METHOD FOR OPERATING A REFRIGERATOR AND A REFRIGERATOR

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 119, of German Patent Application DE 102024209 851.5, 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 method for operating a refrigerator and also to a refrigerator.

A method for operating a refrigerator is already known from the prior art, for example European patent application EP 4172542 A1, corresponding to U.S. patent publication No. 2023/0296306, wherein, in at least one detection step, in particular by means of at least one sensor unit of the refrigerator, a pressure of an interior of the refrigerator is detected. In at least one analysis step, the detected pressure is evaluated by means of at least one evaluation unit of the refrigerator, and in the at least one analysis step, just an open and/or closed state of the interior of the refrigerator is recognized depending on the pressure detected.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention consists in particular, but is not restricted to, providing a generic method with improved characteristics in respect of user convenience and/or efficient use. The object is achieved in accordance with the invention 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 method for operation of a refrigerator wherein, in at least one detection step, a pressure of an interior of the refrigerator is detected by means of at least one sensor unit and wherein, in at least one analysis step, the detected pressure is evaluated, in particular by means of at least one evaluation unit of the refrigerator.

It is proposed that in the at least one analysis step, in particular by means of the evaluation unit of the refrigerator, a door gap is recognized depending on the detected pressure.

Such an embodiment advantageously enables a not correctly closed off state of the interior of the refrigerator to be established. An energy efficiency can in particular advantageously be improved by this, since a door gap corresponds to increased energy consumption of the refrigerator during operation. An advantageously greater user convenience can furthermore be provided, since in particular a user of the refrigerator can be informed about the presence of a door gap, in order in particular to counteract an inefficient state of the refrigerator.

A door gap being recognized “in the at least one analysis step depending on the detected pressure” is in particular to be understood as an open position of the refrigerator door being recognized in the at least one analysis step, depending on the detected pressure. Preferably, in the at least one analysis step, depending on the detected pressure, a presence of a distance between the refrigerator door and a body, in particular on an edge of the refrigerator door lying opposite a hinge element of the refrigerator, is recognized, wherein the distance between the refrigerator door and the body is greater than a thickness of a sealing element of the refrigerator.

Preferably, in the at least one detection step, a pressure, in particular a change in pressure, is detected, which is created by means of a movement of the refrigerator door of the refrigerator, in particular by a user of a door opening unit of the refrigerator. Preferably the pressure is detected with a sampling rate of a minimum of 10 Hz, advantageously of a minimum of 20 Hz, especially advantageously of a minimum of 50 Hz, preferably of a minimum of 100 Hz, especially preferably of a minimum of 200 Hz in the at least one detection step. Preferably in the at least one detection step the pressure is detected with a sampling rate of a maximum of 1000 Hz, advantageously of a maximum of 750 Hz, especially advantageously of a maximum of 500 Hz, preferably of a maximum of 250 Hz. Preferably in the at least one detection step an absolute pressure in the interior of the refrigerator is detected. As an alternative it is conceivable that in the at least one detection step a relative pressure or a differential pressure, in particular relative to the atmospheric pressure at the location of the refrigerator, is detected.

Preferably the door gap is detected in the at least one analysis step, in particular by means of the evaluation unit, as a function of at least one predetermined pressure threshold value being exceeded and/or fallen below. In particular the predetermined pressure threshold value can be a pressure value, which is preferably at least 25% or advantageously at least 20% or especially advantageously at least 15% or preferably at least 10% or especially preferably at least 5% smaller or larger than a reference pressure value, for example the atmospheric pressure, preferably at the location of the refrigerator. The reference value and/or the at least one predetermined pressure threshold value can be held in a memory of the evaluation unit. Preferably, in at least one pressure threshold determination step, the at least one predetermined pressure threshold value is determined, in particular by means of the evaluation unit, depending on the reference pressure. As an alternative it would be conceivable, in the at least one analysis step, for a difference quotient or a derivation of the detected pressure to be formed. Preferably in this alternative embodiment, in the at least one analysis step, the door gap is established by a difference quotient threshold value or a derivation threshold value being fallen below and/or exceeded.

It is further proposed that, in at least one calculation step, a moving average of the detected pressure is formed, in particular by means of the evaluation unit and/or the sensor unit, in order to establish at least one pressure threshold value for establishing the door gap depending on the moving average of the detected pressure in ongoing operation of the refrigerator. Such an embodiment of the method enables an advantageously flexible calculation, in particular as regards the location of the refrigerator, of a pressure threshold value for establishing the door gap to be provided. An influence for example of a temperature in the interior of the refrigerator can further advantageously be taken into account during the evaluation of the detected pressure. This advantageously enables a risk of the door gap being incorrectly established to be kept small, whereby in particular an advantageously high level of user convenience can be made possible. Preferably, in the calculation step, a moving average, preferably of at least the last five values, advantageously of at least the last four values and preferably of at least the last three values of the detected pressure is formed, in particular by means of the at least one evaluation unit. The moving average of the detected pressure formed in the at least one calculation step is preferably used as reference value for establishing the at least one pressure threshold value in at least one, in particular the above-mentioned, pressure threshold determination step. Preferably the at least one pressure threshold determination step is carried out once an hour, advantageously once every 10 minutes, especially advantageously once every 1 minute, preferably once every 1 second. Especially preferably each calculation step is followed by an execution of the pressure threshold determination step, in order in particular to establish dynamically the at least one pressure threshold value depending on the moving average of the detected pressure. Preferably, in the at least one pressure threshold determination step, at least one predetermined constant value is added to or subtracted from the moving average, in order to establish the at least one pressure threshold value. As an alternative, in the at least one pressure threshold determination step, a percentage value of the moving average is established and added to the moving average or subtracted from the moving average, in order to determine the at least one pressure threshold value.

It is furthermore proposed that, in the at least one analysis step, in particular by means of the evaluation unit, an opening of the refrigerator door of the refrigerator, in particular mentioned above is recognized when the detected pressure falls below an opening threshold value, in particular crosses it within a predetermined opening time interval. Such an embodiment advantageously enables an open position of the at least one refrigerator door to be recognized. In particular a point in time can advantageously be recognized at which the at least one refrigerator door is opened. The information about an open refrigerator door makes possible an advantageously high level of user convenience and/or an advantageously highly efficient use, since the information about an open state of the interior can be used or example for a regulation of functions of the refrigerator, in order in particular to make possible the safety and/or longevity of the refrigerator. The opening threshold value is preferably established in the at least one pressure threshold determination step as a function of a reference pressure, in particular depending on the moving average of the detected pressure. Preferably the opening threshold value is defined in the at least one pressure threshold determination step, in particular by means of the evaluation unit, as being smaller by around at least 10 Pa, advantageously by at least 20 Pa, especially advantageously by at least 30 Pa, preferably by at least 40 Pa, and especially preferably by at least 50 Pa than the reference value. Preferably the opening time interval is held in a memory of the evaluation unit. Preferably the opening time interval amounts to a period of a maximum of 2°s, advantageously a maximum of 1.5 s, preferably a maximum of 1 s and especially preferably a maximum of 0.5 s. This enables a risk of false-positive evaluations of pressure for establishing the opening of the refrigerator door, caused for example by slow pressure fluctuations within the interior, to be kept advantageously small. Preferably the interior is in a closed off state by means of the refrigerator door, in order to recognize a subsequent opening of the refrigerator door by means of the at least one analysis step. In particular, during opening of the refrigerator door, a pulling force or a pressure force is exerted on the refrigerator door by means of a user or a door opening unit of the refrigerator in order to open the refrigerator door. In particular a volume of the interior is increased by means of an expansion of the sealing element of the refrigerator, preferably before the sealing element is released from the refrigerator door or from a body of the refrigerator, whereby a decrease in pressure occurs in the interior. In particular the detected pressure increases once again when the sealing element is released from the refrigerator door or the body, until the detected pressure corresponds to the ambient pressure. Preferably this course of events described above is evaluated in the at least one analysis step by means of the evaluation unit for recognizing the opening of the refrigerator door.

“A detected pressure crossing a pressure threshold value of a time interval” is to be understood in particular as the detected pressure exceeding the pressure threshold value once within the time interval and falling below it once. Preferably the detected pressure falls below the pressure threshold value first and exceeds the pressure threshold value thereafter within the time interval or the detected pressure exceeds the pressure threshold value first and falls below the pressure threshold value thereafter within the time interval.

It is further proposed in the at least one analysis step that a closing of the refrigerator door is recognized when the detected pressure exceeds a closing threshold value, in particular crosses it within a closing time interval. Such an embodiment advantageously enables a closed position of the at least one refrigerator door to be recognized. In particular a point in time can advantageously be recognized at which the at least one refrigerator door is closed. The information about a closed refrigerator door advantageously makes possible a high degree of user convenience and/or an advantageously highly efficient use, since the information about a closed state of interior could be used for example for a regulation of functions of the refrigerator, in order in particular to make possible a safety and/or longevity of the refrigerator. The closing threshold value is preferably established in the at least one pressure threshold determination step as a function of a reference pressure, in particular depending on the moving average of the detected pressure. Preferably the closing threshold value is defined in the at least one pressure threshold determination step, in particular by means of the evaluation unit, as being greater by at least 10 Pa, advantageously by at least 20 Pa, especially advantageously by at least 30 Pa, preferably by at least 40 Pa, and especially preferably by at least 50 Pa greater than the reference value. Preferably the closing time interval is held in a memory of the evaluation unit. Preferably the closing time interval comprise a length of time of a maximum of 2°s, advantageously of a maximum of 1.5 s, preferably of a maximum of 1 s and especially preferably of a maximum of 0.5 s. Preferably the interior is in an opened state by means of the refrigerator door, in particular is not closed off, in order to recognize a subsequent closing of the refrigerator door in the at least one analysis step. Preferably the detected pressure of the interior in the opened state by means of the refrigerator door corresponds to the ambient pressure of the refrigerator. In particular, during closing of the refrigerator door, a pressure force is exerted on the refrigerator door by means of a user of the refrigerator in order to close the refrigerator door. In particular at a point in time in which a sealing element of refrigerator, in particular the one mentioned above, is in contact with the refrigerator door or a body, in particular the one mentioned above, comes into contact, a volume of the interior is reduced by means of a compression of the sealing element, whereby an increase in pressure occurs in the interior. In particular the detected pressure falls again when the sealing element returns to its original shape. Preferably this course of events described above is evaluated in the at least one analysis step by means of the evaluation unit for recognition of the closing of the refrigerator door.

It is further proposed that, in the at least one analysis step, a door gap is detected when the detected pressure exceeds an upper pressure threshold value and, at least essentially directly thereafter, falls below a lower pressure threshold value. Such an embodiment advantageously enables a risk of false-positive evaluations of the pressure for establishing the door gap to be kept low, since in particular a number of conditions for recognizing the door gap must be fulfilled. This advantageously enables a high level of user convenience to be provided. “A first event at least essentially following directly after a second event” in time is in particular to be understood as a maximum length of time of preferably a maximum of 2 s, advantageously of a maximum of 1.5 s, preferably of a maximum of 1 s and especially preferably a maximum of 0.5 s lies between the first and the second temporal event. The upper pressure threshold value and/or the lower pressure threshold value is preferably established in the at least one pressure threshold determination step as a function of a reference pressure, in particular as a function of a moving average of the detected pressure, in particular the one mentioned above. Preferably the upper pressure threshold value is defined in the at least one pressure threshold determination step, in particular by means of the evaluation unit, as being greater by at least 30 Pa, advantageously by at least 40 Pa, especially advantageously by at least 45 Pa, preferably by at least 50 Pa, and especially preferably by at least 55 Pa than the reference value. Preferably the lower pressure threshold value is defined in the at least one pressure threshold determination step as being smaller than the opening threshold value, in particular the one mentioned above. Preferably the lower pressure threshold value is defined in the at least one pressure threshold determination step, in particular by means of the evaluation unit, as being smaller by a maximum of 5 Pa, advantageously by maximum of 3.5 Pa, especially advantageously around by a maximum of 2 Pa, and preferably by a maximum of 1 Pa than the reference value. Especially preferably the lower pressure threshold value is set to the same as the reference value.

It is furthermore proposed that, in the at least one analysis step, a door gap is recognized when the detected pressure crosses the upper pressure threshold value within an upper time interval, in particular of a maximum of 1.5s. Such an embodiment advantageously enables a risk of false-positive and/or false-negative evaluations of the detected pressure for establishing the door gap to be kept small, in particular in respect of a recognition of the closing. This advantageously enables a high level of user convenience to be made possible. Preferably the upper time interval comprises a length of time of a maximum of 1.25°s, advantageously of a maximum of 1 s, preferably of a maximum of 0.75 s and especially preferably of a maximum of 0,5 s. Preferably the upper time interval is held in a memory of the evaluation unit. Preferably the upper time interval is established in at least one time interval determination step, in particular by means of the evaluation unit, as a function of a closing time interval, in particular the one mentioned above, for recognizing a closing of the refrigerator door. Preferably, in at least one further method step, the upper time interval is defined, in particular by means of the evaluation unit, as smaller by a factor of at least 1.1, advantageously of at least 1.2, especially advantageously of at least 1.25, preferably of at least 1.5, especially preferably of at least 1.75 than the closing time interval.

It is further proposed that, in the at least one analysis step, a door gap is recognized when the detected pressure crosses the lower pressure threshold within a lower time interval, in particular of a maximum of 1 s. Such an embodiment advantageously enables a risk of false-positive and/or false-negative evaluations of the pressure for establishing the door gap to be kept low, in particular in respect of a recognition of an opening of the refrigerator door. This enables an advantageously high degree of user convenience to be provided. Preferably the lower time interval comprises a length of time of a maximum of 0.75°s, advantageously of a maximum of 0.5 s, especially advantageously of a maximum of 0.4 s, preferably of a maximum of 0,3 s and especially preferably of a maximum of 0.2 s. Preferably the lower time interval is held in a memory of the evaluation unit. Preferably the lower time interval is established in at least one time interval establishment step, in particular the one mentioned above, in particular by means of the evaluation unit, as a function of an opening time interval, in particular the one mentioned above, for detection of an opening of the refrigerator door. Preferably in particular in at least one further method step, in particular the one mentioned above, the lower time interval is defined, in particular by means of the at least one evaluation unit, as smaller by a factor of at least 1.1, advantageously of at least 1,2, especially advantageously of at least 1.25, preferably of at least 1.5, especially preferably of at least 1,75 than the opening time interval.

It is further proposed that in at least one pressure threshold determination step, in particular the one mentioned above, the upper pressure threshold value is defined as at least 5 Pa larger than a closing threshold value, in particular the one mentioned above, for recognizing a closing of the refrigerator door. Such an embodiment advantageously enables a risk of an incorrect determination of the door gap to be kept low, since in particular the evaluation unit can advantageously distinguish between a door gap and a regular closing process of the refrigerator door clearly and/or in a differentiated way. This advantageously enables a high level of user convenience to be made possible. Preferably, in the at least one pressure threshold determination step, in particular the one mentioned above, at least one pressure threshold determination step of the upper pressure threshold value is defined as at least 10 Pa, advantageously at least 15 Pa, preferably at least 20 Pa larger than the closing threshold value.

It is furthermore proposed that, in at least one further detection step, in particular by means of the at least one sensor unit, at least one position parameter of the refrigerator door is detected, wherein in the at least one analysis step, the door gap is recognized depending on the position parameter of the refrigerator door. Such an embodiment advantageously enables a risk of an incorrect determination of the door gap to be kept low, since in particular the evaluation unit, as well as the pressure in the interior, uses a further parameter for establishing the door gap, wherein in particular the further parameter would not be sufficient on its own for recognizing a door gap, owing to inaccuracies. This advantageously enables a high level of user convenience to be made possible. Preferably, in the at least one analysis step, depending on the detected position parameter of the refrigerator door, a position of the refrigerator door, in particular a closed state of the interior by means of the refrigerator door and/or an opened, in particular not closed off, state of the interior by means of the refrigerator door, is established. For example the at least one position parameter of the refrigerator door comprises an angle detected by means of the sensor unit, in particular by means of a sensor for detecting the position parameter of the refrigerator door, between the refrigerator door relative to an attachment axis of the refrigerator door on a body of the refrigerator or a detected distance to an, in particular parallel, edge lying opposite the attachment axis, and the body, or a door contact status of a contact switch or magnetic switch or a resistor or a capacitor. The at least one evaluation unit, in the at least one analysis step, preferably checks whether the detected position parameter of the refrigerator door correlates with the detected pressure, in order to confirm an evaluation of the detected pressure. Preferably, in the at least one analysis step, a door gap is recognized when previously an opened, in particular not closed off, state of the interior by means of the refrigerator door, has been recognized by means of the evaluation of the detected position parameter. Advantageously, in the at least one analysis step, a door gap is recognized when previously an opened state of the interior, in particular not closed off by means of the refrigerator door, and a closed off state of the interior, by means of the refrigerator door, in particular in this order, has been recognized by means of the evaluation of the detected position parameter. In addition it is conceivable that, in the at least one analysis step, an evaluation of the detected pressure is initiated if, in the at least one analysis step beforehand, an open, in particular not closed off, state of the interior, by means of the refrigerator door, has been detected by means of the evaluation of the detected position parameter of the refrigerator door, in order in particular to make possible an advantageously high efficiency, in particular a computing efficiency and/or an energy efficiency of the evaluation unit. It is further conceivable that the moving average is only established in the at least one calculation step when a closed state of the interior, by means of the refrigerator door, is recognized by means of the evaluation of the detected position parameter of the refrigerator door.

The invention is further based on a refrigerator with one inner container, which in particular delimits the above-mentioned interior, with at least one refrigerator door, in particular the one mentioned above, for closing off the interior, with at least one sensor unit, which has at least one pressure sensor for detection of a pressure of the interior, and with at least one evaluation unit, in particular the one mentioned above, for evaluation of the detected pressure, in order to recognize a door gap, in particular according to the method described above. The refrigerator is characterized in particular by the advantageous characteristics that can be achieved by the previously described features of the method for operating the refrigerator.

Advantageously the refrigerator is intended, in at least one operating state, to cool stored goods, for example food, such as, in particular, drinks, meat, milk and/or milk products, or medicaments or vaccines or chemicals or cosmetic products or plants, in particular flowers or plant seeds, in particular to bring about a prolonged storage life or existing quality of the stored goods. The refrigerator can involve a household refrigerator, in particular a chest freezer and advantageously an upright refrigerator and/or upright freezer.

Preferably the refrigerator has at least one body. Preferably the at least one body forms the outer housing of the refrigerator. Preferably the at least one body and the at least one inner container are embodied separately from one another. The at least one inner container is preferably accommodated in the at least one body. As an alternative it would be conceivable for the at least one inner container and the at least one body to be embodied in one piece with one another. The at least one inner container preferably has at least one wall, advantageously a plurality of walls. Preferably the at least one interior is delimited by means of the walls of the at least one inner container. The at least one inner container is for example embodied from at least one plastic or from at least one metal or from at least one composite material.

“In one piece” is in particular to be understood as being formed in one piece. Preferably this one piece is manufactured from an individual blank, a compound and/or a mold, especially preferably in an injection molding method, in particular a single and/or multiple component injection molding method.

The interior can be divided up into a number of areas, for example a storage area and an evaporator area. Preferably the storage area is intended to accommodate stored goods placed by a user in the at least one storage area, for example food. Preferably the refrigerator has a coolant circuit for cooling the interior of the refrigerator. Preferably the coolant circuit contains an evaporator. Preferably the evaporator is arranged in the evaporator area. Preferably the refrigerator has at least one dividing element for separating the storage area and the evaporator area spatially.

Preferably the refrigerator door is intended to counteract, in particular to prevent, an escape of heat or cold or fluids from the interior of the refrigerator or an entry of dust or foreign bodies into the interior, in particular into the storage area, of the refrigerator. Preferably the refrigerator has at least one hinge element. In particular the refrigerator door is connected by means of the hinge element to the body. Preferably the at least one hinge element defines an attachment axis, in particular a pivot axis, for opening and/or closing the refrigerator door. The refrigerator door and/or the body preferably has/have at least one, in particular magnetic, sealing element. Preferably the sealing element of the refrigerator door and/or of the body is intended to seal the interior of the refrigerator closed off by the refrigerator door from a space located outside the refrigerator. Preferably the sealing element is intended, in particular in a closed off state of refrigerator by means of the refrigerator door, to maintain a leakage rate below a threshold value specifically defined for the refrigerator.

A “sensor unit” in this context is in particular to be understood as a unit that is intended to record at least a characteristic value and/or a physical property, wherein the recording can take place actively, such as in particular through creation and sending out of an electrical measurement signal, and/or passively, as in particular by a detection of changes in the property of a sensor component.

The at least one sensor unit is preferably arranged at least partly, advantageously completely, in the interior. The at least one sensor unit can in particular be arranged at least partly, advantageously completely, in the storage area or the evaporator area.

Preferably the at least one sensor unit contains at least one further sensor, in particular different from the at least one pressure sensor. It is conceivable for the at least one sensor unit to comprise at least one temperature sensor or at least one humidity sensor. It would be conceivable for the at least one sensor unit to comprise a plurality of further sensors. Preferably the at least one sensor unit comprises an amplifier unit for amplifying at least one measurement variable detected by the sensor unit. Advantageously the at least one sensor unit comprises at least one sensor for detecting a position parameter of the refrigerator door. The at least one sensor for detecting a position parameter of the refrigerator door is for example embodied as a magneto-resistive sensor or as a Hall effect sensor or as an infrared sensor or as a capacitive proximity sensor or as an inductive proximity sensor or as an angular position sensor or as an ultrasound sensor or as a contact switch.

Preferably the at least one pressure sensor of the at least one sensor unit is intended to detect an, in particular absolute, air pressure or a measurement variable corresponding to the air pressure. The at least one pressure sensor is preferably embodied as a barometric pressure sensor. As an alternative the at least one pressure sensor is embodied as a piezoresistive pressure sensor or as a capacitive pressure sensor or as a resonant pressure sensor or as an MEMS-based pressure sensor or as an optical pressure sensor or as a ceramic pressure sensor. Preferably the at least one pressure sensor is arranged, directly or indirectly, in the interior of the refrigerator, in particular on a wall of the inner container.

The at least one evaluation unit is preferably intended to evaluate the pressure detected by means of the at least one sensor unit, in particular by means of the at least one pressure sensor, in order in particular to detect an opening and/or a closing of the refrigerator door by a user and/or to establish a door gap depending on the detected pressure. In addition, it is conceivable for the refrigerator to have a door opening unit for automatic opening of the refrigerator door. It is conceivable for the evaluation unit to be intended to establish a desire to open the door for automatic door opening by means of the door opening unit depending on the detected pressure. Preferably the evaluation unit comprises a computing unit and in particular, in addition to the computing unit, a memory with an evaluation program stored therein for evaluation of the detected pressure, in particular in accordance with the method described above, which is intended to be carried out by the computing unit. Preferably the at least one sensor unit and the at least one evaluation unit are connected to each other for signaling purposes, in order, in particular, to provide an exchange of data.

“Intended” is to be understood in particular as specifically programmed, designed and/or equipped. An object being intended for a specific function is in particular to be understood as the object fulfilling and/or carrying out the specific function in at least one application and/or operating state.

The inventive method for operating the inventive refrigerator and the inventive refrigerator are not intended here to be restricted to the application and form of execution described above. In particular the inventive method for operating the inventive refrigerator and the inventive refrigerator, for fulfilling a mode of operation described herein, have a number of individual elements, components, units and/or method steps differing from the number stated 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 method for operating a refrigerator and a refrigerator, 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.

Further advantages emerge from the description of the figures given below. Shown in the drawing are exemplary embodiments of the invention. 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 put them together into sensible further combinations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is schematic diagram of a refrigerator according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic flow diagram of a method for operating the refrigerator; and

FIG. 3 is a pressure-time diagram of two detected pressure curves in the course of the method.

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 diagram of a refrigerator 12. In FIG. 1 the refrigerator 12 is embodied as an upright refrigerator. As an alternative however other embodiments of the refrigerator 12 would also be conceivable, such as, for example, as an upright freezer or as a chest freezer.

The refrigerator 12 has at least one body 44. The at least one body 44 forms an outer housing of the refrigerator 12. The refrigerator 12 has at least one inner container 40. The at least one inner container 40 delimits at least one interior 18 of the refrigerator 12. The at least one inner container 40 is accommodated in the at least one body 44. The at least one inner container 40 and the at least one body 44 are embodied separately from one another. The refrigerator 12 has at least one refrigerator door 26 for closing off the interior 18. The at least one inner container 40 has a plurality of walls. The inner container 40 has a rear wall 46, which, in particular, is arranged opposite an opening of the body 44 able to be closed off by the refrigerator door 26. The inner container 40 further has a base wall, a ceiling wall and two side walls. The at least one interior 18 is delimited by means of the walls of the at least one inner container 40. The at least one inner container 40 in the present case is embodied at least partly, in particular completely, from at least one plastic. As an alternative it would also be conceivable however for the inner container 40 to be embodied at least partly, in particular completely, from a metal or a composite material. Inserted into a space between the at least one body 44 and the at least one inner container 40 is a thermally insulating material, in particular a thermally insulating foam (not shown).

The interior 18 is divided up in the present case into two areas, a storage area 48 and an evaporator area 50. The refrigerator 12 has at least one dividing element 52 for spatial division of the interior 18 into the storage area 48 and the evaporator area 50. In the present case the at least one dividing element 52 is embodied separately to the inner container 40. The dividing element 52 can be embodied from the same material as the inner container 40, in order in particular to provide a harmonious appearance of the interior 18. Alternatively, the dividing element 52 can also be embodied in one piece with the inner container 40. The storage area 48 is intended to accommodate and to cool stored goods, for example food, placed by a user in the at least one storage area 48. The refrigerator 12 has a coolant circuit for cooling the interior 18 of refrigerator 12 (not shown). The coolant circuit has an evaporator 54. The evaporator 54 is arranged in the evaporator area 50. The evaporator area 50 and the storage area 48 are connected fluidly to one another, for example by means of air channels or through openings (not shown) in the at least one dividing element 52.

The at least one refrigerator door 26 is intended to counteract, in particular to prevent, an escape of heat or cold or fluids from the interior 18 of the refrigerator 12 or an entry of dust or foreign bodies into the interior 18, in particular into the storage area 48, of the refrigerator 12. The refrigerator 12 has at least one hinge element (not shown). The at least one refrigerator door 26 is connected by means of the hinge element to the at least one body 44. The at least one hinge element defines an attachment axis, in particular a pivot axis, for opening and/or closing the refrigerator door 26. For opening and/or closing the refrigerator door 26, the refrigerator 12 can have a grip element (not shown). The grip element, for opening and/or closing the refrigerator door 26, can be arranged in an area close to an edge lying opposite the pivot axis, for example 0.5 cm to 15 cm away from the edge, on the refrigerator door 26. The refrigerator 12 has at least one magnetic sealing element 56. The magnetic sealing element 56 is arranged in the present case on the at least one body 44. The sealing element 56 intended to seal the interior 18 of the refrigerator 12 closed off by the refrigerator door 26 in relation to a space located outside the refrigerator 12. The at least one magnetic sealing element 56 is intended, in particular in a closed off state of the refrigerator 12, in particular of the interior 18, by means of the refrigerator door 26, to maintain a leakage rate below a threshold value specifically defined for the refrigerator 12, in order for example to comply with the standard ISO 15502 or EN 62552.

The refrigerator 12 has at least one sensor unit 16 with at least one pressure sensor 42 for detection of a pressure of the interior 18. The at least one sensor unit 16 is arranged at least partly in the interior 18. The at least one sensor unit 16 is in particular arranged at least partly in the evaporator area 50. In the present case the at least one pressure sensor 42 is embodied as a MEMS-based pressure sensor. The at least one pressure sensor 42 is intended to detect an absolute air pressure in the interior 18 of the refrigerator 12. The at least one pressure sensor 42 is arranged in the at least one interior 18, in particular on a wall of the inner container 40 facing towards the storage area 48 or the evaporator area 50, of the refrigerator 12. In the present case the pressure sensor 42 is arranged in the evaporator area 50, in particular on a part of the rear wall 46 of the inner container 40 assigned to the evaporator area 50 and facing towards it.

The at least one sensor unit 16 contains at least one further sensor, in particular different from the at least one pressure sensor 42. The at least one sensor unit 16 contains a temperature sensor and at least one humidity sensor (not shown). The at least one sensor unit 16 further contains a door position sensor 58 for detecting a position parameter of the refrigerator door 26. The at least one door position sensor 58 for detecting the position parameter of the refrigerator door 26 is embodied in the present case as a magnetoresistive sensor. The at least one door position sensor 58 for detecting the position parameter of the refrigerator door 26 is arranged in the present case on an edge of the body 44, in particular on a body frame, lying opposite the attachment axis.

The refrigerator 12 has at least one evaluation unit 22 for evaluation of the pressure detected by means of the at least one sensor unit 16, in order to recognize a door gap. The at least one evaluation unit 22 is intended to evaluate the pressure detected by means of the at least one sensor unit 16, in particular by means of the at least one pressure sensor 42, in order in particular to establish an opening of the refrigerator door 26, a closing of the refrigerator door 26 and a door gap depending on the detected pressure. The evaluation unit 22 contains a computing unit and, in addition to the computing unit, a memory with an evaluation program stored therein for evaluation of the detected pressure, wherein the evaluation program is intended to be executed by the computing unit (not shown). The evaluation unit 22 is embodied in the present case as a microcontroller. The at least one evaluation unit 22 is further intended, by means of the detected position parameter of the refrigerator door 26, to establish an opening and a closing of the refrigerator door 26.

The refrigerator 12 has at least one control circuit board 60 for control of an ambient parameter, for example a temperature or an air humidity or a brightness level of a means of illumination, of the interior 18 of the refrigerator 12. The at least one control circuit board 60 is intended, as a function of a result of the evaluation of the detected pressure by means of the evaluation unit 22, to control the at least one ambient parameter. For example, the at least one control circuit board 60 is intended, in the presence of a detected opening of the refrigerator door 26, to switch on the means of illumination. The at least one pressure sensor 42 of the at least one sensor unit 16 is arranged on the control circuit board 60. The at least one evaluation unit 22 is arranged on the at least one control circuit board 60. The at least one pressure sensor 42 is connected for signaling and data transmission by means of the at least one control circuit board 60 to the at least one evaluation unit 22. The at least one control circuit board 60 is arranged in the evaporator area 50, in particular on the part of the rear wall 46 of the inner container 40 assigned to the evaporator area 50 facing towards it. The at least one door position sensor 58 for detecting the position parameter of the refrigerator door 26 is connected for signaling and data transmission by means of an electrical connection 62 between the at least one door position sensor 58 for detecting the position parameter of the refrigerator door 26 and the control circuit board 60, in particular of the at least one evaluation unit 22. The at least one control circuit board 60 has a housing 78 for protection of the at least one control circuit board 60. The at least one control circuit board 60 is arranged by means of a snap-in connection or by means of a plug-in connection or by means of a screw connection or by means of a glue connection on the rear wall 46 of the inner container 40.

The refrigerator 12 has at least one output unit, which is intended to report the detected door gap to the operator (not shown). The at least one output unit is intended to transfer the recognized door gap to the user by means of an audible signal and/or a visual signal. The at least one output unit has at least one output element. The at least one output element can be embodied as a loudspeaker and/or a touchscreen and/or as a signal light means. As an alternative or in addition it would be conceivable for the at least one output unit to be embodied as a wireless communication point for sending the audible signal to at least one external output unit (not shown). The at least one external unit is for example embodied as a mobile loudspeaker or as a mobile terminal (not shown), in order to inform the user about the door gap recognized.

The refrigerator 12 has a user interface (not shown). The user interface can be embodied as a touchscreen for operating the refrigerator 12. In particular the user interface is electrically connected to the control circuit board 60, in order for example to adjust a cooling power of the refrigerator 12 or a sensitivity of the evaluation of the pressure.

Just one of the objects that are present multiple times is provided with a reference number in the figures.

FIG. 2 shows a flow diagram of a method 10 for operation of the refrigerator 12 wherein, in at least one detection step 14, a pressure of the interior 18 of the refrigerator 12 is detected by means of the at least one sensor unit 16, in particular by means of the at least one pressure sensor 42, wherein the detected pressure is evaluated in at least one analysis step 20, in particular by means of the at least one evaluation unit 22 of the refrigerator 12, and wherein, in the at least one analysis step 20, a door gap is recognized, depending on the detected pressure, in particular by means of the evaluation unit 22 of the refrigerator 12.

In the at least one detection step 14 of the method 10 the pressure is detected in the present case with a sampling rate of 20 Hz. In the at least one detection step 14 an absolute pressure in the interior 18 of the refrigerator 12 is detected. As an alternative it is conceivable, in the at least one detection step 14, for a relative pressure or a differential pressure, in particular relative to the atmospheric pressure at the location of the refrigerator 12, to be detected.

In at least one calculation step 24 of the method 10 a moving average of the detected pressure is formed by means of the evaluation unit 22, in order to establish at least one pressure threshold value for establishing the door gap depending on the moving average of the detected pressure in ongoing operation of the refrigerator 12. In the calculation step 24 the moving average of the last three values of the detected pressure is formed. The moving average of the detected pressure formed in the at least one calculation step 24 is used as a reference value for establishing the at least one pressure threshold value in at least one pressure threshold determination step 36 of the method 10. Preferably each calculation step 24 is followed by an execution of the pressure threshold determination step 36, in order in particular to dynamically establish the at least one pressure threshold value depending on the moving average of the detected pressure. In the at least one pressure threshold determination step 36 at least one predetermined constant value is added to or subtracted from the moving average in order to establish the at least one pressure threshold value. As an alternative, in the at least one pressure threshold determination step 36, a percentage value of the moving average is established and added to the moving average or subtracted from the moving average, in order to establish the at least one pressure threshold value. As an alternative, in the at least one pressure threshold determination step 36, the moving average is multiplied by a predetermined factor, in order to establish the at least one pressure threshold value.

In the at least one analysis step 20 of the method 10 an opening of the refrigerator door 26 of the refrigerator 12 is recognized by means of the evaluation unit 22 when the detected pressure falls below an opening threshold value 28, in particular crosses it within a predetermined opening time interval. The opening threshold value 28 of the detected pressure is established in the at least one pressure threshold determination step 36 by means of the evaluation unit 22 depending on the moving average established in the calculation step 24. In the at least one pressure threshold establishment step 36 the opening threshold value 28, is defined as smaller, in particular by means of the evaluation unit 22, by at least 30 Pa than the moving average. The opening time interval is held in the memory of the evaluation unit 22. The opening time interval comprises a length of time of a maximum of 1 s.

In the at least one analysis step 20 of the method 10 a closing of the refrigerator door 26 is recognized by means of the at least one evaluation unit 22 when the detected pressure exceeds a closing threshold value 30, in particular crosses it within a closing time interval. The closing threshold value 30 is established in the at least one pressure threshold determination step 36 depending on the moving average of the detected pressure. The closing threshold value 30 is defined in the at least one pressure threshold determination step 36, in particular by means of the evaluation unit 22, as being at least 30 Pa greater than the moving average of the detected pressure. The closing time interval is held in the memory of the evaluation unit 22. The closing time interval comprises a length of time of a maximum of 1 s.

In the at least one analysis step 20 of the method 10 a door gap is recognized by means of the at least one evaluation unit 22 when the detected pressure exceeds an upper pressure threshold value 32 and at least essentially directly thereafter falls below a lower pressure threshold value 34. The door gap is recognized in the analysis step 20 when the detected pressure additionally crosses the upper pressure threshold value 32 within an upper time interval of a maximum of 0.75 s. The upper time interval is held in the memory of the evaluation unit 22. In the at least one analysis step 20 the door gap is recognized when the detected pressure additionally crosses the lower pressure threshold value 34 within a lower time interval of a maximum of 0.4 s. The lower time interval is held in the memory of the evaluation unit 22. The door gap is recognized when a maximum length of time of a maximum of 1 s lies between a point in time of the exceeding of the upper pressure threshold value 32 and a point in time of the falling below the lower pressure threshold value 34. In the at least one pressure threshold determination step 36 the upper pressure threshold value 32 is defined by means of the at least one evaluation unit 22 as being greater than the closing threshold value 30 for recognition of the closing of the refrigerator door 26 by at least 5 Pa. In the at least one pressure threshold determination step 36 the lower pressure threshold value 34 is set in the current case by means of the at least one evaluation unit 22 as equal to the moving average.

It is conceivable for a user, in an adjustment step, to be able to adjust the sensitivity of the recognition of the door gap and/or the opening of the refrigerator door 26 and/or the closing of the refrigerator door 26 depending on the pressure by means of the user interface (not shown). For example a user can choose in the adjustment step between a sensitive mode and a less sensitive mode, wherein the pressure threshold values established, for example the opening threshold value 28 and/or the upper pressure threshold value 32, and in particular the time intervals, for example the opening time interval and/or the upper time interval, are defined and/or established in accordance with values held in the memory of evaluation unit 22.

In at least one further detection step 38 of the method 10 a position parameter of the refrigerator door 26 is detected by means of the at least one sensor unit 16, in particular by means of the door position sensor 58 wherein, in the at least one analysis step 20, the door gap is recognized depending on the position parameter of the refrigerator door 26. In the at least one analysis step 20, depending on the detected position parameter of the refrigerator door 26, a position of the refrigerator door 26, in particular a state of the interior 18 closed by means of the refrigerator door 26 and an opened by means of the refrigerator door 26, in particular not closed off state of the interior 18, is established. In the at least one analysis step 20 the at least one evaluation unit 22 evaluates the detected position parameter of the refrigerator door 26, in particular the resistance signal of the door position sensor 58 embodied as a magneto-resistive sensor. If the refrigerator door 26 moves away from the body 44 during a process of opening the refrigerator door 26 or closer towards the body 44 during a process of closing the refrigerator door 26, this creates a change in resistance in the door position sensor 58 embodied as a magneto-resistive sensor. If the resistance detected by means of the at least one door position sensor 58 for detecting the position parameter of the refrigerator door 26 is greater than or equal to a resistance threshold value, in the analysis step 20, by means of the at least one evaluation unit 22 a closed state of the interior 18 by means of the refrigerator door 26 is established. The resistance threshold value is held in the memory of the at least one evaluation unit 22. If the resistance detected by means of the at least one door position sensor 58 for detecting the position parameter of the refrigerator door 26 is less than the resistance threshold value, an opened, in particular not closed off, state of the interior 18, by means of the refrigerator door 26, is established in the analysis step 20, by means of the at least one evaluation unit 22. In the at least one analysis step 20 a door gap is recognized depending on the detected pressure when, before this, an opened, in particular not closed off, state of the interior 18, by means of the refrigerator door 26 and a closed off state of the interior 18, by means of the refrigerator door 26, has been recognized, in particular in this order, by means of the evaluation of the detected position parameter.

FIG. 3 shows a time-pressure diagram for a description of two exemplary pressure curves 64 and 66 in the course of the method 10. The pressure curves 64 and 66 each describe an absolute pressure in the interior 18 of the refrigerator 12 over an axis 68 detected over a time by the at least one pressure sensor 42.

The pressure curves 64 and 66 start with an at least essentially constant identical pressure. The interior 18 is in a closed off state by means of the refrigerator door 26. In the at least one calculation step 24 of the method 10 a moving average of the detected pressure is established, in particular dynamically. An opening process is initiated by a user or a door opening unit of the refrigerator 12, cf. in particular area 70 of FIG. 3. In particular during the door opening process a pull force or push force is exerted on the refrigerator door 26 by means of the user or the door opening unit of the refrigerator 12 in order to open the refrigerator door 26. In particular, by means of the sealing element 56 of the refrigerator 12, preferably before the sealing element 56 is released from the refrigerator door 26, a volume of the interior 18 increases by means of an expansion of the sealing element 56, whereby a fall in pressure arises in the interior 18. In area 70 of the pressure curves 64 and 66 a change in pressure, in particular a vacuum, is detected by means of the at least one pressure sensor 42. The detected pressure of the pressure curves 64 and 66 falls below an opening threshold value 28 in the area 70 that, depending on the moving average in the at least one pressure threshold determination step 36 of the method 10, is established by means of the at least one evaluation unit 22. In the at least one pressure threshold determination step 36 the opening threshold value 28 is defined as smaller by 50 Pa than the moving average. In particular the detected pressure rises again when the sealing element 56 releases from the refrigerator door 26, until the detected pressure corresponds to the ambient pressure. In particular the detected pressure of the pressure curves 64 and 66 crosses the opening threshold value 28 within an opening time interval of a maximum of 1 s. In the at least one analysis step 20 of the method the at least one evaluation unit 22 detects an opening of the refrigerator door 26 for the area 70 of the pressure curves 64 and 66.

In the further detection step 38 of the method 10 the at least one sensor unit detects a position parameter of the refrigerator door 26. In the at least one analysis step 20, at a point in time 72, which in particular is later in time than the detected change in pressure at point in time 70, an open, in particular not closed, state of the interior 18 of the refrigerator 12, by means of the refrigerator door 26, is recognized.

The interior 18 is in an opened in particular not closed off, state, by means of the refrigerator door 26. The detected pressure in the opened state of the interior by means of the refrigerator door 26 corresponds in particular to the ambient pressure of the refrigerator 12. A closing process is initiated by a user, see further area 74 of FIG. 3. At a further point in time 76 the evaluation unit 22, in the at least one analysis step 20, recognizes by means of an evaluation of the at least one position parameter of the refrigerator door 26, in particular at a time before a significant change of the detected pressure, caused by the closing process, a closed state of the interior 18, by means of the refrigerator door 26. In particular during the closing process of the refrigerator door 26, a push force is exerted on the refrigerator door 26 by means of the user of the refrigerator 12 in order to close the refrigerator door 26. In particular at a point in time in which the sealing element 56 of the refrigerator 12 comes into contact with the refrigerator door 26, a volume of the interior 18 is reduced by means of a compression of the sealing element 56, whereby an increase in pressure arises in the interior 18. In the further area 74 of the pressure curve 64 a change in pressure, in particular an overpressure, is detected by means of the at least one pressure sensor 42. The detected pressure of the pressure curve 64 in the further area 74 exceeds a closing threshold value 30, which is established depending on the moving average in the at least one pressure threshold determination step 36 by means of the at least one evaluation unit 22. In the at least one pressure threshold determination step 36 the closing threshold value 30 is defined as greater by 30 Pa than the moving average. In particular the detected pressure falls again when the sealing element 56 returns to its original shape. In particular the detected pressure of the pressure curve 64 in the further area 74 crosses the closing threshold value 30 within a closing time interval of a maximum of 1 s. The detected pressure of the pressure curve 64 in the further area 74 however does not exceed an upper pressure threshold value 32, which is defined in the at least one pressure threshold determination step 36 by means of the at least one evaluation unit as 30 Pa higher than the closing threshold value 30. Through this, in the at least one analysis step 20 for the pressure curve 64 in the area 74, only a closing of the refrigerator door 26, in particular no door gap, is recognized.

The detected pressure of the pressure curve 66, in the further area 74, exceeds the upper threshold value 32. In particular the detected pressure of the pressure curve 66 in the further area 74, crosses the upper threshold value 32 within an upper time interval of a maximum of 0.75 s. Further, the detected pressure of the pressure curve 66 in the further area 74 falls below a lower threshold value 34, which, depending on the moving average, is determined in the at least one pressure threshold determination step 36 by means of the at least one evaluation unit 22. In the at least one pressure threshold establishment step 36 the lower pressure threshold value 34 is defined as equal to the moving average of the detected pressure. Falling below the lower threshold value 34 follows at least essentially directly after the exceeding of the upper pressure threshold value 32, in particular within a length of time of a maximum of 1 s. In particular the detected pressure of the pressure curve 66, in the further area 74, crosses the lower pressure threshold value 34 within a lower time interval of a maximum of 0.4 s. Through this, in the at least one analysis step 20, a door gap is recognized for the pressure curve 66 in the further area 74.

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

10 Method

12 Refrigerator

14 Detection step

16 Sensor unit

18 Interior

20 Analysis step

22 Evaluation unit

24 Calculation step

26 Refrigerator door

28 Opening threshold value

30 Closing threshold value

32 Upper pressure threshold value

34 Lower pressure threshold value

36 Pressure threshold determination step

38 Further detection step

40 Inner container

42 Pressure sensor

44 Body

46 Rear wall

48 Storage area

50 Evaporator area

52 Dividing element

54 Evaporator

56 Sealing element

58 Door position sensor

60 Control circuit board

62 Electrical connection

64 Pressure curve

66 Pressure curve

68 Axis

70 Area

72 Point in time

74 Further area

76 Further point in time

78 Housing