CN111380265A - Working method for heating device, heating device and refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a working method of a heating device. The heating device has a chamber adapted to receive a load. The heating device can be selectively operated in a heating mode or a cooling mode. In the heating mode, the radiating member applies radio frequency electromagnetic waves to the chamber to heat the load. In the cooling mode, cooled cool air is input to the chamber to cool the load.

Description

Working method for heating device, heating device and refrigerator

[ technical field ]

The embodiment of the invention relates to a working method for a heating device, the heating device and a refrigerator with the heating device.

[ background art ]

Conventional household microwave ovens typically use a magnetron to generate Radio Frequency (RF) radiation, and objects located within the cavity are heated by radiating RF energy into the cavity.

In recent years, devices have been proposed that use solid-state semiconductor components to generate RF radiation, which is radiated into a chamber through a radiation member (e.g., an antenna) to heat an object located within the chamber.

[ summary of the invention ]

It is an object of embodiments of the present invention to provide an improved method for a heating device, a heating device and a refrigerator having a heating device.

In one aspect, embodiments of the present invention relate to a method of operating a heating apparatus having a chamber adapted to receive a load, the heating apparatus being selectively operable in a heating mode or a cooling mode, the method comprising: in a heating mode, the radiating member applies radio frequency electromagnetic waves to the chamber to heat the load; in the cooling mode, cooled cool air is input to the chamber to cool the load.

The heating device can thus be used not only for heating the load but also for cooling the load. This diversifies the heating function.

The heating device may be provided as a separate device or may be integrated in another device, for example the heating device may be mounted in a refrigerator.

In one or more embodiments, cooled air flows into the chamber through a mounting cavity that houses an impedance matching unit.

In one or more embodiments, a fan is activated to force cooled air into the chamber. This is advantageous for allowing the load in the chamber to cool quickly.

In one or some embodiments, the cooled air is adapted to flow aft in front of the chamber into an air passage below the load.

In one or more embodiments, the cooled air flows forward from behind the chamber into the chamber and rearward into an air passage below the load.

Another aspect of the embodiments of the present invention relates to a method for operating a heating apparatus, including: in a heating mode, an RF signal source supplies an RF signal to a radiating member to apply radio frequency energy to a chamber to heat a load located within the chamber; and inputting cooled air into the chamber.

Cooling the surface of the load with the chilled air facilitates a more uniform internal and external temperature distribution of the heated (e.g., thawed) load.

In one or some embodiments, operating a fan to force cooled air into the chamber is included.

In one or some embodiments, in the cooling mode, a fan is operated to input cooled air to the chamber to cool the load, and the RF signal source is deactivated.

In one or some embodiments, the output power of the fan in the cooling mode is greater than the output power of the fan in the heating mode.

Another aspect of embodiments of the present invention relates to a heating apparatus, including: having a chamber to receive a load; a radiation member; and a controller arranged to cause the heating means to selectively operate in a heating mode or in a cooling mode, wherein in the heating mode the radiating member applies radio frequency electromagnetic waves to the chamber to heat the load; in the cooling mode, cooled cool air is input to the chamber to cool the load.

In one or some embodiments, the heating means comprises a fan for forcing cooled air into the chamber.

Yet another aspect of an embodiment of the present invention relates to a heating apparatus, including: having a chamber to receive a load; a radiation member; a fan; and a controller arranged to cause the radiating member to apply radio frequency electromagnetic waves to the chamber in a heating mode to heat the load; and operating a fan to supply cooled cool air to the chamber.

In one or some embodiments, a load-bearing portion located within the chamber to bear the load; and an air channel located in the chamber and below or within the carrier; air entering the chamber flows through the air passage.

Yet another aspect of embodiments of the present invention relates to a refrigerator including a heating apparatus as described in any one of the above.

[ description of the drawings ]

Fig. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a heating device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a schematic simplified block diagram of a heating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a heating device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a heating device according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a method of operating a heating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a method of operating a heating apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[ detailed description of the invention ]

As shown in fig. 1, the refrigerator 100 includes an insulated cabinet 101. The cabinet 101 has a storage chamber 102, and the storage chamber 102 has a front opening. The storage chamber 102 may be closed by a door (not shown).

The refrigerator 100 may include a compression type refrigeration system including a compressor 106, an evaporator 107, and a condenser (not shown), and refrigerant is evaporated in the evaporator 107 to cool the storage chamber 102.

The refrigerator 100 may include a cool air passage 108 physically separated from the storage chamber 102. The air cooled by the evaporator 107 is sent into the storage chamber 102 via the cool air duct 108. The refrigerator 100 may include an evaporator fan 109 in the cold air duct 108 to forcibly introduce the cold air into the storage chamber 102 to form a forced circulation between the storage chamber 2 and the cold air duct 2.

In some embodiments, the evaporator 107 may be located within the cool air channel 108. It will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments the evaporator 107 may be located outside the cold air channel 108, for example the evaporator 107 may be located within the insulating layer and against the inner container of the cabinet 101 to cool the inner container of the cabinet and thereby cool the air located within the cold air channel 107.

In an alternative embodiment, the refrigerator 100 may not include a cool air passage inside the storage chamber 102. For example, the storage compartment 102 may be cooled directly by an evaporator located inside the storage compartment 102 or by an evaporator located outside the storage compartment 102. A fan for agitating air to uniformly distribute temperature may be provided in the storage chamber 102.

The refrigerator 100 includes a heating apparatus 1 located inside a storage chamber 102. The heating device 1 is used to raise the temperature of a load, such as food or other load. In various embodiments, a heating operation may be performed at the load 200 having any initial temperature to increase the thermal energy or temperature of the load. For example, in some embodiments, the heating device 1 is adapted to increase the temperature of the load with an initial temperature below 0 degrees celsius to a temperature above 0 degrees celsius or below 0 degrees celsius. In other embodiments, the heating device 1 may be adapted to increase the temperature of the load with an initial temperature above 0 degrees celsius to a predetermined temperature or a desired higher temperature.

The heating device 1 is adapted to apply Radio Frequency (RF) power to a load to increase the thermal energy or temperature of the load. Fig. 2 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a heating device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a schematic simplified block diagram of a heating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to fig. 2 and 3, the heating apparatus 1 includes a chamber 2, a Radio Frequency (RF) signal source 3, and a radiation member 4. The RF signal source 3 supplies an RF signal to the radiating member 4, and the radiating member 4 responsively radiates electromagnetic energy into the chamber 2 to increase the thermal energy of the load 200 (shown schematically in fig. 2).

The heating device 1 comprises a housing 20, the housing 20 having a chamber 2 therein. The housing 20 may include an outer housing 21 and an inner housing 22 at least partially within the outer housing 21. The outer housing 21 is configured to be suitable for shielding RF radiation. The outer housing 21 may comprise metal. The inner housing 22 is at least partially transparent to RF radiation.

The RF signal source 3 is coupled to a controller 8. The heating device 1 may comprise a user interface 9 coupled to the controller 8. In an embodiment, the user interface 9 may be coupled to the housing 20 independent of the overall user interface of the refrigerator 100. In some alternative embodiments, the user interface 9 may be integrated into the overall user interface of the refrigerator 100 and/or may receive user input through a remote terminal.

When starting the heating operation, the user may provide an input through the user interface 9. The controller 8 causes the RF signal source 3 to supply an RF signal to the radiating member 4, and the radiating member 4 responsively radiates electromagnetic energy into the chamber 2 to increase the thermal energy of the load 200.

The RF signal source 3 comprises an RF signal generator. The RF signal generator is configured to generate oscillating signals at different power levels and/or different frequencies. For example, the RF signal generator may generate signals that oscillate in a range of about 3.0Mhz to about 300MHz, such as radio frequency signals at frequencies of 13.56MHz (+/-5%), 27.15MHz (+/-5%) and 40.66MHz (+/-5%). In one embodiment, the RF signal generator 31 may generate a signal that oscillates in a range of approximately 40.66MHz to 40.70 MHz. In an alternative embodiment, the RF signal generator generates a radio frequency signal at a frequency of 433MHz (+/-5%).

The RF signal source 3 may comprise a power amplifier. The power amplifier is configured to receive the RF signal from the RF signal generator and amplify the RF signal to produce a higher power signal at an output of the power amplifier.

The heating device 1 comprises a power supply 12 coupled to the controller 8. The power supplier 12 supplies power to the RF signal source 3 according to a signal of the controller 8.

The heating device 1 comprises an impedance matching unit 7 and a power detection circuit 6 coupled to a controller 8. The controller 8 couples the RF signal source 3, the power detection circuit 6 and the impedance matching unit 7. The radiating component 4 is coupled to the RF signal source 3 via the impedance matching unit 7 and the transmission paths 10, 11.

During heating, the impedance of the load 200 changes as the thermal energy of the load 200 increases. The impedance changes the RF energy absorption of the load 200, thereby changing the reflected power value. The power detection circuit 6 measures the power of the forward signal (from the RF signal source to the radiation part 4) and the reflected signal (from the radiation part 4 to the RF signal source) along the transmission path 10 or the transmission path 11 between the RF signal source 3 and the radiation part 4. The controller 8 may detect completion of the heating operation based on the detection value of the power detection circuit 6 or enhance absorption of the RF power by the load 200 by changing the state of the impedance matching unit 7. For example, the impedance matching unit serves to match the input impedance of the chamber 2 and the load 200 to maximize the RF power transferred to the load 200 as much as possible. The impedance matching unit 7 may comprise a network of passive components such as inductors, capacitors or resistors.

As shown in fig. 2, the radiation member 4 includes a first parallel plate electrode 41 and a second parallel plate electrode 42 to form a parallel plate capacitor. The first and second parallel- plate electrodes 41 and 42 may be located between the inner case 22 and the outer case 21 outside the chamber 2. The first parallel plate electrode 41 may be positioned above the chamber 2. The second parallel plate electrode 42 may be located below the chamber 2. The upper and lower walls of the inner housing 22 are at least partially transparent to radio frequency radiation.

The housing 20 may have an access opening 23 opened toward the storage chamber 102, and the access opening 23 may be closed by a door 24. The door 24 is configured to prevent radio frequency radiation from passing out of the chamber 2.

The housing 20 has a mounting cavity 25 therein for accommodating at least some of the components of at least one of the RF signal source 3, the impedance matching unit 7, the power detection circuit 6, and the controller 8. In an embodiment, the network matching unit 7 is at least partially located within the installation cavity 25.

The RF signal source 3 and the power supply 12, etc., which are not shown in fig. 2, can be located in the housing 20 so that the heating device 1 can be used, for example, as a stand-alone unit. In embodiments where the heating apparatus 1 is installed within the refrigerator 100, some components of the RF heating system, such as the RF signal source 3 and/or the power supply 12, may be installed independently of the housing 20, e.g., the RF signal source 3 and/or the power supply 12 may be located outside the storage chamber 102.

The mounting cavity 25 and the chamber 2 may be arranged adjacently. For example, the mounting cavities 25 may be arranged adjacent to each other from the left to the right, from the front to the back, or from the top to the bottom of the chamber 2.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 2, the mounting cavity 25 is located behind the chamber 2. The mounting cavity 25 comprises a bottom wall 250, a top wall 253, a front wall 251 facing the chamber 2, a rear wall 252 opposite the front wall 251.

The heating device 1 may comprise a carrier part 5 located within the chamber 2 for carrying the load 200. The carrier 5 may be coupled to the door 24 to be movable with the door 24.

In an embodiment, the carrier part 5 may be configured as a drawer together with the door 24.

The load-bearing part 5 may be made at least partly of glass, for example the part on which the load 200 is placed. This is not only more conducive to heat conduction, but the glass does not affect the electromagnetic waves inside the chamber 2.

In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 2, the carrying portion 5 includes a plastic substrate 51 coupled to the door 24 and a placement portion 52 located above the substrate 51. The placement member 52 may be made of glass.

The housing 20 has an air inlet 210 and an air outlet 212. Air outside the housing 20 may enter the chamber 2 via the air inlet 210. The air in the chamber 2 may be discharged to the outside of the housing 20 through the air outlet 212. The heating device 1 may comprise a fan 28 to force air into the chamber 2. So that cooled air can be fed into the chamber 2 to cool at least a part of the load.

For example, in one embodiment, the heating apparatus 1 may be selectively operated in a heating mode or a cooling mode. In the heating mode, the radiation member 4 applies radio frequency electromagnetic waves to the chamber 2 to heat the load 200. In the cooling mode, cooled cool air is input to the chamber 2 to cool the load. So that the heating device 1 can be used not only as a heating load but also as a cooling load.

In the cooling mode, the fan 28 may be activated to force cooled air into the chamber 2. Cooled air may flow through to accommodate mounting cavity 25 into chamber 2. In the cooling mode, the RF signal source may be deactivated.

The chamber 2 may have air passages therein below the load 200 through which air entering the chamber 2 flows, which helps to reduce the temperature of the lower portion of the load 200.

As another example, in one or some embodiments, when the heating apparatus 1 is in a heating mode, i.e., the RF signal source 3 supplies RF signals to the radiating member 4 to apply radio frequency energy to the chamber 2 to heat the load 200 located within the chamber 2, cooled air is also input to the chamber 2.

Reducing the surface temperature of the load by supplying cool air to the chamber 2 during the heating process facilitates a more uniform temperature inside and outside the load after it has been heated (e.g., thawed). Including operating a fan to force cooled air into the chamber.

The cooled air may flow backwards in the front of the chamber 2 into the air channel below the load. For example, cooled air may flow from behind the chamber 2, into the chamber 2, back to front, and into an air passage under the load, back.

The air inlet 210 may be located at the rear of the housing 20. In an embodiment, external air may enter the chamber 2 via the installation cavity 25. At least one wall of the mounting cavity 25 may have an air inlet 210. In a particular embodiment, at least one of the bottom wall 250, the top wall 253, and the rear wall 252 has at least one air inlet 210.

Air entering mounting chamber 25 may enter chamber 2 through a partition wall (front wall 251 in the embodiment shown in fig. 2) that separates mounting chamber 25 and chamber 2.

A fan 28 may be mounted within the cavity 25. The outlet/inlet of the fan 28 communicates with the chamber 2.

An air passage 214 is provided in the chamber 2 below the carrier 5. The air entering the chamber 2 flows through the air passage 214 and then exits the chamber 2.

The air passage 214 may be located between the carrier 5 and the inner housing 22. For example, the bearing portion 5 and the lower wall 220 of the inner housing 22 have a gap therebetween to form the air passage 214.

The bearing part 5 has a first through hole 216 communicating with the air passage 214. The at least one first through hole 216 is located in front of the placement part 52.

The first through hole 216 may be plural. The more forward the first via 216 may be larger in size.

The lower wall X of the inner housing 22 has a second through hole 218 at a rear area thereof, and the second through hole 218 connects rear ends of the air passages 214.

The air outlet 212 is located at the rear of the outer housing 21. The air flowing out of the air passage 214 can be discharged out of the housing 20 through the air outlet 212.

Since the housing 20 is perforated with holes for ventilation of air, the housing 20 may include a partition 29 between the inner housing 22 and the outer housing 21 to separate the air from the radiation member 4.

The air inlet 210 and/or the air outlet 212 may remain normally open. The dimensions of the air inlet 210 and the air outlet 212 may be configured to prevent electromagnetic waves from leaking from the air inlet 210 and the air outlet 212. For example, the air inlet 210 and the air outlet 212 may be sized to be less than one-half of the wavelength of the electromagnetic waves radiated into the chamber 2 by the radiation member 4. The maximum diameter of any one of the air inlet 210 and the air outlet 212 may be less than 1 cm.

The cooled air may enter the cavity 2 through the air inlet 210 to cool a load 200, such as food, located within the cavity 2.

Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a heating apparatus 1A according to another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment differs from the embodiment shown in fig. 2 mainly in the configuration of the housing, the configuration of the carrier part and the arrangement of the radiation elements. A controller, an RF signal source, a power supply, a power detector, etc. can be seen in fig. 3.

As shown in fig. 4, housing 420 has a chamber 442 therein. The housing 420 may include an outer housing 421 and an inner housing 422 at least partially within the outer housing 421. The outer housing 421 is configured to be suitable for shielding RF radiation. At least a portion of the inner housing 422 is transparent to RF radiation.

The rear of the chamber 442 has a mounting cavity 425. An impedance matching unit 47 is provided in the mounting cavity 425.

Mounting cavity 25 includes a bottom wall 4250, a top wall 4253, a front wall 4251 facing cavity 442, and a rear wall 4252 opposite front wall 4251.

The load-bearing part 45 to bear the load 200 may have a substantially plate shape and be coupled to the door 424 to be movable along with the door 424.

The housing 420 has an air inlet 4210 and an air outlet 4212. Air outside the housing 420 may enter the chamber 442 via the air inlet 4210. Air within the chamber 442 may be vented out of the housing 420 via an air outlet 4212. The heating device 1A may include a fan 428 to force air into the chamber 442.

The air inlet 4210 may be located at the rear of the housing 420. In an embodiment, outside air may enter the chamber 442 via the mounting cavity 425. At least one wall of the mounting cavity 425 may have an air inlet 4210. In particular embodiments, at least one of the bottom wall 4250, top wall 4253 and rear wall 4252 may have at least one air inlet 4210. The impedance matching unit 47 and the air inlet 4210 may be disposed in a staggered manner.

Air entering mounting cavity 425 may enter chamber 442 through a bulkhead separating mounting cavity 425 and chamber 442.

A fan 428 may be mounted within the cavity 425. The outlet/inlet of the fan 428 is in communication with the chamber 442.

An air passage 4214 is provided in the chamber 442 below the bearing portion 45. Air entering chamber 442 passes through air passage 4214 and exits chamber 442.

The air passage 4214 may be located between the bearing portion 45 and the inner housing 422. For example, the bearing portion 45 and the lower wall 4220 of the inner housing 422 have a gap therebetween to form an air passage 4214.

The bearing portion 45 has a first through hole 4216 communicating with the air passage 4214. At least one first through hole 4216 is located at the front of the bearing part 45.

As shown in fig. 4, the radiation member 44 includes a first electrode plate between the inner case 422 and the outer case 421. The outer housing 421 is grounded. The RF signal source supplies an RF signal to the first electrode plate 44 to apply RF energy to a load located within the chamber 442.

Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a heating device 1B according to still another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment differs from the embodiment shown in fig. 2 mainly in the arrangement of the housing construction, the loading portion construction, etc. A controller, an RF signal source, a power supply, a power detector, etc. can be seen in fig. 3.

As shown in fig. 5, the housing 520 has a chamber 52 therein, and the RF radiating member is adapted to apply RF energy into the chamber 52 to heat the load 200 located within the chamber 2.

The housing 520 has an air inlet 5210 and an air outlet 5212. Air outside the housing 520 may enter the chamber 52 via the air inlet 5210. Air within the chamber 52 may be vented out of the housing 520 via the air outlet 5212. The heating means may include a fan 528 to force air into the chamber 52.

The heating device 1B includes a bearing portion 55 for bearing the load 200. Bearing 55 has air passage 4214 therein.

In the embodiment, the carrier 55 includes a substrate 551 and a placement portion 552 above the substrate 551. An air passage 5214 is formed between the storage portion 552 and the base plate 551 with a gap therebetween and communicates with the chamber 52.

External air may enter the chamber 52 via the mounting cavity 525. In an embodiment, external air enters the mounting chamber 525 through the air inlet 5210 of the outer housing 521, and enters the chamber 52 through the partition wall 5251 between the mounting chamber 525 and the chamber 52. After passing through the load 200, the external air passes through the first through hole 5216 of the loading portion 55 and enters the air passage 5214 located below the loading portion 552. The external air flows through the lower surface of the storage portion 552, which helps to improve the influence of the external air on the load 200. The air exits the air passage 5214 from the second through hole 5218 provided in the loading portion 55, returns to the mounting chamber 525 through the third through hole 5219 of the partition wall 5251, and is discharged to the outside of the housing 520 through the bottom wall or the side wall of the outer housing 521. A partition 556 may be provided within the mounting cavity 525 to separate the flow of intake air flowing toward the chamber 52 from the flow of exhaust air flowing toward the air outlet 5212.

In the above embodiment, by causing the air flowing into the chamber from the outside of the housing to flow through the air passage, the influence of the outside air on the load is facilitated to be increased. The load may be influenced, for example, from below the load near the bottom wall of the chamber. For example, when the outside air is conditioned (e.g., cooled) air introduced into the chamber, it becomes possible for the outside air to affect the load from both above and below the load. For example, it is possible to cool the load by feeding cold air from outside the casing to the chamber, and further, it is possible to increase the function (e.g., cooling function) of the heating device.

Further, it is possible to make the inner and outer surfaces of the load have more uniform temperatures if cooled external air is supplied into the chamber during the process in which the heating means heats the load and the external air is made to flow over the outer surface of the load or over the bearing portion in contact with the outer surface of the load to lower the surface temperature of the load.

For example, in some embodiments, the heating apparatus 1, 1A, 1B may be selectively operated in a heating mode or a cooling mode. For the sake of simplicity, the operation of the heating device is described below by taking the heating device 1 as an example. It will be appreciated that the heating devices 1A and 1B may also operate in the same or similar manner.

The user can input operations through the user interface 9. Based on the operation received by the interface 9, the controller 8 determines the operation mode of the heating apparatus 1.

In the heating mode, the radiating member 4 applies RF energy to the chamber 2 to provide the temperature of the load 200 located within the chamber 2. In a particular embodiment, the controller 8 causes the RF signal source 3 to supply an RF signal to the radiating member 4, and the radiating member 4 responsively radiates electromagnetic energy into the chamber 2 to increase the thermal energy of the load 200.

In some embodiments, the radiation member 4 is used to raise the load 200 located within the chamber 2 from an initial temperature below zero to a freezing temperature above or near zero and suitable for cutting by a user. For example, the user puts the load 200 to be frozen into the chamber 2 and heats it to a preset temperature to thaw the load 200. As a specific example, RF energy applied to the chamber 2 may heat the load 200 to-3 to-1 degrees Celsius at-18 to-16 degrees Celsius.

In the cooling mode, cool air is forcibly introduced into the chamber 20 from the outside of the casing 20 and then flows out of the chamber 2. When the chamber 2 is operated in the cooling mode, the temperature of the load 200 located within the chamber 20 may be rapidly decreased. In the cooling mode, the RF signal source 3 is not operated. Therefore, the heating apparatus 1 can be used not only to raise the temperature of the load but also to rapidly cool the load in the cooling mode, and can be used as a rapid cooling apparatus.

In the cooling mode, the load 200 may be rapidly reduced from an initial temperature above zero or below zero to a temperature above zero or below zero. For example, the load 200 may be lowered from an initial temperature above zero to a sub-zero temperature.

In an embodiment, fan 28 may be activated to increase the cooling rate of load 200. When the fan 28 is operated, cooled air may be forcibly introduced into the compartment 2 from the storage chamber 102 or the cool air passage 108 to rapidly lower the temperature of the load 200.

In an embodiment, cool air may enter the chamber 2 through the air inlet 210 via the installation cavity 25. It will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments the cooling air may not pass through the mounting cavity 25, for example the cooling air may enter the chamber 2 from above or below the housing 20.

In an embodiment, cool air may enter the compartment 2 from the rear of the compartment 2 and flow forward to flow over the shelf 52. The cool air flows backward from the first through hole 216 into the air passage 214 located below the carrier part 5. In other embodiments, the cool air flows backwards from the first through hole into the air channel located in the carrier part (as in the embodiment shown in fig. 5). In this flow manner, the cool air cools the load 200 with a higher intensity, thereby facilitating rapid cooling of the load 200.

The air exiting from the rear of the cold air path 214 may be discharged out of the housing 20 through the air outlet 212.

A temperature sensor to detect the temperature of the load 200 or the temperature inside the chamber 2 may be provided inside the chamber 2. When the load 200 temperature or the chamber temperature reaches a preset temperature, the fan 28 stops operating.

FIG. 6 shows a flow chart of a method for heating a device according to an embodiment of the present invention. For the sake of simplicity, the operation of the heating device is described below by taking the heating device 1 as an example. It is understood that the following method is also applicable to the heating apparatuses 1A, 1B.

The heating apparatus 1 is selectively operable in a heating mode and a cooling mode.

As shown in fig. 6, in step S1, the controller receives an input from a user. This may receive user input through the user interface 9.

In step S2, the operation mode of the heating apparatus 1 is determined according to the input of the user. Specifically, it is determined whether the heating apparatus 1 is operated in the heating mode or the cooling mode.

When it is determined that the user selects the heating mode, the controller 8 causes the RF signal source 3 to supply the RF signal to the radiation member 4 and the radiation member 4 radiates electromagnetic energy into the chamber 2 to increase the thermal energy of the load 200 in step S41.

When it is determined in step S42 that the heating is completed, the controller 8 stops the operation of the RF signal source 3. Upon confirming that heating is complete, the controller 8 may determine whether to stop applying RF energy to the chamber 2 based on feedback from the power detection circuit 6. In some alternative embodiments, the controller 8 may also determine whether to stop applying RF energy to the chamber 2 based on a temperature sensor located within the chamber 2.

When it is determined that the cooling mode is selected by the user, cold air cooled by the cold source is forcibly input to the cavity 2 to cool the load 200, such as food, located in the cavity 2 in step S31. The cold air may come from the evaporator compartment, the cold air duct 108, or the storage compartment 102.

In the cooling mode, cool air may flow through the mounting cavity 25 to house at least one of the RF signal source 3, the impedance matching unit 7, the power detection circuit 6, and the controller 8 into the chamber 2.

In the cooling mode, the fan 28 is activated to force cool air into the chamber 2. The fan 28 may be located within the housing 20. It will be readily appreciated that in other embodiments, the method of the present embodiment is also applicable to embodiments in which the fan 28 is located outside the housing 20, as long as the fan can force air into the chamber 2. The fan 28 may be operated continuously or intermittently.

The cool air may enter the compartment 2 from the rear of the compartment 2 and flow forward to flow over the shelf 52. The cool air flows backward from the first through hole 216 into the air passage 214 located below the carrier part 5. In other embodiments, the cool air flows backward (as shown in fig. 5) from the first through hole 5216 into the air passage 5214 located in the carrier 55. In this flow manner, the cool air cools the load 200 with a higher intensity, thereby facilitating rapid cooling of the load 200.

When it is determined in step S32 that the cooling operation is completed, the fan 28 stops operating. Whether the cooling operation is completed may be judged by detecting the temperature of the load 200 or the chamber.

FIG. 7 is a method for heating a device according to another embodiment of the invention. For the sake of simplicity, the operation of the heating device is described below by taking the heating device 1 as an example. It is understood that the following method is also applicable to the heating apparatuses 1A and 1B.

As shown in fig. 7, in step S61, the controller receives an input from a user. This may receive user input through the user interface 9.

In step S62, the operation mode of the heating apparatus 1 is determined according to the input of the user. Specifically, it is determined whether the heating apparatus 1 is operated in the heating mode or the cooling mode.

When it is determined that the user selects the heating mode in step S62, the controller 8 causes the RF signal source 3 to supply the RF signal to the radiation member 4 and the radiation member 4 radiates electromagnetic energy into the chamber 2 to increase the thermal energy of the load 200 in step S641. In order to make the surface and the inside of the load 200 heated more uniformly, cold air may be input into the chamber 2 to lower the temperature of the surface of the load 200 in the heating mode. The cool air may be forcibly introduced into the chamber 2 by the fan 28.

The application of RF energy to the chamber 2 and the input of cool air to the chamber 2 may be performed simultaneously for part of the period or at least staggered for the period. In some embodiments, cold air may be input into the chamber 2 before applying RF energy to the chamber 2 to make the surface temperature of the load 200 lower than the internal temperature.

The cool air may enter the compartment 2 from the rear of the compartment 2 and flow forward to flow over the shelf 52. The cool air flows backward from the first through hole 216 into the air passage 214 located below the carrier part 5. In other embodiments, the cool air flows backward (as shown in fig. 5) from the first through hole 5216 into the air passage 5214 located in the carrier 55. In this flow manner, the cool air cools the load 200 with a higher intensity, thereby facilitating rapid cooling of the load 200.

In the heating mode, the fan 28 is operated at a first output power. The fan 28 may be operated intermittently.

When it is determined that the heating is completed in step S642, the controller 8 stops the operation of the RF signal source 3. Upon confirming that heating is complete, the controller 8 may determine whether to stop applying RF energy to the chamber 2 based on feedback from the power detection circuit 6. In some alternative embodiments, the controller 8 may also determine whether to stop applying RF energy to the chamber 2 based on a temperature sensor located within the chamber 2.

The surface temperature of the load is cooled by feeding cold air into the chamber 2 in the heating mode, which is beneficial to make the internal and external temperatures more balanced when the load completes the heating process. This advantage is even more pronounced when the heating mode is used to defrost a load.

When it is determined that the user selects the cooling mode in step S62, cold air cooled by the cold source is forcibly input to the chamber 2 to cool the load 200, such as food, located inside the chamber 2 in step S631. The cold air may come from the evaporator compartment, the cold air duct 108, or the storage compartment 102. The RF signal source 3 is not operated at this time.

In the cooling mode, the fan 28 operates at a second output power. The second output power is greater than the first output power.

In the cooling mode, cool air may flow through the mounting cavity 25 to house at least one of the RF signal source 3, the impedance matching unit 7, the power detection circuit 6, and the controller 8 into the chamber 2. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the cool air may not enter the chamber via the mounting cavity. For example, the cool air may enter the chamber from a top wall, side walls, or bottom wall of the chamber.

In the cooling mode, the fan 28 is activated to force cool air into the chamber 2. The fan 28 may be located within the housing 20. It will be readily appreciated that in other embodiments, the method of the present embodiment is also applicable to embodiments in which the fan 28 is located outside the housing 20, as long as the fan can force air into the chamber 2. The fan 28 may be operated continuously or intermittently.

The cool air may enter the compartment 2 from the rear of the compartment 2 and flow forward to flow over the shelf 52. The cool air flows backward from the first through hole 216 into the air passage 214 located below the carrier part 5. In other embodiments, the cool air flows backward (as shown in fig. 5) from the first through hole 5216 into the air passage 5214 located in the carrier 55. In this flow manner, the cool air cools the load 200 with a higher intensity, thereby facilitating rapid cooling of the load 200.

When it is determined in step S632 that the cooling operation is completed, the fan 28 stops operating. Whether the cooling operation is completed may be judged by detecting the temperature of the load 200 or the chamber.

Although different embodiments of the heating device having air passages 214, 4214, 5214 located under the load within the chamber have been illustrated, the method of operation for the heating device according to the principles of the present invention may be applied to other embodiments. For example, in one embodiment, after cold air enters the chamber from the rear of the chamber, it may exit the chamber from the front of the chamber, e.g., an air outlet may be provided at the front of the housing (e.g., on a door to close an access opening).

The various embodiments described in connection with fig. 1-7 may be combined with each other in any given way to achieve the advantages of the invention. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, and other means than those shown may be generally used as long as the same effects are obtained.

Claims (14)

1. A method of operating a heating apparatus having a chamber adapted to receive a load, the heating apparatus being selectively operable in a heating mode or a cooling mode, the method comprising:

in a heating mode, the radiating member applies radio frequency electromagnetic waves to the chamber to heat the load;

in the cooling mode, cooled cool air is input to the chamber to cool the load.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the cooled air enters the chamber through a mounting cavity that houses an impedance matching unit.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein a fan is activated to force cooled air into the chamber.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the cooled air is adapted to flow aft at a front of the chamber into an air passage below the load.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the cooled air flows forward from behind the chamber into the chamber and rearward into an air passage below the load.

6. A method of operating a heating device, comprising:

in a heating mode, an RF signal source supplies an RF signal to a radiating member to apply radio frequency energy to a chamber to heat a load located within the chamber; and inputting cooled air into the chamber.

7. The method of claim 6, comprising operating a fan to force cooled air into the chamber.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein in a cooling mode, a fan is operated to input cooled air to the chamber to cool the load and the RF signal source is deactivated.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein the output power of the fan in the cooling mode is greater than the output power of the fan in the heating mode.

10. A heating device, comprising:

having a chamber to receive a load;

a radiation member;

a controller arranged to cause the heating means to selectively operate in a heating mode or in a cooling mode, wherein in the heating mode the radiating member applies radio frequency electromagnetic waves to the chamber to heat the load; in the cooling mode, cooled cool air is input to the chamber to cool the load.

11. A heating device as claimed in claim 10, comprising a fan for forcing cooled air into the chamber.

12. A heating device, comprising:

having a chamber to receive a load;

a radiation member;

a fan; and

a controller arranged to cause the radiating member to apply radio frequency electromagnetic waves to the chamber in a heating mode to heat the load; and operating a fan to supply cooled cool air to the chamber.

13. A heating device as claimed in claim 10 or 12, wherein a load-bearing portion is located within the chamber for bearing the load; and an air channel located in the chamber and below or within the carrier; air entering the chamber flows through the air passage.

14. A refrigerator comprising a heating device as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 13.

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