WO2016116253A1

WO2016116253A1 - Method for operating a domestic refrigeration appliance, in which a misting rate is adapted, and domestic refrigeration appliance

Info

Publication number: WO2016116253A1
Application number: PCT/EP2015/081318
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kudret Baysal; Astrid Klingshirn; Johannes Schlosser; Markus Spielmannleitner
Original assignee: BSH Hausgeräte GmbH
Priority date: 2015-01-22
Filing date: 2015-12-29
Publication date: 2016-07-28
Also published as: US20180010841A1; DE102015201046A1; CN107208959A; CN107208959B

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a domestic refrigeration appliance (1), in which foodstuffs as storage items can be introduced in a separate storage area (6) formed in an internal space (4), and a liquid fluid can be introduced in the storage area (6) independently of the internal space (4), wherein for keeping the storage items fresh in the storage area (6) a first operating mode and a storage mode, different therefrom, can be carried out, and in the storage mode an aerosol mist generated by a misting device (11) of the domestic refrigeration appliance (1) is introduced as fluid, and a misting rate of the aerosol mist during the storage mode is matched to a setpoint misting rate in dependence on at least one misting device-specific influencing parameter and/or a fluid-specific influencing parameter and/or a storage area-specific influencing parameter. The invention further relates to a domestic refrigeration appliance (1).

Description

Method for operating a domestic refrigeration appliance, in which a misting rate is adjusted and household refrigeration appliance

The invention relates to a method for operating a household refrigerating appliance, in which food can be introduced as stored goods in a separate storage area formed in an interior space. In the storage area can be made independent of the interior of a liquid fluid introduction. Furthermore, the invention relates to a household refrigeration appliance with an interior in which a partial volume is designed as a separate storage area into which food can be introduced. The household refrigerating appliance comprises a moistening device with which an ambient humidity different from the rest of the interior space can be set in the storage area.

Domestic refrigerators, such as a refrigerator, are known from the prior art, which has an interior for the introduction of food. This interior space is usually limited by an inner container and closed at the front by a door. In the interior of cool air is generated, which is generated by a refrigeration cycle in which heat is dissipated from the interior. In the interior, a storage area is separately formed for this purpose, which is also designed to receive food, in which case an entry of a fine water mist is made possible, whereby the storage quality of these fresh food is positively influenced. In the case of fresh fruit and vegetables, humidification during storage ensures that product quality is maintained for a particularly long time. In addition, such moistening by means of a water mist accelerated cooling of these foods is realized.

Fruits and vegetables are products that have an active metabolism even after harvesting. Transpiration and respiration processes result in the loss of valuable ingredients as well as loss of fresh mass due to moisture loss.

By a suitable storage condition, these processes can be reduced or slowed down. The more the storage temperature at the freezing point of the respective product, the more Losses of ingredients are lower as metabolic processes almost completely come to a standstill. By actively moistening during storage, freshly stored food can also be cooled by evaporative cooling, which also ensures the improved preservation of product quality. Transpiration losses can be avoided mainly by maintaining the equilibrium moisture content of the stored material in the storage environment. For example, this is achieved by appropriate packaging or protected storage in tight storage boxes. This is already being implemented in special vegetable trays with humidity control in refrigerators.

In addition, there are systems that try to keep the moisture content high and thus minimize the transpiration losses of stored fruit and vegetables by evaporating moisture inside the vegetable peel, by re-wetting or actively misting water in the vegetable shell. Systems for active humidification are also known from the food retail trade. During product presentation of unpackaged goods, active humidification is performed to reduce moisture loss of the product. The limits of the systems in the function of product freshness in household refrigerators are always given by the underlying refrigeration system and the dependence of the load of the corresponding storage areas. So occurs in so-called no-frost systems on a very strong dehumidification, which may possibly adversely affect the storage of fruits and vegetables. On the other hand, there are systems in which the good functionality is given only at high loading and thus high moisture input. Previous systems in domestic refrigeration appliances are only able to maintain the given product status within the stated limits. An improvement of the product quality in terms of an additional protective function or in the sense of returning already lost freshness is not possible. Domestic refrigerators, in which such a separated storage area is formed in an interior, are known from DE 10 2009 029 139 A1 and DE 10 2009 029 141 A1. It is an object of the present invention to improve the freshness of fresh food in a storage area in an interior of a household refrigerator.

This object is achieved by methods and a household refrigerator according to the independent claims.

In a first aspect of the invention, it is provided in a method for operating a household refrigerating appliance that foods can be introduced as stored goods in a separate storage area formed in an interior space. In the storage area, an introduction of liquid fluid independent from the interior can take place as droplets. This means that in the partial volume, which is formed by the storage area, a fluid introduction can be carried out without that in the remaining volume of the interior, which is adjacent to the storage area, such a fluid is introduced. So it is the basic structural and component prerequisite created that in specific phases, the fluid is also introduced into the storage area, and this is performed independently of the remaining interior.

It is preferably provided that an aerosol mist is introduced as the fluid. This is particularly advantageous for the wetting of the stored material with the fluid and, for example, a significant advantage over the introduction of a different water gas. The aerosol can then be absorbed by the stored product to improve keeping fresh.

An essential idea of the invention is to be seen in that, for keeping the stored goods fresh in the storage area, a first operating mode and a different second operating mode, namely a storage mode, can be carried out. This means that the household refrigerating appliance is designed such that at least these two different operating modes for keeping the stored goods fresh are provided and can be carried out. These operating modes can thus be carried out selectively and thus individually the stored goods are kept fresh. In this specific storage mode, an aerosol mist generated by a nebulizer of the household refrigerator is introduced into the storage area as a fluid and a nebulization rate of the aerosol mist during the storage mode depending on at least one nebulizer specific influencing parameter and / or dependent on a fluid-specific influence parameter and / or depending on a storage area specific Influencing parameters adapted to a nominal nebulization rate. Such a refinement is improved by keeping the stored goods fresh, since it is thus much more adapted and tailored to requirements and, moreover, it is possible over a relatively long period of time and thus over a relatively long storage period, a relatively uniform atomization rate per time interval and / or unit area of a floor of the Provide storage area and / or volume unit of the storage area. It promotes the preservation of the stored material significantly.

It is thus provided in particular that an instantaneous actual nebulization rate of the aerosol mist during the execution of the storage mode is adapted to a desired nebulisation rate, if the actual nebulization rate of the aerosol mist is determined by a nebulizer-specific influencing parameter and / or by a fluid-specific influencing parameter and / or deviates from the target nebulization rate or a tolerance interval due to a bearing region-specific influencing parameter.

Since in this regard occurring in practice and mentioned by the specific causes deviation, especially at relatively long storage times, may occur, a compensation of which is carried out by the invention, so that the freshness of the stored material can also be improved very long term.

Preferably, the nominal atomization rate over the entire storage time of the stored material in the storage area is set constant. The adaptation is carried out in particular in such a way that the entire storage time of a storage product is divided into at least two, in particular equal, time intervals and a nebulization rate in a first time interval of the storage mode lies within a tolerance interval of a nebulisation rate in a second time interval of the storage mode and in particular also both nebulization rates lie in the respective time intervals in a tolerance interval to the target atomization rate. By such Design can be kept virtually constant in the storage mode in a particularly advantageous manner, the actual nebulization rate during the entire storage time, which causes even with relatively long storage times that last for several days, especially greater ten days, a much improved keeping fresh. Preferably, the first time interval and the second time interval are characterized in a storage time of at least two full days to the effect that in each case the time intervals amount to one day. These are then practically the same in terms of the influencing factors and the adjustment of the misting rate can be very uniform.

It is preferably provided that the nebulization rates in the time intervals are set at values between 0.4 g and 0.6 g per 100 cm ² during the storage mode as a function of at least one nebulizer-specific influencing parameter and / or one fluid-specific influencing parameter and / or one bearing region-specific influencing parameter. This means that the above tolerance intervals with regard to the amount of fluid or the amount that is introduced as aerosol mist, in the range between 0.4 g and 0.6 g will be maintained over a relatively long storage time, even if specific influencing parameters Actual nebulization rate would change in this regard.

Preferably, this amount of mist, and hence the amount of aerosol mist, is adjusted between 0.4 g and 0.6 g per 100 cm ² in 15 to 20 dispensing cycles in the storage area with cycle times between 55 seconds and 65 seconds, and the number of dispensing cycles and / or their duration during the storage mode is set depending on at least one nebulizer specific influencing parameter and / or a fluid-specific influencing parameter and / or a bearing area specific influencing parameter. It is thus achieved by this advantageous embodiment, that when this aerosol mist amount is not delivered in a single dispensing cycle, but in several dispensing cycles, the number can be varied to respond very needs then then during a time interval in a storage time to the given situation can and therefore very needs appropriate to provide this desired and possibly to be adjusted aerosol mist amount. This then allows for very specific in these several cycles Cycle time intervals a more uniform adjustment, so that the target nebulization rate is extended in time and not introduced abruptly, so that undesirably strong fluctuations in the nebulization and thus also in the over time each seen existing aerosol mist amount can be avoided. This is very advantageous for the freshness of the stored material over relatively long storage times.

Prematurely, adjusting the fogging rate while performing the storage mode is performed depending on a load amount of the storage area having a specific storage amount and / or a total volume of the storage area as a storage area specific influencing parameter. As a result, unwanted deviations from the desired nebulization rate can occur as a result of the situation, which are then detected and, in turn, corrected very in line with requirements.

It can also be provided that the adjustment of the atomization rate during the execution of the storage mode depends on the temperature of the fluid to be atomized and / or on a temperature change of the fluid to be atomized and / or on a temperature in the vicinity of a tank containing the fluid to be atomized and / or a temperature change of a tank having the fluid to be atomized is carried out as a fluid-specific influencing parameter. These respective instantaneous temperature values or temperature change values, which may also be taken into account in the past or estimated for the future depending on current or past respective values, cause a further finely adjusted and thus more appropriate adjustment of the fogging rate, so that here too a longer relatively long storage practically a very constant atomization rate is present. This also promotes the freshness of a wide variety of foods over a very long shelf life.

It is preferably provided that the adjustment of the atomization rate during the execution of the storage mode is carried out as a filling-specific influencing parameter depending on a filling level of the fluid to be atomized in a tank of the household refrigerating appliance and / or depending on a water hardness of the fluid. Even with these advantageous embodiments, very specific parameters are therefore taken into account which, at least over a longer service life of the household refrigerating appliance and site-specific conditions, lead to undesired changes in the actual temperature. Fogging rate may result, so that it can already be reacted to preventively by this advantageous embodiment or can be reacted immediately to an undesirable deviation of the misting rate.

It is preferably provided that the adaptation of the atomization rate during the execution of the storage mode is carried out as a nebulizer-specific influencing parameter as a function of a total operating time of the nebulizer. Since overlooked over several storage modes and over the entire service life of the nebulizer since the first commissioning here a decrease in the fumigation rates can occur, this is also observed and can then be controlled by targeted measures, in particular via a control unit, an adjustment of the operation of the nebulizer so that in turn the actual atomization rate corresponds to the desired atomization rate or at least can be set in a defined manner within a tolerance interval around the nominal atomization rate.

Preferably, the adjustment of the atomization rate during the execution of the storage mode is carried out depending on a transit time of a component, in particular an evaporator, of a refrigeration cycle of the household refrigerating appliance. The introduction of the aerosol mist is preferably carried out depending on the type and / or amount and / or position of the stored material in the storage area at least temporarily localized in a storage area zone. Also, this is very situationally responsive to the current placement of the storage area with specific stored material, so that it can be avoided that too little aerosol mist or too much aerosol mist or aerosol mist is brought to an undesirable extent in non-desired storage area zones. As a result of this configuration, the aerosol mist in the storage area is no longer introduced in a fixed position, but rather, aerosol mist is introduced very specifically only at preferred locations. In particular, it is provided that the storage area has a plurality of locations, via which the aerosol mist can be introduced, so that they are then used individually, in order then to introduce the aerosol mist. Preferably, the storage mode is activated only when the storage area is closed. By this configuration, the energy-efficient operation of the household appliance is taken into account. In addition, then preferably also with an open storage area no such fluid introduction, for example by introducing a mist, given. A user can thus observe and remove the storage area and stored goods unhindered. Also, unwanted moistening of a hand or other limb of the user is then prevented.

In order to keep the stored goods fresh in the storage area, a refresh mode is preferably carried out as the first operating mode, in which the fluid introduction in the storage area is set as a function of a mass of the stored goods in comparison to its fresh mass, thereby increasing the mass of the stored goods. In this aspect of the invention, therefore, a process is carried out in a particularly noteworthy manner, namely the refresh mode, by means of which it is possible to change the mass of the stored material. Such a mass change is not to be understood in the context that applied fluid remains on the surface of the stored material and are considered in the context of quasi as additional separated weight elements, but that penetration into the stored material takes place by the stored material receives this fluid and through Cell biological processes quasi self-refreshed and thereby increased their own basic mass. As a result, an active cell biological process of the stored product itself is thus started as it were, and this stored product is then also carried out by itself in order to be refreshed by the application of the corresponding fluid which determines the introduction of the fluid. This is preferably carried out to the effect that the stored material again reaches its original, occurring during the introduction into the storage area output fresh and thus fresh mass.

Preferably, the refresh mode is provided with a nebulization phase in which time for the active introduction of fluid lasts between 1 minute and 60 minutes, preferably between 2 minutes and 45 minutes. In this nebulization phase, which thus represents a partial phase of the refresh mode in time, the ambient moisture is actively changed by introducing fluid into the storage area. Preferably, the refresh mode is performed with a nebulization phase in which the introduction of fluid is timed. This means that the active introduction of fluid does not take place continuously in a single phase, but instead active fluid is introduced alternately in an active partial phase and the introduction is deactivated in a subsequent deactive partial phase, an interval interval, whereby this sequence of partial phases repeats itself can repeat. The sum of the active partial phases is then preferably between 1 minute and 60 minutes.

It can be provided that this timing is performed so that the durations of the two phases are always the same. However, it can also be provided that all active partial phases have the same time duration and the deactive partial phases have other identical time periods. It can likewise be provided that the durations of at least two active partial phases are different from one another and / or the periods of at least two deactive partial phases are different from one another. It can preferably be provided that the durations of the deactive sub-phases in total between 1 minutes and 50 minutes, in particular between 4 minutes and 45 minutes.

The duration of an active partial phase in a multi-active-phase cycle may preferably be between 30 seconds and 3 minutes, in particular between 1 minute and 2 minutes. It can be provided that the time duration of a deactivating partial phase in the case of a clocking with several deactivating partial phases is preferably between 30 seconds and 3 minutes, in particular between 1 minute and 2 minutes.

Preferably, the refresh mode is specified with a regeneration phase carried out after the nebulization phase, wherein the regeneration phase lasts between 5 minutes and several hours, in particular 24 hours. In the regeneration phase, the fluid introduced in the atomization phase is absorbed into the stored product. Such a specification of the refresh mode in a nebulisation phase and a regeneration phase substantially promotes the recovery or recycling of the stored material with regard to the achievement of the original fresh mass. The freshness condition the stored material is thereby influenced and achieved in a particularly advantageous manner, which keeps the quality of consumption of the stored goods particularly high even after a relatively long storage time.

It is preferably provided that a storage mode and / or a sanitation mode are carried out after the refresh mode.

In the sanitation mode, additives are added to the fluid introduced into the storage area to adjust the introduction of fluid, which have a germ-inhibiting action. As a result, unwanted impurities or a rapid deterioration of the stored goods favoring processes can be prevented or at least slowed down significantly.

Preferably, the sanitation mode will last between 1 minute and 2 hours, and to the fluid is added at least one of the admixtures of saline, ozonated water, electrolyzed water, hydrogen peroxide, active chlorine, active oxygen, aldehyde, alcohol, or organic acid. As organic acids, there may be mentioned, for example, citric acid or ascorbic acid or acetic acid or a preservative such as sorbic acid or benzoic acid. Furthermore, the invention relates to a household refrigerator with an interior in which a partial volume is designed as a separate storage area. In this storage area food can be introduced. The household refrigerating appliance moreover comprises at least one moistening device with which a fluid introduction different from the remaining interior space can be carried out in the storage area.

The moistening device is designed so that a storage mode can be carried out for keeping the stored goods in the storage area fresh, in which the fluid introduction in the storage area can be set as a function of the stored goods. Additionally or instead, it can be provided that the moistening device is designed so that a refresh mode can be carried out for keeping the stored goods fresh in the storage area, in which the fluid introduction in the storage area is adjustable as a function of a mass of stored goods compared to its fresh mass, and thereby the mass of the stored material is increased.

Additionally or instead, it can also be provided that the moistening device is designed such that a sanitation mode can be carried out for keeping the stored goods fresh in the storage area, in which a germ-inhibiting additive is added to the fluid introduced for application to the stored goods.

In this context, household refrigerators can be designed for the individual process aspects, as mentioned above. However, it can also be designed a household refrigeration appliance, which at least two, in particular all the above-mentioned different method aspects of the invention takes into account. In the storage area of the household refrigerating appliance, a fine mist of water is thus introduced in particular as a fluid, for example via a named ultrasonic nebuliser, for the purpose of storage and / or regeneration and / or sanitation of foods. It can be used both water, such as tap water, which is also suitable for consumption. Preferably, cooled water is used.

In the storage area, it is provided in particular that the stored goods do not come into contact with condensate occurring on the storage area floor or with the mist or liquid film deposited there. In this context, it can preferably be provided that the storage area floor is uneven, for example, has a wave structure or a support grid. By this configuration, an undesirable immersion of the stored material is prevented in this bottom-side collected liquid fluid, so that processes such as a rotting of the stored material can be prevented. Preferably, in the storage mode in which moistening and storage takes place, the introduction of the water mist as a fluid with respect to the quantity and / or the frequency and / or the duration is adapted to the product type as well as the product condition. Also, in addition to or instead of the loading, the structure of the storage system, in particular the tightness and gap dimensions, as well as the frequency of opening of the storage area by a user as well as the refrigeration used in the household refrigerator, such as a compressor startup or a fan run, for the specific mode of operation of the storage mode are considered here. In this context, device-specific parameters can also be taken into account in order to further refine and specify the storage mode.

It can be provided that the control is predefined, possibly also independent of the food actually stored, via a humidity sensor and / or a temperature sensor and / or a condensation sensor or by preselecting the storage quantities and stored goods by the user by specification on the device electronics can. Depending on the stored goods, an adaptation of the temperature level in conjunction with the nebulization system can also be provided in order to ensure the product quality even in a storage atmosphere of very high air humidity.

In a preferred procedure in the storage mode after opening the storage area and the storage of the product or the product or the stored material optionally and optionally an activation of the additional moisture is performed. It can be done in the context of an adaptation of the device and compartment temperature, for example, between greater than 0 ° C and 4 ° C. Even when closing this procedure can be provided.

It can also be provided that the storage mode is started user-individually or runs completely automatically automatically. A semi-automatic drainage can also be provided. In this embodiment, depending on a specifically perceived and detected user action subsequently the automatic starting of the storage mode can take place.

It can thus run the storage mode as a car program or parameter-controlled. In this context, the type of food, for example a leafy vegetable or a root vegetable or a berry fruit etc., can be taken into account with the automatic or at least semi-automatic sequence. Additionally or instead, the amount of food stored and / or the Type of loading, such as a mixed load with fruit and vegetables or a load only with fruit or vegetables only, are taken into account.

The storage mode preferably starts after the storage area has been closed, in which case the parameter values already indicated above may be advantageous.

In the storage mode, it may then optionally also be provided that a fan after-run after misting takes place, as a result of which drying of the food surface or surfaces of the storage area can then be achieved. As additional functions, an ionization or ozonization of the storage atmosphere can be provided in the storage mode. An air filtration for targeted removal or addition of odors, as may be the case for example by photocatalysis or activated carbon, can take place. An ethylene scavenging, for example by KMn0 ₄ , can also take place. It is also possible that exposure to ultraviolet light takes place. A blue-light application and / or a red-light application for maintaining the photosynthetic activity can also take place and, in this context, a corresponding light irradiation be provided in the storage area. All of these additional functions mentioned can be provided individually or in any combination. Here as well, an activation of the additional function during the storage mode, which is intended at least once for a specific period of time, can then take place individually. A multiple and thus pulsed implementation of at least one such additional function can also be provided. Again, the type and / or the duration and / or the time at which an additional function is activated, depending on the above-mentioned parameters of the storage area and / or the parameters of the introduced stored goods done.

Further features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the figures and the description of the figures. The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respectively specified combination but also in other combinations or in isolation, without the frame to leave the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention as encompassed and disclosed to view, which are not explicitly shown and explained in the figures, however, emerge and can be generated by separated combinations of features from the explanations explained. Embodiments and combinations of features are also to be regarded as disclosed, which thus do not have all the features of an originally formulated independent claim.

Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. The single FIGURE shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a household refrigerator according to the invention. In Fig. In a schematic representation of a household refrigerator 1 is shown, which may be, for example, a refrigerator. The household refrigerator 1 comprises a housing 2 surrounding an inner container 3. The inner container 3 defines with its walls an interior space 4, can be introduced in the food for storage and preservation. In the interior 4 cold air is introduced, which is generated by a schematically provided with the reference numeral 5 refrigeration circuit. For example, the refrigeration cycle 5 may include a compressor disposed in a machine room. In addition, an evaporator can also be provided, which is arranged in the interior 4 or at least thermodynamically coupled thereto. The refrigeration cycle 5 can furthermore have a condenser, which is preferably arranged outside the inner container 3, in particular in a rear region of the housing 2.

In the exemplary embodiment, the household refrigerating appliance 1 comprises a storage area 6 which, although arranged in the interior 4, is separated by a dividing wall 7. The partition 7 thus shares the interior 4 in a partial volume 8 and the storage area 6. The storage area 6 also includes a drawer 9, in which also food can be introduced.

The household refrigerator 1 is designed with its refrigeration cycle 5 to the effect that in the partial volume 8 and in the storage area 6 different ambient humidities are adjustable. The household refrigerator 1 may for example also be a no-frost device. In the context, the storage area 6 may preferably be a compartment in which, in particular, temperatures between 0 ° C. and 4 ° C. are set. The temperatures in the remaining part volume 8 may be slightly higher in specific embodiments and can also be set by the user. The interior 4 and thus also the storage area 6 can be closed at the front by a door 10.

The household refrigerating appliance 1 also comprises the humidification device 1, which is also provided only symbolically with a reference numeral. The moistening device 11 is designed to bring sufficient moisture into the storage area 6. For this purpose, it can include an already existing blower or a fan. Furthermore, an air duct system is provided. In particular, the moistening device 1 1 comprises a container or tank in which, in particular, water is introduced as the fluid. The moistening device 11 preferably further comprises at least one further container in which an additive is introduced. This can then be mixed with the water from the tank to carry out a sanitation mode and then introduced into the storage area 6 as nebulization or evaporation. The moistening device 11 further comprises a unit by means of which this fluid can be atomized or vaporized, in particular a nebulizer device. In this context, it may be provided that this unit is an electric heater or a low-pressure atomizer or a rotating disk and thus a disk atomizer. It is preferably provided that this unit is a Ultraschallvernebler or Membranvernebier. The mist thus generated is directed by means of a channel into the storage area 6, to which then small inlet openings are arranged at specific positions, via which the mist is then conducted into the volume of the storage area 6. The moistening device 11 further comprises a control unit, in particular a control and / or evaluation unit, by means of which the control of the ambient humidity in the storage area 6 is controlled. It may be provided in the context, a sensor or a plurality of sensors, the Capture information about parameters of the storage area 6 and / or the stored stored goods and deliver it to the control unit, in which case the control takes place depending on this information. In this context, at least one temperature sensor and / or at least one humidity sensor and / or at least one weight sensor and / or a sensor for detecting the type and / or freshness of the stored stored material can be provided.

In the exemplary embodiment it is provided that the household refrigerator 1 is designed with its moistening device 1 1 to perform a storage mode and a refresh mode and a sanitation mode.

Foods in the form of vegetables and fruits release moisture into the environment after harvesting, until a product-specific ambient moisture level has settled. As a result, these food products lose their fresh mass. The products are withered. If the relative humidity in the storage area 6 is set in accordance with the equilibrium moisture content of the stored stored material, the moisture loss can be reduced. Other vegetables, such as onions, require relatively low humidity, which is, for example, 65% RH. Other vegetables or fruits require a relatively high humidity, which is greater than or equal to 90% RH, in particular between 90% RH and 95% RH. The storage compartment or the storage area 6 comprises for active moisture control a system in which different operating modes for keeping the stored goods fresh can be set. In particular, four different operating modes can be provided here. It is provided that the first operating mode is a refresh mode in which in a relatively short time a very high mist entry and thus a very high contribution of aerosol mist takes place. A second operating mode is the storage mode in which a very specific adjustment of the amount of aerosol mist and the temperature and the ambient humidity takes place.

A third operating mode for keeping the stored goods fresh is a drying mode. No fog is generated in this drying mode. Depending on a sensor, for example a humidity sensor, a fan of the misting device optionally transports air from the interior 4, which is preferably a cooling space, into the storage area. A corresponding volume of air escapes through openings in one Cover of the storage area 6 or possibly by leaks between the lid and a drawer of the storage area 6. The transported into the storage compartment or the storage area 6 air depends on the selected refrigeration of the domestic refrigerator and in the context of whether there is a so-called no-frost Device or a static device is. In addition, the relative humidity of the transported air also depends on the refrigeration cycle of the domestic refrigerator, which means that this depends on whether the refrigeration cycle is active or inactive or how long the refrigeration cycle is active and how long it is inactive. If these conditions are observed during operation of the fan, the humidity in the storage area 6 can be reduced compared to a further third operating mode, namely a neutral mode. In the drying mode, the fan can be operated synchronously to the running time of the cooling compartment or also asynchronously. As a result, depending on the refrigeration device, air with different levels of relative humidity can be introduced into the storage area 6. It is also possible that a control takes place in dependence on the relative humidity in the storage area 6 or in the refrigerator compartment.

In the already mentioned fourth operating mode for keeping the stored goods neutral, the neutral mode, the system is in standby mode and in idle mode the fan is not running. The storage area 6 then experiences conditions which are predetermined by a higher-level control of the household refrigerating appliance in which the storage area 6 is located.

In the already mentioned storage mode, the fogging rate can be set by a user. The misting rate is different for different foods such as fruits and vegetables, so that individually adjusted depending on the stored product then the adjusted nebulization rate can be adjusted. For example, for an exemplary volume of about 23 liters of a storage area 8 and / or a bottom area of the storage area 8 of about 0.13 m ² , herbs or salads require a fogging rate of about 10 g per day to 12 g of aerosol mist per day. Fruits or fungi require a reduced nebulization rate, which is, for example, 2 g per day. The quantity of mist discharged into the storage area 6 at a relatively long storage time, which amounts to several days, preferably more than ten days, can in particular be entered homogeneously via the stored products or the product surface. The registered in the storage area 6 amount of mist, especially aerosol mist is kept as constant as possible over the storage time.

The atomization rate required for the storage compartment or the storage area 6 can preferably be adjusted as a function of the loading amount and also the volume of the storage area 6. The aerosol mist settles after a relatively short time, for example after one to two minutes, among other things on the food. Therefore, the dimensioning of the storage area 6 as well as the droplet size of the aerosol mist are parameters that are to be considered in the control of the nebulizer and the fan for transporting the generated aerosol mist just in view of a homogeneous distribution of fog entry preferred. These influencing parameters can be determined in advance and are stored as reference values in a control unit, so that the desired amount of mist and the distribution takes place as required and depending on the situation and a nebulization rate which is very individually adapted to these influencing parameters is generated. Therefore, the instantaneous actual atomization rate is compared with a desired atomization rate and, in the case of an undesired deviation, in particular in the case of a deviation outside a tolerance interval which can also be predetermined in turn, a corresponding adaptation takes place immediately. It can also be provided that such an undesired deviation is already prevented in a forward-looking manner, with a possible occurrence of an actual misting rate outside the tolerance interval being avoided at a desired misting rate by a corresponding detection of parameter values.

For hygienic reasons, and thus to prevent germ growth on the stored material, the entry of the aerosol mist is preferably carried out at intervals and thus in corresponding cycles. As a result, sufficient fog is entered and there is also sufficient time for the fall of the aerosol mist and the absorption of moisture by the stored goods. When the aerosol mist is introduced into the storage area 6, the time of a mist pulse or of a discharge cycle is selected so that this mist sufficiently fills the storage area 6 without the mist escaping from the ventilation of the storage area 6. The nebulization rate which is generated by the nebulizer device also depends on storage area-specific influencing factors and / or fluid-specific influencing factors and / or nebuliser-specific influencing factors. In this context, an ambient temperature and a water temperature of the fluid intended for the atomization are taken into account. In the case of a closed storage area 6, the entry of the aerosol mist is preferably carried out cyclically. In particular, nebulisation rates of 0.5 g per day and per 100 cm ^{2 are} introduced, this preferably taking place in a number of 15 to 20 delivery cycles with a respective mist pulse duration or cycle duration between 55 seconds and 65 seconds.

Preferably, these are storage product-specific desired nebulization rates, which are then preferably stored as reference values in the control unit, and the respective actual nebulisation rates, which are storage-specific, are then compared with corresponding stored reference values.

Preferably, inlet openings for introducing the aerosol mist into the storage area 6 lie in a front zone of the storage area 6, so that, consequently, the accessibility and cleanability are also improved. These openings may preferably be positioned in the lid or drawer of the storage area 6 so that the aerosol mist to be introduced is distributed as homogeneously as possible over the base area. Preferably, these vents lie in a rear zone, which are then away from the mist inlet openings in the front zone.

In addition to the temperatures already mentioned as influencing factors, it can also be provided that a misting rate decreases depending on a filling level of the fluid to be atomized in a tank and this is thus compensated over time by then adjusting the atomization rate. This can be done via a piezoelectric element, in particular a piezoceramic of the fog generator, which represents the nebulizer device. Around Nevertheless, at least the fog pulse duration can be represented as a function of the operating time and the filling level and, depending on this, then the adjustment of the atomization rate is carried out over a complete filling, ie up to the maximum filling level in the tank. In this context, correction factors which are stored in a memory of the control unit can be taken into account. With these correction factors, the atomization rate is preferably kept relative to one day as a time interval unit of a total storage time and an area related to a desired area, and thus a target atomization rate is desired. In this context, the amount of mist emitted in the storage area 6 then preferably amounts to between 0.4 g per day and per 100 cm ² storage area to 0.6 g per day per 100 cm ² storage area.

In addition, the loading of the storage area 6 and / or the volume of the storage area 6 can be taken into account as further influencing factors for adapting a current atomization rate. The mass and / or the surface of the stored material can also be considered in this regard.

It can also be provided that in the memory of the control unit and a fog pulse duration based on the duration of the nebulizer device is deposited. It is then assumed that the level of the fluid in the tank is changed only by the nebuliser, but not by the user, as long as the tank has not been removed. If this tank is removed for filling, then it is assumed in this control that the user has filled the tank up to the desired level, in particular the maximum level.

For detecting the level of the water tank, it is also possible that the level is detected by a sensor, for example via a capacitive sensor or via an ultrasonic measurement. Thus, the misting rate can be corrected via the controller according to the level.

In order to take into account the influence of the ambient temperature on the temperature of the storage area 6 and thus also of the nebulizing device, corresponding correction values or correction factors can be stored in the memory of the control unit. The temperature can then be sensed. As a result, the influence of the surface tension of the fluid on an optionally undesired deviation of the atomization rate can also be taken into account in part. However, this surface tension can also be detected metrologically, for example by a force measurement. In addition, the water hardness of the fluid to be atomized can also be detected and taken into account as an influencing parameter, so that here too this influencing factor is taken into account in order to adapt the atomization rate such that it is corrected within a tolerance interval by a predetermined nominal atomization rate. Due to the water hardness deposits can form on the piezo element of the nebulizer, which can contribute to the impairment of the mist production rate. Therefore, it is preferably provided that a descaling of this piezoelectric element takes place, for which purpose a user is preferably pointed acoustically or visually via the control unit.

It can also be provided that the fogging rate is influenced by a change in the electrical voltage of this piezoelectric element and then an adaptation must take place in order to be able to compensate for this change. It is also possible that the frequency of the electrical operating voltage of this piezoelectric element is changed so as to influence the aerosol droplet size and thus also to influence the atomization rate. As a result of this refinement, the settling time of these aerosol mist droplets can be varied and thus the distribution of the aerosol mist can be influenced.

The nebulizer also reduces its nebulisation rate over its entire operating life. This can reduce the misting rate under otherwise constant conditions. For example, the misting rate drops by 30 percent after several thousand operating hours, for example after 3,000 operating hours. In order to be able to also take into account these nebuliser-specific influencing factors and then also be able to keep the nebulisation rate actually generated at the desired nominal nebulization rate, the transit time of the nebulizer device can be recorded and corrected accordingly. The duration of the nebulizer device are correction factors of Nebulization rate assigned, for example, by a table. Thus, the runtime can be stored as a number, in which case a counter unit, for example a time interval, preferably one day, corresponds. Depending on the count, the factor for correcting the duration of the fog pulse is used in the adjustment control program.

In order to keep the equilibrium moisture content of the stored stored material as far as possible for the respective individual level, the aerosol mist entry must also be made in the storage area 6 in such a timely manner that the moisture losses of the stored material or losses due to condensation on the walls, the floor and the lid or conditional be compensated by opening the storage area 6 for removal or storage of stored goods. For this purpose, one or more moisture sensors for controlling the mist entry may be present, which are preferably mounted so that they allow a sufficiently accurate statement about the relative humidity in the storage area 6. Preferably, these sensors can be arranged in the region of a door and / or in the region of an evaporator of a refrigeration cycle of the household refrigerating appliance and / or on a cold air inlet in the case of a no-frost appliance.

Alternatively, the fog entry depending on the running time of the refrigerating compartment, such as an evaporator or a cold air inlet can be controlled and thus also device-specific factors influencing the adjustment of the misting rate are taken into account. In a so-called standstill of the compressor or a standstill of the cold air inlet, the temperature rises in the cooling compartment and thus in the storage area. This allows the air in the storage area to absorb more moisture. The relative humidity drops. In order to counteract the decrease in the relative humidity, a short mist pulse, preferably in addition to the already emitted mist pulses, can be delivered to the storage area 6. This ensures that the relative humidity in the storage area 6 is kept as constant as possible per time interval of a storage period. It is preferably provided that the moisture applied to the stored product is detected, for which purpose the mist precipitate on the stored product is detected. For this purpose, in particular a detection unit is provided which operates with infrared radiation. This detection unit is arranged in the household refrigerator. The absorption ranges of Water is in the wavelength range between 1 .920 nm and 1,950 nm or between 1 .400 nm and 1 .450 nm, which can then be sensed. The absorption can then be considered as a measure of the moisture film on the stored material or also serve to determine the total water content of the food and thus the stored material without wetting. For related findings, the infrared source of this unit is activated and the stored material is illuminated. An infrared receiver of this unit detects the radiation reflected by the stored goods. A comparison of this radiation without moisture film, which can then be stored, for example, as a reference value in the control unit, then allows a statement about the water film or fog deposit present on the stored material.

A reflection of light in the visible spectral range is also a measure of the wetting of a stored product with water or a mist precipitate. In this case, a correspondingly operating light source can then illuminate the stored material and a corresponding detector, for example a photodiode, detects the reflected radiation. The voltage delivered by the detector is compared with a comparison value, in particular determined from the detector voltage without the water film. This also allows a measure of a manipulated variable to scatter the mist entry and thus the atomization rate in the storage area. The water content can also be determined by another alternative measurement method. This can be determined for example by means of an acoustic measuring method by means of ultrasonic signals between 20 kHz to 10 gHz or with a terahertz measuring technique. The terahertz radiation has a penetration depth into the stored goods. Therefore, this radiation is better for determining the wetting of the stored material. In this connection, it can also be provided in the alternative methods described that the bearing product is known or can be entered in its type and configuration for further detail, so that the relevant measurements are even more accurate and situational. It can also be provided that a camera is available, which enables the pictorial detection via contents of the storage area 6. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 household refrigerator

2 housings

3 inner container

4 interior

5 refrigeration cycle

6 storage area

7 partition

8 partial volumes

9 drawer

10 door

1 1 moistening device

20

Claims

claims

1 . Method for operating a household refrigerating appliance (1), in which foodstuffs can be introduced as stored goods in a separate storage area (6) formed in an interior space (4), and in the storage area (6) introducing a liquid fluid independent of the interior space (4) can take place, characterized in that for keeping fresh the stored goods in the storage area (6) a first operating mode and a different storage mode can be performed and introduced in storage mode as a fluid through a nebulizer (1 1) of the household refrigerator (1) generated aerosol mist and a

Nebulization rate of the aerosol mist during the storage mode is adjusted depending on at least one nebuliser-specific influencing parameter and / or a fluid-specific influencing parameter and / or a storage area-specific influencing parameter to a target nebulisation rate.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that a target nebulization rate over the entire storage time of the stored material is set constant, and adjusting the current nebulization rate is performed such that the entire storage time of a stored product is divided into at least two time intervals and a nebulization rate in a first time interval of

Storage mode is within a tolerance interval of a misting rate in a second time interval of the storage mode and both atomization rates are within a tolerance interval of the target atomization rate. 3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the storage time is at least two days and the first and the second time interval each amount to one day.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the misting rates in the time intervals with values between 0.4 g and 0.6 g per

100 cm ² during the storage mode depending on at least one nebulizer-specific influencing parameter and / or a fluid-specific Influencing parameters, in particular the water hardness, and / or a bearing area specific influencing parameters are set.

A method according to claim 4, characterized in that this amount of mist between 0.4 g and 0.6 g per 100 cm ² in 15 to 20 delivery cycles in the storage area (6) are set with cycle times between 55 seconds and 65 seconds, and the number of dispensing cycles and / or their durations during the storage mode are set as a function of at least one nebulizer-specific influencing parameter and / or a fluid-specific influencing parameter and / or a bearing region-specific influencing parameter.

Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjustment of the fogging rate while performing the storage mode depending on a loading amount of the storage area (6) with a specific storage product and / or a total volume of the storage area (6) is performed as storage area specific influencing parameter.

Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that adjusting the atomization rate during the execution of the storage mode depending on the temperature of the fluid to be atomized and / or a change in temperature of the fluid to be atomized and / or a temperature in the environment of a zu atomizing fluid-containing tanks and / or a change in temperature of the fluid to be atomized having tanks is performed as a fluid-specific influencing parameters.

Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that adjusting the atomization rate while performing the storage mode depending on a filling level of the fluid to be atomized in a tank of the household refrigerating appliance (1) and / or a water hardness of the fluid is carried out as a fluid-specific influence parameter.

Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjustment of the atomization rate during the execution of the Storage mode depending on a total operating time of the fogger

(1 1) is carried out as a nebuliser-specific influencing parameter.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjustment of the atomization rate during the execution of the storage mode depending on a running time of a component, in particular a

Evaporator, a refrigeration cycle of the household refrigerator (1) is performed.

1 1. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the introduction of the aerosol mist is carried out depending on the type and / or amount and / or position of the stored material in the storage area (6) at least temporarily localized in a storage area zone.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for keeping fresh the stored material in the storage area (6) a refresh mode is performed as a first mode of operation, in which the

Introducing the fluid in the storage area (6) for applying the fluid to the stored goods in the storage area (6) is adjusted depending on a reduced mass of the stored material compared to its fresh mass and thereby the mass of the stored material is increased.

13. Domestic refrigerating appliance (1), which is designed to carry out a method according to one of the preceding claims and an interior space (4) formed therein with a separate storage area (6) for food storage, and in the storage area (6) one of the Interior (4) independent introduction of a liquid fluid is feasible, wherein the household refrigerator (1) a

Nebulizer device (1 1) and a control unit for controlling the method.