EP3477233B1 - Refrigeration apparatus and method - Google Patents
Refrigeration apparatus and method Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3477233B1 EP3477233B1 EP17199228.2A EP17199228A EP3477233B1 EP 3477233 B1 EP3477233 B1 EP 3477233B1 EP 17199228 A EP17199228 A EP 17199228A EP 3477233 B1 EP3477233 B1 EP 3477233B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- door
- refrigeration apparatus
- load
- compressor
- temperature
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D29/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
- F25D29/008—Alarm devices
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2500/00—Problems to be solved
- F25D2500/04—Calculation of parameters
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2700/00—Means for sensing or measuring; Sensors therefor
- F25D2700/02—Sensors detecting door opening
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2700/00—Means for sensing or measuring; Sensors therefor
- F25D2700/10—Sensors measuring the temperature of the evaporator
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2700/00—Means for sensing or measuring; Sensors therefor
- F25D2700/12—Sensors measuring the inside temperature
- F25D2700/121—Sensors measuring the inside temperature of particular compartments
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to a refrigeration apparatus and a method of operating a refrigeration apparatus. More particularly the present disclosure relates to detecting correct closure of a door of a refrigeration apparatus.
- Refrigeration apparatus operate to keep perishables, such as food and drink, cold or below a certain temperature.
- Known refrigeration apparatus include fridges and freezers.
- DE 10 2014 005394 A1 discloses a refrigerator and/or freezer with a refrigeration circuit.
- a measuring device is provided for detecting at least one parameter value of the compressor. Parameters may be used in order to signal a status of the refrigerator apparatus, including a door closure status.
- JP 2005 024159 A discloses a refrigerator.
- the refrigerator comprises a notifying circuit for providing notification of an opening/closing state of the refrigerator door without using a door switch.
- a current driving a compressor of the refrigerator may be monitored to determine if the refrigerator door has been properly closed.
- the present invention defines a refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: a main body portion; a door constructed and arranged to be moved between an open position in which access is enabled to a storage compartment in the main body portion, and a closed position in which the door is closed against a door frame of the main body portion so as to enclose the storage compartment; and a compressor for compressing and driving a refrigerant through a refrigeration circuit of the refrigeration apparatus; wherein the refrigeration apparatus comprises a sensor constructed and arranged to sense when the door has been moved from the open position to the closed position; and a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of an evaporator of the refrigeration circuit; and a controller, the controller being configured to start a timer when it is determined that the door has been moved from the open position to the closed position and monitor a load of the compressor to obtain compressor load information, and the controller configured to determine if the load on the compressor reaches a threshold value within a threshold time, and the controller configured to determine a closure status of the door based at least in part on the compressor load
- the closure status of the door comprises one of: open; correctly closed; incorrectly closed.
- the load of the compressor comprises an electrical current load and/or a torque load.
- the senor comprises one of: a switch; an optical sensor; a camera.
- the controller in response to a determination by the controller that a temperature of the evaporator is above a threshold temperature, and a determination by the controller that the load on the compressor has not reached the threshold value in the threshold time, the controller is configured to cause an alert to a user indicative of a leakage of the refrigerant.
- the controller in response to a determination by the controller that a temperature of the evaporator is at or below a threshold temperature, and a determination by the controller that the load on the compressor has not reached the threshold value in the threshold time, the controller is configured to cause an alert to a user indicating that the closure status of the door comprises an incorrect closure.
- the refrigeration apparatus comprises a fridge and/or a freezer.
- the present invention defines a method of operating a refrigeration apparatus according to claim 8, the method comprising: monitoring a load of a compressor of the refrigeration apparatus so as to obtain compressor load information; and wherein the method comprises determining a closure status of a door of the refrigeration apparatus based at least in part on the compressor load information and information of a temperature of an evaporator of a refrigeration circuit of the refrigeration apparatus.
- the method comprises in response to a determination that a temperature of the evaporator is above a threshold temperature, and a determination that the load on the compressor has not reached a threshold value in a threshold time, causing an alert to a user of a leakage of refrigerant from the refrigeration circuit.
- the method comprises in response to a determination that a temperature of the evaporator is at or below a threshold temperature, and a determination that the load on the compressor has not reached a threshold value in a threshold time, causing an alert to a user indicating that the closure status of the door comprises an incorrect closure.
- Refrigeration apparatus are operate to keep perishables, such as food and drink, cold or below a certain temperature.
- Known refrigeration apparatus include fridges (also referred to as refrigerators) and freezers. Also known are combined fridge-freezers, which have separate fridge and freezer compartments.
- a known refrigeration apparatus comprises a door for allowing access to a storage compartment of the apparatus, for storing food for example. If the door is incorrectly closed then this may lead to an undesirable temperature rise within the refrigeration apparatus, and/or increased power consumption in attempting to maintain the refrigeration apparatus at the required temperature.
- FIG. 1 shows a refrigeration apparatus 102 according to an example.
- the refrigeration apparatus 102 comprises a main body portion 104.
- a door 105 is movable between open and closed positions so as to provide access to a compartment or cabinet 126 for storing one or more items, such as food and drink, in an interior of the main body portion 104. When in the closed position the door 105 is configured to enclose the compartment 126. In Figure 1 the door 105 is closed and therefore the compartment 126 is not visible.
- a power connector is schematically shown at 140. Power connector 140 enables the refrigeration apparatus 102 to be connected to a mains power supply, for example, for powering the refrigeration apparatus.
- a refrigeration system or circuit is shown generally at 106.
- the refrigeration circuit 106 comprises an evaporator 108, and a condenser 110.
- a compressor is schematically shown at 114, between evaporator 108 and condenser 110.
- An expansion device is schematically shown at 116, between condenser 110 and evaporator 108.
- the evaporator 108, compressor 114, condenser 110, and expansion device 116 are connected by pipes or tubes 112 for enabling a refrigerant to move around the system 106, in a closed-loop manner. Movement of the refrigerant is shown schematically by the block arrows.
- the refrigerant is evaporated in evaporator 108 of refrigeration apparatus 102, which then absorbs heat in the compartment 126 so as to cool down or keep cool one or more items stored therein. The refrigerant then releases this absorbed heat outside of the refrigeration apparatus 102 to the ambient atmosphere before being recycled in the refrigeration circuit 106.
- the refrigerant is cooled down by being passed through expansion device 116, before re-entering the refrigeration apparatus 102.
- the compressor 114 acts, at least in part, to drive the refrigerant through the circuit 106. Therefore a load or demand, such as an electrical current and/or torque on the compressor 114 may be considered indicative of how much cooling is required or is being carried out.
- a temperature in the compartment 126 when the refrigeration apparatus 102 is first turned on then a temperature in the compartment 126 will be relatively high.
- the temperature in the compartment 126 may be ambient temperature, which may be about 15°C. Accordingly the load on the compressor will be relatively high as it works to drive the temperature in the compartment 126 down to an operating temperature.
- the refrigeration apparatus 102 comprises a fridge
- the operating temperature may be in the region of 1°C to 5°C, and preferably between about 3°C and 5°C.
- the refrigeration apparatus comprises a freezer
- the operating temperature may be in the region of - 15°C and -20°C, and preferably about -18°C.
- a temperature sensor is shown schematically at 118.
- the temperature sensor 118 is operable to sense or detect a temperature of the evaporator 118. This aspect will be described in more detail below.
- a sensor is shown schematically at 121.
- the sensor 121 is operable to detect when the door 105 is closed, or operable to sense when an attempt has been made (e.g. by a user) to close the door.
- the sensor 121 is constructed and arranged to sense when the door 105 has been moved from an open position to a closed position.
- the door may in fact be incorrectly closed.
- a user may attempt to close the door of the refrigeration apparatus 102, but a properly or correctly closed state is prevented by one or more badly positioned items in the refrigeration apparatus pressing out against the door 105, preventing a correctly closed state from being achieved.
- the door 105 may also be incorrectly closed, for example, if a seal or gasket of the door (and/or corresponding door frame) has failed, for example if the seal has perished or become loose.
- a failed seal may mean for example that cold air in the compartment 126 can escape, to be replaced by warmer, ambient air, requiring the compressor 114 to work harder to maintain the compartment 126 at the required temperature. It may be difficult for a user to see or notice when this occurs, since from a distance it may appear that the door 105 has been successfully or correctly closed.
- Open, correctly closed, and incorrectly closed states are further described with respect to Figures 2A to 2C , below.
- the sensor 121 may comprise a switch 120 which is activated when the door 105 is closed against a door frame of the main body portion 104.
- the sensor 121 may comprise a camera or an optical sensor.
- a controller is shown schematically at 120.
- the controller 120 comprises a memory 122 and a processor 124.
- the controller 120 is operable to monitor operations of the refrigeration apparatus 102.
- the controller 120 is operable to control operations of the refrigeration apparatus 102.
- the controller 120 can monitor and control operations of one or more components of the refrigeration circuit 106.
- the controller 120 monitors a load (e.g. current and/or torque) of the compressor 114.
- the controller monitors a temperature of evaporator 108, by receiving temperature information from temperature sensor 118.
- the controller 120 can monitor a current on stator windings of the compressor 114.
- the torque load or demand on the compressor can be derived from the determined electrical current load or demand of the compressor 114.
- a display is schematically shown at 130.
- the display may comprise an LCD display, and/or one or more LEDs.
- the display 130 is operable to display one or more alerts to a user (for example a flashing light), for example to alert the user that the door of the refrigeration apparatus is incorrectly closed, or that there is a leakage of refrigerant.
- the display may also, for example, display when the door is correctly closed. For example a green light may be indicative of correct closure, and a red light may be indicative of incorrect closure.
- a speaker is schematically shown at 132.
- the speaker 132 is operable to sound one or more audible alerts to a user (e.g. a beeping or buzzing noise), for example to alert the user that the door of the refrigeration apparatus is incorrectly closed, and/or that there is a leakage of refrigerant.
- the refrigeration apparatus may comprise only one of display 130 and speaker 132.
- Figures 2A to 2C are schematic plan views showing different closure states of a door 205 of a refrigeration apparatus 202.
- Figures 2A to 2C respectively show closure states where the door 205 is open, correctly closed, and incorrectly closed.
- the door 205 of refrigeration apparatus 202 is open.
- the door 205 comprises a seal or gasket 207.
- a door frame 209 on main body portion 204 is schematically shown.
- the door frame 209 may additionally or alternatively comprise a seal or gasket.
- the sensor 221 can sense that the door is open. In this open state a user can access the internal compartment 226 of the refrigeration apparatus, for example to remove an item from the compartment 226 or to place an item in the compartment 226.
- FIG. 2B the door 205 is shown in a correctly closed state.
- the door 205 is closed and sealed against door frame 209. Accordingly refrigerated air in the compartment 226 cannot escape from refrigeration apparatus 202 (other than, perhaps, insignificant or undetectable amounts of escaping air).
- Sensor 221 senses that the door 205 is in a closed state.
- the door 205 is improperly closed.
- the door 205 is not fully sealed against door frame 209. That is, although sensor 221 senses that the door has been closed, one or more gaps or holes 211 exist between door 205 and door frame 209. Cold, refrigerated air from the compartment 226 can escape from the one or more gaps 211. Warmer, ambient air from the environment (e.g. kitchen) can flow in to the compartment through the one or more gaps 211.
- the one or more gaps 211 may be caused by an item in the compartment 226 pushing against the door 205. Additionally or alternatively the one or more gaps 211 may be caused by a damaged seal 207.
- the incorrect closure of door 205 is not sensed by sensor 221 because the one or more gaps 211 is located at a position between the door 205 and door frame 209 which is remote from the sensor 221. In some situations the incorrect closure of door 205 is not sensed by sensor 221 due to the sensor 221 being insufficiently sensitive.
- incorrectly closed may be distinguished from “correctly closed”, in that when the door is incorrectly closed refrigerated air in the compartment 126 can escape from the compartment 126. Or in other words it may be considered that when incorrectly closed the door 205 is not sealed against a door frame 209 of the refrigeration apparatus 202. This contrasts with a correctly closed state, in which the door 205 is correctly sealed against door frame 209, and refrigerated air cannot escape from compartment 226.
- Figure 3 is a graph schematically showing a plot of compressor load or demand (e.g. current or torque) against time.
- the solid line A is a plot showing a load-time curve when the refrigerator door is correctly closed.
- the dashed line B is a plot showing a load-time curve when the refrigerator door is incorrectly closed.
- the refrigerator door is properly or correctly closed.
- the load of the compressor increases as the compressor works to cool down the refrigeration apparatus to compensate for a rise in temperature caused by the door having being open.
- the load peaks at time t1, before reducing and settling to a threshold load L T , or steady state load at time t2.
- the threshold load L T comprises a predetermined load value or a target load value that is being monitored by the controller.
- the threshold load L T comprises a range of values, such that a load falling within that range is considered to meet the threshold requirement.
- the load must be within the threshold range for a threshold time (e.g. 30 seconds) to satisfy the threshold requirement.
- the refrigeration apparatus comprises a timer.
- the timer may be controlled by controller 120.
- the timer is started when the refrigerator door is closed, or at least sensor 121 has sensed (correctly or incorrectly) that the door has been closed. Therefore, the controller 120 may start the timer when sensor 121 senses that the door has been closed.
- a threshold time t x is shown in Figure 3 . In some examples, if the load on the compressor settles to a threshold load (e.g. load L T ) within the threshold time t x , then the door is determined by the controller 120 to have been fully or correctly closed. On the other hand, if the load on the compressor does not settle to the threshold load (e.g.
- the controller 120 determines that the load curve A represents a door closure status where the door has been fully or correctly closed, and determines that load curve B represents a door closure status where the door is incorrectly closed, such that the door is incorrectly sealed against the door frame of the refrigeration apparatus.
- the threshold time tx may be, for example, 30 seconds or a minute.
- a leakage of refrigerant is detected by sensing a temperature of the evaporator e.g. detecting temperature of evaporator 108 using temperature sensor 118.
- the temperature sensor 118 may comprise, for example, a thermistor such as a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor.
- determining a closure status of the door comprises, when the compressor load fails to reach the threshold value within the threshold time, determining a temperature of the evaporator. If the temperature of the evaporator is above a threshold temperature T t , then the failure of the compressor to settle to the threshold load L T is determined by the controller 120 to be due to leakage of refrigerant rather than due to incorrect door closure. If on the other hand the temperature of the evaporator is below the threshold temperature T t , then the failure of the compressor to settle to the threshold load L T is determined by the controller 120 to be due to incorrect door closure.
- the threshold temperature T t may vary dependent on refrigerator apparatus type e.g. whether it is a fridge or a freezer. By way of example only, where the refrigeration apparatus comprises a fridge, T t is about 2°C. By way of example only, where the refrigeration apparatus comprises a freezer, T t is about -15°C.
- the refrigeration apparatus 102 is configured and arranged to alert a user of incorrect door closure or refrigerant leakage, for example using display 130 and/or speaker 132 shown in Figure 1 .
- the refrigeration apparatus can provide an output or alert relating to both door closure status and refrigerant leakage status.
- the refrigeration apparatus could provide an output showing that the door is correctly closed and there is no refrigerant leakage, or the door is incorrectly closed and there is no refrigerant leakage, or the door is correctly closed and there is refrigerant leakage etc.
- the controller 120 can also determine when the door is in an open state, for example when a user is placing items in or removing items from the refrigeration apparatus 102. For example the controller 120 may receive this information from sensor 121. The controller 120 is able to determine that the door 105 is open based at least in part on received compressor load information.
- the compressor load may be relatively high (e.g. higher than when the door is closed and incorrectly closed) when the door is open, to compensate for the refrigerated air escaping via the open door 105.
- a door 105 of a refrigeration apparatus 102 is open, for example because a user is placing an item in and/or removing an item from the refrigeration apparatus 102.
- Closure or attempted closure of the door 105, may be sensed by sensor 121.
- compressor load information e.g. electrical current and/or torque
- an alert e.g. an audible or visual alert
- an alert is provided so as to alert a user of the gas leakage.
- an alert e.g. an audible or visual alert
- an alert is provided so as to alert a user of the incorrectly closed door.
- a type of alert provided at S10 differs depending on whether there is a gas leakage or the door is incorrectly closed.
- processor or processing system or circuitry referred to herein may in practice be provided by a single chip or integrated circuit or plural chips or integrated circuits, optionally provided as a chipset, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), digital signal processor (DSP), graphics processing units (GPUs), etc.
- the chip or chips may comprise circuitry (as well as possibly firmware) for embodying at least one or more of a data processor or processors, a digital signal processor or processors, baseband circuitry and radio frequency circuitry, which are configurable so as to operate in accordance with the exemplary embodiments.
- the exemplary embodiments may be implemented at least in part by computer software stored in (non-transitory) memory and executable by the processor, or by hardware, or by a combination of tangibly stored software and hardware (and tangibly stored firmware).
- the invention also extends to computer programs, particularly computer programs on or in a carrier, adapted for putting the invention into practice.
- the program may be in the form of non-transitory source code, object code, a code intermediate source and object code such as in partially compiled form, or in any other non-transitory form suitable for use in the implementation of processes according to the invention.
- the carrier may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program.
- the carrier may comprise a storage medium, such as a solid-state drive (SSD) or other semiconductor-based RAM; a ROM, for example a CD ROM or a semiconductor ROM; a magnetic recording medium, for example a floppy disk or hard disk; optical memory devices in general; etc.
- SSD solid-state drive
- ROM read-only memory
- magnetic recording medium for example a floppy disk or hard disk
- optical memory devices in general etc.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)
- Cold Air Circulating Systems And Constructional Details In Refrigerators (AREA)
Description
- The present disclosure relates to a refrigeration apparatus and a method of operating a refrigeration apparatus. More particularly the present disclosure relates to detecting correct closure of a door of a refrigeration apparatus.
- Refrigeration apparatus are known. Refrigeration apparatus operate to keep perishables, such as food and drink, cold or below a certain temperature. Known refrigeration apparatus include fridges and freezers.
-
DE 10 2014 005394 A1 discloses a refrigerator and/or freezer with a refrigeration circuit. A measuring device is provided for detecting at least one parameter value of the compressor. Parameters may be used in order to signal a status of the refrigerator apparatus, including a door closure status. -
JP 2005 024159 A - The present invention defines a refrigeration apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: a main body portion; a door constructed and arranged to be moved between an open position in which access is enabled to a storage compartment in the main body portion, and a closed position in which the door is closed against a door frame of the main body portion so as to enclose the storage compartment; and a compressor for compressing and driving a refrigerant through a refrigeration circuit of the refrigeration apparatus; wherein the refrigeration apparatus comprises a sensor constructed and arranged to sense when the door has been moved from the open position to the closed position; and a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of an evaporator of the refrigeration circuit; and a controller, the controller being configured to start a timer when it is determined that the door has been moved from the open position to the closed position and monitor a load of the compressor to obtain compressor load information, and the controller configured to determine if the load on the compressor reaches a threshold value within a threshold time, and the controller configured to determine a closure status of the door based at least in part on the compressor load information and a temperature of the evaporator.
- According to an example, the closure status of the door comprises one of: open; correctly closed; incorrectly closed.
- According to an example, the load of the compressor comprises an electrical current load and/or a torque load.
- According to an example, the sensor comprises one of: a switch; an optical sensor; a camera.
- According to an example, in response to a determination by the controller that a temperature of the evaporator is above a threshold temperature, and a determination by the controller that the load on the compressor has not reached the threshold value in the threshold time, the controller is configured to cause an alert to a user indicative of a leakage of the refrigerant.
- According to an example, in response to a determination by the controller that a temperature of the evaporator is at or below a threshold temperature, and a determination by the controller that the load on the compressor has not reached the threshold value in the threshold time, the controller is configured to cause an alert to a user indicating that the closure status of the door comprises an incorrect closure.
- According to an example, the refrigeration apparatus comprises a fridge and/or a freezer.
- The present invention defines a method of operating a refrigeration apparatus according to claim 8, the method comprising: monitoring a load of a compressor of the refrigeration apparatus so as to obtain compressor load information; and wherein the method comprises determining a closure status of a door of the refrigeration apparatus based at least in part on the compressor load information and information of a temperature of an evaporator of a refrigeration circuit of the refrigeration apparatus.
- According to an example, the method comprises in response to a determination that a temperature of the evaporator is above a threshold temperature, and a determination that the load on the compressor has not reached a threshold value in a threshold time, causing an alert to a user of a leakage of refrigerant from the refrigeration circuit.
- According to an example, the method comprises in response to a determination that a temperature of the evaporator is at or below a threshold temperature, and a determination that the load on the compressor has not reached a threshold value in a threshold time, causing an alert to a user indicating that the closure status of the door comprises an incorrect closure.
- To assist understanding of the present disclosure and to show how embodiments may be put into effect, reference is made by way of example to the accompanying drawings in which:
-
Figure 1 shows schematically a refrigeration apparatus according to an example. -
Figure 2A shows schematically a refrigeration apparatus with a door of the refrigeration apparatus in an open state. -
Figure 2B shows schematically a refrigeration apparatus with a door of the refrigeration apparatus in a correctly closed state. -
Figure 2C shows schematically a refrigeration apparatus with a door of the refrigeration apparatus in an incorrectly closed state. -
Figure 3 shows schematically a plot of compressor load against time according to an example. -
Figure 4 shows schematically a flow chart of a method according to an example. - As briefly described above, refrigeration apparatus are known. Refrigeration apparatus are operate to keep perishables, such as food and drink, cold or below a certain temperature. Known refrigeration apparatus include fridges (also referred to as refrigerators) and freezers. Also known are combined fridge-freezers, which have separate fridge and freezer compartments. A known refrigeration apparatus comprises a door for allowing access to a storage compartment of the apparatus, for storing food for example. If the door is incorrectly closed then this may lead to an undesirable temperature rise within the refrigeration apparatus, and/or increased power consumption in attempting to maintain the refrigeration apparatus at the required temperature.
-
Figure 1 shows arefrigeration apparatus 102 according to an example. Therefrigeration apparatus 102 comprises amain body portion 104. Adoor 105 is movable between open and closed positions so as to provide access to a compartment orcabinet 126 for storing one or more items, such as food and drink, in an interior of themain body portion 104. When in the closed position thedoor 105 is configured to enclose thecompartment 126. InFigure 1 thedoor 105 is closed and therefore thecompartment 126 is not visible. A power connector is schematically shown at 140.Power connector 140 enables therefrigeration apparatus 102 to be connected to a mains power supply, for example, for powering the refrigeration apparatus. - A refrigeration system or circuit is shown generally at 106. The
refrigeration circuit 106 comprises anevaporator 108, and acondenser 110. A compressor is schematically shown at 114, betweenevaporator 108 andcondenser 110. An expansion device is schematically shown at 116, betweencondenser 110 andevaporator 108. Theevaporator 108,compressor 114,condenser 110, andexpansion device 116 are connected by pipes ortubes 112 for enabling a refrigerant to move around thesystem 106, in a closed-loop manner. Movement of the refrigerant is shown schematically by the block arrows. As is known, the refrigerant is evaporated inevaporator 108 ofrefrigeration apparatus 102, which then absorbs heat in thecompartment 126 so as to cool down or keep cool one or more items stored therein. The refrigerant then releases this absorbed heat outside of therefrigeration apparatus 102 to the ambient atmosphere before being recycled in therefrigeration circuit 106. The refrigerant is cooled down by being passed throughexpansion device 116, before re-entering therefrigeration apparatus 102. Thecompressor 114 acts, at least in part, to drive the refrigerant through thecircuit 106. Therefore a load or demand, such as an electrical current and/or torque on thecompressor 114 may be considered indicative of how much cooling is required or is being carried out. For example, when therefrigeration apparatus 102 is first turned on then a temperature in thecompartment 126 will be relatively high. For example the temperature in thecompartment 126 may be ambient temperature, which may be about 15°C. Accordingly the load on the compressor will be relatively high as it works to drive the temperature in thecompartment 126 down to an operating temperature. Where therefrigeration apparatus 102 comprises a fridge, the operating temperature may be in the region of 1°C to 5°C, and preferably between about 3°C and 5°C. Where the refrigeration apparatus comprises a freezer, the operating temperature may be in the region of - 15°C and -20°C, and preferably about -18°C. - A temperature sensor is shown schematically at 118. The
temperature sensor 118 is operable to sense or detect a temperature of theevaporator 118. This aspect will be described in more detail below. - A sensor is shown schematically at 121. The
sensor 121 is operable to detect when thedoor 105 is closed, or operable to sense when an attempt has been made (e.g. by a user) to close the door. In other words thesensor 121 is constructed and arranged to sense when thedoor 105 has been moved from an open position to a closed position. - Sometimes, after a user has moved the
door 105 from the open position to the closed position, the door may in fact be incorrectly closed. For example, a user may attempt to close the door of therefrigeration apparatus 102, but a properly or correctly closed state is prevented by one or more badly positioned items in the refrigeration apparatus pressing out against thedoor 105, preventing a correctly closed state from being achieved. Thedoor 105 may also be incorrectly closed, for example, if a seal or gasket of the door (and/or corresponding door frame) has failed, for example if the seal has perished or become loose. A failed seal may mean for example that cold air in thecompartment 126 can escape, to be replaced by warmer, ambient air, requiring thecompressor 114 to work harder to maintain thecompartment 126 at the required temperature. It may be difficult for a user to see or notice when this occurs, since from a distance it may appear that thedoor 105 has been successfully or correctly closed. Open, correctly closed, and incorrectly closed states are further described with respect toFigures 2A to 2C , below. - The
sensor 121 may comprise aswitch 120 which is activated when thedoor 105 is closed against a door frame of themain body portion 104. Alternatively thesensor 121 may comprise a camera or an optical sensor. - A controller is shown schematically at 120. The
controller 120 comprises amemory 122 and aprocessor 124. In this example thecontroller 120 is operable to monitor operations of therefrigeration apparatus 102. In this example thecontroller 120 is operable to control operations of therefrigeration apparatus 102. For example thecontroller 120 can monitor and control operations of one or more components of therefrigeration circuit 106. According to the invention, thecontroller 120 monitors a load (e.g. current and/or torque) of thecompressor 114. The controller monitors a temperature ofevaporator 108, by receiving temperature information fromtemperature sensor 118. For example thecontroller 120 can monitor a current on stator windings of thecompressor 114. In some examples the torque load or demand on the compressor can be derived from the determined electrical current load or demand of thecompressor 114. - In this example a display is schematically shown at 130. The display may comprise an LCD display, and/or one or more LEDs. The
display 130 is operable to display one or more alerts to a user (for example a flashing light), for example to alert the user that the door of the refrigeration apparatus is incorrectly closed, or that there is a leakage of refrigerant. The display may also, for example, display when the door is correctly closed. For example a green light may be indicative of correct closure, and a red light may be indicative of incorrect closure. In the example ofFigure 1 a speaker is schematically shown at 132. Thespeaker 132 is operable to sound one or more audible alerts to a user (e.g. a beeping or buzzing noise), for example to alert the user that the door of the refrigeration apparatus is incorrectly closed, and/or that there is a leakage of refrigerant. In some examples, the refrigeration apparatus may comprise only one ofdisplay 130 andspeaker 132. -
Figures 2A to 2C are schematic plan views showing different closure states of adoor 205 of arefrigeration apparatus 202.Figures 2A to 2C respectively show closure states where thedoor 205 is open, correctly closed, and incorrectly closed. - In
Figure 2A , thedoor 205 ofrefrigeration apparatus 202 is open. Thedoor 205 comprises a seal orgasket 207. Adoor frame 209 onmain body portion 204 is schematically shown. Thedoor frame 209 may additionally or alternatively comprise a seal or gasket. Thesensor 221 can sense that the door is open. In this open state a user can access theinternal compartment 226 of the refrigeration apparatus, for example to remove an item from thecompartment 226 or to place an item in thecompartment 226. - In
Figure 2B thedoor 205 is shown in a correctly closed state. InFigure 2B thedoor 205 is closed and sealed againstdoor frame 209. Accordingly refrigerated air in thecompartment 226 cannot escape from refrigeration apparatus 202 (other than, perhaps, insignificant or undetectable amounts of escaping air).Sensor 221 senses that thedoor 205 is in a closed state. - In
Figure 2C thedoor 205 is improperly closed. InFigure 2C thedoor 205 is not fully sealed againstdoor frame 209. That is, althoughsensor 221 senses that the door has been closed, one or more gaps orholes 211 exist betweendoor 205 anddoor frame 209. Cold, refrigerated air from thecompartment 226 can escape from the one ormore gaps 211. Warmer, ambient air from the environment (e.g. kitchen) can flow in to the compartment through the one ormore gaps 211. As described above the one ormore gaps 211 may be caused by an item in thecompartment 226 pushing against thedoor 205. Additionally or alternatively the one ormore gaps 211 may be caused by a damagedseal 207. In some situations the incorrect closure ofdoor 205 is not sensed bysensor 221 because the one ormore gaps 211 is located at a position between thedoor 205 anddoor frame 209 which is remote from thesensor 221. In some situations the incorrect closure ofdoor 205 is not sensed bysensor 221 due to thesensor 221 being insufficiently sensitive. - Generally speaking "incorrectly closed" may be distinguished from "correctly closed", in that when the door is incorrectly closed refrigerated air in the
compartment 126 can escape from thecompartment 126. Or in other words it may be considered that when incorrectly closed thedoor 205 is not sealed against adoor frame 209 of therefrigeration apparatus 202. This contrasts with a correctly closed state, in which thedoor 205 is correctly sealed againstdoor frame 209, and refrigerated air cannot escape fromcompartment 226. -
Figure 3 is a graph schematically showing a plot of compressor load or demand (e.g. current or torque) against time. The solid line A is a plot showing a load-time curve when the refrigerator door is correctly closed. The dashed line B is a plot showing a load-time curve when the refrigerator door is incorrectly closed. - Referring to plot A, at time t0 the refrigerator door is properly or correctly closed. Initially the load of the compressor increases as the compressor works to cool down the refrigeration apparatus to compensate for a rise in temperature caused by the door having being open. The load peaks at time t1, before reducing and settling to a threshold load LT, or steady state load at time t2. In some examples the threshold load LT comprises a predetermined load value or a target load value that is being monitored by the controller. In some examples the threshold load LT comprises a range of values, such that a load falling within that range is considered to meet the threshold requirement. In some examples, the load must be within the threshold range for a threshold time (e.g. 30 seconds) to satisfy the threshold requirement.
- Referring to plot B, at time t0 an attempt is made to close the door of the refrigeration apparatus. However, the door is incorrectly or not fully closed. In this example the load does not reach the threshold load LT. This is because in this example the compressor is having to work harder to compensate for the heat loss due to the incorrectly closed door.
- In some examples the refrigeration apparatus comprises a timer. The timer may be controlled by
controller 120. In some examples the timer is started when the refrigerator door is closed, or atleast sensor 121 has sensed (correctly or incorrectly) that the door has been closed. Therefore, thecontroller 120 may start the timer whensensor 121 senses that the door has been closed. A threshold time tx is shown inFigure 3 . In some examples, if the load on the compressor settles to a threshold load (e.g. load LT) within the threshold time tx, then the door is determined by thecontroller 120 to have been fully or correctly closed. On the other hand, if the load on the compressor does not settle to the threshold load (e.g. load LT) within the threshold time tx, then the door is determined by thecontroller 120 to have been improperly, or not fully, closed. Thus, the controller determines that the load curve A represents a door closure status where the door has been fully or correctly closed, and determines that load curve B represents a door closure status where the door is incorrectly closed, such that the door is incorrectly sealed against the door frame of the refrigeration apparatus. The threshold time tx may be, for example, 30 seconds or a minute. - In some examples where the compressor load does not fall to the threshold load LT within the threshold time tx, this is due to a reason other than the door being incorrectly closed. For example, failure of the compressor load to reach the threshold load LT may be due to a leakage of refrigerant. In some examples, a leakage of refrigerant is detected by sensing a temperature of the evaporator e.g. detecting temperature of
evaporator 108 usingtemperature sensor 118. Thetemperature sensor 118 may comprise, for example, a thermistor such as a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor. Therefore in some examples determining a closure status of the door comprises, when the compressor load fails to reach the threshold value within the threshold time, determining a temperature of the evaporator. If the temperature of the evaporator is above a threshold temperature Tt, then the failure of the compressor to settle to the threshold load LT is determined by thecontroller 120 to be due to leakage of refrigerant rather than due to incorrect door closure. If on the other hand the temperature of the evaporator is below the threshold temperature Tt, then the failure of the compressor to settle to the threshold load LT is determined by thecontroller 120 to be due to incorrect door closure. The threshold temperature Tt may vary dependent on refrigerator apparatus type e.g. whether it is a fridge or a freezer. By way of example only, where the refrigeration apparatus comprises a fridge, Tt is about 2°C. By way of example only, where the refrigeration apparatus comprises a freezer, Tt is about -15°C. - In some examples the
refrigeration apparatus 102 is configured and arranged to alert a user of incorrect door closure or refrigerant leakage, forexample using display 130 and/orspeaker 132 shown inFigure 1 . In some examples the refrigeration apparatus can provide an output or alert relating to both door closure status and refrigerant leakage status. For example the refrigeration apparatus could provide an output showing that the door is correctly closed and there is no refrigerant leakage, or the door is incorrectly closed and there is no refrigerant leakage, or the door is correctly closed and there is refrigerant leakage etc. - In some examples the
controller 120 can also determine when the door is in an open state, for example when a user is placing items in or removing items from therefrigeration apparatus 102. For example thecontroller 120 may receive this information fromsensor 121. Thecontroller 120 is able to determine that thedoor 105 is open based at least in part on received compressor load information. By way of example, the compressor load may be relatively high (e.g. higher than when the door is closed and incorrectly closed) when the door is open, to compensate for the refrigerated air escaping via theopen door 105. - A method according to an example is shown in
Figure 4 . - At S1 a
door 105 of arefrigeration apparatus 102 is open, for example because a user is placing an item in and/or removing an item from therefrigeration apparatus 102. - At S2, the user closes the door. Closure, or attempted closure of the
door 105, may be sensed bysensor 121. - At S3, a timer is started and compressor load information (e.g. electrical current and/or torque) is monitored and obtained.
- At S4, a determination is made as to whether the compressor load has reached a threshold value within a threshold time.
- If the determination at S4 is "yes", then the method proceeds to S5, where it is determined that the door has been closed correctly.
- If on the other hand the determination at S4 is "no", then at S6 a temperature of the
evaporator 108 of the refrigeration apparatus is monitored or checked usingtemperature sensor 118. - At S7, a determination is made as to whether a temperature of the evaporator is above a set or threshold value.
- If the determination at S7 is "yes", then as shown at S8 it is determined that there is a gas leakage (i.e. a leakage of refrigerant).
- Then, at S10 an alert (e.g. an audible or visual alert) is provided so as to alert a user of the gas leakage.
- If the determination at S7 is "no", then it is determined at S9 that the
door 105 of therefrigeration apparatus 102 is incorrectly closed. - Then, at S10 an alert (e.g. an audible or visual alert) is provided so as to alert a user of the incorrectly closed door.
- In some examples, a type of alert provided at S10 differs depending on whether there is a gas leakage or the door is incorrectly closed.
- It will be understood that the processor or processing system or circuitry referred to herein may in practice be provided by a single chip or integrated circuit or plural chips or integrated circuits, optionally provided as a chipset, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), digital signal processor (DSP), graphics processing units (GPUs), etc. The chip or chips may comprise circuitry (as well as possibly firmware) for embodying at least one or more of a data processor or processors, a digital signal processor or processors, baseband circuitry and radio frequency circuitry, which are configurable so as to operate in accordance with the exemplary embodiments. In this regard, the exemplary embodiments may be implemented at least in part by computer software stored in (non-transitory) memory and executable by the processor, or by hardware, or by a combination of tangibly stored software and hardware (and tangibly stored firmware).
- Reference is made herein to data storage, or memory, for storing data. This may be provided by a single device or by plural devices. Suitable devices include for example a hard disk and non-volatile semiconductor memory.
- Although at least some aspects of the embodiments described herein with reference to the drawings comprise computer processes performed in processing systems or processors, the invention also extends to computer programs, particularly computer programs on or in a carrier, adapted for putting the invention into practice. The program may be in the form of non-transitory source code, object code, a code intermediate source and object code such as in partially compiled form, or in any other non-transitory form suitable for use in the implementation of processes according to the invention. The carrier may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. For example, the carrier may comprise a storage medium, such as a solid-state drive (SSD) or other semiconductor-based RAM; a ROM, for example a CD ROM or a semiconductor ROM; a magnetic recording medium, for example a floppy disk or hard disk; optical memory devices in general; etc.
- The examples described herein are to be understood as illustrative examples of embodiments of the invention. Further embodiments and examples are envisaged. Any feature described in relation to any one example or embodiment may be used alone or in combination with other features. In addition, any feature described in relation to any one example or embodiment may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the examples or embodiments, or any combination of any other of the examples or embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described herein may also be employed within the scope of the invention, which is defined in the claims.
Claims (10)
- A refrigeration apparatus (102, 202) comprising:a main body portion (104, 204);a door (105, 205) constructed and arranged to be moved between an open position in which access is enabled to a storage compartment (126, 226) in the main body portion (104, 204), and a closed position in which the door (105, 205) is closed against a door frame (209) of the main body portion (104, 204) so as to enclose the storage compartment (126, 226); anda compressor (114) for compressing and driving a refrigerant through a refrigeration circuit (106) of the refrigeration apparatus (102, 202);characterized in that the refrigeration apparatus (102, 202) comprises a sensor (121, 221) constructed and arranged to sense when the door (105, 205) has been moved from the open position to the closed position; anda temperature sensor (118) for sensing a temperature of an evaporator (108) of the refrigeration circuit (106); anda controller (120), the controller (120) being configured to start a timer when it is determined that the door (105, 205) has been moved from the open position to the closed position and monitor a load of the compressor (114) to obtain compressor load information, and the controller (120) configured to determine if the load on the compressor (114) reaches a threshold value within a threshold time, and the controller (120) configured to determine a closure status of the door (105, 205) based at least in part on the compressor load information and a temperature of the evaporator (108).
- A refrigeration apparatus (102, 202) according to claim 1, wherein the closure status of the door (105, 205) comprises one of: open; correctly closed; incorrectly closed.
- A refrigeration apparatus (102, 202) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the load of the compressor (114) comprises an electrical current load and/or a torque load.
- A refrigeration apparatus (102, 202) according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sensor (121, 221) comprises one of: a switch; an optical sensor; a camera.
- A refrigeration apparatus (102, 202) according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein in response to a determination by the controller (120) that a temperature of the evaporator (108) is above a threshold temperature, and a determination by the controller (120) that the load on the compressor (114) has not reached the threshold value in the threshold time, the controller (120) configured to cause an alert to a user of a leakage of the refrigerant.
- A refrigeration apparatus (102, 202) according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein in response to a determination by the controller (120) that a temperature of the evaporator (108) is at or below a threshold temperature, and a determination by the controller (120) that the load on the compressor (114) has not reached the threshold value in the threshold time, the controller(120) configured to cause an alert to a user indicating that the closure status of the door (105, 205) comprises an incorrect closure.
- A refrigeration apparatus (102, 202) according to any of claims 1 to 6, the refrigeration apparatus (102, 202) comprising a fridge and/or a freezer.
- A method of operating a refrigeration apparatus (102, 202) according to any of claims 1 to 7, the method comprising:monitoring a load of a compressor (114) of the refrigeration apparatus (102, 202) so as to obtain compressor load information; andcharacterized in that the method comprises determining a closure status of a door (105, 205) of the refrigeration apparatus based at least in part on the compressor load information and information of a temperature of an evaporator (108) of a refrigeration circuit (106) of the refrigeration apparatus (102, 202).
- A method according to claim 8 comprising, in response to a determination that a temperature of the evaporator (108) is above a threshold temperature, and a determination that the load on the compressor (114) has not reached a threshold value in a threshold time, causing an alert to a user of a leakage of refrigerant from the refrigeration circuit (106).
- A method according to claim 8 comprising, in response to a determination that a temperature of the evaporator (108) is at or below a threshold temperature, and a determination that the load on the compressor (114) has not reached a threshold value in a threshold time, causing an alert to a user indicating that the closure status of the door (105, 205) comprises an incorrect closure.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP17199228.2A EP3477233B1 (en) | 2017-10-30 | 2017-10-30 | Refrigeration apparatus and method |
TR2017/19015A TR201719015A2 (en) | 2017-10-30 | 2017-11-28 | COOLING APPARATUS AND METHOD |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP17199228.2A EP3477233B1 (en) | 2017-10-30 | 2017-10-30 | Refrigeration apparatus and method |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3477233A1 EP3477233A1 (en) | 2019-05-01 |
EP3477233B1 true EP3477233B1 (en) | 2020-07-08 |
Family
ID=60191279
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP17199228.2A Active EP3477233B1 (en) | 2017-10-30 | 2017-10-30 | Refrigeration apparatus and method |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP3477233B1 (en) |
TR (1) | TR201719015A2 (en) |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPH05196341A (en) * | 1992-01-20 | 1993-08-06 | Toshiba Corp | Refrigerator |
JP2005024159A (en) * | 2003-07-01 | 2005-01-27 | Toshiba Corp | Refrigerator |
DE102014005394A1 (en) * | 2013-09-19 | 2015-03-19 | Liebherr-Hausgeräte Ochsenhausen GmbH | Fridge and / or freezer |
-
2017
- 2017-10-30 EP EP17199228.2A patent/EP3477233B1/en active Active
- 2017-11-28 TR TR2017/19015A patent/TR201719015A2/en unknown
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
None * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP3477233A1 (en) | 2019-05-01 |
TR201719015A2 (en) | 2019-05-21 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
JP5625582B2 (en) | Refrigeration equipment | |
USRE40599E1 (en) | Low temperature storage cabinet | |
CN103868303A (en) | Refrigerator having a dew prevention and/or control device and method for preventing formation of dew therein and/or thereon | |
CN107816842B (en) | Detection device, refrigerator and detection method | |
CN107421233B (en) | Control method, control device and the refrigerator for preventing food from freezing | |
JP2009264660A (en) | Refrigerator | |
EP3477233B1 (en) | Refrigeration apparatus and method | |
JP4468337B2 (en) | Refrigerator and refrigerator half-door judgment method | |
JP3600588B2 (en) | Refrigeration apparatus and abnormality detection method thereof | |
CN114061259B (en) | Control method of refrigeration equipment | |
CN113865218B (en) | Method for adjusting precooling time before defrosting, refrigeration equipment and storage medium | |
CN109751830B (en) | Refrigeration equipment and method and device for detecting state of refrigeration equipment | |
JP4497369B2 (en) | Cooling storage | |
JP2009127881A (en) | Refrigerator | |
JP2006329551A (en) | Defrosting control device for refrigerator | |
KR101303394B1 (en) | How to detecting refrigerant leaks | |
JPH02143054A (en) | Controlling method for compressor in refrigerator | |
JP3389373B2 (en) | Cold storage | |
JP2008138961A (en) | Cooling box | |
KR20070051530A (en) | Control method of fan in refrigerator | |
KR20110110455A (en) | Abnormal state detecting method for refrigerator | |
JP2796260B2 (en) | Refrigerator control device | |
KR100221876B1 (en) | Apparatus and method for controlling temperature of a refrigerator | |
JP2005127658A (en) | Control device of refrigerator | |
JP2016142423A (en) | refrigerator |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: BA ME |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20191031 |
|
RBV | Designated contracting states (corrected) |
Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20191220 |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAJ | Information related to disapproval of communication of intention to grant by the applicant or resumption of examination proceedings by the epo deleted |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSDIGR1 |
|
GRAL | Information related to payment of fee for publishing/printing deleted |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSDIGR3 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE |
|
GRAR | Information related to intention to grant a patent recorded |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR71 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED |
|
INTC | Intention to grant announced (deleted) | ||
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20200528 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: REF Ref document number: 1288899 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20200715 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R096 Ref document number: 602017019291 Country of ref document: DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: LT Ref legal event code: MG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: MK05 Ref document number: 1288899 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20200708 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: NL Ref legal event code: MP Effective date: 20200708 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200708 Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201009 Ref country code: NO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201008 Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200708 Ref country code: BG Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201008 Ref country code: AT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200708 Ref country code: LT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200708 Ref country code: HR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200708 Ref country code: PT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201109 Ref country code: ES Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200708 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: PL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200708 Ref country code: LV Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200708 Ref country code: RS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200708 Ref country code: IS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20201108 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: NL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200708 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R097 Ref document number: 602017019291 Country of ref document: DE |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CZ Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200708 Ref country code: DK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200708 Ref country code: RO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200708 Ref country code: SM Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200708 Ref country code: EE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200708 Ref country code: IT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200708 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R119 Ref document number: 602017019291 Country of ref document: DE |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: AL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200708 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20210409 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20201030 Ref country code: SK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200708 Ref country code: MC Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200708 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: BE Ref legal event code: MM Effective date: 20201031 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20210501 Ref country code: FR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20201031 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CH Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20201031 Ref country code: BE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20201031 Ref country code: LI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20201031 Ref country code: SI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200708 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20201030 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: TR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200708 Ref country code: MT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200708 Ref country code: CY Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200708 |
|
GBPC | Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20211030 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20200708 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20211030 |