WO2022213934A1 - 操作制冷电器中的照明组件的方法 - Google Patents

操作制冷电器中的照明组件的方法 Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022213934A1
WO2022213934A1 PCT/CN2022/085097 CN2022085097W WO2022213934A1 WO 2022213934 A1 WO2022213934 A1 WO 2022213934A1 CN 2022085097 W CN2022085097 W CN 2022085097W WO 2022213934 A1 WO2022213934 A1 WO 2022213934A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
zone
temperature
lighting
zones
cooling
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Application number
PCT/CN2022/085097
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
安德鲁 梅杰森
沃德贾维斯
Original Assignee
海尔智家股份有限公司
青岛海尔电冰箱有限公司
海尔美国电器解决方案有限公司
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Application filed by 海尔智家股份有限公司, 青岛海尔电冰箱有限公司, 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 CN202280027112.9A priority Critical patent/CN117120792A/zh
Publication of WO2022213934A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022213934A1/zh

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    • 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
    • F25D27/00—Lighting arrangements
    • F25D27/005—Lighting arrangements combined with control means
    • 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
    • F25D11/00—Self-contained movable devices, e.g. domestic refrigerators
    • F25D11/02—Self-contained movable devices, e.g. domestic refrigerators with cooling compartments at different temperatures
    • 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
    • F25D17/00—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces
    • F25D17/04—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection
    • F25D17/042—Air treating means within refrigerated spaces
    • F25D17/045—Air flow control arrangements
    • 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
    • F25D17/00—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces
    • F25D17/04—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection
    • F25D17/06—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation
    • F25D17/062—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation in household refrigerators
    • F25D17/065—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection by forced circulation in household refrigerators with compartments at different temperatures
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2700/00—Means for sensing or measuring; Sensors therefor
    • F25D2700/12—Sensors measuring the inside temperature
    • F25D2700/123—Sensors measuring the inside temperature more than one sensor measuring the inside temperature in a compartment

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to refrigeration appliances, and more particularly to lighting systems for refrigeration appliances.
  • Refrigeration appliances typically include a cabinet defining a refrigerated compartment for receiving food items for storage. Additionally, the refrigeration appliance includes one or more doors rotatably hinged to the cabinet to allow selective access to food items stored in the refrigeration compartment.
  • the refrigeration appliance may also include various storage components installed within the refrigeration compartment and designed to facilitate the storage of food products therein. Such storage components may include shelves, boxes, shelves or drawers that receive food products within the refrigerated compartment and assist in the organization and arrangement of such food products.
  • conventional refrigeration appliances include a lighting system that illuminates the refrigeration compartment.
  • these conventional lighting systems are only designed to improve visibility within the chamber.
  • these conventional lighting systems are passively operated, eg, the lighting system is activated when the door switch indicates that the door is open, and the lighting system is deactivated when the door switch indicates that the door is closed.
  • conventional lighting systems lack versatility and the ability to convey information about appliance operation. In this regard, even when the lighting system is powered on, the lighting system operates at a single, uniform intensity and color throughout the refrigerated compartment.
  • a refrigeration appliance with an improved lighting system would be useful. More particularly, a lighting system for refrigeration appliances that provides a general lighting configuration, improved aesthetics, and a richer user experience would be particularly beneficial.
  • a refrigeration appliance comprising: a cabinet; a refrigerated compartment defined within the cabinet, the refrigerated compartment including a plurality of cooling zones; a climate control system, the climate control a system for selectively providing a flow of cooling air into a plurality of cooling zones such that each zone of the plurality of cooling zones is cooled independently of the other zones of the plurality of cooling zones; a lighting assembly including a plurality of cooling zones; a plurality of lighting zones corresponding to the cooling zones; and a controller in operative communication with the climate control system and the lighting assembly.
  • the controller is configured to receive commands to adjust the temperature in selected ones of the plurality of cooling zones, adjust operation of the climate control system to adjust the temperature in the selected zones, identify selected ones of the plurality of lighting zones corresponding to the selected zones lighting zones, and illuminating selected lighting zones to provide feedback on the operation of the climate control system.
  • a method of operating a refrigeration appliance includes: a refrigeration compartment defining a plurality of cooling zones; a climate control system for selectively providing a flow of cooling air into the plurality of cooling zones; and a lighting assembly, the lighting The assembly includes a plurality of lighting zones corresponding to the plurality of cooling zones.
  • the method includes: receiving a command to adjust temperature in a selected one of the plurality of cooling zones; adjusting operation of a climate control system to adjust the temperature in the selected zone; identifying a selected one of the plurality of lighting zones corresponding to the selected zone lighting zones; and illuminating selected lighting zones to provide feedback on the operation of the climate control system.
  • FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the exemplary refrigeration appliance of FIG. 1 with the food preservation compartment door shown in an open position.
  • FIG. 3 provides another perspective view of the exemplary refrigeration appliance of FIG. 1 with the fresh food compartment door shown in an open position.
  • FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of a storage drawer of the exemplary refrigeration appliance of FIG. 1 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 provides a front view of the refrigeration compartment of the exemplary refrigeration appliance of FIG. 1 with the rear panel and other components illustrated in phantom to reveal components of a climate control system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 provides a schematic diagram of the exemplary climate control system of FIG. 5 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 7 provides a cross-sectional view of the damper assembly of the exemplary climate control system of FIG. 5 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 provides a perspective view of the exemplary damper assembly of FIG. 7 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 9 provides a perspective view of a storage case and a supply port defined within the storage case, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 10 provides a perspective view of a damper assembly usable with the example storage case of FIG. 9 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 11 provides a method of operating a refrigeration appliance and lighting assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • upstream refers to where the fluid flows from
  • downstream refers to where the fluid flows.
  • in downstream refers to where the fluid flows from
  • downstream refers to where the fluid flows.
  • includes and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.”
  • the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (ie, "A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”).
  • Approximate language is applied to modify any quantitative representation that is permissible to vary without causing a change in its associated basic function.
  • a value modified by terms such as “about”, “approximately” and “approximately” is not limited to the precise value specified.
  • the language of approximation may correspond to the precision of the instrument used to measure the value. For example, approximate language may be referred to within a 10% margin.
  • FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a refrigeration appliance 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • the refrigeration appliance 100 includes a housing or case 102 extending in the vertical direction V between the top 104 and the bottom 106 and in the lateral direction L between the first side 108 and the second side 110 and extends along the transverse direction T between the front side 112 and the rear side 114 .
  • Each of vertical V, lateral L, and lateral T are perpendicular to each other and form a system of orthogonal directions.
  • the bin 102 defines a refrigerated compartment for receiving food items for storage.
  • the bin 102 defines a food preservation compartment 122 disposed at or adjacent to the top 104 of the bin 102 and a freezer compartment 124 disposed at or adjacent to the bottom 106 of the bin 102 .
  • the refrigeration appliance 100 is generally referred to as a bottom-mounted refrigerator.
  • the benefits of the present invention are applicable to other types and styles of refrigeration appliances, such as overhead refrigeration appliances, side-by-side refrigeration appliances, or single door refrigeration appliances.
  • aspects of the invention may also be applicable to other appliances, such as other appliances that include fluid dispensers. Accordingly, the descriptions set forth herein are for purposes of example only, and are not intended to limit any particular appliance or configuration in any way.
  • the refrigerator door 128 is rotatably hinged to the edge of the case 102 for selective access to the food preservation compartment 122 .
  • a freezing door 130 is arranged below the refrigerating door 128 so as to selectively enter the freezing compartment 124 .
  • the freezer door 130 is coupled to a freezer drawer (not shown) slidably mounted within the freezer compartment 124 .
  • refrigerator door 128, freezer door 130, and/or bin 102 may define one or more sealing mechanisms (eg, rubber gaskets, not Shows). It should be understood that door bodies having different styles, positions or configurations are possible within the scope of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the refrigeration appliance 100 shown with the refrigeration door 128 in an open position.
  • various storage components are installed within the food preservation compartment 122 to facilitate storage of food products therein.
  • the storage components may include boxes 134 and racks 136 .
  • Each of these storage components is used to receive food products (eg, beverages or/or solid food products) and may assist in organizing such food products.
  • the box 134 may be mounted on the refrigerator door 128 or may be slid into a receiving space in the food preservation compartment 122 .
  • the storage components shown are for illustration purposes only and that other storage components may be used and may have different sizes, shapes, and configurations.
  • a dispensing assembly 140 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described. While several different exemplary embodiments of the dispensing assembly 140 will be illustrated and described, like reference numerals may be used to refer to like components and features.
  • the dispensing assembly 140 is typically used to dispense liquid water and/or ice. Although an exemplary dispensing assembly 140 is illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various changes and modifications may be made to the dispensing assembly 140 while remaining within the scope of the present invention.
  • the dispenser assembly 140 and its various components may be disposed at least partially within a dispenser recess 142 defined on one of the refrigerated door bodies 128 .
  • a dispenser recess 142 is defined on the front side 112 of the refrigeration appliance 100 so that a user can operate the dispensing assembly 140 without opening the refrigerator door 128 .
  • the dispenser recess 142 is provided at a predetermined height that is convenient for the user to take ice and enables the user to take the ice without bending over.
  • the dispenser recess 142 is positioned near the level of the user's chest.
  • the dispensing assembly 140 includes an ice dispenser 144 that includes a drain 146 for discharging ice from the dispensing assembly 140 .
  • An actuation mechanism 148 shown as a paddle, is mounted below the drain 146 for operating the ice or water dispenser 144 .
  • ice dispenser 144 may be operated using any suitable actuation mechanism.
  • ice dispenser 144 may include sensors (such as ultrasonic sensors) or buttons instead of paddles.
  • Drain 146 and actuation mechanism 148 are external parts of ice dispenser 144 and are mounted in dispenser recess 142 .
  • the refrigerated door 128 may define an ice bin compartment 150 (FIG. 2) that houses an ice maker and ice bin (not shown) configured to supply ice to a dispenser the device recess 142 .
  • a control panel 152 is provided to control the mode of operation.
  • the control panel 152 includes one or more selection inputs 154, such as knobs, buttons, touch screen interfaces, etc., such as a water dispensing button and an ice dispensing button, for selecting a desired mode of operation, such as crushed ice or non-crushed ice.
  • selection input 154 may be used to specify a fill volume or method of operating dispensing assembly 140 .
  • selection input 154 may communicate with processing device or controller 156 . Signals generated in controller 156 operate refrigeration appliance 100 and distribution assembly 140 in response to selection input 154 .
  • a display 158 may be provided on the control panel 152, such as an indicator light or screen. Display 158 may be in communication with controller 156 and may display information in response to signals from controller 156 .
  • processing device may refer 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 refrigeration appliance 100 , the distribution assembly 140 , and other components of the refrigeration appliance 100 .
  • a processing device may include or be associated with one or more storage elements (eg, persistent storage media).
  • the storage element includes an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM).
  • EEPROM electrically erasable programmable read only memory
  • a storage element may store information accessible by a processing device, including instructions executable by the processing device.
  • the instructions may be software or any collection of instructions and/or data that, when executed by the processing apparatus, cause the processing apparatus to perform operations.
  • the case 102 also defines a mechanical chamber 170 at or near the bottom 106 of the case 102 for housing an airtight, sealed cooling system 172 .
  • the sealed cooling system 172 is used to transfer heat from the interior of the refrigeration appliance 100 to the exterior (eg, by implementing a vapor compression cycle or another suitable refrigeration cycle).
  • the sealed cooling system 172 contains a working fluid (eg, a refrigerant) that flows between the various heat exchangers of the sealed cooling system 172 in which the working fluid is transferring thermal energy phase transition occurs at the same time.
  • the hermetic cooling system 172 may include a compressor 174, a condenser 176, an expansion device 178, and one or more evaporators 180 through refrigerant-filled fluid conduits connected in series.
  • the refrigerant flows into a compressor 174 that operates to increase the pressure of the refrigerant.
  • This compression of the refrigerant raises its temperature, which is lowered by passing the refrigerant through the condenser 176 .
  • heat exchange with ambient air takes place to cool the refrigerant.
  • Condenser fan 182 may be used to blow air through condenser 176 to provide forced convection for faster and efficient heat exchange between the refrigerant within condenser 176 and the ambient air.
  • increasing the airflow through the condenser 176 may increase the efficiency of the condenser 176, eg, by improving the cooling of the refrigerant contained therein.
  • Expansion device 178 receives refrigerant from condenser 176 .
  • Refrigerant enters evaporator 180 from expansion device 178 .
  • the pressure of the refrigerant drops.
  • Evaporator 180 is relatively cool due to the pressure drop and/or phase change of the refrigerant.
  • Evaporator fans 184 are typically provided at each evaporator 180, eg, to force air across and around at least one evaporator 180, thereby transferring thermal energy from the air to the evaporators 180 (and more specifically, to the working fluid therein). or refrigerant).
  • a flow of cooling air exits evaporator 180 and may be distributed to one or more of refrigeration compartments 122 and/or 124 .
  • one or more conduits may extend between the mechanical compartment 170 and the refrigeration compartments 122 and/or 124 to provide fluid communication therebetween, eg, to seal cooling system 172 from hermetically sealed (eg, from Its evaporator 180 ) provides cool air 186 to one or more of the refrigerated compartments 122 and/or 124 .
  • the hermetic cooling system 172 depicted and described herein is provided by way of example only. Accordingly, other configurations using refrigeration systems are also within the scope of the present invention.
  • the sealed cooling system 172 may include additional components, such as at least one additional evaporator, compressor, expansion device, and/or condenser.
  • refrigeration appliance 100 may have two or more separate evaporators, eg, one primarily dedicated to cooling food preservation compartment 122 and one primarily dedicated to cooling freezer compartment 124 .
  • optional plumbing configurations, valves, and flow regulators may be used to route the refrigerant throughout the sealed cooling system 172 .
  • the refrigeration appliance 100 also includes one or more sensors that can be used to facilitate improved operation of the refrigeration appliance 100, such as described below.
  • refrigeration appliance 100 may include a plurality of temperature sensors (generally referred to herein by reference numerals). 190 logo).
  • Controller 156 may be communicatively coupled with temperature sensors 190 from which signals corresponding to the temperature of the atmosphere or air within their respective locations may be received, and may be obtained, for example, by directing more or less cooling air 186 toward The region or chamber is directed to perform a responsive action.
  • temperature sensor 190 may be any suitable type of temperature sensor, such as a thermistor, thermocouple, resistance temperature detector, or the like. Additionally, the temperature sensor 190 may be provided at any suitable location and may output a signal, such as a voltage, to the controller that is proportional to and/or indicative of the temperature of the air surrounding the temperature sensor 190 .
  • a signal such as a voltage
  • refrigeration appliance 100 may include any other suitable number, type and location of temperature and/or other sensors according to alternative embodiments.
  • the climate control system 200 may generally include a sealed cooling system (such as the sealed cooling system 172) for selectively regulating the temperature within the food preservation compartment 122, the freezer compartment 124, or between these The temperature within a particular zone in each of the chambers 122, 124.
  • the food preservation compartment 122 generally defines seven zones in which the temperature can be independently regulated by the climate control system 200 .
  • first zone 201 a first zone 201 , a second zone 202 , a third zone 203 , a fourth zone 204 , a fifth zone 205 , a sixth zone 206 and a seventh zone 207 .
  • first area 201, the second area 202, and the third area 203 may be primary storage areas that include or be partially defined by racks 136 for supporting food items thereon.
  • fourth area 204 may be a convertible drawer or a deli storage drawer.
  • Fifth zone 205, sixth zone 206, and seventh zone 207 may be positioned proximate the bottom of food preservation compartment 122 and may include a crisp storage drawer or other product storage drawer.
  • zone configurations described herein are exemplary only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
  • climate control system 200 is described herein as being used to selectively adjust the temperature within each of the zones 201-207, it should be understood that the refrigeration appliance 100 may include any other suitable number and configuration of zones while maintaining the within the scope of the present invention.
  • the climate control system 200 may independently adjust the temperature within each zone 201-207 by adjusting the temperature and flow rate of the cooling air flow 186 received by each zone 201-207.
  • the temperature of cooling air flow 186 may be adjusted by adjusting the operation of seal cooling system 172 .
  • the refrigeration appliance 100 may further include a flow adjustment assembly 210 for selectively diverting or regulating the cooling air flow 186 throughout the refrigeration appliance 100 .
  • flow adjustment assembly 210 may include any suitable number and type of flow adjustment devices, such as fans, air handlers, blowers, dampers, control valves, and the like. Additionally, the flow conditioning assembly 210 may include any suitable number of ducts or ductwork configurations for directing the cooling air flow 186 through the case 102 as desired.
  • the exemplary flow adjustment assembly 210 will be described below according to an exemplary embodiment, it should be understood that changes and modifications may be made to the flow adjustment assembly 210 and the climate control system 200 while remaining within the scope of the present invention.
  • the flow conditioning assembly 210 may generally include an air distribution tower 212 generally used to direct the cooling air flow 186 to each of the various cooling zones 201-207.
  • FIG. 6 A schematic diagram of a climate control system 200 including both a hermetic cooling system 172 and a flow regulation assembly 210 is provided in FIG. 6 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • the air distribution tower 212 generally includes or defines one or more supply air ducts 214 and one or more return air ducts 216 fluidly coupled to the sealed cooling system 172 and each of the various zones 201-207 .
  • the air distribution tower 212 defines a single supply air duct 214 and a single return air duct 216 for each of the zones 201-203, ie, a total of six ducts.
  • These supply air ducts 214 and return air ducts 216 each extend from their respective zones to a central plenum 218 through which the cooling air flow 186 is introduced into the air distribution tower 212 .
  • cooling air flow 186 may exit evaporator 180 of sealed cooling system 172 and enter central plenum 218 .
  • the flow adjustment assembly 210 may generally direct the cooling air flow 186 throughout the food preservation compartment 122 (eg, through one or more of the zones 201-207).
  • each zone 201 - 203 may include a supply port 220 fluidly coupled to a corresponding supply air duct 214 and a return port 222 fluidly coupled to a corresponding return air duct 216 .
  • cooling air flow 186 may enter zones 201 - 203 from the left side of air distribution tower 212 and from the right side of air distribution tower 212 through return port 222 toward the sealing system, such as shown in the example embodiment of FIG. 6 .
  • 172 passes up the air distribution tower 212 before returning.
  • each of the zones 201-203 is illustrated as having dedicated supply and return ports 220, 222, it should be understood that, according to an exemplary embodiment, the fourth to seventh zones 204-207 may only include the supply port 220, and A dedicated return port may not be included.
  • each of the zones 204-207 includes only a supply port 220 for providing the cooling air flow 186 therein.
  • the cooling air flow 186 passes through the air in or around the storage box 134 before returning to the central plenum 218 through the main return (not shown) or through the return ports 222 associated with zones 201-203 When the gap is closed, a closed-loop air flow can be achieved.
  • Other flow configurations are possible and within the scope of the present invention.
  • the flow conditioning assembly 210 may also include one or more damper assemblies 230 operably coupled to the air distribution tower 212 , the central plenum 218 or other supply and return air ducts Ducts for selectively directing cooling air flow 186 through refrigeration appliance 100 into zones 201-207.
  • pivot damper 232 is operably coupled to each of supply air duct 214 and return air duct 216 to regulate cooling air flow 186 through air distribution tower 212 .
  • each damper 232 can be independently pivoted between an open position that allows cooling air flow 186 to pass through the corresponding supply port 220 or return port 222 and a closed position that prevents cooling air flow 186 from passing therethrough.
  • the damper 232 may be positioned in an intermediate position, eg, to facilitate partial restriction of airflow.
  • damper assembly 230 includes a drive mechanism 234 that generally includes a motor and/or transmission assembly 236 for rotating drive shaft 238 .
  • a plurality of mechanical actuators 240 that selectively and independently urge the damper 232 to the open position.
  • each damper 232 may be spring loaded toward the closed position, and may be spring loaded toward the open position when the protrusion 242 on the corresponding mechanical actuator 240 engages the cam actuator 244 defined on the damper 232 actuated.
  • the controller 156 may be used to selectively open and/or close each damper 232 independently of each other to regulate the amount of air entering or returning from each respective zone 201-207. Precise flow rate of cooling air flow 186 .
  • zones 204-207 may also include damper assemblies 230 for regulating cooling air flow 186 therethrough.
  • these damper assemblies 230 operate in the same manner as described above.
  • the storage box 134 includes a supply port 220 defined proximate the rear side of the storage box 134 .
  • the rear side of the storage box 134 may rest directly against the central plenum 218 , which may define an aperture (not shown) covered by the box damper 250 .
  • box damper 250 may function in the same or similar manner as damper 232 to regulate cooling air flow 186 into storage box 134 .
  • Air may be returned through the air distribution tower 212 or through another return air duct defined behind the storage box 134, as described above.
  • the lighting assembly 260 is generally intended to provide an improved user experience of the refrigeration appliance 100 by, for example, providing a user with intuitive feedback regarding cooling air flow through the refrigeration appliance 100 . Additionally, the lighting assembly 260 may be used to indicate when a particular zone 201-207 has reached its set point temperature, to identify flow restrictions or other operational issues, or to provide any other useful information to the user of the refrigeration appliance 100.
  • lighting assembly 260 generally includes a plurality of light sources 262 disposed throughout food preservation compartment 122 .
  • each of these light sources 262 may be positioned or oriented toward the plurality of illumination zones 264 .
  • These lighting zones 264 may correspond to the plurality of cooling zones 201-207.
  • each of the cooling zones 201-207 includes one or more light sources 262 that can operate as separate light zones, eg, to isolate and illuminate that particular zone, thereby attracting or focusing the user's attention .
  • each of the zones 204 - 207 may also include a dedicated light source 262 disposed therein for selectively illuminating each of the respective storage bins 134 .
  • light sources 262 may include any suitable number, type, location, and configuration of electrical light sources, using any suitable light technology and illuminating in any suitable color.
  • light source 262 includes one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), which may each illuminate in a single color (eg, white LEDs), or may each illuminate, depending on control signals from controller 156 , Illuminate in multiple colors (for example, multicolor or RGB LEDs).
  • LEDs light emitting diodes
  • the light source 262 may comprise any other suitable conventional light bulb or light source, such as halogen light bulbs, fluorescent light bulbs, incandescent light bulbs, glow sticks, fiber optic light sources, and the like, according to alternative embodiments. Additionally, it should be understood that the refrigeration appliance 100 may include additional lighting, such as general chamber lighting that may illuminate the entire food preservation compartment 122 and/or the freezer compartment 124 .
  • the controller 156 may be used to operate the lighting assembly 260 in order to provide useful information to a consumer or user of the refrigeration appliance 100 .
  • the light sources 262 may be illuminated in those zones where the cooling air flow 186 is currently directed, eg, based at least in part on the setting of the damper assembly 230 .
  • the lighting effects generated by lighting assembly 260 may be adjusted to indicate different operating conditions or to identify particular situations.
  • light source 262 may flash to indicate that air is directed to a particular zone 201-207.
  • the light source 262 may become constant when the particular zone 201-207 reaches the set point temperature.
  • the light source 262 may flash when a particular zone is cooled, but once the set point is reached, the temperature may become constant. Thereafter, the light source 262 may maintain a constant intensity until the temperature within the respective zone 201-207 falls below or exceeds a predetermined temperature range from the temperature set point, such as plus or minus 3°F from the set point, point plus or minus 5°F, or any other suitable temperature range.
  • a predetermined temperature range such as plus or minus 3°F from the set point, point plus or minus 5°F, or any other suitable temperature range.
  • other variations of the light source 262 may be used to provide useful information to the user, such as changes in color, intensity, sequence, blinking rhythm, or any other suitable change.
  • the light source 262 can notify the user when airflow restriction occurs. For example, if a user places a gallon of milk directly in front of supply port 220 or return port 222, climate control system 200 may no longer be able to cool that respective zone to the set point temperature.
  • the controller 156 may detect such airflow restriction by monitoring the temperature in the restricted zones 201-207. If the temperature within the restricted zone does not reach the set point temperature within a predetermined amount of time, the controller 156 may infer that airflow to that particular zone 201-207 is restricted and may provide a notification of the restriction to the user. Specifically, when the controller 156 detects a restriction, the light source 262 and the corresponding zone 201-207 may flash rapidly, turn red, or illuminate in any other color or intensity to notify the user of the airflow restriction.
  • the setpoint temperature of each zone 201 - 207 may be set by a user of the refrigeration appliance 100 .
  • a user may enter the setpoint temperature using the control panel 152 or using a remote device (such as a mobile phone running a software application) communicatively coupled with the controller 156 .
  • the refrigeration appliance 100 may include or operate with a temperature control module 280 that may be selectively disposed in multiple zones 201-207. one in.
  • the temperature control module 280 is operable and configured to communicate with the controller 156, eg, wirelessly.
  • the controller 156 may position the temperature control module 280, eg, determine in which zone of the plurality of zones 201-207 the temperature control module 280 is located or placed, and the controller 156 may then adjust the operation of the refrigeration appliance 100 (eg, the climate control system 200) , to adjust the temperature within the zone in which the temperature control module 280 is located based on temperature settings received by the controller 156 from the temperature control module 280 .
  • the refrigeration appliance 100 eg, the climate control system 200
  • the temperature control module 280 may include a user interface 282 (eg, a touch screen interface) for receiving input from a user such as temperature settings and/or for providing information to the user, such as displaying visual indicators and/or temperature readings or settings, etc.
  • the temperature control module 280 may also or instead receive user input from a remote user interface device, such as a personal computer, smartphone, tablet, smart home system, or other similar device.
  • the remote user interface device may be a smartphone and may run an application or "app," whereby the remote user interface device may receive temperature settings in the application and then wirelessly transmit the temperature settings to the temperature control module 280 .
  • refrigeration appliance 100 may include one or more wireless receivers (not shown), such as antennas, coupled to controller 156 for sending to and from controller 156 and temperature control module 280 To transmit and receive signals, for example, the controller 156 may communicate wirelessly with the temperature control module 280 via one or more antennas. In embodiments that include more than one wireless receiver, controller 156 may be used to locate temperature control module 280 based on wireless signals received from temperature control module 280 via more than one wireless receiver. For example, controller 156 may be used to locate temperature control module 280 by triangulating received wireless signals with multiple wireless receivers.
  • the refrigeration appliance 100 may also or alternatively include a plurality of docking ports (not shown) corresponding to each of the zones 201-207.
  • each docking port may be located in one of the plurality of zones 201-207, and each of the plurality of zones 201-207 may have one docking port.
  • the docking ports may each be configured (eg, sized and shaped) to receive a temperature control module 280 therein.
  • the temperature control module 280 may be generally disc-shaped, eg, may be cylindrical with a diameter several times larger (eg, two or three times larger) than the longitudinal axis.
  • the docking ports may be shallow cylindrical recesses within each zone 201-207 such that the temperature control module 280 may be partially nested within the corresponding docking port of the zone in which the temperature control module 280 is located.
  • each docking port may include a mechanical switch (not shown) that contacts the temperature control module 280 when the temperature control module 280 is positioned within the docking port.
  • the controller 156 may be configured to locate the temperature control module 280 based on a signal received from the mechanical switch when the temperature control module 280 located in the corresponding docking port actuates the mechanical switch.
  • Method 300 may be used to operate climate control system 200 and lighting assembly 260, or any other climate regulation and lighting assembly.
  • the controller 156 may be used to implement the method 300 . It should be understood, however, that the exemplary method 300 is discussed herein only to describe exemplary aspects of the invention, and is not intended to be limiting.
  • method 300 includes, at step 310, receiving a command to adjust temperature in a selected one of a plurality of cooling zones within a refrigeration appliance.
  • commands may be received from the user to adjust a particular zone (eg, one or more of zones 201-207) to a particular setpoint temperature.
  • commands may be received via control panel 152 via selection input 154 from a user, from a remote device such as a mobile phone, or from temperature control module 280 .
  • step 310 may also include identifying the zone in which the temperature control module 280 is located, for example, in the manner described above, and adjusting the temperature in the zone corresponding to that location.
  • the various zones 201-207 of the food preservation compartment 122 may be commanded to operate at different set point temperatures.
  • Step 320 includes adjusting the operation of the climate control system to adjust the temperature in the selected zone, such as by directing a flow of cooling air into the selected zone.
  • the climate control system may operate the sealed cooling system 172 to generate the cooling air flow 186 and may use the flow adjustment assembly 210 and/or the damper assembly 230 to independently divide and direct the cooling air flow 186 to the zones 201 In each of -207, to independently control the temperature within each zone 201-207.
  • step 330 may include identifying a selected lighting zone corresponding to the selected zone of the plurality of lighting zones of the lighting assembly.
  • lighting assembly 260 may have a plurality of light sources 262 disposed in lighting zones 264 corresponding to zones 201-207, as explained above in accordance with exemplary embodiments.
  • selected zones 201 - 207 eg, as selected in steps 310 and 320
  • light sources 262 within corresponding lighting zones 264 may be illuminated to provide information about refrigeration appliance 100 useful information for the operation.
  • step 340 may include illuminating selected lighting zones to provide feedback on the operation of the climate control system, such as providing visual feedback on cooling air flow.
  • the light source 262 corresponding to that zone may begin blinking to notify the user that the particular zone is actively cooled.
  • the lighting effect can be changed, for example by changing the solid color. If the temperature within the zone falls outside the range around the set point temperature, the lighting zone 264 may implement yet another lighting effect, such as blinking, changing color, and the like.
  • the method 300 may include, at step 350, detecting an airflow restriction of cooling air flow restricted to a restricted zone of the plurality of cooling zones.
  • airflow restriction may be detected by determining that a particular zone has not reached its set point temperature after a predetermined amount of time.
  • the predetermined amount of time may be selected in any suitable manner or determined by the controller 156 as the average amount of time required for the zone to reach its set point temperature, the time it takes to adjust the zone by a predetermined number of degrees, or the like.
  • Step 360 may include operating the lighting assembly to provide user notification of airflow restriction.
  • controller 156 may implement a lighting sequence that directs the user's attention to the fact that airflow limitation exists.
  • the controller 156 may predict the precise supply port 220 or return port 222 that a restriction has occurred, and may blink the light source 262 disposed above the respective port 220, 222.
  • the controller 156 may illuminate all light sources 262 within the restricted area in solid red, indicating airflow restriction or another problem with the climate control system 200 .
  • FIG. 11 depicts an exemplary control method having steps performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration and discussion.
  • steps of any method described herein may be adapted, rearranged, expanded, omitted, or modified in various ways without departing from the scope of the present invention.
  • aspects of the methods are described using refrigeration appliance 100, climate control system 200, and lighting assembly 260 as examples, it should be understood that these methods may be applied to the operation of any suitable appliance, climate control system, and/or lighting assembly .
  • aspects of the present invention provide a refrigerator lighting system with a sequence of lighting effects to provide visual feedback based on the operation of a sealed refrigeration system, a flow regulation system, or overall airflow within a refrigeration appliance.
  • a refrigerator controller is operably coupled to the refrigerator lighting system for lighting a sequence of lighting effects based on the state of the airflow system and user commands.
  • This decorative lighting feedback system enhances product performance and perception of user experience and appliance quality.
  • the refrigerator lighting system may illuminate the zone in a particular order, color, or intensity, thereby highlighting the zone and providing the user with an intuitive feedback.
  • the lighting sequence, color, or other characteristics may vary, eg, according to the temperature of the airflow, the temperature of the zone relative to the set point temperature, or both.
  • a hermetically sealed refrigeration system or flow conditioning device delivers cold airflow
  • lights in certain zones can flash, indicating that the product is working and the chamber is approaching the temperature set point.
  • feedback based on lighting eg, via blinking, selective color, etc.
  • blinking or color may be used to show that the zone is not yet at the set temperature, but a steady light or color change may indicate that the zone is at the user set temperature, or within a range around the set temperature.
  • the user can visually identify the airflow conditions in each specific zone and throughout the entire refrigeration appliance.
  • a refrigerator lighting system may be used to warn the user when the airflow path is blocked and prevents proper operation.
  • the refrigerator lighting system may be used in conjunction with a separate temperature controller (eg, using a separate temperature adjustment module or temperature adjustment disc) to provide feedback to the user of the zone controlled by the temperature control module.

Abstract

一种制冷电器包括：制冷间室，该制冷间室限定多个冷却区；和照明组件，该照明组件包括与多个冷却区相对应的多个照明区。气候控制系统生成冷却空气流并选择性地将冷却空气流引导到多个冷却区中，使得各个区中的温度被独立地调节，并且照明组件选择性地照亮多个照明区，以提供关于气候控制系统的操作的用户反馈，例如通过指示哪些区接收冷却空气流、通过通知用户何时区域达到设定点温度、或者通过识别流动限制的存在和位置。

Description

操作制冷电器中的照明组件的方法 技术领域
本发明总体涉及制冷电器，更具体地涉及用于制冷电器的照明系统。
背景技术
制冷电器通常包括箱体，该箱体限定用于接收食品以便储存的制冷间室。另外，制冷电器包括一个或多个门体，这些门体可旋转地铰接到箱体，以允许选择性地接近制冷间室中储存的食品。制冷电器还可以包括安装在制冷间室内并且设计成便于在其中储存食品的各种储存部件。这种储存部件可以包括在制冷间室内接收食品并且辅助组织和布置这种食品的搁架、盒、搁物架或抽屉。
另外，传统的制冷电器包括照亮制冷间室的照明系统。然而，这些传统的照明系统仅旨在改善腔室内的可见性。在这点上，这些传统的照明系统是被动操作的，例如，照明系统在门体开关指示门体打开时启动，并且照明系统在门体开关指示门体关闭时停用。而且，传统照明系统缺乏通用性和传送关于电器操作的信息的能力。在这点上，即使当照明系统通电时，照明系统在整个制冷间室中也以单一的、均匀的强度和颜色运行。
因此，具有改进的照明系统的制冷电器将是有用的。更特别地，提供通用照明配置、改进的美观和更丰富的用户体验的用于制冷电器的照明系统将是特别有益的。
发明内容
本发明的各个方面以及优点将会在下文的描述中进行阐述，或者是通过描述可以显而易见的，或者是可以通过实施本发明而学到。
在一个示例性实施方式中，提供了一种制冷电器，包括：箱体；制冷间室，该制冷间室限定在箱体内，该制冷间室包括多个冷却区；气候控制系统，该气候控制系统用于选择性地将冷却空气流提供到多个冷却区中，使得多个冷却区中的每个区独立于多个冷却区中的其它区被冷却；照明组件，该照明组件包括与多个冷却区相对应的多个照明区；以及控制器，该控制器与气候控制系统和照明组件可操作地通信。控制器被配置为接收调节多个冷却区中的选定区内的温度的命令，调整气候控制系统的操作以调整选定区内的温度，识别多个照明区中与选定区对应的选定照明 区，以及照亮选定照明区以提供关于气候控制系统的操作的反馈。
在另一示例性实施方式中，提供了一种操作制冷电器的方法。该制冷电器包括：制冷间室，该制冷间室限定多个冷却区；气候控制系统，该气候控制系统用于选择性地将冷却空气流提供到多个冷却区中；以及照明组件，该照明组件包括与多个冷却区相对应的多个照明区。该方法包括：接收调节多个冷却区中的选定区内的温度的命令；调整气候控制系统的操作以调整选定区内的温度；识别多个照明区中与选定区对应的选定照明区；以及照亮选定照明区以提供关于气候控制系统的操作的反馈。
参照下文的描述以及所附权利要求，本发明的这些和其它的特征、方面以及优点将变得更容易理解。结合在本说明书中并且构成本说明书一部分的附图显示了本发明的实施方式并且与描述一起用于对本发明的原理进行解释。
附图说明
参照附图，说明书中阐述了面向本领域普通技术人员的本发明的完整公开，这种公开使得本领域普通技术人员能够实现本发明，包括本发明的最佳实施例。
图1提供了根据本发明的示例性实施方式的制冷电器的立体图。
图2提供了图1的示例性制冷电器的立体图，其中，食物保鲜室的门体被示出为处于打开位置。
图3提供了图1的示例性制冷电器的另一个立体图，其中，食物保鲜室的门体被示出为处于打开位置。
图4提供了根据本发明的示例性实施方式的图1的示例性制冷电器的储存抽屉的立体图。
图5提供了图1的示例性制冷电器的制冷间室的前视图，其中，以幻影示例了后面板和其它部件，以露出根据本发明的示例性实施方式的气候控制系统的部件。
图6提供了根据本发明的示例性实施方式的图5的示例性气候控制系统的示意图。
图7提供了根据本发明的示例性实施方式的图5的示例性气候控制系统的风门组件的剖视图。
图8提供了根据本发明的示例性实施方式的图7的示例性风门组件的立体图。
图9提供了根据本发明的示例性实施方式的储存盒和限定在储存盒内的供应端口的立体图。
图10提供了根据本发明的示例性实施方式的可与图9的示例性储存盒一起使用的风门组件的立体图。
图11提供了根据本发明的示例性实施方式的操作制冷电器和照明组件的方法。
附图标记在本说明书和附图中的重复使用旨在表示本发明的相同或相似的特征或元件。
具体实施方式
现在将详细地参照本发明的实施方式，其中的一个或多个示例示于附图中。每个示例都以对发明进行解释的方式给出，并不对本发明构成限制。实际上，对于本领域技术人员而言显而易见的是，能够在不偏离本发明的范围或者精神的前提下对本发明进行多种改型和变型。例如，作为一个实施方式的一部分示出或者进行描述的特征能够用于另一个实施方式，从而产生又一个实施方式。因此，期望的是，本发明覆盖落入所附权利要求及其等同形式的范围内的这些改型以及变型。
如本文所用的，术语“第一”、“第二”和“第三”可以互换使用以将一个部件与另一个部件区分开，并且这些术语并不旨在表示各个部件的位置或重要性。术语“上游”和“下游”是指相对于流体通路中的流体流动的相对方向。例如，“上游”是指流体流动的来向，而“下游”是指流体流动的去向。术语“包括(includes)”和“包括(including)”旨在以类似于术语“包括(comprising)”的方式为包括的。类似地，术语“或”通常旨在是包括的(即，“A或B”旨在意指“A或B或两者”)。
如本文在整个说明书和权利要求书中使用的近似语言被应用于修饰任何定量表示，该定量表示可容许在不导致其相关的基本功能改变的情况下变化。因此，由诸如“大约”、“近似”以及“大致”的术语修饰的值不限于所指定的精确值。在至少一些情况下，近似语言可对应于用于测量值的仪器的精度。例如，近似语言可以指在10％的裕度内。
图1提供了根据本发明的示例性实施方式的制冷电器100的立体图。制冷电器100包括壳体或箱体102，该壳体或箱体102沿着竖向V在顶部104与底部106之间延伸，沿着侧向L在第一侧108与第二侧110之间延伸，并且沿着横向T在前侧112与后侧114之间延伸。竖向V、侧向L以及横向T中的每一个彼此互相垂直并形成正交方向系统。
箱体102限定用于接收食品以便储存的制冷间室。特别地，箱体102限定设置 在箱体102的顶部104处或与其相邻设置的食物保鲜室122和布置在箱体102的底部106处或与其相邻布置的冷冻室124。由此可见，制冷电器100通常被称为底置式冰箱。然而，可以认识到的是，本发明的益处适用于其他类型和样式的制冷电器，例如，顶置式制冷电器、对开门式制冷电器或单门制冷电器。而且，本发明的方面也可以适用于其他电器，诸如包括流体分配器的其他电器。因此，本文阐述的描述仅出于示例目的，而无意于在任何方面限制任何特定的电器或配置。
冷藏门体128可旋转地铰接到箱体102的边缘，以便选择性地进入食物保鲜室122。另外，在冷藏门体128的下方布置冷冻门体130，以便选择性地进入冷冻室124。冷冻门体130联接至可滑动地安装在冷冻室124内的冷冻抽屉(未示出)。为了防止冷空气泄漏，冷藏门体128、冷冻门体130和/或箱体102可以在门体128、130与箱体102相遇的界面处限定一个或多个密封机构(例如，橡胶垫圈，未示出)。应当理解，具有不同样式、位置或构造的门体在本发明的范围内是可能的。
图2提供了在冷藏门体128处于打开位置的情况下示出的制冷电器100的立体图。如图2所示，如本领域技术人员将理解的，各种储存部件被安装在食物保鲜室122内，以促进食品在其中的储存。特别地，储存部件可以包括盒134和搁物架136。这些储存部件中的每一个用于接收食品(例如，饮料或/或固体食品)，并且可以辅助组织这种食品。如图所示，盒134可以安装在冷藏门体128上或者可以滑入食物保鲜室122中的容纳空间中。应当理解，所示的储存部件仅用于说明的目的，并且可以使用其它储存部件，并且其它储存部件可以具有不同的尺寸、形状以及构造。
再次参见图1，将描述根据本发明的示例性实施方式的分配组件140。虽然将示例并描述分配组件140的几个不同的示例性实施方式，但类似的附图标记可用于指代类似的部件和特征。分配组件140通常用于分配液态水和/或冰。虽然在本文中示例并描述了示例性分配组件140，但应当理解，可以在保持在本发明的范围内的同时对分配组件140进行各种变更和修改。
分配组件140及其各种部件可以至少部分地设置在限定于一个冷藏门体128上的分配器凹部142内。在这点上，分配器凹部142限定在制冷电器100的前侧112上，使得用户可以在不打开冷藏门体128的情况下操作分配组件140。另外，分配器凹部142设置在预定高度处，该预定高度方便用户取冰，并且使得用户能够在不需要弯腰的情况下取冰。在示例性实施方式中，分配器凹部142设置在接近用户的胸部水平的位置处。
分配组件140包括冰分配器144，该冰分配器144包括用于从分配组件140排出冰的排放口146。被示出为拨片的致动机构148安装在排放口146下方，以便操作冰或水分配器144。在可选示例性实施方式中，可以使用任意合适的致动机构来操作冰分配器144。例如，冰分配器144可以包括传感器(诸如超声传感器)或按钮，而不是拨片。排放口146和致动机构148是冰分配器144的外部零件，并且安装在分配器凹部142中。与之相比，冷藏门体128可以限定容纳制冰机和储冰盒(未示出)的冰盒室150(图2)，该制冰机和储冰盒被构造成将冰供应至分配器凹部142。
设置控制面板152，以便控制操作模式。例如，控制面板152包括一个或多个选择输入154，诸如旋钮、按钮、触摸屏界面等，诸如水分配按钮和冰分配按钮，用于选择期望的操作模式，诸如碎冰或非碎冰。另外，选择输入154可以用于指定填充容积或操作分配组件140的方法。在这点上，选择输入154可以与处理装置或控制器156通信。在控制器156中生成的信号响应于选择输入154操作制冷电器100和分配组件140。另外，可以在控制面板152上设置显示器158，诸如指示灯或屏幕。显示器158可以与控制器156通信，并且可以响应于来自控制器156的信号而显示信息。
如本文中使用的，“处理装置”或“控制器”可以指一个或多个微处理器或半导体装置，并且不必限于单个元件。处理装置可以被编程为操作制冷电器100、分配组件140以及制冷电器100的其他部件。处理装置可以包括一个或多个存储元件(例如，永久存储介质)或与其关联。在一些这种实施方式中，存储元件包括电可擦可编程只读存储器(EEPROM)。通常，存储元件可以存储处理装置可访问的信息，包括可以由处理装置执行的指令。可选地，指令可以是软件或指令和/或数据的任意集合，该软件或指令和/或数据的任意集合在由处理装置执行时，使得处理装置执行操作。
再次简要地参见图1，根据示例性实施方式，箱体102还在箱体102的底部106处或附近限定机械室170，用于容纳气密的密封冷却系统172。通常，密封冷却系统172用于将热量从制冷电器100的内部传输到外部(例如，通过执行蒸汽压缩循环或另一合适的制冷循环)。如本领域技术人员通常理解的，密封冷却系统172容纳工作流体(例如制冷剂)，该工作流体在密封冷却系统172的各个热交换器之间流动，在热交换器中，工作流体在传递热能的同时发生相变。
在这点上，如图5中最佳地示出，密封冷却系统172可包括压缩机174、冷凝器176、膨胀装置178和一个或多个蒸发器180，它们通过充有制冷剂的流体管道串联 连接。在密封冷却系统172内，制冷剂流入压缩机174中，该压缩机174运行为增大制冷剂的压力。制冷剂的该压缩升高其温度，该温度通过使制冷剂穿过冷凝器176来降低。在冷凝器176内，进行与周围空气的热交换，以便冷却制冷剂。可以使用冷凝器风扇182来将空气吹过冷凝器176，以便提供强制对流，用于冷凝器176内的制冷剂与周围空气之间进行更快且高效的热交换。由此，如本领域技术人员所知的，增大穿过冷凝器176的气流可以例如通过改善其中所含制冷剂的冷却来提高冷凝器176的效率。
膨胀装置178(例如，电子膨胀阀、毛细管或其他限制装置)接收来自冷凝器176的制冷剂。制冷剂从膨胀装置178进入蒸发器180。在离开膨胀装置178并进入蒸发器180时，制冷剂的压力下降。由于制冷剂的压降和/或相变，蒸发器180是相对凉的。蒸发器风扇184通常设置在各个蒸发器180处，例如，以迫使空气跨过和围绕至少一个蒸发器180，从而将热能从空气传递到蒸发器180(并且更具体地，传递到其中的工作流体或制冷剂)。
这样，冷却空气流(本文中一般由附图标记186标识)离开蒸发器180并且可以分配到制冷间室122和/或124中的一个或多个。具体地，一个或多个管道可以在机械室170与制冷间室122和/或124之间延伸，以提供它们之间的流体连通，例如，以从气密密封的密封冷却系统172(例如从其蒸发器180)向制冷间室122和/或124中的一个或多个提供冷空气186。
本文描绘和描述的密封冷却系统172仅以示例的方式来提供。由此，使用制冷系统的其他构造也在本发明的范围内。例如，根据可选实施方式，密封冷却系统172可包括额外部件，例如至少一个额外蒸发器、压缩机、膨胀装置和/或冷凝器。例如，制冷电器100可以具有两个或更多个分离的蒸发器，例如，一个主要专用于冷却食物保鲜室122，一个主要专用于冷却冷冻室124。另外，可使用可选的管道系统构造、阀和流量调节器来使制冷剂在整个密封冷却系统172中按路线行进。
在一些实施方式中，制冷电器100还包括一个或多个传感器，该一个或多个传感器172可以用于促进制冷电器100的改进的操作，诸如如下所述。例如，为了获得一个或多个制冷间室122、124(或制冷间室122、124内的区域/区)内的温度测量，制冷电器100可以包括多个温度传感器(本文中一般由附图标记190标识)。控制器156可以与温度传感器190通信地联接，可以从这些温度传感器190接收与它们各自位置内的大气或空气的温度相对应的信号，并且可以例如通过将更多或更少的冷却空气186朝向该区域或腔室引导来实施响应动作。
如本文所用的，“温度传感器”或等同物旨在指设置在任何合适位置处用于测量期望温度的任何合适类型的温度测量系统或装置。由此，例如，温度传感器190可以是任何合适类型的温度传感器，诸如热敏电阻、热电偶、电阻温度检测器等。另外，温度传感器190可以设置在任何合适的位置处，并且可以向控制器输出与温度传感器190周围的空气的温度成比例和/或指示该温度的信号，诸如电压。尽管本文描述和示例了温度传感器的示例性设置，但是应当理解，根据可选实施方式，制冷电器100可以包括任何其他合适数量、类型和位置的温度和/或其他传感器。
现在一般参见图3至图10，将描述根据本发明的示例性实施方式的可以与制冷电器100一起使用的气候控制系统200。在这点上，例如，气候控制系统200通常可包括密封冷却系统(诸如密封冷却系统172)，该密封冷却系统用于选择性地调节食物保鲜室122、冷冻室124内的温度、或在这些腔室122、124的每一个中的特定区内的温度。具体地，如图3和图5中最佳示出的，食物保鲜室122通常限定七个区，在这些区内，温度可以由气候控制系统200独立地调节。
具体地，这些区在附图中被标识为第一区201、第二区202、第三区203、第四区204、第五区205、第六区206和第七区207。在这点上，例如，第一区201、第二区202和第三区203可以是主要储存区，该主要储存区包括用于在上面支撑食品的搁物架136或由其部分地限定。另外，第四区204可以是可转换的抽屉或熟食储存抽屉。第五区205、第六区206和第七区207可以设置成接近食物保鲜室122的底部并且可以包括保鲜储藏抽屉或其它产品储存抽屉。应当理解，本文所述的区构造仅是示例性的，并非旨在以任何方式限制本发明的范围。尽管气候控制系统200在本文中被描述为用于选择性地调节区201-207中的每一个内的温度，但是应当理解，制冷电器100可以包括任何其他合适数量和构造的区，同时保持在本发明的范围内。
通常，气候控制系统200可通过调节由各个区201-207接收的冷却空气流186的温度和流速来独立地调节各个区201-207内的温度。例如，根据示例性实施方式，冷却空气流186的温度可通过调节密封冷却系统172的操作来调节。另外，制冷电器100还可以包括流量调节组件210，该流量调节组件210用于选择性地贯穿制冷电器100使冷却空气流186转向或调节该冷却空气流186。
在这点上，流量调节组件210可以包括任何合适数量和类型的流量调节装置，诸如风扇、空气处理器、鼓风机、风门、控制阀等。另外，流量调节组件210可以包括任何合适数量的用于根据需要贯穿箱体102引导冷却空气流186的管道或管道 系统构造。尽管下面将根据示例性实施方式描述示例性流量调节组件210，但是应当理解，可以对流量调节组件210和气候控制系统200进行变化和修改，同时保持在本发明的范围内。
现在具体参见图5，以幻影示例了设置在箱体102内的内胆的部分，以露出流量调节组件210的方面、部件和特征。具体地，如图示例，流量调节组件210通常可包括空气分配塔212，该空气分配塔212通常用于将冷却空气流186引导至各个冷却区201-207中的每一个。根据本发明的示例性实施方式，在图6中提供了包括密封冷却系统172和流量调节组件210这两者的气候控制系统200的示意图。
如图示例，空气分配塔212通常包括或限定一个或多个送风管道214和一个或多个回风管道216，这些管道流体地联接到密封冷却系统172和各个区201-207中的每一个。具体参见图6，空气分配塔212为区201-203中的每一个限定了单个送风管道214和单个回风管道216，即总共六个管道。这些送风管道214和回风管道216各自从其相应的区延伸至中央气室218，冷却空气流186通过该中央气室218被引入空气分配塔212。
在这点上，冷却空气流186可离开密封冷却系统172的蒸发器180，并且进入中央气室218。从中央气室218，流量调节组件210通常可以贯穿食物保鲜室122(例如贯穿一个或多个区201-207)引导冷却空气流186。为了接收供应空气和反馈返回空气，各个区201-203可包括流体地联接到相应的送风管道214上的供应端口220和流体地联接到相应的回风管道216上的返回端口222。这样，例如如图6的所示例实施方式所示，冷却空气流186可在从空气分配塔212的左侧进入区201-203中并且从空气分配塔212的右侧通过返回端口222朝向密封系统172返回之前向上通过空气分配塔212。
尽管区201-203中的每一个被示例为具有专用的供应和返回端口220、222，但是应当理解，根据示例性实施方式，第四至第七区204-207可以仅包括供应端口220，并且可以不包括专用的返回端口。例如，根据所示例的实施方式，区204-207中的每一个仅包括用于在其中提供冷却空气流186的供应端口220。值得注意的是，当冷却空气流186在通过主返回装置(未示出)或通过与区201-203相关联的返回端口222返回到中央气室218中之前穿过储存盒134中或周围的缝隙时，可实现闭环空气流。其它流动构造是可行的，并且在本发明的范围内。
现在具体参见图6至图10，流量调节组件210还可以包括一个或多个风门组件230，这些风门组件230可操作地联接到空气分配塔212、中央气室218或其它送风 管道和回风管道，这些管道用于选择性地贯穿制冷电器100将冷却空气流186引导到区201-207中。在这点上，根据示例性实施方式，枢转风门232可操作地联接到送风管道214和回风管道216中的每一个，以调节通过空气分配塔212的冷却空气流186。这样，各个风门232可以在允许冷却空气流186通过相应的供应端口220或返回端口222的打开位置与防止冷却空气流186通过的关闭位置之间独立地枢转。另外，应当理解，风门232可以设置在中间位置，例如以便于部分限制气流。
如根据示例性实施方式示例，风门组件230包括驱动机构234，该驱动机构234通常包括用于旋转驱动轴238的电机和/或传动组件236。沿着驱动轴238安装多个机械致动器240，这些机械致动器240选择性地且独立地将风门232推向打开位置。例如，根据所示例的实施方式，各个风门232可以朝向关闭位置被弹簧加载，并且当相应机械致动器240上的突起242接合限定在风门232上的凸轮致动器244时可以朝向打开位置被致动。根据本发明的示例性实施方式，控制器156可用于选择性地彼此独立地打开和/或关闭各个风门232，以调节进入各个相应的区201-207或从各个相应的区201-207返回的冷却空气流186的精确流速。
现在简要地参见图9和图10，区204-207还可包括风门组件230，这些风门组件230用于调节通过其中的冷却空气流186。根据示例性实施方式，这些风门组件230以与上述相同的方式操作。例如，如图9所示，储存盒134包括限定为接近储存盒134的后侧的供应端口220。储存盒134的该后侧可以直接抵靠中央气室218，该中央气室218可以限定由盒风门250覆盖的孔口(未示出)。在这点上，盒风门250可以以与风门232相同或类似的方式起作用，以调节到储存盒134中的冷却空气流186。如上所述，空气可通过空气分配塔212或通过限定在储存盒134后面的另一回风管道返回。
再次参见图3至图5，将描述根据本发明的示例性实施方式的可以与制冷电器100一起使用的照明组件260。具体地，如上文简要解释的，照明组件260通常旨在通过例如向用户提供关于贯穿制冷电器100的冷却空气流的直观反馈来提供制冷电器100的改善的用户体验。另外，照明组件260可用于指示特定区201-207何时达到其设定点温度，以识别流动限制或其它操作问题，或向制冷电器100的用户提供任何其它有用信息。
具体地，根据示例性实施方式，照明组件260通常包括贯穿食物保鲜室122设置的多个光源262。具体地，这些光源262中的每一个可以朝向多个照明区264设置或定向。这些照明区264可以对应于多个冷却区201-207。在这点上，冷却区 201-207中的每一个包括一个或多个光源262，这些光源262可以作为独立的光区操作，例如，隔离和照亮该特定区，从而引起或集中用户的注意。
根据示例性实施方式，可能期望识别供应端口220和/或返回端口222的位置，例如以帮助用户避免将食品放置在可能阻塞这些端口220、222的位置。例如，为了通知用户在区201-203的每一个中的供应端口220和返回端口222的位置，光源262可以设置在供应端口220和222中的至少一个上方或与其相邻。另外，或者可选地，光源262可以设置在区201-203的任何其它合适的部分。另外，区204-207中的每一个还可以包括设置在其中的专用光源262，该光源用于选择性地照亮各个储存盒134中的每一个。
如本文所用的，术语“光源”等可通常用于指用于以任何合适的方式照亮制冷电器100的任何合适的光源。例如，光源262可以包括任何合适数量、类型、位置和配置的电光源，使用任何合适的光技术并且以任何合适的颜色照明。例如，根据所示例的实施方式，光源262包括一个或多个发光二极管(LED)，取决于来自控制器156的控制信号，这些LED可以各自以单色照明(例如，白色LED)，或者可以各自以多个颜色照明(例如，多色或RGB LED)。然而，应当理解，根据可选实施方式，光源262可以包括任意其他合适的传统灯泡或光源，诸如卤素灯泡、荧光灯泡、白炽灯灯泡、发光棒、光纤光源等。另外，应当理解，制冷电器100可以包括额外照明，诸如可以照亮整个食物保鲜室122和/或冷冻室124的一般腔室照明。
值得注意的是，控制器156可以用于操作照明组件260，以便向制冷电器100的消费者或用户提供有用信息。在这一点上，例如，对于制冷电器100的用户来说，知道何时提供冷却空气流186以及它按路线行进到哪个区201-207中是有用的。在这点上，根据示例性实施方式，光源262可在冷却空气流186当前被引导的这些区中点亮，例如至少部分地基于风门组件230的设置。
另外，应当理解，可以调节由照明组件260生成的照明效果，以指示不同的操作条件或识别特定的情况。例如，光源262可以闪烁以指示空气被引导到特定区201-207。另外，当特定区201-207达到设定点温度时，光源262可以变得恒定。在这点上，例如，光源262可以在特定区被冷却时闪烁，但是一旦达到设定点，温度就可以变得恒定。其后，光源262可保持恒定强度，直到该相应区201-207内的温度下降到低于或超过距温度设定点的预定温度范围，诸如距设定点正负3°F、距设定点正负5°F、或任何其他合适的温度范围。应当理解，光源262的其它变型可用于向用户提供有用信息，诸如颜色、强度、顺序、闪烁节奏的变化或任何其它合适的 变化。
根据另一些实施方式，光源262能够在气流限制发生时通知用户。例如，如果用户将一加仑牛奶直接放置在供应端口220或返回端口222的前面，则气候控制系统200可能不再能够将该相应区冷却到设定点温度。例如，控制器156可以通过监测被限制的区201-207中的温度来检测这种气流限制。如果在预定的时间量内，受限区内的温度没有达到设定点温度，则控制器156可以推定到该特定区201-207的气流受到限制，并且可以向用户提供限制的通知。具体地，当控制器156检测到限制时，光源262和该相应的区201-207可以快速闪烁、变红或者以任何其它颜色或强度照明，以向用户通知气流限制。
值得注意的是，根据示例性实施方式，各个区201-207的设定点温度可以由制冷电器100的用户设定。例如，用户可以使用控制面板152或使用与控制器156通信地联接的远程装置(诸如运行软件应用的移动电话)来输入设定点温度。然而，根据另一些实施方式，诸如图3和图4示例，制冷电器100可以包括温度控制模块280或者利用其来操作，该温度控制模块280可以选择性地设置在多个区201-207中的一个中。温度控制模块280可操作并配置为例如无线地与控制器156通信。控制器156可以定位温度控制模块280，例如确定温度控制模块280位于或放置在多个区201-207中的哪个区中，而后控制器156可以调节制冷电器100(例如气候控制系统200)的操作，以基于由控制器156从温度控制模块280接收的温度设置来调节温度控制模块280所位于的区内的温度。
在一些实施方式中，温度控制模块280可以包括用户界面282(例如触摸屏界面)，该用户界面282用于从用户接收诸如温度设置的输入和/或用于向用户提供信息，诸如显示视觉指示符和/或温度读数或设置等。在一些实施方式中，温度控制模块280还可以或替代地从远程用户接口装置(诸如个人计算机、智能电话、平板电脑、智能家庭系统或其他类似装置)接收用户输入。例如，远程用户接口装置可以是智能电话并且可以运行应用或“app”，由此，远程用户接口装置可以在应用中接收温度设置并且然后将温度设置无线地传输到温度控制模块280。
在一些实施方式中，制冷电器100可以包括一个或多个无线接收器(未示出)，例如天线，该无线接收器联接到控制器156，用于向和从控制器156和温度控制模块280发送和接收信号，例如，控制器156可以经由一个或多个天线与温度控制模块280无线通信。在包括多于一个无线接收器的实施方式中，控制器156可以用于基于经由多于一个无线接收器从温度控制模块280接收的无线信号来定位温度控制模块 280。例如，控制器156可以用于通过利用多个无线接收器对接收的无线信号进行三角测量来定位温度控制模块280。
根据示例性实施方式，制冷电器100还可以包括或替代地包括与区201-207中的每一个对应的多个对接端口(未示出)。例如，各个对接端口可以位于多个区201-207中的一个区中，并且，多个区201-207中的每个区可以具有一个对接端口。对接端口可以各自被配置(例如定尺和成形)为在其中接收温度控制模块280。例如，温度控制模块280可以是大体圆盘形状，例如可以是直径比纵轴大若干倍(例如大两或三倍)的圆柱形。在这种实施方式中，对接端口可以是在各个区201-207内的浅的圆柱形凹部，使得温度控制模块280可以部分地嵌套在温度控制模块280所位于的区的相应对接端口内。
而且，各个对接端口可以包括机械开关(未示出)，当温度控制模块280位于对接端口内时，该机械开关与该温度控制模块接触。这样，控制器156可以被配置为基于在位于对应对接端口中的温度控制模块280致动机械开关时从机械开关接收的信号来定位温度控制模块280。
既然已经呈现了根据本发明的示例性实施方式的制冷电器100、气候控制系统200和照明组件260的结构和构造，则提供了用于操作制冷电器中的气候控制系统和照明组件的示例性方法300。方法300可用于操作气候控制系统200和照明组件260，或者操作任何其他气候调节和照明组件。在这点上，例如，控制器156可以用于实施方法300。然而，应当理解，示例性方法300在本文仅讨论为描述本发明的示例性方面，而不旨在限制。
如图11所示，方法300包括，在步骤310，接收调节制冷电器内的多个冷却区中的选定区内的温度的命令。在这点上，可以从用户接收命令以将特定区(例如区201-207中的一个或多个)调节到特定的设定点温度。根据示例性实施方式，可经由控制面板152经由选择输入154从用户、从远程装置(诸如移动电话)或从温度控制模块280接收命令。在从温度控制模块280接收到设定点温度的情况下，步骤310还可以包括例如以上述方式识别温度控制模块280所位于的区，并且调节与该位置相对应的区中的温度。值得注意的是，如上所述，食物保鲜室122的各个区201-207可被命令在不同的设定点温度下操作。
步骤320包括调节气候控制系统的操作，以调节选定区内的温度，例如通过将冷却空气流引导到选定区中。在这点上，例如，气候控制系统可操作密封冷却系统172以生成冷却空气流186，并且可使用流量调节组件210和/或风门组件230来将冷 却空气流186独立地分开和引导到区201-207中的每一个中，以独立地控制各个区201-207内的温度。值得注意的是，如上所述，可能期望向用户提供关于气候控制系统的操作的信息，例如冷却空气流186被引导到何处。
因此，步骤330可以包括识别照明组件的多个照明区中与选定区对应的选定照明区。在这点上，如上文根据示例性实施方式所解释的，照明组件260可具有设置在对应于区201-207的照明区264中的多个光源262。当选定区201-207(例如，如在步骤310和320中选定的)具有由气候控制系统200调节的温度时，对应照明区264内的光源262可以点亮，以提供关于制冷电器100的操作的有用信息。
具体地，步骤340可以包括照亮选定的照明区以提供关于气候控制系统的操作的反馈，例如提供关于冷却空气流的视觉反馈。这样，一旦获得设定点并且气候控制系统200开始朝向特定区泵送冷却空气流186，则对应于该区的光源262可以开始闪烁以通知用户该特定区被主动冷却。类似地，一旦该区接近或达到设定点温度，照明效果可以变化，例如通过改变纯色。如果该区内的温度落在设定点温度周围的范围之外，则该照明区264可以实施又一照明效果，诸如闪烁、改变颜色等。
根据另一些实施方式，方法300可包括：在步骤350，检测限制到多个冷却区中的受限区的冷却空气流的气流限制。例如，可以通过确定特定区在预定时间量之后没有达到其设定点温度来检测气流限制。预定时间量可以以任何适当的方式来选择或者由控制器156确定为区达到其设定点温度所需的平均时间量、将区调节预定度数所花费的时间等。
步骤360可以包括操作照明组件以提供气流限制的用户通知。在这点上，当控制器156例如基于不能达到设定点温度而确定存在气流限制时，控制器156可以实施将用户的注意力引向存在气流限制的事实的照明序列。根据示例性实施方式，控制器156可预测限制已经发生的精确供应端口220或返回端口222，并且可使设置在相应端口220、222上方的光源262闪烁。根据另一些实施方式，控制器156可以以纯红色点亮受限区内的所有光源262，从而指示气流限制或气候控制系统200的另一问题。
图11描述了具有为了示例和讨论的目的而以特定顺序执行的步骤的示例性控制方法。使用本文所提供的发明内容，本领域普通技术人员将理解，本文所述的任意方法的步骤可以以各种方式改编、重新排列、扩展、省略或修改，而不脱离本发明的范围。而且，虽然使用制冷电器100、气候控制系统200和照明组件260作为示例来说明了方法的各方面，但是应当理解，这些方法可以应用于任何合适的电器、气 候控制系统和/或照明组件的操作。
本发明的方面提供了一种具有照明效果序列的冰箱照明系统，以基于密封制冷系统、流量调节系统的操作或制冷电器内的总体气流来提供视觉反馈。例如，冰箱控制器可操作地联接到冰箱照明系统，用于基于气流系统的状态和用户命令来点亮照明效果序列。这种装饰性照明反馈系统增强了产品性能以及用户体验和电器质量的感知。
根据示例性实施方式，当用户将食物放置在特定区中并选择相关联的区温度时，冰箱照明系统可以以特定顺序、颜色或强度照亮该区，从而突出显示该区并向用户提供直观反馈。根据示例性实施方式，照明序列、颜色或其他特性可以例如根据气流的温度、相对于设定点温度的区的温度或两者而变化。
例如，当密封制冷系统或流量调节装置输送冷气流时，特定区中的光可以闪烁，这指示产品正在工作并且腔室接近温度设定点。进一步地，基于照明的反馈(例如，经由闪烁、选择性颜色等)可以用于示出该特定区中的温度是否已经达到用户设定温度。例如，闪烁或颜色可以用于示出该区尚未处于设定温度，但是稳定的光或颜色变化可以指示该区处于用户设定温度，或者在设定温度周围的范围内。由此，用户可以在视觉上识别各个特定区中以及贯穿整个制冷电器的气流状况。
根据另一些实施方式，冰箱照明系统可用于在气流路径被阻塞并阻止正确操作时警告用户。而且，冰箱照明系统可以与独立的温度控制器结合使用(例如，使用独立的温度调节模块或温度调节圆盘)，以向温度控制模块控制的区的用户提供反馈。
本书面描述使用示例对本发明进行了公开(其中包括最佳实施例)，并且还使本领域技术人员能够实施本发明(其中包括制造和使用任意装置或系统并且执行所包含的任意方法)。本发明的可专利范围通过权利要求进行限定，并且可以包括本领域技术人员能够想到的其它的示例。如果这种其它的示例包括与权利要求的字面语言没有区别的结构元件，或者如果这种其它的示例包括与权利要求的字面语言没有实质区别的等同结构元件，则期望这种其它的示例落入权利要求的范围中。

Claims (20)

  1. 一种制冷电器，其特征在于，包括：
    箱体；
    制冷间室，该制冷间室限定在所述箱体内，所述制冷间室包括多个冷却区；
    气候控制系统，该气候控制系统用于选择性地将冷却空气流提供到所述多个冷却区中，使得所述多个冷却区中的每个区独立于所述多个冷却区中的其它区被冷却；
    照明组件，该照明组件包括与所述多个冷却区相对应的多个照明区；以及
    控制器，该控制器与所述气候控制系统和所述照明组件可操作地通信，所述控制器被配置为：
    接收调节所述多个冷却区中的选定区内的温度的命令；
    调整所述气候控制系统的操作以调整所述选定区内的所述温度；
    识别所述多个照明区中与所述选定区对应的选定照明区；以及
    照亮所述选定照明区以提供关于所述气候控制系统的所述操作的反馈。
  2. 据权利要求1所述的制冷电器，其特征在于，照亮所述选定照明区包括：
    当所述冷却空气流被引导到所述选定区中时，使所述选定照明区内的一个或多个光源闪烁。
  3. 据权利要求1所述的制冷电器，其特征在于，照亮所述选定照明区包括：
    当所述选定区中的所述温度达到设定点温度时，激励所述选定照明区内的一个或多个光源以生成恒定光。
  4. 据权利要求3所述的制冷电器，其特征在于，照亮所述选定照明区还包括：
    在所述选定区中的所述温度保持在所述设定点温度的预定范围内的同时，保持来自所述一个或多个光源的所述恒定光。
  5. 权利要求1所述的制冷电器，其特征在于，所述控制器还被配置为：
    检测气流限制，该气流限制对到所述多个冷却区中的受限区的所述冷却空气流进行限制；以及
    操作所述照明组件以提供所述气流限制的用户通知。
  6. 根据权利要求5所述的制冷电器，其特征在于，操作所述照明组件以提供所述用户通知包括：
    识别所述多个照明区中与所述受限区对应的受限照明区；以及
    从所述受限照明区内的一个或多个光源发射红光以识别所述气流限制。
  7. 根据权利要求5所述的制冷电器，其特征在于，检测所述气流限制包括：
    监测所述受限区中的温度；以及
    确定所述受限区中的所述温度在预定时间量内尚未达到所述受限区的设定点温度。
  8. 根据权利要求1所述的制冷电器，其特征在于，所述照明组件包括：
    多个光源，至少一个光源设置在所述多个冷却区中的每一个内，并且当所述多个冷却区中的相应区接收所述冷却空气流时点亮。
  9. 根据权利要求8所述的制冷电器，其特征在于，所述至少一个光源设置在所述多个冷却区中的所述相应区的供应端口或返回端口中的至少一个上方或与其相邻。
  10. 根据权利要求1所述的制冷电器，其特征在于，所述照明组件包括至少一个多色发光二极管。
  11. 根据权利要求1所述的制冷电器，其特征在于，所述气候控制系统包括：
    密封冷却系统，该密封冷却系统与所述制冷间室流体连通，用于将所述冷却空气流提供到所述制冷间室中；以及
    流量调节组件，该流量调节组件用于选择性地将所述冷却空气流转向到所述多个冷却区中。
  12. 根据权利要求11所述的制冷电器，其特征在于，所述流量调节组件包括：
    送风管道，该送风管道用于将所述冷却空气流提供到所述制冷间室中；以及
    风门组件，该风门组件可操作地联接到所述送风管道，用于选择性地引导所述冷却空气流通过所述送风管道进入所述制冷间室内的所述多个冷却区。
  13. 根据权利要求12所述的制冷电器，其特征在于，所述风门组件包括：
    多个风门，所述多个风门中的每个风门设置在所述多个冷却区中相应的一个区中或接近该区，其中，调节所述风门组件以选择性地引导所述冷却空气流通过所述送风管道进入所述多个冷却区包括：调节所述多个风门中的设置在其中期望温度变化的所述区中或接近所述区的所述风门的位置。
  14. 根据权利要求1所述的制冷电器，其特征在于，还包括温度控制模块，该温度控制模块可选择性地设置在所述多个冷却区中的一个中，所述控制器被配置为：
    识别所述温度控制模块所位于的区；
    从所述温度控制模块接收设定点温度；以及
    调节所述气候控制系统的操作以将所述区中的温度调节到所述设定点温度。
  15. 根据权利要求14所述的制冷电器，其特征在于，还包括：
    多个温度传感器，所述多个温度传感器中的每个温度传感器设置在所述多个冷却区中相应的一个区中或接近该区，并且其中，所述控制器与所述多个温度传感器可操作地通信并且用于基于由所述多个温度传感器中的一个温度传感器测量的当前温度和从所述温度控制模块接收的所述设定点温度来调整所述气候控制系统的操作。
  16. 一种操作制冷电器的方法，所述制冷电器包括：制冷间室，该制冷间室限定多个冷却区；气候控制系统，该气候控制系统用于选择性地将冷却空气流提供到所述多个冷却区中；以及照明组件，该照明组件包括与所述多个冷却区相对应的多个照明区，所述方法包括：
    接收调节所述多个冷却区中的选定区内的温度的命令；
    调整所述气候控制系统的操作以调整所述选定区内的所述温度；
    识别所述多个照明区中与所述选定区对应的选定照明区；以及
    照亮所述选定照明区以提供关于所述气候控制系统的所述操作的反馈。
  17. 根据权利要求16所述的方法，其特征在于，照亮所述选定照明区包括：
    当所述冷却空气流被引导到所述选定区中时，使所述选定照明区内的一个或多个光源闪烁。
  18. 根据权利要求16所述的方法，其特征在于，照亮所述选定照明区包括：
    当所述选定区中的所述温度达到设定点温度时，激励所述选定照明区内的一个或多个光源以生成恒定光；以及
    在所述选定区中的所述温度保持在所述设定点温度的预定范围内的同时，保持来自所述一个或多个光源的所述恒定光。
  19. 根据权利要求16所述的方法，其特征在于，还包括：
    检测气流限制，该气流限制对到所述多个冷却区中的受限区的所述冷却空气流进行限制；以及
    操作所述照明组件以提供所述气流限制的用户通知。
  20. 根据权利要求19所述的方法，其特征在于，操作所述照明组件以提供所述用户通知包括：
    识别所述多个照明区中与所述受限区对应的受限照明区；以及
    从所述受限照明区内的一个或多个光源发射红光以识别所述气流限制。
PCT/CN2022/085097 2021-04-09 2022-04-02 操作制冷电器中的照明组件的方法 WO2022213934A1 (zh)

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