WO2020200192A1 - 冰箱及用于冰箱的冲泡组件 - Google Patents

冰箱及用于冰箱的冲泡组件 Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020200192A1
WO2020200192A1 PCT/CN2020/082352 CN2020082352W WO2020200192A1 WO 2020200192 A1 WO2020200192 A1 WO 2020200192A1 CN 2020082352 W CN2020082352 W CN 2020082352W WO 2020200192 A1 WO2020200192 A1 WO 2020200192A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
brewing
water
assembly
refrigerator
storage tank
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CN2020/082352
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
朴承永
徐正宇
Original Assignee
海尔智家股份有限公司
海尔美国电器解决方案有限公司
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 海尔智家股份有限公司, 海尔美国电器解决方案有限公司 filed Critical 海尔智家股份有限公司
Priority to EP20781793.3A priority Critical patent/EP3951290A4/en
Priority to AU2020252476A priority patent/AU2020252476B2/en
Priority to CN202080022032.5A priority patent/CN113646600B/zh
Publication of WO2020200192A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020200192A1/zh

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
    • A47J31/44—Parts or details or accessories of beverage-making apparatus
    • A47J31/46—Dispensing spouts, pumps, drain valves or like liquid transporting devices
    • A47J31/462—Dispensing spouts, pumps, drain valves or like liquid transporting devices with an intermediate liquid storage tank
    • A47J31/467—Dispensing spouts, pumps, drain valves or like liquid transporting devices with an intermediate liquid storage tank for the infusion
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
    • A47J31/10—Coffee-making apparatus, in which the brewing vessel, i.e. water heating container, is placed above or in the upper part of the beverage containers i.e. brewing vessel; Drip coffee-makers with the water heating container in a higher position than the brewing vessel
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
    • A47J31/40—Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
    • A47J31/407—Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea with ingredient-containing cartridges; Cartridge-perforating means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
    • A47J31/44—Parts or details or accessories of beverage-making apparatus
    • A47J31/52—Alarm-clock-controlled mechanisms for coffee- or tea-making apparatus ; Timers for coffee- or tea-making apparatus; Electronic control devices for coffee- or tea-making apparatus
    • A47J31/525—Alarm-clock-controlled mechanisms for coffee- or tea-making apparatus ; Timers for coffee- or tea-making apparatus; Electronic control devices for coffee- or tea-making apparatus the electronic control being based on monitoring of specific process parameters
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D23/00—General constructional features
    • F25D23/12—Arrangements of compartments additional to cooling compartments; Combinations of refrigerators with other equipment, e.g. stove
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
    • A47J31/02—Coffee-making machines with removable extraction cups, to be placed on top of drinking-vessels i.e. coffee-makers with removable brewing vessels, to be placed on top of beverage containers, into which hot water is poured, e.g. cafe filter
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
    • A47J31/40—Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
    • A47J31/44—Parts or details or accessories of beverage-making apparatus
    • A47J31/46—Dispensing spouts, pumps, drain valves or like liquid transporting devices
    • A47J31/461—Valves, e.g. drain valves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2331/00—Details or arrangements of other cooling or freezing apparatus not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • F25D2331/80—Type of cooled receptacles
    • F25D2331/81—Pitchers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2700/00—Means for sensing or measuring; Sensors therefor
    • F25D2700/06—Sensors detecting the presence of a product

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a refrigerator, in particular to a brewing system and components used in the refrigerator.
  • a typical beverage brewing process includes: pouring hot water into the beverage content, for example, ground coffee or tea; and then allowing the hot water to penetrate the ground to make the brewed beverage.
  • hot water for example, around 200°F
  • Hot water can speed up the brewing process and can make hot coffee in a few minutes.
  • Another coffee brewing method is the cold brewing process, which does not use hot water to brew coffee grinds.
  • the brewing time for this cold brewing process is significantly longer, for example, about five to twenty-four hours.
  • an improved brewing assembly for cold brewing beverages would be very useful. More specifically, a cold bubble system that promotes simplification of the beverage process while maintaining the beverage at a cooling temperature would be particularly beneficial.
  • a refrigerator having a vertical direction includes: a cabinet, which defines a refrigerating compartment for receiving food products for storage; a distribution assembly, which includes a water outlet for selectively distributing water; and a brewing assembly, which can be positioned in the cabinet for storage; To receive the water flow from the distribution unit.
  • the brewing assembly includes: a storage tank, which is removably positioned below the water outlet of the distribution assembly in the refrigerating chamber; and the brewing module, which is positioned in the storage tank, includes one or more small tanks for containing Brewing content and water flow from the dispensing assembly to make a brewed beverage; and a lower reservoir, which is positioned below the brewing module, for containing the brewed beverage from the canister.
  • a brewing assembly for a refrigerator includes: a distribution assembly for selectively distributing water flow; a storage tank that is removably positioned in the refrigerator and fluidly coupled with the distribution assembly ; The upper reservoir, which is positioned in the storage tank, for receiving water flow from the distribution assembly.
  • the brewing module is positioned below the upper reservoir in the storage tank, and includes a plurality of small tanks for receiving brewing content and water flow from the upper reservoir to make brewed beverages; positioning of the lower reservoir Below the brewing module, it is used to receive brewed beverages from multiple small tanks.
  • Fig. 1 shows a front view of a refrigerator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 shows a front view of the exemplary refrigerator of Figure 1 with the refrigerator door in an open position.
  • Fig. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a brewing assembly that can be used with the exemplary refrigerator of Fig. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a storage tank of the brewing assembly of Fig. 3 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a brewing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the brewing assembly of Fig. 5 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 7 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method for cold brewing coffee using the brewing assembly of Fig. 3 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • upstream and downstream refer to the relative direction of fluid flow in a fluid path.
  • upstream refers to the direction in which fluid flows out
  • downstream refers to the direction in which fluid flows.
  • Fig. 1 shows a front view of a refrigerator 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • the refrigerator 100 is a built-in or upright refrigerator configured to be built into a wall or cabinet.
  • the invention of the present disclosure is also applicable to other types and styles of refrigerators, such as bottom-mounted refrigerators, top-mounted refrigerators, and side-by-side refrigerators. Therefore, the description provided herein is for illustration only, and is not intended to be limited to any specific refrigerator type or configuration in any respect.
  • the refrigerator 100 includes a cabinet or housing 102 that extends along the vertical direction V between the top 104 and the bottom 106 and between the first side 108 and the second side 110 along the lateral direction L Extend, and extend between the front side and the back side along the transverse direction T (ie, the direction extending in and out of the page of FIG. 1).
  • Each of the vertical direction V, the lateral direction L, and the lateral direction T is perpendicular to each other and forms an orthogonal direction system.
  • the housing 102 includes an insulating lining 120 that at least partially defines a refrigerator compartment for receiving food for storage.
  • the shell 102 and/or the liner 120 define a fresh food compartment 122. Therefore, in this exemplary embodiment, the upright refrigerator 100 is a dedicated device.
  • the refrigerator door 128 is rotatably installed to the edge of the housing 102 for selectively entering the fresh food compartment 122.
  • FIG. 1 shows the refrigerator door 128 in a closed configuration.
  • FIG. 2 shows a front view of the refrigerator 100, showing the refrigerator door 128 in an open position.
  • various storage components are installed in the fresh food compartment 122 to store food products therein, as those skilled in the art will understand.
  • the storage part includes a box 134 and a shelf 136.
  • Each of these storage components is configured to receive food products (for example, beverages and/or solid food products), and can assist in organizing these food products.
  • the box 134 may be installed on the refrigerator door 128 or slid into the receiving area in the fresh food compartment 122.
  • the storage components shown are only for explanation, other storage components may be used and these storage components may have different sizes, shapes, and configurations.
  • the dispensing assembly 140 is configured to dispense liquid water for consumption, and/or promote the cold soaking process as described below.
  • an exemplary dispensing assembly 140 is shown and described herein, it should be understood that the dispensing assembly 140 can be changed and modified while remaining within the scope of the present invention.
  • the dispensing assembly 140 and its various components may be positioned in the fresh food compartment 122.
  • the dispensing assembly 140 may be provided on the front side of the refrigerator 100 (for example, on the refrigerator door 128), so that the user can directly control the dispensing assembly 140 without opening the refrigerator door 128.
  • the distribution assembly 140 includes a water outlet 142 for selectively distributing the flow of water 144 (for example, identified herein by the reference numeral 144).
  • the dispensing assembly 140 may further include an actuation mechanism 146, which is shown as a button, used to selectively dispense the flowing water 144 or initiate a cold bubble process.
  • any suitable actuation mechanism such as an ultrasonic sensor that detects inputs on a container, paddle, refrigerator control panel, etc., may be used to operate the dispensing assembly 140.
  • the refrigerator 100 includes a control panel 160, and the control panel 160 includes one or more input selectors 162, such as, for example, a knob, a button, a push button, a touch screen interface, and the like.
  • the input selector 162 may be used to specify or set various settings of the refrigerator 100, such as the settings associated with the cold brew coffee system, which will be further described below.
  • the input selector 162 can communicate with the processing device or the controller 164. In response to the input selector 162, the refrigerator 100 is operated by a control signal in or generated by the controller 164.
  • the control panel 160 includes a display 166 such as an indicator light or a screen.
  • the display 166 is in communication with the controller 164 and can display information in response to signals from the controller 164. Further, as will be described herein, the controller 164 may be communicatively connected with other components of the refrigerator 100 (such as, for example, one or more sensors and components of a cold brew coffee system).
  • processing device or “controller” refers to one or more microprocessors or semiconductor devices, and is not necessarily limited to a single element.
  • the processing device may be programmed to operate the refrigerator 100.
  • the processing device may include or be associated with one or more storage elements (e.g., non-transitory storage media).
  • the storage element includes an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM).
  • EEPROM electrically erasable programmable read-only memory
  • the storage element can store information accessible to the processing device, including instructions executable by the processing device.
  • the aforementioned instructions may be software or any collection of instructions and/or data, which when executed by the processing device, cause the processing device to perform operations.
  • the refrigerator 100 includes a brewing assembly 200 disposed in the fresh food compartment 122.
  • the brewing assembly 200 is configured to cold brew beverages in the refrigerator 100.
  • the embodiments described herein describe the brewing assembly 100 as being used to cold brew coffee using coffee grinds.
  • the brewing assembly 200 may use any other type of brewing content to brew any other brewed beverage, for example, tea leaves for making cold brewed tea.
  • the brewing assembly 200 includes a storage tank 202 that is removably positioned in the fresh food compartment 122 in the storage tank housing 204.
  • the storage tank housing 204 may be a bracket or slot fixed in the fresh food compartment 122 for removably receiving the storage tank 202 and fixing it in a suitable place during the brewing process. position.
  • the storage tank housing 204 may be configured to fluidly communicate the storage tank 202 with the distribution assembly 140 of the refrigerator 100.
  • the controller 164 may operate the dispensing assembly 140 to perform an automatic filling process to promote the cold bubble process.
  • the user can start the cold soaking process by pressing the actuating mechanism 146, and the dispensing assembly 140 can automatically and selectively dispense the flowing water 144 at the required time and flow rate to promote the cold soaking process as described below.
  • the storage tank housing 204 is shown herein as being installed in the fresh food compartment 122 and configured to receive and support the storage tank 202, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the storage tank housing 204 may not be needed at all. .
  • the storage tank 202 may be supported by one of the shelves 136, and the shelf 136 may have a dedicated point or notch for receiving the storage tank 202.
  • another suitable structure such as the insulating lining 120 of the refrigerator 100
  • an exemplary brewing assembly 200 is described below, it should be understood that changes and modifications may be made to the dispensing assembly 140, the brewing assembly 200, and other features of the refrigerator 100 while remaining within the scope of the present invention.
  • the brewing assembly 200 includes an upper reservoir 210 located in the storage tank 202 at the top 212 of the storage tank 202.
  • the upper reservoir 210 defines an upper storage volume 214, which is fluidly coupled with the water outlet 142 of the distribution assembly 140 when the storage tank 202 is placed in the installation position in the storage tank housing 204.
  • the upper reservoir 210 may be periodically filled with water 144 by the dispensing assembly 140 to promote the cold soaking process.
  • the brewing assembly 200 further includes a brewing module 220 positioned in the storage tank 202 below the upper reservoir 210.
  • the brewing module 220 includes one or more small tanks 222 for receiving brewing content 224 (as shown) and selectively distributing flowing water 144 from the upper reservoir 210 to make a bubble Beverage 226 (as shown in the figure). Therefore, the flowing water 144 penetrates or slowly passes through the brewing content 224, such as coffee grinds, thereby extracting flavor from the brewing content 224 and making the brewed beverage 226.
  • the brewing module 220 is positioned below the upper reservoir 210 along the vertical direction V to facilitate the gravity assisted brewing process.
  • the brewing assembly 200 further includes a coffee container or a lower reservoir 230, which is disposed under the brewing module 220 (for example, at the bottom 232 of the storage tank 202) for receiving brew from the small tank 222 ⁇ Drink226.
  • the lower reservoir 230 defines a lower storage volume 234 configured to receive and store all the brewed beverage 226 after the cold brewing process is completed.
  • the upper storage volume 214 is smaller than the lower storage volume 234. Therefore, in order to fill the lower storage volume 234, the dispensing assembly 140 is generally configured to fill the upper reservoir 210 two or more times during the brewing process. In this way, the dispensing assembly 140 does not need to operate continuously throughout the brewing process, but periodically fills the upper reservoir 210, which then selectively dispenses the flowing water 144 at a slower rate, as will be described in detail below description.
  • the brewing assembly 200 includes a handle 236 mounted on the storage tank 202 for completely removing the storage tank 202 from the refrigerator 100. Therefore, in order to obtain the brewed beverage 226, the storage tank 202 may define an outlet conduit (not shown) and an outlet nozzle (not shown). In this regard, the outlet duct extends from the lower reservoir 230 to the outlet nozzle, thereby dispensing the brewed beverage 226 for consumption.
  • the upper reservoir 210, the brewing module 220, and the lower reservoir 230 are basically self-sealing, so that when the user tilts the brewed beverage 226, the storage tank 202 does not leak.
  • the brewing assembly 200 includes any other suitable means for pouring the brewed beverage 226 or providing access to the brewed beverage 226.
  • the storage tank 202 includes a pivoting access panel (e.g., similar to the access panel 270 described below). After the cold soaking process is completed, the user can open the pivotal access panel to remove the lower reservoir 230 from the storage tank 202.
  • the lower reservoir 230 further includes a separate handle (not shown) for easy pouring of the brewed beverage 226.
  • the upper reservoir 210 may be periodically filled by the dispensing assembly 140, which may selectively dispense the flowing water 144 into the brewing module 220.
  • the upper reservoir 210 includes one or more drip channels 250 that fluidly connect the upper storage volume 214 with the brewing module 220.
  • a single drip channel 250 extends substantially along the vertical direction V from the upper reservoir 210 to a nozzle positioned directly above each canister 222. In this way, the drip channel 250 can directly distribute the flowing water 144 into each small tank 222 of the brewing module 220.
  • the size of the drip channel 250 is set such that the water 144 drips from the upper storage volume 214 into the small tank 222 at its flow rate.
  • the brewing assembly 200 includes a plurality of water distribution valves 252 that are fluidly coupled to the upper reservoir 210 to regulate the flow of water 144 through the drip channel 250.
  • the water distribution valve 252 is fluidly coupled to the drip channel 250 to allow the water 144 to slowly drip into the canister 222 during the brewing process, thereby adjusting the residence time of the water in the beverage content 224 , Or used to adjust the brewing process in other ways.
  • each canister 222 extends along the vertical direction V and contains slowly dripping water 144, thereby obtaining a more concentrated brewed beverage 226.
  • each small tank 222 may define a height 254 measured along the vertical direction V, and an average diameter 256 measured perpendicular to the vertical direction V, for example.
  • the height 254 is greater than twice the average diameter 256.
  • the height 254 may be greater than four times the average diameter 256, or the ratio of the height 254 to the average diameter 256 may be greater, such as 5:1, 10:1, or greater. In this way, by slowly dripping the water 144 from the plurality of drip channels 250 into the elongated canister 222, the water can extract the most flavor from the beverage content 224.
  • the brewing module 220 further includes one or more brewing valves 260 configured to regulate the flow of the brewed beverage 226 from the brewing module 220 to the lower reservoir 230.
  • each canister 222 may define a canister outlet 262 for selectively dispensing the brewed beverage 226 from the canister 222. If a stronger beverage is needed or the brewing process is stopped, the brewing valve 260 can be closed to stop the flow of brewed beverage to the lower reservoir 230.
  • the controller 164 may adjust the operation of the water distribution valve 252, the brewing valve 260, and the like.
  • the use of upper reservoir 210, water distribution valve 252 and brewing valve 260 increases the versatility in the brewing process.
  • the brewing process can be slowed down or speeded up as needed to control the concentration of the brewed beverage 226.
  • the brewing process can be limited to a specific drip channel 250 and the corresponding small tank 222.
  • the lower reservoir 230 may be removed and replaced by a smaller reservoir, for example, a cup (not shown) for directly receiving the brewed beverage 226. Therefore, if the user prefers to brew one cup at a time, the cup can be positioned under the single small can 222 containing the beverage content 224.
  • a cup proximity sensor or a detection sensor can be used to automatically determine which valves should be used. It is noted that when the brewing assembly 200 is positioned in the fresh food compartment 122 of the refrigerator 100 (FIG. 2), the brewed beverage 226 dripped into the lower reservoir 230 or the cup is kept at the refrigerating temperature and is immediately ready It is served by consumers at this refrigeration temperature.
  • the brewing assembly 200 further includes a weight sensor 264, which is generally configured to detect the weight or quantity of the beverage content 224 deposited in the canister 222, so as to determine whether it should be removed from the upper reservoir The appropriate amount of water 144 supplied in 210.
  • the weight sensor 224 may be a load cell or other suitable weight measurement mechanism, which is positioned on the tank shell 204 or on the top of the shelf 136, and is used to detect the weight of the tank 202.
  • the controller 164 may be configured to measure the weight of the storage tank 202 before and after the beverage content 224 is added. In this way, the dispensing assembly 140 and the water distribution valve 252 can be appropriately adjusted to provide the water 144 having the required amount and the required flow rate to make the brewed beverage 226.
  • the brewing module 220 further includes an access panel 270 that provides selective access to the brewing module 220.
  • the access panel 270 may be pivoted to an open position to allow the user to fill the canister 222 with the brewed content 224, or otherwise access components within the storage tank 202.
  • the brewing module 220 includes a rotatable plate 272 configured to receive a canister 222. In this way, the user can rotate the rotatable plate 272 to facilitate easy access to each small tank 222, or otherwise repair the storage tank 202 and its components.
  • the access panel 270 extends the entire vertical length of the storage tank 202, for example, to allow access to the upper reservoir 210, the brewing module 220, and/or the lower reservoir 230. In other embodiments such as those shown, the access panel 270 need not extend the entire vertical length of the storage tank 202.
  • the brewing module 220 may be a removable box (not shown) that can be moved between an installed position and an uninstalled position.
  • the removable box includes a handle that the user can hold to remove the brewing module 220, clean the canister 222, fill the canister 222 with beverage content 224, or otherwise enter The area inside the storage tank 202. After loading the required amount of beverage content 224 in the small can 222, the user can install the module 220 back to the installation position and close the access panel 270.
  • the brewing assembly 200 may have different configurations, other access devices, and additional or alternative sub-components to facilitate the cold brewing process. Such changes and modifications should also fall within the protection scope of the present invention.
  • the dispensing assembly 140 includes features for performing an automatic filling process to fill the upper reservoir 210.
  • the dispensing assembly 140 includes a water level sensor 280 for detecting the water level in the upper reservoir 210. Therefore, the water level sensor 280 may be positioned on the bottom surface of the dispensing assembly 140 for detecting the water level in the upper reservoir 210.
  • the inlet valve 282 can be moved between an open position and a closed position for selectively flowing water 144 from the water source 284 to the upper reservoir 210. In the open position, the inlet valve 282 allows water to flow from the water source 284 to the upper reservoir 210. In the closed position, the inlet valve 282 prevents water from flowing from the water source 284 to the upper reservoir 210.
  • the inlet valve 282 is a normally closed solenoid valve.
  • the controller 164 or another processing device dedicated to the brewing assembly 200 is in communication with the inlet valve 282.
  • the controller 164 can control the inlet valve 282 to move to the open position so that water flows from the water source 284 to the upper storage ⁇ 210.
  • the controller 164 may send an activation signal to activate the inlet valve 282, causing the inlet valve 282 to move to the open position.
  • the controller 164 may control the inlet valve 282 to move to the closed position.
  • the water level sensor 280 is an infrared sensor for detecting the water level in the upper reservoir 210.
  • the water level sensor 280 may alternatively include float and reed switch assemblies, capacitive sensors, and the like.
  • the water level sensor 280 is communicatively coupled with the controller 164, for example, so that one or more signals can be routed between the two.
  • the water level sensor 280 is directly communicatively connected with the inlet valve 282 (eg, via a wired or wireless connection).
  • the controller 164 may be communicatively coupled with the brewing assembly 200 and its various components (such as the water distribution valve 252, the weight sensor 264, the water level sensor 280, etc.). However, it should be understood that the controller 164 may also allow wireless control of the brewing assembly 200 and/or communication with a user of the brewing assembly 200.
  • the controller 164 may be connected to a mobile device, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, or other consumer devices through any suitable wired or wireless connection. This communication between the controller 164 and the user's mobile device can facilitate monitoring and/or control of the brewing process.
  • the user may initiate the brewing process remotely, may monitor the amount of brewed beverage 226 by measuring the weight with the weight sensor 264, or may communicate with the brewing assembly 200 or the refrigerator 100 for any other suitable purpose.
  • each method step of the present invention may be executed by the controller 164.
  • the brewing method 300 includes, in step 302, starting a cold brewing process.
  • the user can manipulate the control panel 160 or press the actuation mechanism 146 to start the automatic filling process and start the cold bubble process.
  • the automatic filling process is based at least in part on the weight of the beverage content 224. Therefore, step 304 includes measuring the weight of the coffee beans and calculating the total amount of water 144 required for the brewing process.
  • the controller 164 may divide the upper storage volume 214 by the required brewing volume (for example, the volume that will fill the lower storage volume 234) to determine that the upper storage volume 214 must be filled to complete the brewing process The number of times.
  • Step 306 includes starting the filling process by opening the inlet valve 282, for example.
  • Step 308 includes continuing the filling process until the level of the water 144 in the upper reservoir 210 reaches the maximum volume or filling volume.
  • the water level sensor 280 may monitor the water level within the upper reservoir 210 and close the inlet valve 282 when the upper reservoir 210 is filled (eg, in step 310).
  • Step 312 generally includes monitoring the water level in the upper reservoir 210 until it reaches the empty or low water level, at which time the inlet valve 282 will be reopened, and the number of fillings calculated in step 304 is subtracted by one (for example, in step 314 ).
  • step 316 the controller 164 determines in step 316 that the upper reservoir 210 has been filled the required number of times and the lower reservoir 230 has reached the required brewing volume.
  • the controller 164 may wait for a predetermined amount of time, and then, in step 318, provide the user with a notification that the brewing process has been completed.
  • step 320 the brewing process is terminated, all valves are closed, etc.
  • the brewed beverage 226 is located in the refrigerator 100, the user does not need to transport it into the refrigerator 100.
  • FIG. 7 depicts the steps performed in a specific order for purposes of illustration and discussion. Those of ordinary skill in the art using the disclosure provided herein will understand that the steps of any method discussed herein can be adjusted, rearranged, expanded, omitted or modified in various ways without departing from the scope of the present disclosure .
  • the brewing assembly 200 is used as an example to illustrate various aspects of the brewing method 300, it should be understood that these methods can be used to operate any suitable brewing system in any refrigerator.
  • the brewing assembly 200 described herein has many benefits and advantages. For example, coffee grinds can be immersed in cold water instead of room temperature water. When the brewing assembly 200 is positioned in the refrigerating compartment of the refrigerator, the temperature of the water mixed with the coffee ground can be maintained. Further, after the brewed coffee is dropped into the coffee container, the brewed coffee should be cooled to a desired temperature without moving the coffee container to the refrigerator compartment. As mentioned above, this is because the brewing assembly 200 is positioned in the refrigerator compartment. In addition, since the brewing assembly 200 is integrated into the refrigerator, consumers do not need to purchase a dedicated cold brewing coffee system. Therefore, the limited table or storage space can be used for other objects. The brewing assembly 200 described herein may have other advantages and benefits not explicitly listed herein.

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Abstract

一种冰箱（100），包括柜体（102）和分配组件（140），柜体（102）具有用以收纳食物并进行储藏的冷藏室，分配组件（140）具有用以选择性地分配水流的出水口（142）。冰箱（100）还具有可置于柜体（102）内的冲泡组件（200），以接收来自分配组件（140）的水流（144），冲泡组件（200）包括储罐（202）、位于储罐（202）内的冲泡模块（220）以及位于冲泡模块（220）下方的下部贮存器（210），储罐（202）在冷藏室内可移除地定位在分配组件（140）的出水口（142）下方，冲泡模块（220）还包括一个或多个小罐（222），小罐（222）用于收容冲泡物（224）和来自分配组件（140）的水流（144）以制作泡制饮料（226），下部贮存器（210）用于收容来自小罐（222）的泡制饮料（226）。

Description

冰箱及用于冰箱的冲泡组件 技术领域
本发明涉及一种冰箱，尤其涉及用于冰箱的冲泡系统和组件。
背景技术
典型饮料冲泡过程包括：将热水倒入饮料内容物，例如，研磨咖啡或茶叶；然后让热水渗过研磨物，以制作泡制饮料。例如，在典型咖啡冲泡过程中，将咖啡研磨物浸入热水、使其饱和，或者以其他方式使其与热水(例如，200℉左右)混合，以制作热咖啡。热水可以加快冲泡过程，并能够在几分钟内冲泡好热咖啡。另一种咖啡冲泡方法是冷泡过程，该过程不使用热水冲泡咖啡研磨物。然而，这种冷泡过程所花费的冲泡时间明显更长，例如，五到二十四小时左右。
一般来说，供消费者选择的冷泡咖啡系统非常少。许多冷泡咖啡系统都是可放在厨房台面上的专用设备。这种设备需要不断地手动注水，并会占用宝贵的台面空间。用户经常喜欢将其咖啡研磨物浸入到相对较冷的水中，但是常规冷泡咖啡系统没有用于冷却冲泡水或将其保持在低温的装置。这样产出的咖啡可能会不尽人意。进一步地，在通过这种常规系统冲泡咖啡后，所产出的咖啡相对温热(例如，室温)，需要用户将冲泡的咖啡移至冷藏室中，以将咖啡冷却至所需温度。
因此，一种用于冷泡饮料的改进型冲泡组件将会很有用。更具体地，在将饮料保持在冷却温度的同时促进饮料过程简化的冷泡系统，将会特别有益。
发明内容
本发明的各方面和优点将在以下描述中进行部分阐述，或者通过该描述可以变得显而易见，或者通过实施本发明而了解。
在一个示例性实施例中，提供了一种具有一垂直方向的冰箱。该冰箱包括：柜体，其限定了用于接收食物制品进行储藏的冷藏室；分配组件，其包括用于选择性地分配水流的出水口；和冲泡组件，其可定位在柜体内，用于接收来自分配组件的水流。冲泡组件包括：储罐，其在冷藏室内可移除地定位在分配组件的出水口下方；冲泡模块，其定位在储罐内，包括一个或多个小罐，该小罐用于收容冲泡内容物和来自分配组件的水流，以制作泡制饮料；和下部贮存器，其定位在冲泡模块下方，用于收容来自所述小罐的泡制饮料。
在另一个示例性实施例中，一种用于冰箱的冲泡组件包括：分配组件，其用于选择性地分配水流；储罐，其可移除地定位在冰箱内并且与分配组件流体联接；上部贮存器，其定位在储罐内，用于接收来自分配组件的水流。冲泡模块在储罐内定位在上部贮存器下方，包括多个小罐，该多个小罐用于接收冲泡内容物和来自上部贮存器的水流，以制作泡制饮料；下部贮存器定位在冲泡模块下方，用于从多个小罐中接收泡制饮料。
参考以下描述和所附权利要求，将更好地理解本发明的上述和其他特征、方面和优点。并入本说明书中并构成本说明书一部分的附图，示出了本发明的实施例，与描述一起用于说 明本发明的原理。
附图说明
在参考附图的说明书中，针对本领域普通技术人员阐述了本发明的完整、可行公开内容，其中包括其最佳方式。
图1展示了本发明示例性实施例的冰箱的前视图。
图2展示了图1的示例性冰箱的前视图，其中冰箱门处于打开位置。
图3展示了本发明示例性实施例的可以和图1的示例性冰箱一起使用的冲泡组件的示意图。
图4展示了根据本发明示例性实施例的图3的冲泡组件的储罐的示意图。
图5展示了根据本发明示例性实施例的冲泡组件的透视图。
图6展示了根据本发明示例性实施例的图5的冲泡组件的剖视图。
图7展示了根据本发明示例性实施例的一种用于利用图3的冲泡组件来冷泡咖啡的示例性方法的流程图。
在本说明书和附图中重复使用附图标记旨在表示本发明的相同或相似特征或元件。
具体实施方式
现在将详细介绍本发明的实施例，这些实施例的一个或多个示例已在附图中示出。提供的每个示例均用于说明本发明，而不是限制本发明。实际上，对于本领域技术人员而言显而易见的是，在不脱离本发明范围或精神的情况下，可以对本发明进行各种修改和改变。举例来说，作为一个实施例一部分示出或描述的特征，可以和另一个实施例一起使用来形成另一个实施例。因此，本发明旨在涵盖落入所附权利要求及其等同物的范围内的此类修改和改变。
如本文中表示近似的术语，诸如“近似地”、“基本上”或“大约”，是指在所述值的误差的百分之十(10％)的容限内。在本文中，术语“第一”、“第二”和“第三”可以互换使用，以便将一个部件与另一个部件区分开来，并非旨在指示各个部件的位置或重要性。术语“上游”和“下游”是指相对于流体路径中的流体流的相对方向。例如，“上游”是指流体流出的方向，而“下游”是指流体流向的方向。
图1展示了本发明示例性实施例的冰箱100的前视图。对于该实施例，冰箱100是配置成内置于墙壁或橱柜中的内置式或立式冰箱。然而，本公开的发明也适用于其他类型和样式的冰箱，例如底部安装型冰箱、顶部安装型冰箱和并列式冰箱等。因此，本文提供的描述仅用于说明，并非旨在在任何方面限制为任何特定的冰箱类型或配置。
冰箱100包括柜体或壳体102，该柜体或壳体102沿着垂直方向V在顶部104和底部106之间延伸，沿着侧向方向L在第一侧108和第二侧110之间延伸，以及沿着横向方向T(即，延伸进出图1页面的方向)在前侧和后侧之间延伸。垂直方向V、侧向方向L和横向方向T中的每一个彼此相互垂直，并形成正交方向系统。
壳体102包括绝缘内衬120，该绝缘内衬120至少部分地限定出用于接收食品以进行存储的冷藏室。特别地，壳体102和/或内衬120限定出新鲜食品室122。因此，在该示例实施例中，立式冰箱100为专用设备。冰箱门128可旋转地安装到壳体102的边缘，用于选择性地进入新鲜食品室122。图1示出了关闭配置的冰箱门128。本领域技术人员将理解其他腔室和门的配置也是可行的，并在本发明的范围内。
图2展示了冰箱100的前视图，示出了处于打开位置的冰箱门128。如图2所示，各个存储部件安装在新鲜食品室122内，以便将食物制品存储在其中，如本领域技术人员将理解的。特别地，存储部件包括箱子134和搁架136。这些存储部件中的每一个均配置成用于接收食物制品(例如，饮料和/或固态食物制品)，并可辅助整理这些食物制品。如图所示，箱子134可以安装在冰箱门128上，或滑入新鲜食品室122中的接收区。应当理解，所示出的存储部件仅用于解释，可以使用其他存储部件并且这些存储部件可以具有不同的尺寸、形状和配置。
请继续参考图2，将根据本发明的示例性实施例对分配组件140进行描述。一般而言，分配组件140配置成用于分配液态水供消耗，和/或促进如下所述的冷泡过程。尽管本文示出并描述示例性分配组件140，但是应当理解，可以在保持在本发明范围内的同时，对分配组件140进行改变和修改。
如图所示，分配组件140及其各种部件可以定位在新鲜食品室122内。相比之下，根据另选的实施例，分配组件140可以设置在冰箱100的前侧(例如，在冰箱门128上)，从而使用户可以不打开冰箱门128的情况下，对分配组件140进行操作。如图所示，分配组件140包括出水口142，用于选择性地分配水144的流动(例如，在本文通过附图标记144标识)。分配组件140可以进一步包括致动机构146，该致动机构146被示出为按钮，用于选择性地分配流动的水144或启动冷泡过程。在另选的示例性实施例中，可以使用任何合适的致动机构，诸如检测容器、桨、冰箱控制面板上的输入等的超声波传感器，对分配组件140进行操作。
所述冰箱100包括控制面板160，所述控制面板160包括一个或多个输入选择器162，诸如，例如旋钮、按钮、下压按钮、触摸屏界面等。另外，可以使用输入选择器162指定或设置冰箱100的各种设置，例如以下将要进一步说明的与冷泡咖啡系统相关联的设置。输入选择器162可以和处理装置或控制器164通信。响应于输入选择器162，通过在控制器164中或由控制器164生成的控制信号，对冰箱100进行操作。另外，控制面板160包括显示器166，诸如指示灯或屏幕。显示器166与控制器164通信联接，并可就来自控制器164的信号而显示信息。进一步地，如本文将要描述的，控制器164可以和冰箱100的其他部件(诸如，例如冷泡咖啡系统的一个或多个传感器和部件)通信连接。
如本文所使用的，“处理装置”或“控制器”指一个或多个微处理器或半导体装置，并不一定限于单个元件。处理装置可以编程为对冰箱100进行操作。该处理装置可以包括一个 或多个存储元件(例如，非暂时性存储介质)，或者与该存储元件相关联。在一些这样的实施例中，存储元件包括电可擦除可编程只读存储器(EEPROM)。一般而言，存储元件可以存储处理设备可访问的信息，其中包括可由处理装置执行的指令。可选地，上述指令可以是软件或指令和/或数据的任何集合，该软件或指令和/或数据的任何集合在由处理装置执行时，致使处理装置执行操作。
如图2进一步所示，冰箱100包括设置在新鲜食品室122内的冲泡组件200。一般而言，冲泡组件200被配置成在冰箱100内对饮料进行冷泡。在这一方面，例如，本文所描述的实施例将冲泡组件100描述为用于使用咖啡研磨物，对咖啡进行冷泡。然而，应当理解，根据另选的实施例，冲泡组件200可以使用任何其他类型的冲泡内容物来冲泡任何其他泡制饮料，例如，茶叶用于制作冷泡茶。
如图2的前视图和图3的示意图所示，所述冲泡组件200包括储罐202，该储罐202可移除地定位在储罐壳体204内的新鲜食品室122内。具体地，如图所示，储罐壳体204可以是固定在新鲜食品室122内的托架或插槽，用于在冲泡过程中可移除地接收储罐202并将其固定在适当位置。另外，储罐壳体204可配置成用于使储罐202与冰箱100的分配组件140流体连通。这样，根据示例性实施例，控制器164可以操作分配组件140来执行自动填充过程，以促进冷泡过程。例如，用户可以通过按压致动机构146来开始冷泡过程，而分配组件140可以自动选择性地以所需时间和流速来分配流动的水144，以促进如下所述的冷泡过程。
尽管本文将储罐壳体204示出为安装在新鲜食品室122内，并配置成用于接收和支撑储罐202，但是应当理解，在其他实施例中，可能根本不需要储罐壳体204。在这一方面，例如，储罐202可以由其中一个搁架136支撑，搁架136可以具有用于接收储罐202的专用点或凹口。另选地，另一种合适的结构(诸如，冰箱100的绝缘内衬120)可以将储罐202固定在分配组件140下方的位置。尽管以下描述了示例性冲泡组件200，但是应当理解，可以在保持在本发明的范围内的同时，对分配组件140、冲泡组件200以及冰箱100的其他特征进行改变和修改。
现在具体参考图3，冲泡组件200包括上部贮存器210，其位于储罐202顶部212的储罐202内。上部贮存器210限定形成上部存储容积214，当将储罐202放置在储罐壳体204内的安装位置时，该上部存储容积214与分配组件140的出水口142流体联接。如以下详细描述的，可以通过分配组件140周期性地向上部贮存器210填充水144，以促进冷泡过程。
所述冲泡组件200进一步包括冲泡模块220，该冲泡模块220定位在上部贮存器210下方的储罐202内。如图所示，冲泡模块220包括一个或多个小罐222，用于接收冲泡内容物224(如图所示)以及从上部贮存器210选择性地分配流动的水144，以制作泡制饮料226(如附图所示)。因此，流动的水144渗入或缓慢穿过冲泡内含物224，例如咖啡研磨物，从而从冲泡内含物224中提取味道并制作泡制饮料226。根据所示的实施例，冲泡模块220沿着垂直方向V定位在上部贮存器210下方，以促进重力辅助式冲泡过程。
所述冲泡组件200进一步包括咖啡容器或下部贮存器230，该下部贮存器230设置于所述冲泡模块220下方(例如，在储罐202的底部232)，用于从小罐222中接收泡制饮料226。如图3所示，下部贮存器230限定出下部存储容积234，该下部存储容积234被配置成用于在完成冷泡过程后，接收和存储所有的泡制饮料226。根据示例性实施例，上部存储容积214小于下部存储容积234。因此，为了填充下部存储容积234，分配组件140一般配置为在冲泡过程期间，填充上部贮存器210两次或多次。这样，分配组件140无需在整个冲泡过程中连续操作，而是周期性地填充上部贮存器210，该上部贮存器210然后以较慢的速率选择性地分配流动的水144，以下将详细地描述。
注意，根据所示的实施例，所述冲泡组件200包括手柄236，该手柄236安装到储罐202上，用于从冰箱100中完全移除储罐202。因此，为了获取泡制饮料226，储罐202可以限定出口导管(未图示)和出口喷嘴(未图示)。在这一方面，出口导管从下部贮存器230延伸到出口喷嘴，从而分配泡制饮料226以供消费。注意，根据这样的实施例，上部贮存器210、冲泡模块220和下部贮存器230基本上为自封闭式，从而在用户倾斜倾倒泡制饮料226时，储罐202不会发生泄漏。
然而，应当理解的是，在其他实施例中，所述冲泡组件200包括用于倾倒泡制饮料226、或提供通向泡制饮料226的途径的任何其他合适器件。例如，根据另选实施例，储罐202包括枢转式进入面板(例如，类似于以下所述的进入面板270)。在冷泡过程完成之后，用户可以打开该枢转式进入面板，以从储罐202移除下部贮存器230。根据这样的实施例，下部贮存器230进一步包括单独的手柄(未图示)，以便轻松倒入泡制饮料226。
如以上简短提到的，上部贮存器210可以由分配组件140周期性地填充，分配组件140可选择性地将流动的水144分配到冲泡模块220中。在这一方面，上部贮存器210包括一个或多个滴落通道250，该滴液通道250将上部存储容积214与冲泡模块220流体连接。例如，根据所示的实施例，单个滴落通道250基本上沿着垂直方向V，从上部贮存器210延伸到直接定位在每个小罐222上方的喷嘴。这样，滴落通道250可以将流动的水144，直接分配到冲泡模块220的每个小罐222中。
根据示例性实施例，滴落通道250的尺寸设置成使得水144以其流速，从上部存储容积214滴入小罐222中。根据所示的实施例，冲泡组件200包括多个配水阀252，该配水阀252流体联接到上部贮存器210，从而调节通过滴落通道250的流动的水144。具体地，如图3示意图所示，配水阀252流体联接至滴落通道250，以允许水144在冲泡过程期间缓慢滴入小罐222中，从而调节水在饮料内容物224内的停留时间，或用于以其他方式调节冲泡过程。
注意，可通过将水144与饮料内容物224保持在所需比率，提高泡制饮料226的质量。另外，可能需要延长水144在冲泡内容物224内的停留时间，例如，以允许水144从冲泡内容物224中提取更多味道(或者以其他方式调节该时间，以控制咖啡浓度)。因此，根据示例性实施例，每个小罐222沿着垂直方向V延伸，并收容缓慢滴下的水144，从而得到更浓 的泡制饮料226。
更具体地，每个小罐222可以限定出沿着垂直方向V测得的高度254，以及例如垂直于垂直方向V测得的平均直径256。根据示例性实施例，高度254大于平均直径256的两倍。根据一些实施例，高度254可以大于平均直径256的四倍，或者高度254与平均直径256的比率可以更大，诸如5:1、10:1或更大。这样，通过将来自多个滴落通道250的水144缓慢地滴入细长的小罐222中，水能够从饮料内容物224中提取最多味道。
另外，根据示例性实施例，冲泡模块220进一步包括一个或多个冲泡阀260，该冲泡阀260配置成用于调节泡制饮料226从冲泡模块220到下部贮存器230的流量。具体地，每个小罐222可以限定出小罐出口262，用于选择性地从小罐222分配泡制饮料226。如果需要更浓的饮料或停止冲泡过程，可以关闭冲泡阀260，以停止冲泡饮料向下部贮存器230的流动。根据示例性实施例，控制器164可以调节配水阀252、冲泡阀260等的操作。
注意，使用上部贮存器210、配水阀252和冲泡阀260增加了冲泡过程中的多功能性。例如，可根据需要减慢或加快冲泡过程，以控制泡制饮料226的浓度。另外，冲泡过程可以限定于特定滴落通道250和相应的小罐222。在这一方面，根据另一个实施例，可以移除下部贮存器230并由更小的贮存器替代，例如，用于直接接收泡制饮料226的杯子(未示出)。因此，如果用户喜欢一次冲泡一杯，可以将杯子定位在装有饮料内容物224的单个小罐222的下面。然后，用户可以使用控制面板输入162指定要使用哪个配水阀252和冲泡阀260，以便促进冲泡过程并将泡制饮料226供应到杯子中。根据一些实施例，可以使用杯子接近传感器或检测传感器，自动确定应使用哪些阀。注意的是，当冲泡组件200定位在冰箱100的新鲜食品室122内时(图2)，将滴入下部贮存器230或杯子中的泡制饮料226保持在冷藏温度下，并立即准备好在该冷藏温度下供消费者食用。
如图3所示，所述冲泡组件200进一步包括重量传感器264，该重量传感器264一般配置为用于检测沉积在小罐222中的饮料内容物224的重量或数量，以便确定应从上部贮存器210中供应的水144的适当量。具体地，如图所示，重量传感器224可以是测力传感器或其他合适的重量测量机构，其定位在储罐壳体204上或者定位在搁架136的顶部，用于检测储罐202的重量。在这一方面，控制器164可以配置成用于在添加饮料内容物224之前和之后测量储罐202的重量。这样，可以适当地调节分配组件140和配水阀252，以便提供具有所需量和所需流速的水144来制作泡制饮料226。
如在图5和图6中最佳所示的，所述冲泡模块220进一步包括进入面板270，其提供了对冲泡模块220的选择性进入。在这一方面，进入面板270可以枢转到打开位置，以允许用户使用冲泡内容物224填充小罐222，或者以其他方式进入储罐202内的部件。另外，冲泡模块220包括可旋转板272，该可旋转板272配置成用于接收小罐222。这样，用户可以旋转可旋转板272，以便于轻松进入每个小罐222，或者以其他方式维修储罐202及其部件。在一些实施例中，进入面板270延伸储罐202的整个垂直长度，例如，以允许进入上部贮存 器210、冲泡模块220和/或下部贮存器230。在诸如所示的其他实施例中，进入面板270无需延伸储罐202的整个垂直长度。
在一些另选实施例中，所述冲泡模块220可以是可在安装位置和未安装位置之间移动的可移除式箱子(未示出)。在这一方面，可移除式箱子包括手柄，用户可以握住该手柄，以移除冲泡模块220、清洁小罐222、向小罐222中装入饮料内容物224、或者以其他方式进入储罐202内的区域。在小罐222中装入所需量的饮料内容物224后，用户可以将模块220安装回到安装位置，并关闭进入面板270。应当理解，冲泡组件200可以具有不同的配置、其他进入器件以及另外或另选的子部件，以促进冷泡过程。这样的改变和修改也应在本发明的保护范围内。
请再参考图3，分配组件140包括用于执行自动填充过程以填充上部贮存器210的特征。具体地，例如，分配组件140包括水位传感器280，用于检测上部贮存器210中的水位。因此，水位传感器280可以定位在分配组件140的底表面上，用于检测上部贮存器210内的水位。入口阀282可以在打开位置和关闭位置之间移动，用于选择性地使水144从水源284流到上部贮存器210。在打开位置，入口阀282使水从水源284流到上部贮存器210。在关闭位置，入口阀282阻止水从水源284流到上部贮存器210。
在一些实施例中，所述入口阀282为常闭电磁阀。控制器164或专用于冲泡组件200的另一种处理装置与入口阀282通信联接。比如，在通过用户输入(例如，经由其中一个输入选择器162)启动冷泡过程时(图2)，控制器164可以控制入口阀282移动到打开位置，从而使水从水源284流到上部贮存器210。比如，控制器164可以发送激活信号来激励入口阀282，使得入口阀282移动到打开位置。当上部贮存器210内的水已经达到预定水位时(例如，如由水位传感器280所确定的)，控制器164可以控制入口阀282移动到关闭位置。
根据所示的实施例，水位传感器280为红外传感器，用于检测上部贮存器210内的水位。然而，应当理解，根据另选实施例，可以使用任何其他合适的水位测量机构。例如，水位传感器280可以另选地包括浮子和簧片开关组件、电容传感器等。水位传感器280与控制器164通信联接，例如使得可以在二者之间路由一个或多个信号。在一些实施例中，水位传感器280与入口阀282直接通信连接(例如，经由有线或无线连接)。
如上所述，控制器164可以和冲泡组件200及其各个部件(诸如，配水阀252、重量传感器264、水位传感器280等)通信联接。然而，应当理解，控制器164还可以允许对冲泡组件200进行无线控制，和/或与冲泡组件200的用户进行通信。例如，控制器164可以通过任何合适的有线或无线连接，连接到移动装置、平板电脑、膝上型电脑、或其他消费类装置。控制器164和用户移动装置之间的这种通信，可以促进对冲泡过程的监视和/或控制。例如，用户可以远程启动冲泡过程，可以通过利用重量传感器264测量重量来监测泡制饮料226的量，或者可以出于任何其他合适的目的，与冲泡组件200或冰箱100通信。
鉴于已根据示例性实施例对冰箱100和冲泡组件200的构造进行说明，将会对执行冷泡 过程的示例性冲泡方法300进行说明。尽管以下讨论涉及操作冲泡组件200的示例性冲泡方法300，但是本领域技术人员可以理解，该示例性冲泡方法300适用于各种其他冲泡系统配置和操作方法的操作。在示例性实施例中，可以通过控制器164执行本发明的各个方法步骤。
现在参考图7，所述冲泡方法300包括，在步骤302中，开始冷泡过程。此时，用户可以操纵控制面板160，或者按压致动机构146，以启动自动填充过程并开始冷泡过程。根据示例性实施例，自动填充过程至少部分地基于饮料内容物224的重量。因此，步骤304包括测量咖啡豆的重量并计算冲泡过程所需的水144的总量。具体地，如图所示，控制器164可以用所需冲泡容积(例如，将填充下部存储容积234的容积)除以上部存储容积214，以确定必须填充上部存储容积214来完成冲泡过程的次数。
步骤306包括例如通过打开入口阀282来开始填充过程。步骤308包括继续填充过程，直到上部贮存器210内的水144的水位达到最大容积或填充容积。在这一方面，例如，水位传感器280可以监测上部贮存器210内的水位，并在填充上部贮存器210时关闭入口阀282(例如，在步骤310中)。步骤312一般包括监测上部贮存器210内的水位，直到其达到空位或低水位，此时入口阀282将被重新打开，并将步骤304中计算的填充次数减去一(例如，在步骤314中)。
重复该过程，直到控制器164在步骤316确定上部贮存器210已填充所需次数，下部贮存器230内达到所需冲泡容积。在将上部贮存器210内的最终容积分配到冲泡模块220之后，控制器164可以等待预定时间量，然后在步骤318中，向用户提供冲泡过程已完成的通知。在步骤320中，冲泡过程终止，关闭所有阀等。有利地，由于冲泡饮料226位于冰箱100中，用户无需将其输送到冰箱100中。
图7以特定顺序描绘了所执行的步骤，以用于说明和讨论的目的。使用本文提供的公开内容的本领域普通技术人员将理解，在不背离本公开范围的情况下，能够以各种方式对本文所讨论的任何方法的步骤进行调整、重新布置、扩展、省略或修改。尽管以冲泡组件200作为示例说明了冲泡方法300的各个方面，但是应当理解，这些方法可以用于操作任何冰箱中的任何合适的冲泡系统。
本文所描述的冲泡组件200具有许多益处和优点。比如，可以将咖啡研磨物浸入冷水中，而不是室温水中。在冲泡组件200定位在冰箱的冷藏室内时，可以保持与咖啡研磨物混合的水的温度。进一步地，在泡制的咖啡滴入咖啡容器后，要将泡制的咖啡冷却至所需温度，无需将咖啡容器移至冷藏室。如上所述，这是因为冲泡组件200定位在冷藏室内。另外，由于将冲泡组件200集成到冰箱中，消费者无需购买专用冷泡咖啡系统。因此，可以将有限的台面或存储空间用于其他物体。本文所述的冲泡组件200可以具有本文未明确列出的其他优点和益处。
本说明书按照实施方式(包括最佳实施方式)来公开本发明，使本领域技术人员能够实践本发明，包括制造和使用任何设备或系统以及执行任何包含的方法。本发明的可授予专利 权的范围由权利要求限定，其包括本领域技术人员想到的其他示例。如果此类其他示例包括与权利要求的字面语言并无区别的结构元件，或者此类其他示例包括与权利要求的字面语言没有实质区别的等效结构元件，此类其他示例在权利要求的范围内。

Claims (10)

  1. 一种冰箱，其具有一垂直方向且包括柜体和分配组件，所述柜体具有用以收纳食物并进行储藏的冷藏室，所述分配组件具有用以选择性地分配水流的出水口，其特征在于，所述冰箱还具有可置于所述柜体内的冲泡组件，以接收来自所述分配组件的所述水流，所述冲泡组件包括储罐、位于所述储罐内的冲泡模块及位于所述冲泡模块下方的下部贮存器，所述储罐在所述冷藏室内可移除地定位在所述分配组件的出水口下方，所述冲泡模块包括一个或多个小罐，所述小罐用于收容冲泡物和来自所述分配组件的水流，以制作泡制饮料，所述下部贮存器用于收容来自所述小罐的所述泡制饮料。
  2. 根据权利要求1所述的冰箱，其特征在于：所述冲泡组件还包括上部贮存器，所述上部贮存器位于所述冲泡模块的上方，以接收来自所述分配组件的上部存储容积的水流，并选择性地将所述上部存储容积分配到所述小罐中。
  3. 根据权利要求2所述的冰箱，其特征在于：所述冲泡组件包括可流体联接到所述上部贮存器的若干配水阀，每一个所述配水阀均定位在相应的一个小罐的上方，以便调节流入该小罐的水流。
  4. 根据权利要求2所述的冰箱，其特征在于：所述下部贮存器具有下部存储容积，所述上部存储容积小于所述下部存储容积。
  5. 根据权利要求2所述的冰箱，其特征在于：所述分配组件配置成在冲泡过程中使水流填充所述上部贮存器两次或多次。
  6. 根据权利要求2所述的冰箱，其特征在于：所述冲泡组件还包括用以检测所述上部贮存器内水位的水位传感器。
  7. 根据权利要求1所述的冰箱，其特征在于：每一所述小罐均具有平均直径和在所述垂直方向上的高度，且所述高度大于所述平均直径的两倍。
  8. 一种用于冰箱的冲泡组件，其特征在于：所述冲泡组件包括，
    分配组件，其用于选择性地分配水流；
    储罐，其可移除地设置在所述冰箱内并且与所述分配组件流体联接；
    上部贮存器，其位于所述储罐内，用于接收来自所述分配组件的所述水流；
    冲泡模块，其在所述储罐内定位在所述上部贮存器下方，并且包括若干小罐，所述小罐用于接收冲泡内容物和来自所述上部贮存器的所述水流，以制作泡制饮料；和
    下部贮存器，其位于所述冲泡模块下方，用于从所述多个小罐中接收所述泡制饮料。
  9. 根据权利要求8所述的冲泡组件，其特征在于：所述冲泡组件还包括若干配水阀，其流体联接到所述上部贮存器，每一个所述配水阀均位于相应的一个所述小罐的上方，以便 调节流入该小罐中的所述水流。
  10. 根据权利要求8所述的冲泡组件，其特征在于：每一所述小罐均具有平均直径和在垂直方向上的高度，且所述高度大于所述平均直径的两倍。
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