.

A maximum longitudinal extension of the at least one base element 56 is designed to be bigger by at least 5% and/or maximally 100% than an, in particular parallel thereto, opening width of the recess 28 of the back wall 26 of the at least one interior container 12 (see FIG. 2). In the present case the at least one base element 56 has a maximum longitudinal extension which is at least 30% bigger than the, in particular parallel thereto, opening width of the recess 28 of the back wall 26. A side, facing the back wall 26, of the base element 56 abuts at least partially, advantageously at least to a large extent completely, preferably completely, the side, facing away from the at least one interior space 14, of the back wall 26.

The at least one housing unit 24 has at least one sealing element 30 for sealing the recess 28 of the back wall 26 of the at least one interior container 12 (see FIG. 3). In the present case the at least one sealing element 30 is designed as a two-component seal. In the present case the at least one sealing element 30 is arranged between the base element 56 and the back wall 26, in particular the side of the back wall 26 facing away from the interior space 14. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the at least one sealing element 30 to be arranged between the recess 28 of the back wall 26, in particular the contour of the recess 28, and the housing unit 24, in particular the border element 60. The at least one sealing element 30 has a self-adhesive effect. The at least one sealing element 30 is intended to seal the recess 28 of the back wall 26 of the at least one interior container 12 and to fasten the at least one housing unit 24 to the back wall 26, in particular by means of the self-adhesive effect of the sealing element 30.

The at least one housing unit 24 has at least one removable cover element 32 (see FIG. 3). The 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 border element 60, and the at least one cover element 32 have corresponding latching elements or plug-in elements, in order in particular 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 device 10, arranged at least partially, preferably completely, inside the evaporator area 20, in particular in the interior space 14. It is conceivable for the at least one cover element 32 to be formed at least partially from an elastic material. The at least one pressure transmission element 34 is designed as a feed-through opening, in particular a cable duct. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the at least one pressure transmission element 34 to be designed as a membrane. Further, it is alternatively conceivable for the at least one pressure transmission element 34 to be formed by means of an elastic wall of the at least one cover element 32, said elastic wall in particular acting as a membrane for pressure transmission. The at least one pressure transmission element 34 can comprise a foam part, which is arranged inside the feed-through opening, in order in particular for a risk of moisture ingress into the at least one housing unit to be advantageously minimized.

The at least one housing unit 24 is arranged in the evaporator area 20, in particular on the at least one back wall 26 of the at least one interior container 12, such that the at least one pressure transmission element 34 has a clear width of at least 5 mm (see FIG. 2). In the present case the at least one pressure transmission element 34 has a clear width of at least 25 mm.

The at least one housing unit 24 comprises at least one pivot-mounted receiving element 38 for receiving the at least one pressure sensor 22 (see FIG. 3). The at least one receiving element 38 is intended to accommodate the at least one control board 36. The at least one housing unit 24 comprises at least one further pivot-mounted receiving element 62 (see FIG. 3). The at least one receiving element 38 and the at least one further receiving element 62 are each intended to accommodate a side edge of the at least one control board 36. The at least one receiving element 38 is arranged pivot-mounted on the at least one base element 56, in particular inside the recess 58 of the at least one base element 56. The at least one receiving element 38 is designed to be removable, in particular non-destructively, from the at least one base element 56. The at least one further receiving element 62 is arranged pivot-mounted on the at least one base element 62, in particular inside the recess 58 of the at least one base element 56. The at least one further receiving element 62 is designed to be removable, in particular non-destructively, from the at least one base element 56. The at least one control board 36 is arranged inside 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 are formed from a material which fulfills the GWEPT 750 test, in particular in accordance with one of the standards UL 746A, IEC 60695-2-11 or comparable standards.

The at least one receiving element 38 comprises at least one connection strip 40 for the electrical connection of the at least one pressure sensor 22 (see FIG. 3). The at least one connection strip 40 is intended to electrically contact the at least one control board 36, in particular connection contacts 64 of the at least one control board 36. The at least one further receiving element 62 has a further connection strip (not shown). The at least one further connection strip is intended to electrically contact the at least one control board 36, in particular further connection contacts of the at least one control board 36.

The at least one housing unit 24 has at least one hatch element 66 (see FIG. 3), in order in particular to cover the recess 58 of the base element 56 on a side of the base element 56 facing away from the back wall 26. The at least one hatch element 66 is configured such that a lateral surface, facing away from the back wall 26, of the at least one base element 56, in particular in parallel to the main plane of extension of the base element 56, is covered at least to a large extent completely, advantageously completely. The at least one hatch element 66 is in the present case pivot-mounted and/or, in particular non-destructively removably, mechanically connected to the base element 56. The at least one hatch element 66 and the at least one base element 56 have corresponding latching elements. The at least one hatch element 66 has at least one cable routing opening (not shown).

FIG. 4 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method 42 for assembling the refrigeration device 10. In at least one method step 44 of the method 42 the at least one pressure sensor 22 is arranged in the evaporator area 20.

In a further method step 68 of the method 42, in particular before the at least one interior container 12 is introduced into the at least one body 46, the at least one housing unit 24 is arranged at least partially in the recess 28 of the back wall 26 of the at least one interior container 12. The at least one housing unit 24 is guided in the further method step 68 from a side, facing away from the at least one interior space 14, of the back wall 26 at least partially into the at least one recess 28 of the back wall 26. In the present case in the further method step 68 only the at least one border element 60 of the housing unit 24 is guided through the recess 28 of the back wall 26.

In a further additional method step 70 of the method 42 the at least one pressure sensor 22 is arranged on the at least one control board 36. In the at least one method step 44, in particular before the at least one interior container 12 is inserted into the at least one body 46 and before a thermally insulating material is introduced into the intermediate space, the at least one control board 36 is arranged, in particular together with the at least one pressure sensor 22, inside the at least one housing unit 24, and in particular is electrically contacted, wherein the at least one housing unit 24 is in an assembled state of the refrigeration device 10 arranged in the evaporator area 20.

Of multiple objects present, only one is provided with a reference character in the figures in each case.

The following is a summary list of reference numerals and the corresponding structure used in the above description of the invention:

10 Refrigeration device

12 Interior container

14 Interior space

16 Separator element

18 Receiving area

20 Evaporator area

22 Pressure sensor

24 Housing unit

26 Back wall

28 Recess

30 Sealing element

32 Cover element

34 Pressure transmission element

36 Control board

38 Receiving element

40 Connection strip

42 Method

44 Method step

46 Body

48 Open side

50 Ventilation duct

52 Evaporator

54 Evaluation unit

56 Base element

58 Recess

60 Border element

62 Further receiving element

64 Connection contact

66 Hatch element

68 Further method step

70 Further additional method step