METHOD FOR OPERATING A REFRIGERATOR AND REFRIGERATOR

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 119, of German Patent Application DE 102024209 856.6, 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 from German Patent Application DE 102014203683 A1, corresponding to U.S. Patent No. 9,726,421 B2, wherein, in at least one detection step, in particular by using 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 using at least one evaluation unit of the refrigerator, and an opening of the refrigerator door of the refrigerator is initiated depending a result of the analysis step.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a method for operating a refrigerator and a refrigerator, which overcome the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known methods and devices of this general type and which achieve, but are not restricted to, providing improved characteristics with respect to user convenience and/or efficient use.

With the foregoing and other objects in view there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a method for operation of a refrigerator wherein, in at least one detection step, a pressure in at least one interior of the refrigerator is detected by at least one sensor unit of the refrigerator, in at least one analysis step, the detected pressure is evaluated by at least one evaluation unit of the refrigerator and, depending on a result of the at least one analysis step, a door opening step for opening at least one refrigerator door is initiated.

Advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention can be taken from the subclaims.

It is proposed that the at least one analysis step is initiated when the detected pressure exceeds an activation threshold value wherein, in the at least one analysis step, the course of a pressure above an opening threshold value different from the activation threshold value is evaluated.

Such an embodiment of the method for operating the refrigerator advantageously enables highly efficient use, in particular a high energy efficiency, to be provided. An advantageously low average computing power of the evaluation unit can be provided, since in particular the evaluation unit does not have to analyze the pressure detected all the time, but merely when the pressure detected fulfills predetermined conditions. An advantageously precise establishment of a user’s desire to open the door can further be made possible, whereby in particular an advantageously high level of user convenience can be provided.

Preferably a change in pressure is created by a movement of the at least one refrigerator door of the refrigerator, in particular by a user of the refrigerator. Advantageously the change in pressure is created by a pressure force exerted by the user on the at least one refrigerator door. Preferably, in the at least one detection step, an absolute pressure in the at least one interior of the refrigerator is detected by the at least one sensor unit. As an alternative it is conceivable for a relative pressure or a differential pressure, in particular relative to the atmospheric pressure at the location of the refrigerator, to be detected in the at least one detection step.

In the at least one door opening step of the method the at least one refrigerator door is preferably moved by at least one door opening unit of the refrigerator from a closed position of the refrigerator door to an opened, in particular non-closed, position of the refrigerator door. A “closed position” of the at least one refrigerator door is to be understood in particular as the at least one refrigerator door closing off the at least one interior of the refrigerator to make a seal, in particular in relation to external ambient air of the refrigerator. An “opened position” of the at least one refrigerator door is in particular to be understood as the at least one refrigerator door not closing off the at least one interior to make a seal. In particular in the at least one door opening step the at least one refrigerator door is opened by the at least one door opening unit far enough for a user to be able to open the at least one refrigerator door further, preferably without a specific grip element.

Preferably the activation threshold value is held in a memory unit of the evaluation unit and/or in a memory unit of the sensor unit. Preferably, in at least one comparison step of the method, in particular by the at least one sensor unit or a comparator connected between the at least one sensor unit and the at least one evaluation unit, the detected pressure is compared with the activation threshold value. Preferably, depending on an exceeding of the activation threshold value of the detected pressure recognized in the at least one comparison step, an activation signal for initiating the at least one analysis step is sent to the at least one evaluation unit. Preferably the opening threshold value is held in the at least one memory unit of the evaluation unit. Preferably the opening threshold value is greater than the activation threshold value.

Preferably, in at least one further detection step, in particular by at least one further sensor of the refrigerator, at least one position parameter of the at least one refrigerator door is detected. Preferably, in at least one interior state establishment step of the method, in particular by the at least one evaluation unit or control electronics of the at least one further sensor, an opened state by the at least one refrigerator door and/or a closed state of the at least one interior by the at least one refrigerator door is recognized depending on the detected position parameter of the at least one refrigerator door. In particular an open signal or a closed signal is sent to the at least one evaluation unit depending on the detected position parameter of the at least one refrigerator door. For example the at least one position parameter of the at least one refrigerator door includes an angle detected between the at least one refrigerator door relative to an attachment axis of the at least one refrigerator door on at least one body of the refrigerator and to the at least one body or a distance detected of an in particular parallel edge, in particular a door frame, lying opposite the attachment axis, of the at least one refrigerator door to the at least one body or a door contact status of a contact switch or magnetic switch or a resistance or a capacitance. An opened state of the at least one interior by the at least one refrigerator door can be recognized in the at least one interior state establishment step when for example an angle of 10° detected between the at least one refrigerator door relative to the attachment axis of the at least one refrigerator door on the at least one body and the at least one body amounts to greater than or equal to 10° or a resistance signal detected by the at least one sensor corresponds in particular by at least 70%, advantageously by at least 80%, preferably by at least 90% to an original resistance value. In particular, in the at least one interior state establishment step, a closed state of the at least one interior by the at least one refrigerator door can be recognized by the at least one evaluation unit when for example the detected angle is less than 10° or the resistance signal detected by the at least one sensor is smaller than 70%, advantageously smaller than 80%, preferably smaller than 90% by comparison with the original resistance value.

It is conceivable for a pressure reference value to be held in the memory unit of the at least one evaluation unit. Preferably the pressure reference value is defined in at least one pressure reference establishment step of the method, in particular by the at least one evaluation unit and/or the at least one sensor unit, as an atmospheric pressure at the location of the refrigerator. In particular the atmospheric pressure at the location of the refrigerator is only detected when the opened state of the at least one interior by the at least one refrigerator door is recognized depending on the detected position parameter of the at least one refrigerator door in the at least one interior state establishment step. Advantageously the pressure reference value is established in the at least one pressure reference establishment step by formation of an average value of the detected pressures over a period of time of at least 1 s, especially advantageously of at least 3 s, preferably of at least 5 s, especially preferably of at least 10 s. In particular the average value of the detected pressure is only established when the closed state of the at least one interior by the at least one refrigerator door is recognized depending on the detected position parameter of the at least one refrigerator door in the at least one interior state establishment step. It is conceivable for the at least one pressure reference establishment step for defining the pressure reference value to be carried out once after an initial commissioning of the refrigerator at the location or once per day, for example every 24 hours. Preferably the at least one pressure reference establishment step is carried out at least once per hour, advantageously at least once every 10 minutes, especially advantageously at least once every 1 minute, preferably at least once every 30 seconds, in order to update the pressure reference value. Preferably, in at least one pressure threshold value establishment step of the method, the activation threshold value and/or the opening threshold value is defined depending on the pressure reference value. It is conceivable for the at least one pressure threshold value establishment step for defining the activation threshold values and/or the opening threshold value to be carried out once after an initial commissioning of the refrigerator at its location or once per day, for example every 24 hours. Preferably the at least one pressure threshold value establishment step is carried out at least once an hour, advantageously at least once every 10 minutes, especially advantageously at least once every 1 minute, preferably at least once every 30 seconds, in order to update the activation threshold value and/or the opening threshold value. Preferably each pressure reference establishment step is followed by an execution of the at least one pressure threshold value establishment step, in order in particular to establish the activation threshold value and/or the opening threshold value depending on the pressure reference value.

Preferably, in the at least one analysis step, depending on the course of the pressure above the opening threshold value, a desire to open the door is recognized. A desire to open the door is to be understood in particular as a detected state, which shows that the at least one refrigerator door of the refrigerator is to be opened by the door opening unit. Preferably the at least one door opening step is initiated depending on a desire to open the door recognized in the at least one analysis step, in particular by the evaluation of the pressure course above the opening threshold value. It is conceivable for the at least one door opening step to be initiated with a time delay of preferably a maximum of 5 s, advantageously a maximum of 4 s, especially advantageously a maximum of 3 s, preferably a maximum of 2 s, especially preferably a maximum of 1 s, after a desire to open the door has been recognized in the at least one analysis step.

It is further proposed that the activation threshold value is defined in at least one pressure threshold value establishment step, in particular the one mentioned above, in particular by the at least one evaluation unit and/or by the at least one sensor unit, as being at least 2 Pa higher than a pressure reference value, in particular the one mentioned above. Such an embodiment enables a risk of an unnecessary initiation of the analysis step to be kept advantageously low, whereby in particular an advantageously high energy efficiency and/or an advantageously high level of user convenience can be made possible. Advantageously the activation threshold value is defined in the at least one pressure threshold value establishment step as being higher by at least 3 Pa, especially advantageously by at least 4 Pa, preferably by at least 5 Pa than the pressure reference value. Preferably the activation threshold value is defined in the at least one pressure threshold value establishment step as being higher by a maximum of 8 Pa, advantageously by a maximum of 10 Pa than the pressure reference value.

It is furthermore proposed that the opening threshold value is defined in at least one pressure threshold value establishment step, in particular the one mentioned above, in particular by the at least one evaluation unit, as being at least 2 Pa higher than the activation threshold value. Such an embodiment advantageously enables a risk of an incorrect establishment of a desire to open the door to be kept low, whereby in particular an advantageously higher level of user convenience can be made possible. Advantageously the opening threshold value is defined in the at least one pressure threshold value establishment step as being higher by at least 3 Pa, especially advantageously by at least 4 Pa, preferably by at least 5 Pa, than the activation threshold value. Preferably the opening threshold value is defined in the at least one pressure threshold value establishment step as being higher by a maximum of 8 Pa, advantageously by a maximum of 10 Pa greater than the activation threshold value.

It is further proposed that, in at least one pressure reference establishment step, in particular the one mentioned above, a moving average of the detected pressure is formed, in particular by the at least one evaluation unit and/or by the at least one sensor unit, in order to update the opening threshold value and/or the activation threshold value depending on the moving average of the detected pressure during ongoing operation of the refrigerator. Such an embodiment enables an influence of for example a change of temperature in the interior of the refrigerator advantageously to be taken into account during the evaluation of the detected pressure. Further a risk of an incorrect establishment of a desire to open the door can advantageously be kept low. Preferably the moving average formed in the at least one pressure reference establishment step as the pressure reference value is used for establishing the activation threshold value and/or the opening threshold value. Preferably, in the at least one pressure reference establishment step, the moving average of preferably 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 the at least one evaluation unit. Preferably the at least one pressure reference establishment step for forming the moving average of the detected pressure is only carried out by the at least one evaluation unit when a closed state of the interior by the refrigerator door is recognized depending on the detected position parameter of the refrigerator door in the at least one interior state establishment step. Preferably each pressure reference establishment step is followed by an execution of the at least one pressure threshold value establishment step, in order in particular to dynamically establish the activation threshold value and/or the opening threshold value depending on the moving average of the detected pressure.

It is further proposed that the at least one door opening step for opening the at least one refrigerator door of the refrigerator is in particular initiated by the at least one evaluation unit when, in the at least one analysis step, at least one pressure value above the opening threshold value is detected. Such an embodiment enables a fast, efficient reaction to be made possible since a user’s desire to open the door is in particular able to be recognized advantageously quickly. A “pressure value above the opening threshold value” is in particular to be understood as a pressure value greater than or equal to the opening threshold value. Preferably the at least one door opening step is initiated, in particular by the at least one evaluation unit, when, in the at least one analysis step, at least two, advantageously at least three, pressure values above the opening threshold value are detected. Preferably the at least one door opening step is initiated, in particular by the at least one evaluation unit when, in the at least one analysis step, precisely one pressure value above the opening threshold value is detected.

It is furthermore proposed that the at least one door opening step for opening the at least one refrigerator door of the refrigerator is initiated, in particular by the at least one evaluation unit, is advantageously only initiated when, in particular additionally, a period of time between a point in time at which the opening threshold value is exceeded and a point in time at which the opening threshold value has fallen below of a minimum of 0.1 s and/or a maximum of 2 s is detected. Such an embodiment advantageously enables a risk of a desire to open the door being incorrectly established to be kept low, whereby in particular an advantageously high level of user convenience is made possible. In particular measurement artefacts caused for example by changes in temperature in the interior of the refrigerator or environmental influences, in particular a closing of a door or of a window in the vicinity of the location of the refrigerator, fast or slow fluctuations in pressure can advantageously be taken into account during a recognition of a desire to open the door. Preferably the at least one door opening step for opening the at least one refrigerator door of the refrigerator is initiated when the period of time between a point in time at which the opening threshold value is exceeded and a point in time at which the opening threshold value has fallen below of a minimum of 0.1 s and a maximum of 2 s, especially advantageously a maximum of 1 s, preferably a maximum of 0.8 s, especially preferably a maximum of 0.6 s, advantageously a maximum of 1,5 s, is detected.

It is further proposed that the at least one door opening step for opening the at least one refrigerator door of the refrigerator, is in particular only initiated when, in the at least one analysis step, in particular additionally, an increase, in particular in terms of amount, between at least two pressure values above the opening threshold value of a minimum of 25 Pa/s and/or a maximum of 150 Pa/s is detected. Such an embodiment enables a risk of false-positive evaluations of the pressure for recognizing a desire to open a door, for example caused by changes in pressure within the interior that are too slow or too fast, to be kept advantageously low. This enables an advantageously high level of user convenience to be made possible. Preferably the at least one door opening step for opening the at least one refrigerator door of the refrigerator is in particular only initiated when, in the at least one analysis step, an increase, in particular in terms of amount, between at least three, advantageously at least four pressure values above the opening threshold value of a minimum of 25 Pa/s and/or a maximum of 150 Pa/s is detected.

It is further proposed that the at least one door opening step for opening the at least one refrigerator door of the refrigerator, is in particular only initiated when, in the at least one analysis step, in particular additionally, a maximum amplitude, in particular relative to a pressure reference value, of the detected pressure of a maximum of 70 Pa is detected. Such an embodiment enables a risk of false-positive evaluations of the pressure for recognition of a desire to open the door, for example caused by measurement artifacts during pressure detection or a misuse of the refrigerator, in particular an application of too hard a pressure force on the refrigerator door, to be kept advantageously low. This enables an advantageously high user convenience to be made possible. Preferably the pressure reference value of the pressure reference value formed in the at least one pressure reference establishment step is in particular the moving average of the detected pressure. As an alternative the pressure reference value can be the opening threshold value or the activation threshold value. A “maximum amplitude” is in particular to be understood as a maximum absolute difference between the detected pressure and the pressure reference value. Preferably the maximum amplitude includes a value of a maximum of 60 Pa, advantageously a maximum of 55 Pa, preferably a maximum of 50 Pa.

It is furthermore proposed that the at least one door opening step for opening the at least one refrigerator door of the refrigerator is initiated, in particular by the at least one evaluation unit, when, in the at least one analysis step, at least two at least substantially directly consecutive instances of the opening threshold value being exceeded are detected. Such an embodiment advantageously enables a risk of an incorrect establishment of a desire to open the door to be kept low, since in particular the detected pressure for recognizing a desire to open the door must have a prespecified pattern. This enables an advantageously high level of user convenience to be made possible. “A first event substantially immediately being followed by a second event in time” is in particular to be understood as a maximum period of time of preferably a maximum of 3 s, advantageously a maximum of 2 s, preferably a maximum of 1 s and especially preferably a maximum of 0.5 s lying between the first and the second event in time. In particular the detected pressure between two instances of the opening threshold value being exceeded must fall below the opening threshold value at least once. It is conceivable for the at least one door opening step for opening the at least one refrigerator door of the refrigerator to be initiated when, in the at least one analysis step, precisely three or four or five instances at least following directly on from one another of the opening threshold value being exceeded are detected. Preferably the at least one door opening step for opening the at least one refrigerator door of the refrigerator is initiated when, in the at least one analysis step, precisely two instances at least of the opening threshold value being exceeded are detected.

It is further proposed that the pressure in the at least one detection step is detected with a sampling rate of at least 15 Hz. Such an embodiment advantageously enables the pressure for recognition of the desire to open the door to be precisely analyzed, whereby in particular an advantageously high level of user convenience is made possible. Preferably the pressure in the at least one detection step is detected with a sampling rate of at least 50 Hz, advantageously of at least 100 Hz, especially advantageously of at least 150 Hz, preferably of at least 200 Hz, especially preferably of at least 240 Hz. Preferably, in the at least one detection step, the pressure is detected with a sampling rate of a maximum of 1000 Hz, advantageously a maximum of 750 Hz, especially advantageously a maximum of 500 Hz, preferably a maximum of 250 Hz.

With the objects of the invention in view, there is concomitantly provided a refrigerator, in particular the one mentioned above, for carrying out the method described above, with at least one inner container, which delimits the at least one interior, the at least one refrigerator door for closing off the at least one interior, at least one door opening unit, in particular the one mentioned above, for automatic opening of the at least one refrigerator door, at least one control unit for controlling the at least one door opening unit, the at least one evaluation unit for evaluating the detected pressure, and the sensor unit, which has at least one pressure sensor for detection of the pressure of the interior.

Advantageously the refrigerator is intended, in at least one operating state, to cool stored goods, for example food, such as in particular drinks, meat, fish, 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 longer 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.

“Intended” is to be understood in particular as specifically programmed, configured 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 state and/or operating state.

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

A “door opening unit” is in particular to be understood as a unit for automatically at least partly opening the at least one refrigerator door of the refrigerator. Preferably the door opening unit embodies at least a part, in particular a submodule, of the refrigerator.

Preferably the at least one door opening unit includes at least one drive unit. Preferably the at least one drive unit is embodied as an electrical drive unit. Preferably the at least one drive unit includes at least one electric motor. Preferably the at least one drive unit includes at least one gear. Preferably the at least one door opening unit for opening the at least one refrigerator door includes at least at least one bar able to be driven by a drive unit.

Preferably the at least one bar is embodied in the form of bar. In particular a length of the at least one bar is greater than a width and a height of the bar. Preferably the at least one bar has a circular cross section. As an alternative it is conceivable for the bar to have a rectangular or oval or elliptical cross section. Preferably the at least one bar, in a main direction of extension of the at least one bar, takes the form of a straight line. As an alternative it is conceivable for the at least one bar to have a curvature or bend as regards the main direction of extension of the at least one bar. For example the at least one bar is embodied from a metal and/or a plastic and/or a glass and/or a composite material.

A “main direction of extension” of an object is to be understood in this case in particular as a direction that runs parallel to a longest edge of the smallest geometrical cube that just still encloses the object completely.

Preferably the at least one door opening unit has at least one housing unit. Preferably the at least one drive unit is disposed at least partly, advantageously to at least a large part completely, preferably completely, within of the at least one housing unit on the at least one door opening unit. The expression “at least to a large part completely” is in this case as in particular at least 55 %, advantageously at least 65 %, preferably at least 75 %, especially preferably at least 85 % and especially advantageously at least 95 % completely. Preferably the at least one drive unit is intended to drive the at least one bar, in particular at least partly, out of and/or into at least one housing unit.

The at least one door opening unit is preferably at least partly, in particular completely, disposed within a space delimited by the at least one body and the at least one inner container of the refrigerator. As an alternative it is conceivable for the at least one door opening unit to be disposed at least partly on the at least one body, in particular on the outer housing of the refrigerator,. As an alternative it is likewise conceivable for the door opening unit to be disposed at least partly, in particular completely, within at least one refrigerator door, or on the at least one refrigerator door, in particular on a side of the at least one refrigerator door facing towards the at least one interior of the refrigerator.

The at least one evaluation unit is preferably intended for evaluating the pressure detected by the at least one sensor unit, in particular by the at least one pressure sensor, in order in particular to recognize a desire to open the door depending on the pressure detected. Preferably the at least one evaluation unit includes at least one computing unit and in particular, in addition to the at least one computing unit, at least one memory unit with an evaluation program stored therein for evaluating the pressure detected, in particular in accordance with the method described above. Preferably the evaluation program is intended to be executed by the at least one computing unit. Preferably the at least one sensor unit and the at least one evaluation unit are connected to one another for signaling purposes, in order in particular to provide an exchange of data.

Preferably the at least one evaluation unit is part of the at least one control unit for control of the at least one door opening unit. It is conceivable for the at least one evaluation unit to form the at least one control unit at least partly, in particular completely. A “control unit” is in particular to be understood as a unit with at least one electronic control device. The at least one control unit in this case can basically also be embodied as a regulation unit. An electronic control device is to be understood in particular as a device with at least one computing unit, in particular the one mentioned above, in particular a processor unit, and with at least one memory unit, in particular the one mentioned above, as well as with a control program stored in the memory unit. Basically the at least one control and/or regulation unit can have a number of control devices connected to one another, which are preferably intended to communicate with one another over a bus system or over a suitable wired data transmission system or over another data transmission system, such as in particular a wireless data transmission system. The at least one control unit is preferably at least intended to control and/or to regulate the at least one door opening unit. It is conceivable for the at least one control unit to be intended to control and/or to regulate a number of components of the refrigerator, for example an activation of a device for illumination of the refrigerator or an activation of a compressor of the refrigerator. Preferably the at least one control unit has a control circuit board, on which in particular the at least one computing unit and the at least one memory unit are disposed. Advantageously the at least one evaluation unit is disposed on the control circuit board of the at least one control unit.

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

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 within the at least one interior of the refrigerator. The at least one pressure sensor is preferably embodied as a barometric pressure sensor. Preferably the pressure sensor is embodied as an MEMS-based barometric pressure sensor. As an alternative however it would likewise be conceivable for the at least one pressure sensor to be embodied as a piezoresistive pressure sensor or as a capacitive pressure sensor or as a resonant pressure sensor or as an optical pressure sensor or as a ceramic pressure sensor. Preferably the at least one sensor unit, in particular the at least one pressure sensor, is connected electrically to the at least one evaluation unit, in order in particular to transfer the detected pressure to the at least one evaluation unit. Preferably the at least one pressure sensor includes control electronics. The control electronics of the at least one pressure sensor is in particular intended to compare the pressure detected with the activation threshold value. In particular the control electronics of the at least one pressure sensor is intended to send an activation signal, in particular the one mentioned above, to the at least one evaluation unit when the detected pressure exceeds the activation threshold value, in order in particular to initiate the analysis step for evaluation of the pressure detected. As an alternative it is conceivable for the refrigerator to include a comparator, which is disposed in the circuit between the at least one pressure sensor and the at least one evaluation unit. Preferably the comparator is intended to compare the pressure detected with the activation threshold value and, depending on a recognition that the activation threshold value has been exceeded, to send the activation signal to the at least one evaluation unit, in order in particular to initiate the at least one analysis step for evaluation of the pressure detected.

Preferably the at least one pressure sensor is disposed within the at least one interior. Advantageously the at least one pressure sensor is disposed indirectly or directly on a side of the at least one wall of the at least one inner container facing towards an interior. Advantageously the at least one pressure sensor is disposed on an electronic unit of the refrigerator. Preferably the at least one pressure sensor is disposed on the control circuit board of the at least one control unit.

Preferably the refrigerator has at least one sensor for detecting a position parameter of the at least one refrigerator door. The at least one sensor for detecting a position parameter of the at least one refrigerator door is preferably embodied as a magneto-resistive sensor. As an alternative it is conceivable for the at least one sensor for detecting a position parameter of the at least one refrigerator door to be embodied as a Hall effect sensor or as an infrared sensor or as a capacitive proximity sensor or as an inductive proximity sensor or as a rotation angle sensor or as an ultrasound sensor or as a contact switch. In particular the at least one sensor for detecting the position parameter of the at least one refrigerator door is connected for signaling purposes to the at least one evaluation unit.

The inventive method for operation of the inventive refrigerator and the inventive refrigerator is not to be restricted here to the application and form of embodiment described above. In particular the inventive method for operating the inventive refrigerator and the inventive refrigerator, for fulfilling a mode of operation described herein, can have a number of units and/or method steps differing from the number of elements, components, units and/or method steps 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 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 a diagrammatic, perspective view of an inventive refrigerator;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, diagrammatic, sectional view of the inventive refrigerator;

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of an inventive method for operation of the inventive refrigerator;

FIG. 4 is an example of a pressure-time diagram of a detected pressure course as part of the inventive method;

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of an alternative method for operating the inventive refrigerator; and

FIG. 6 is an example of a pressure-time diagram of a detected pressure course as part of the alternative 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 seen a diagrammatic illustration of an inventive refrigerator 12a. In the present case the refrigerator 12a is embodied as an upright refrigerator. As an alternative however other embodiments of the refrigerator 12a would also be conceivable, such as for example as an upright freezer or as a chest freezer.

The refrigerator 12a has at least one body 44a. The at least one body 44a forms an outer housing of the refrigerator 12a. The refrigerator 12a has at least one inner container 36a. The at least one inner container 36a delimits at least one interior 18a of the refrigerator 12a. The at least one inner container 36a is accommodated in the at least one body 44a. In the present case the at least one inner container 36a and the at least one body 44a are embodied separately from one another. The refrigerator 12a has at least one refrigerator door 26a for closing off the interior 18a. The at least one inner container 36a has a plurality of walls. The inner container 36a has a rear wall, which in particular is disposed opposite an opening of the body 44a able to be closed off by the refrigerator door 26a. The inner container 36a further has a base wall 46a, a ceiling wall, a side wall 48a and a further side wall. The at least one interior 18a is delimited by the walls of the at least one inner container 36a. In the present case the at least one inner container 36a is at least partly, in particular completely, embodied from at least one plastic. As an alternative however it would also be conceivable, for the at least one inner container 36a to be embodied at least partly, in particular completely, from a metal or from a composite material. Inserted into a space between the at least one body 44a, in particular the outer housing, and the at least one inner container 36a, in particular the walls of the inner container 36a, is a thermally insulating material, in particular a thermally insulating foam, (not shown).

The at least one interior 18a of the refrigerator 12a has a storage area 52a. The storage area 52a is intended to accommodate and to cool stored goods, for example food, placed by a user in the at least one storage area. The refrigerator 12a has at least one coolant circuit for cooling the interior 18a of the refrigerator 12a (not shown).

The at least one refrigerator door 26a is intended to counteract, in particular to prevent, an escape of heat or cold or fluids from the at least one interior 18a of the refrigerator 12a or an entry of dust or foreign bodies into the at least one interior 18a, in particular into the storage area 52a, of the refrigerator 12a.

The refrigerator 12a has at least one hinge element (not shown). The at least one refrigerator door 26a is connected by the at least one hinge element to the at least one body 44a. The at least one hinge element defines an attachment axis, in particular a pivot axis, for opening and/or closing the refrigerator door 26a.

The refrigerator 12a has at least one magnetic sealing element 54a (cf. FIG. 2). In the present case the at least one magnetic sealing element 54a is disposed on the at least one refrigerator door 26a. The at least one sealing element 54a is intended to seal the at least one refrigerator door 26a of the at least one interior 18a of the refrigerator 12a from a space located outside the refrigerator 12a. The at least one magnetic sealing element 54a is intended, in particular in a closed state of the at least one interior 18a by the at least one refrigerator door 26a, to achieve a leakage rate below a limit value specifically defined for the refrigerator 12a embodied as an upright refrigerator, in order for example to comply with the ISO 15502 or EN 62552 standard.

The refrigerator 12a includes at least one door opening unit 38a. The at least one door opening unit 38a has at least one drive unit 56a (cf. FIG. 2). In the present case the at least one drive unit 56a is embodied as an electric drive unit. The at least one drive unit 56a includes an electric motor (not shown). The at least one drive unit 56a includes at least one gear (not shown).

The at least one door opening unit 38a is disposed at least partly within the space 50a between the at least one body 44a of the refrigerator 12a and the at least one inner container 36a, in particular the base wall 46a of the at least one inner container 36a, of the refrigerator 12a (cf. FIG. 2). As an alternative it would likewise be conceivable for the at least one door opening unit 38a to be disposed at least partly on the at least one body 44a, in particular on the external housing of the refrigerator 12a. As an alternative it would however also be conceivable for the at least one door opening unit 38a to be disposed in the space 50a between the at least one body 44a and a side wall of the inner container 36a or a ceiling wall of the inner container 36a. As an alternative it would further be conceivable for the at least one door opening unit 38a to be disposed on or at least partly within the at least one refrigerator door 26a.

The at least one door opening unit 38a, for opening the at least one refrigerator door 26a includes at least one bar 58a able to be driven by the at least one drive unit 56a. The at least one door opening unit 38a has at least one housing unit (not shown). The at least one bar 58a is disposed at least partly within the at least one housing unit. It would be conceivable for the at least one bar 58a to be disposed, in a completely retracted state, completely within the housing unit. The at least one drive unit 56a is intended to drive the at least one bar 58a, in particular at least partly, into and/or out of at least one housing unit.

The refrigerator 12a includes at least one sensor unit 16a (cf. FIG. 2). In the present case the at least one sensor unit 16s includes at least one pressure sensor for detection of a pressure of the at least one interior 18a of the refrigerator 12a (not shown). In the present case the at least one pressure sensor is embodied as a MEMS-based barometric pressure sensor. The at least one pressure sensor of the at least one sensor unit 16a is intended to detect an absolute air pressure within the interior 18a of the refrigerator 12a. As an alternative it would however likewise be conceivable for the at least one pressure sensor to be embodied as a piezoresistive pressure sensor or as a capacitive pressure sensor or as a resonant pressure sensor or as an optical pressure sensor or as a ceramic pressure sensor.

The refrigerator 12a includes at least one control unit 40a for control of the at least one door opening unit 38a (cf. FIG. 2). It is conceivable for the at least one control unit 40a to be additionally intended to control and/or to regulate a number of components of the refrigerator 12a, for example an activation of a device for illumination of the refrigerator 12a or an activation of the at least one coolant circuit of the refrigerator 12a. The at least one control unit 40a includes a control circuit board (not shown). The at least one control unit 40a of the refrigerator 12a is disposed on a wall facing towards the at least one interior 18a, in the present case on the side wall 48a, of the at least one inner container 36a of the refrigerator 12a. In particular the refrigerator 12a has at least one screening element, in order to hide the at least one control unit 40a optically for a user and/or protect it (not shown).

The refrigerator 12a includes at least one evaluation unit 22a. The at least one evaluation unit 22a is intended to evaluate the pressure detected by the at least one pressure sensor. In the present case the at least one evaluation unit 22a is a part of the at least one control unit 40a of the refrigerator 12a. The at least one evaluation unit 22a is disposed on the control circuit board of the at least one control unit 40a. The at least one sensor unit 16a, in particular the at least one pressure sensor, is disposed on the control circuit board of the at least one control unit 40a. The at least one evaluation unit 22a is intended to evaluate the pressure detected by the at least one sensor unit 16a, in particular by the at least one pressure sensor, in order in particular to recognize a desire to open the door depending on the detected pressure. The at least one evaluation unit 22a includes a computing unit and in particular, in addition to the computing unit, a memory unit with an evaluation program stored therein for evaluating the detected pressure, which is intended to be carried out by the computing unit (not shown). The at least one evaluation unit 22a is embodied as a microcontroller for example. The at least one sensor unit 16a, in particular the at least one pressure sensor, is electrically connected to the at least one evaluation unit 22a, in order in particular to transfer the detected pressure to the at least one evaluation unit 22a. The at least one sensor unit 16a, in particular the at least one pressure sensor, is electrically connected by the control circuit board of the at least one control unit 40a to the at least one evaluation unit 22a.

The at least one pressure sensor of the at least one sensor unit 16a has control electronics (not shown). The control electronics of the at least one pressure sensor is intended to compare the detected pressure with a predetermined pressure threshold value, in particular an activation threshold value 28a. The control electronics of the at least one pressure sensor is further intended to send an activation signal to the at least one evaluation unit 22a when the detected pressure exceeds the predetermined pressure threshold value, in particular the activation threshold value 28a.

The refrigerator 12a has at least one sensor 60a for detecting a position parameter of the at least one refrigerator door 26a. In the present example the at least one sensor 60a for detecting the position parameter of the at least one refrigerator door 26a is embodied as a magneto-resistive sensor. As an alternative it is conceivable for the at least one sensor 60a for detecting the position parameters of the at least one refrigerator door 26a to be embodied 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. In particular the at least one sensor 60a for detection of the position parameter the refrigerator door 26a is connected for signaling purposes to the at least one evaluation unit 22a.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method 10a for operation of a refrigerator 12a embodied as an upright refrigerator.

The method 10a includes at least one detection step 14a for detection of the pressure by the at least one sensor unit 16a, in particular by the at least one pressure sensor of the at least one sensor unit 16a, within the at least one interior 18a of the refrigerator 12a. In the at least one detection step 14a of the method 10a the pressure is detected in this case with a sampling rate of 20 Hz. In the at least one detection step 14a an absolute pressure in the at least one interior 18a of the refrigerator 12a is detected.

The method 10a includes at least one pressure reference establishment step 34a, which is executed in particular by the at least one evaluation unit 22a and/or the at least one sensor unit 16a, in particular by the control electronics of the at least one pressure sensor. In the at least one pressure reference establishment step 34a a moving average of the detected pressure is formed, in order to establish and/or to update an opening threshold value 30a and/or the activation threshold value 28a depending on the moving average of the detected pressure in ongoing operation of the refrigerator 12a. In the present case, in the at least one pressure reference establishment step 34a, the moving average of the last four values of the detected pressure is formed.

The moving average formed in the at least one pressure reference establishment step 34a is used as the pressure reference value 62a for establishing the activation threshold value 28a and/or the opening threshold value 30a in at least one pressure threshold value establishment step 32a of the method 10a. The at least one pressure threshold value establishment step 32a is in particular carried out by the at least one evaluation unit 22a and/or the at least one sensor unit 16a, in particular by the control electronics of the at least one pressure sensor. In the present case each pressure reference establishment step 34a is followed by an execution of the pressure threshold value establishment step 32a, in order in particular to establish the activation threshold value 28a and/or the opening threshold value 30a depending on the pressure reference value 62a, in particular of the moving average of the pressure detected.

In at least one further detection step of the method 10a, in particular by the at least one sensor 60a for detection of the position parameter of the refrigerator door 26a, the at least one position parameter of the at least one refrigerator door 26a is detected (not shown). In at least one interior state establishment step of the method 10a, in particular by the at least one evaluation unit 22a or control electronics of the at least one sensor 60a, an opened state by the at least one refrigerator door 26a and/or a closed state of the at least one interior 18a by the at least one refrigerator door 26a is recognized depending on the detected position parameter of the at least one refrigerator door 26a (not shown). Depending on the detected position parameter of the at least one refrigerator door 26a, in the at least one interior state establishment step an open signal or a closed signal is sent to the at least one evaluation unit 22a and/or the at least one sensor unit 16a. In particular the at least one position parameter of the at least one refrigerator door 26s includes a resistance signal. An opened state of the at least one interior 18a by the at least one refrigerator door 26a can be recognized in the at least one interior state establishment step when for example the resistance signal detected by the sensor 60a, in particular the magneto-resistive sensor, corresponds to at least 90% of an original resistance value. In particular, in the at least one interior state establishment step, a closed state of the at least one interior 18a by the at least one refrigerator door 26a is recognized when the resistance signal detected by the sensor 60a is less than 90% of the original resistance value.

It is conceivable for the at least one pressure reference establishment step 34a of the method 10a for forming the moving average of the detected pressures only to be carried out when a closed state of at least one interior 18a by the at least one refrigerator door 26a is recognized depending on the detected position parameter of the at least one refrigerator door 26a in the at least one interior state establishment step. In particular the established pressure reference value 62a recognized in the at least one interior state establishment step by the at least one refrigerator door 26a opened state of the at least one interior 18a remains on the value of the moving average of the detected pressure last formed in the at least one pressure reference establishment step 34a.

The activation threshold value 28a is defined in the at least one pressure threshold value establishment step 32a as higher by at least 2 Pa, in particular in the present case by 4 Pa, than the pressure reference value 62a, in particular the moving average of the detected pressure formed in the at least one pressure reference establishment step 34a. In at least one comparison step 64a of the method 10a, in particular by the at least one sensor unit 16a, in particular the control electronics of the at least one pressure sensor, the detected pressure is compared with the activation threshold value 28a. Depending on an instance recognized in the at least one comparison step 64a of the detected pressure exceeding the activation threshold value 28a, an activation signal for initiating at least one analysis step 20a of the method 10a is sent to the at least one evaluation unit 22a.

In the at least one analysis step 20a of the method 10a the detected pressure is evaluated by the at least one evaluation unit 22a. The at least one analysis step 20a is initiated when the detected pressure exceeds the activation threshold value 28a. In the at least one analysis step 20a a pressure course above a threshold value 30a different from the activation threshold value 28a is evaluated. In particular the opening threshold value 30a is greater than the activation threshold value 28a. In the at least one analysis step 20a, depending on the pressure course above the opening threshold value 30a a desire to open the door is recognized.

The opening threshold value 30a is defined in the at least one pressure threshold value establishment step 32a as higher by at least 2 Pa, in particular in the present case by 4 Pa, than the activation threshold value 28a.

Depending on a result of the at least one analysis step 20a of the method 10a, in particular depending on a recognized desire to open the door, at least one door opening step 24a of the method 10a for opening the at least one refrigerator door 26a of the refrigerator 12a is initiated. In the at least one door opening step 24a the at least one refrigerator door 26a is moved by the at least one door opening unit 38a of the refrigerator 12a from a closed position of the refrigerator door 26a to an opened, in particular non-closed, position of the refrigerator door 26a. In particular, in the at least one door opening step 24a the at least one refrigerator door 26a is opened by the at least one door opening unit 38a far enough for a user to be able to open the at least one refrigerator door 26a further, preferably without a special grip element. It is conceivable for the at least one door opening step 24a to be initiated with a time delay of preferably a maximum of 5 s, advantageously a maximum of 4 s, especially advantageously a maximum of 3 s, preferably a maximum of 2 s, especially preferably a maximum of 1 s, after, in the at least one analysis step 20a a desire to open the door is recognized.

The at least one door opening step 38a for opening the refrigerator door 26a of the refrigerator 12a is initiated by the at least one evaluation unit 22a when, in the at least one analysis step 20a, at least one pressure value above the opening threshold value 30a is detected. In the present case the at least one door opening step 24a for opening the refrigerator door 26a of the refrigerator 12a is initiated when, as an alternative or in addition, a period of time of between a point in time of an opening threshold value 30a being exceeded and a point in time of a value falling below it of a minimum of 0.1 s and a maximum of 1 s is detected. As an alternative or in addition it is conceivable for the at least one door opening step 24a for opening the at least one refrigerator door 26a of the refrigerator 12a to be initiated when, in the at least one analysis step 20a, an increase between at least two, in the present case of three, pressure values above the opening threshold value 30a of a minimum of 25 Pa/s and/or a maximum of 150 Pa/s is detected. As an alternative or in addition it is conceivable for the at least one door opening step 24a for opening the at least one refrigerator door 26a of the refrigerator 12a to be initiated when, in the at least one analysis step 20a, a maximum amplitude relative to the pressure reference value 62a, in particular the moving average of the detected pressure of a maximum of 60 Pa is detected.

It is conceivable for the method 10a to have at least one adaptation step (not shown). The at least one adaptation step can for example be initiated by a user of the refrigerator 12a and/or of the at least one evaluation unit 22a. Preferably a user can choose between a sensitive operating mode and a less sensitive operating mode. Preferably, in the at least one adaptation step, in particular through the choice of an operating mode, a sensitivity of the initiation of the at least one analysis step 20a and/or of the recognition of a desire to open the door can be adapted. Preferably the sensitivity relates to the respective conditions that must be fulfilled in order to initiate the least one analysis step 20a and/or to recognize the desire to open the door in the at least one analysis step 20a. For example a condition can be a height of a pressure threshold value, in particular of the activation threshold value 28a and/or of the opening threshold value 30a, or a rise in the pressure within a time window or a maximum amplitude of the pressure. In addition it is conceivable for the at least one evaluation unit 22a to initiate the at least one adaptation step automatically, in particular in order to reduce a sensitivity when, after an initiation of the at least one door opening step 24a preferably at least twice, advantageously at least three times, preferably at least four times, no opened state of the at least one interior 18a by the at least one refrigerator door 26a is recognized depending on the position parameter of the at least one refrigerator door 26a. As an alternative or in addition it is further conceivable that, in the at least one adaptation step the activation threshold value 28a and/or the opening threshold value 30a is increased and/or reduced, preferably by at least 0.1 Pa, advantageously by at least 0.5 Pa, preferably by at least 1 Pa, in relation to the original value, in order to adapt the sensitivity.

FIG. 4 shows a time-pressure diagram for describing an example of a course of the pressure 66a during the method 10a. The course of the pressure 66a describes an absolute pressure detected in the interior 18a of the refrigerator 12a by the at least one sensor unit 16a, in particular by the at least one pressure sensor, in the at least one detection step 14a depending on a time. The detected absolute pressure is plotted on an axis 68a against an axis 70a of the time.

The course of the pressure 66a starts with an at least substantially constant pressure, which corresponds to the atmospheric pressure at the location of the refrigerator 12a. The interior 18a is in a closed off state by the refrigerator door 26a. In the at least one pressure reference establishment step 34a of the method 10a a moving average of the detected pressure is established. The moving average of the detected pressure is used as the pressure reference value 62a. In the at least one pressure threshold value establishment step 32a the activation threshold value 28a and the opening threshold value 30a are established depending on the pressure reference value 62a, in particular depending on the moving average of the detected pressure. In the at least one pressure threshold value establishment step 32a the activation threshold value 28a is defined as greater by 4 Pa than the pressure reference value 62a. In the at least one pressure threshold value establishment step 32a the opening threshold value 30a is defined as greater by 4 Pa than the activation threshold value 28a.

In a period of time 42a a user exerts a pressure force on the at least one refrigerator door 26a, for example by pushing briefly against the at least one refrigerator door 26a. Through the use of the pressure force exerted by the user on the at least one refrigerator door 26a a change in pressure in the at least one interior 18a of the refrigerator 12a is created. In particular Through the use of the pressure force exerted on the at least one refrigerator door 26a the at least one sealing element 54a of the refrigerator 12a is compressed, whereby a volume of the at least one interior 18a is reduced and an increase in pressure is created. When the user is no longer exerting any pressure force on the at least one refrigerator door 26a, the at least one sealing element 54a expands again, whereby the volume of the interior 18a is enlarged again, which in its turn creates a drop in pressure. The at least one sealing element 54a is preferably embodied elastically, whereby in particular a damped oscillation of an alternating compression and expansion of the at least one sealing element 54a can arise.

In the at least one comparison step 64a an exceeding of the activation threshold value 28a is recognized by the at least one sensor unit 16a. An activation signal is sent to the at least one evaluation unit 22a in order to initiate the at least one analysis step 20a. In the at least one analysis step 20a the course of the pressure above the opening threshold value 30 is evaluated by the at least one evaluation unit 22a.

For the period of time 42a, it is recognized in the at least one analysis step 20a that at least one pressure value has exceeded the opening threshold value. In the at least one analysis step 20a it is additionally recognized that a period of time between a point in time at which the value exceeds and a point in time at which the value falls below the opening threshold value 30a is greater than 0.1 s and less than 1 s. Through this, in the at least one analysis step 20a, a desire to open the door is recognized, whereby the at least one evaluation unit 22a triggers the at least one door opening step 24a for opening the at least one refrigerator door 26a.

Shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is a further exemplary embodiment of the invention. The description given below is substantially restricted to the differences between the exemplary embodiments wherein, as regards components, features and functions that remain the same, the reader can refer to the description of the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4. In order to distinguish between the exemplary embodiments, the letter a appended to the reference numbers of the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 4 replaced by the letter b in the reference numbers of the exemplary embodiment in 5 and 6. With regard to components with the same designation, in particular with regard to components with the same reference numbers, the reader can basically also refer to the drawings and/or the description for the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4.

Shown in FIG. 5 is a schematic flow diagram of a method 10b for operation of a refrigerator. In at least one detection step 14b of the method 10b a pressure in at least one interior of the refrigerator is detected by at least one sensor unit of the refrigerator, wherein in at least one analysis step 20b, the detected pressure is evaluated by at least one evaluation unit of the refrigerator. In at least one comparison step 64b of the method 10b, the detected pressure is compared with the activation threshold value 28b, in particular by the at least one sensor unit. Depending on an instance of the activation threshold value 28b for the detected pressure being exceeded in the at least one comparison step 64b, an activation signal for initiating the at least one analysis step 20b of the method 10b is sent to the at least one evaluation unit. In the at least one analysis step 20b the course of a pressure above an opening threshold value 30b different from the activation threshold value 28b is evaluated. Depending on a result of the at least one analysis step 20b, in particular on a desire to open the door detected, at least one door opening step 24b for opening at least one refrigerator door of the refrigerator is triggered. The at least one door opening step 24b for opening the at least one refrigerator door of the refrigerator is initiated when, in the at least one analysis step 20b, at least two instances of the opening threshold value 30b being exceeded at least substantially following on directly from one another, in particular with a maximum period of time of a maximum of 1s, are detected.

FIG. 6 shows a time-pressure diagram for describing an example of a pressure course 66b during the method 10b. The pressure course 66b describes an absolute pressure in the at least one interior of the refrigerator detected by the at least one sensor unit in the at least one detection step 14b depending on a time. The detected absolute pressure is plotted on an axis 68b against an axis 70b of the time.

The pressure course 66b starts with an at least substantially constant pressure, which corresponds at least substantially to the atmospheric pressure at the location of the refrigerator. The at least one interior is in a closed off state by the at least one refrigerator door. In at least one pressure reference establishment step 34b of the method 10b a moving average of the detected pressure is established. The moving average of the detected pressure is used as the pressure reference value 62b. In the at least one pressure threshold value establishment step 32b of the method 10b the activation threshold value 28b and the opening threshold value 30b are established depending on the pressure reference values 62b, in particular depending on the moving average of the detected pressure. In the at least one pressure threshold value establishment step 32b the activation threshold value 28b is defined as greater by 4 Pa than the pressure reference value 62b. In the at least one pressure threshold value establishment step 32b the opening threshold value 30b is defined a greater by 4 Pa greater than the activation threshold value 28b.

In a period of time 42b a user exerts a pressure force on the at least one refrigerator door, in particular by briefly pushing twice against the at least one refrigerator door. Pushing twice against the at least one refrigerator door brings about a sequence of a compression, followed by an expansion, followed by a further compression, followed by a further expansion of a sealing element of the refrigerator. This leads in particular to a rise in pressure, followed by a fall in pressure, followed by a further rise in pressure, followed by a further fall in pressure.

In the at least one comparison step 64b an instance of the activation threshold value 28b being exceeded is recognized by the at least one sensor unit. An activation signal is sent to the at least one evaluation unit in order to initiate the at least one analysis step 20b. In the at least one analysis step 20b the pressure course above the opening threshold value 30b is evaluated by the at least one evaluation unit.

For the period of time 42b, in the at least one analysis step 20b two instances of the opening threshold value 30b being exceeded at least substantially following directly after one another, in particular within a maximum period of time of a maximum of 1 s are detected. Through this, in the at least one analysis step 20b a desire to open the door is recognized, whereby the at least one evaluation unit 22b triggers at least one door opening step 24b for opening the at least one refrigerator door.

For further features of the method 10b the reader should refer to FIGS. 1 to 4 and their description.

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 Door opening step

26 Refrigerator door

28 Activation threshold value

30 Opening threshold value

32 Pressure threshold value establishment step

34 Pressure reference establishment step

36 Inner container

38 Door opening unit

40 Control unit

42 Period of time

44 Body

46 Floor panel

48 Side wall

50 Space

52 Storage area

54 Sealing element

56 Drive unit

58 Bar

60 Sensor

62 Pressure reference value

64 Comparison step

66 Pressure course

68 Axis

70 Axis