Heating device and refrigerator

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention provide a heating apparatus. The heating apparatus includes a housing having a chamber within to receive a load. A radiant component is configured to apply RF energy to within the chamber to heat the load. The chamber has a support within to support the load. The chamber has an air passage within below or within the support. The housing has an air inlet and an air outlet, air from outside the housing entering the chamber via the air inlet flows through the air passage and exits from the air outlet.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a heating device and a refrigerator having the heating device. [Background Technology]

[0002] Traditional household microwave ovens typically use magnetrons to generate radio frequency (RF) radiation. By radiating RF energy into the cavity, objects inside the cavity are heated.

[0003] In recent years, devices that use solid-state semiconductor components to generate RF radiation have been proposed. The RF energy is radiated into the cavity through an antenna to heat the object located in the cavity. [Summary of the Invention]

[0004] One object of the present invention is to provide an improved heating device and a refrigerator having a heating device.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention relates to a heating device, comprising: a housing having a chamber for receiving a load; a radiating component configured to apply RF energy to the chamber to heat the load; a support portion located within the chamber for supporting the load; and an air passage located within the chamber and below or within the support portion; wherein the housing has an air inlet and an air outlet, and air entering the chamber from outside the housing via the air inlet flows through the air passage and exits from the air outlet.

[0006] In one or more embodiments, a gap is formed between the support portion and the lower wall of the housing to create the air passage.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, the support portion includes a substrate and a placement portion, with a gap between the substrate and the placement portion to form the air channel.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, the front end of the housing includes a retrieval port, and the support portion has a first through hole at the front part near the retrieval port, connecting the chamber and the air passage.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, the housing includes an outer shell and an inner shell located at least partially within the outer shell, the inner shell being permeable to radio frequency electromagnetic waves, and the air passage being located between the support portion and the inner shell.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the lower rear end of the inner housing has a second through hole, which connects to the rear end of the air passage.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the air outlet is located at the rear of the housing, and / or the air inlet is located at the rear of the housing.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the housing includes an RF signal source, a power supply, and an impedance matching unit, the housing having a mounting cavity spaced apart from the chamber, at least one of the RF signal source, power supply, and impedance matching unit being located within the mounting cavity, and air entering the chamber via the mounting cavity.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, at least one wall of the mounting cavity has the air inlet.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, a fan is included located within the mounting cavity, the fan's outlet / inlet communicating with the cavity.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the fan is mounted on the partition wall of the mounting cavity adjacent to the chamber.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the mounting cavity is located behind the chamber.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the mounting cavity includes a bottom wall, a front wall facing the cavity, and a rear wall opposite to the front wall, the rear wall and / or the rear wall having at least one of the air inlets.

[0018] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a heating device, comprising: a housing having a chamber for receiving a load and a mounting cavity located behind the chamber, the mounting cavity and the receiving cavity being in fluid communication; a radiating component configured to apply RF energy to the chamber to heat the load; the housing having an air inlet communicating the mounting cavity and the outside of the housing; and a fan located within the mounting cavity to introduce air from the outside of the housing into the chamber via the air inlet.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, an impedance matching unit is included, the impedance matching unit being located within the mounting cavity.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, a heating device includes: a housing having a chamber for receiving a load and a mounting cavity located behind the chamber; a radiating component configured to apply RF energy to the chamber to heat the load; and an impedance matching unit located within the mounting cavity; the mounting cavity is in fluid communication with the outside of the housing and with the receiving cavity to allow air from outside the housing to flow into the chamber via the mounting cavity.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention, a heating device includes: a housing having a chamber for receiving a load, the housing having an air inlet and an air outlet; a radiating component; and a controller for selectively positioning the chamber in a heating mode and a cooling mode, wherein in the heating mode, the radiating component applies RF energy to the chamber to heat the load; and in the cooling mode, the radiating component is not activated, and air cooled by a cold source enters the chamber from the air inlet and exits from the air outlet to cool the load.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the system includes a support portion located within a cavity for carrying the load; and an air passage located within the cavity and below or within the support portion, wherein air entering the cavity flows through the air passage and exits the cavity.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the radiating element is disposed along the upper and / or lower wall of the chamber.

[0024] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a refrigerator, including a heating device as described in any of the preceding claims.

[0025] Another aspect of this invention relates to a method of operating a refrigerator, the refrigerator including a heating device that can selectively operate in a heating mode and a cooling mode; the method includes: in the heating mode, applying RF energy to the chamber of the heating device to heat a load located in the chamber; and in the cooling mode, inputting cooled cold air into the chamber to cool the load located in the chamber.

[0026] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of operating a heating device, characterized in that it includes: in a heating mode, an RF signal source supplies an RF signal to a radiating component to apply RF energy to a cavity to heat a load located in the cavity; and inputs cooled air into the cavity.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, a fan is operated to force cooled air into the chamber.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, in a cooling mode, a fan is operated to introduce cooled air into the chamber, and the RF signal source stops operating.

[0029] In one or more embodiments, the output power of the fan in cooling mode is greater than the output power of the fan in heating mode. [Image Description]

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a heating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a simplified schematic block diagram of a heating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a heating device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a heating device according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 6 This is a method for operating a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 7 This is another embodiment of the refrigerator's operating method according to the present invention. [Detailed Implementation]

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, the refrigerator 100 includes an insulated cabinet 101. The cabinet 101 has a storage compartment 102 with a front opening. The storage compartment 102 can be closed via a door (not shown).

[0038] Refrigerator 100 may include a compression refrigeration system, including compressor 106, evaporator 107 and condenser (not shown), wherein refrigerant evaporates in evaporator 107 to cool storage compartment 102.

[0039] Refrigerator 100 may include a cold air passage 108 physically separated from storage compartment 102. Air cooled by evaporator 107 is delivered into storage compartment 102 via cold air passage 108. Refrigerator 100 may include an evaporator fan 109 located within cold air passage 108 to force cold air into storage compartment 102, thereby creating a forced circulation between storage compartment 102 and cold air passage 102.

[0040] In some embodiments, the evaporator 107 may be located within the cold air passage 108. It is understood that, in alternative embodiments, the evaporator 107 may also be located outside the cold air passage 108, for example, the evaporator 107 may be located within the insulation layer and in close contact with the inner liner of the housing 101 to cool the inner liner of the housing, thereby cooling the air located within the cold air passage 107.

[0041] In an alternative embodiment, the refrigerator 100 may also not include a cold air passage located within the storage compartment 102. For example, the storage compartment 102 may be cooled directly by an evaporator located within the storage compartment 102 or by an evaporator located outside the storage compartment 102. A fan may be provided within the storage compartment 102 to agitate the air and ensure a uniform temperature distribution.

[0042] Refrigerator 100 includes a heating device 1 located within storage compartment 102. The heating device 1 is used to raise the temperature of a load (e.g., food or other loads). In various embodiments, the heating operation can be performed on a load having any initial temperature to increase the load's thermal energy or temperature. For example, in some embodiments, the heating device 1 is adapted to raise the temperature of a load with an initial temperature below 0 degrees Celsius to a temperature above or below 0 degrees Celsius. In other embodiments, the heating device 1 may be adapted to raise the temperature of a load with an initial temperature above 0 degrees Celsius to a predetermined temperature or a desired higher temperature.

[0043] The heating device 1 is suitable for applying radio frequency (RF) power to the load to increase the load’s thermal energy or temperature. Figure 2 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a heating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a simplified schematic block diagram of a heating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The heating device 1 includes a chamber 2, a radio frequency (RF) signal source 3, and a radiating component 4. The RF signal source 3 supplies an RF signal to the radiating component 4, and the radiating component 4 responsively radiates electromagnetic energy into the chamber 2 to increase the load 200 (e.g., Figure 2 (Illustratively shown) thermal energy.

[0045] The heating device 1 includes a housing 20, within which a chamber 2 is located. The housing 20 may include an outer shell 21 and an inner shell 22, at least partially located within the outer shell 21. The outer shell 21 is configured to shield against RF radiation. The outer shell 21 may include metal. The inner shell 22 is at least partially permeable to RF radiation.

[0046] RF signal source 3 is coupled to controller 8. Heating device 1 may include user interface 9 coupled to controller 8. In one embodiment, user interface 9 may be coupled to housing 20, independent of the main user interface of refrigerator 100. In some alternative embodiments, user interface 9 may be integrated into the main user interface of refrigerator 100 and / or may receive user input via a remote terminal.

[0047] When heating operation begins, the user can provide input through user interface 9. Controller 8 supplies RF signals from RF signal source 3 to radiating component 4, which responsively radiates electromagnetic energy into chamber 2 to increase the thermal energy of load 200.

[0048] RF signal source 3 includes an RF signal generator. The RF signal generator is configured to generate oscillating signals of different power levels and / or different frequencies. For example, the RF signal generator can generate signals oscillating in the range of about 3.0 MHz to about 300 MHz, such as radio frequency signals at frequencies of 13.56 MHz (+ / -5%), 27.15 MHz (+ / -5%), and 40.66 MHz (+ / -5%). In one embodiment, RF signal generator 31 can generate signals oscillating in the range of about 40.66 MHz to 40.70 MHz. In an alternative embodiment, the RF signal generator generates a radio frequency signal at a frequency of 433 MHz (+ / -5%).

[0049] RF signal source 3 may include a power amplifier. The power amplifier is configured to receive an RF signal from the RF signal generator and amplify the signal to generate a higher power signal at the output of the power amplifier.

[0050] The heating device 1 includes a power supply 12 coupled to the controller 8. The power supply 12 supplies power to the RF signal source 3 according to the signal from the controller 8.

[0051] The heating device 1 includes an impedance matching unit 7 and a power detection circuit 6 coupled to a controller 8. The controller 8 couples an RF signal source 3, a power detection circuit 6, and an impedance matching unit 7. The radiating component 4 is coupled to the RF signal source 3 via the impedance matching unit 7 and transmission paths 10 and 11.

[0052] During heating, the impedance of load 200 changes as the thermal energy of load 200 increases. This impedance change affects the RF energy absorption of load 200, thereby altering the reflected power value. Power detection circuit 6 measures the power of the forward signal (from the RF source to the radiating component 4) and the reflected signal (from the radiating component 4 to the RF source) along transmission path 10 or transmission path 11 between RF signal source 3 and radiating component 4. Controller 8 can detect the completion of the heating operation based on the detection value of power detection circuit 6, or enhance the absorption of RF power by load 200 by changing the state of impedance matching unit 7. For example, the impedance matching unit is used to match the input impedance of chamber 2 and load 200 to maximize the RF power transmitted to load 200. Impedance matching unit 7 may include a network of passive components such as inductors, capacitors, or resistors.

[0053] like Figure 2As shown, the radiating component 4 includes a parallel plate capacitor formed by having a first parallel plate electrode 41 and a second parallel plate electrode 42. The first parallel plate electrode 41 and the second parallel plate electrode 42 can be located between the inner housing 22 and the outer housing 21, outside the chamber 2. The first parallel plate electrode 41 can be located above the chamber 2. The second parallel plate electrode 42 can be located below the chamber 2. The upper and lower walls of the inner housing 22 are at least partially radio frequency radiation permeable.

[0054] The housing 20 may have a retrieval port 23 opening toward the storage chamber 102, which may be closed by a door 24. The door 24 is configured to prevent radio frequency radiation from penetrating outside the chamber 2.

[0055] The housing 20 has a mounting cavity 25 for accommodating at least a portion of at least one of the following components: RF signal source 3, impedance matching unit 7, power detection circuit 6, and controller 8. In an embodiment, the network matching unit 7 is at least partially located within the mounting cavity 25.

[0056] RF signal source 3 and power supply 12, etc., are not shown. Figure 2 The components can be located within the housing 20 so that the heating device 1 can be used as a stand-alone unit, for example. In an embodiment where the heating device 1 is installed within the refrigerator 100, some components of the RF heating system, such as the RF signal source 3 and / or the power supply 12, can be installed independently of the housing 20, for example, the RF signal source 3 and / or the power supply 12 can be located outside the storage compartment 102.

[0057] The mounting cavity 25 and the chamber 2 can be arranged adjacent to each other. For example, the mounting cavity 25 can be distributed adjacent to the chamber 2 on the left and right, front and back, or top and bottom.

[0058] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting cavity 25 is located behind the chamber 2. The mounting cavity 25 includes a bottom wall 250, a top wall 253, a front wall 251 facing the chamber 2, and a rear wall 252 opposite to the front wall 251.

[0059] The heating device 1 may include a support portion 5 located within the chamber 2 for supporting the load 200. The support portion 5 may be coupled to the door 24 and may move together with the door 24.

[0060] In one embodiment, the support portion 5 can be constructed together with the door 24 to form a drawer.

[0061] The support portion 5 can be at least partially made of glass, for example, the portion where the load 200 is placed can be made of glass. This not only improves heat conduction, but also prevents the glass from affecting electromagnetic waves within the chamber 2.

[0062] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2As shown, the support portion 5 includes a plastic substrate 51 coupled to the door 24 and a storage portion 52 located above the substrate 51. The storage portion 52 may be made of glass.

[0063] The housing 20 has an air inlet 210 and an air outlet 212. Air outside the housing 20 can enter the chamber 2 through the air inlet 210. Air inside the chamber 2 can be discharged outside the housing 20 through the air outlet 212. The heating device 1 may include a fan 28 for forcing air into the chamber 2.

[0064] Air inlet 210 may be located at the rear of housing 20. In an embodiment, outside air may enter chamber 2 via mounting cavity 25. At least one wall of mounting cavity 25 may have air inlet 210. In a specific embodiment, at least one of bottom wall 250, top wall 253, and rear wall 252 has at least one air inlet 210.

[0065] Air entering the mounting cavity 25 can pass through the partition wall separating the mounting cavity 25 and the chamber 2 (in Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the partition wall is the front wall 251) which enters the chamber 2.

[0066] Fan 28 can be installed inside cavity 25. The air outlet / inlet of fan 28 is connected to cavity 2.

[0067] The chamber 2 is provided with an air passage 214 located below the support part 5. The air entering the chamber 2 flows through the air passage 214 and then leaves the chamber 2.

[0068] Air passage 214 may be located between the support portion 5 and the inner housing 22. For example, air passage 214 may be formed by a gap between the support portion 5 and the lower wall 220 of the inner housing 22.

[0069] The support portion 5 has a first through hole 216 communicating with the air passage 214. At least one first through hole 216 is located in front of the storage portion 52.

[0070] There can be multiple first through holes 216. The size of the first through hole 216 that is further forward can be larger.

[0071] The lower wall X of the inner housing 22 has a second through hole 218 in the rear region, which connects to the rear end of the air channel 214.

[0072] Air outlet 212 is located at the rear of housing 21. Air flowing from air passage 214 can be discharged outside housing 20 through air outlet 212.

[0073] Since the housing 20 has holes for air circulation, the housing 20 may include an isolation portion 29 located between the inner housing 22 and the outer housing 21 to isolate the air and the radiation component 4.

[0074] Air inlet 210 and / or air outlet 212 can remain normally open. The dimensions of air inlet 210 and air outlet 212 can be configured to prevent electromagnetic waves from leaking from them. For example, the dimensions of air inlet 210 and air outlet 212 can be set to be less than half the wavelength of the electromagnetic waves radiated into chamber 2 by radiating component 4. The maximum diameter of either air inlet 210 or air outlet 212 can be less than 1 cm.

[0075] Cooled air can enter chamber 2 through air inlet 210 to cool load 200, such as food, located in chamber 2.

[0076] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a heating device 1A according to another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment and... Figure 2 The main differences in the illustrated embodiment lie in the construction of the housing, the structure of the carrying unit, and the arrangement of the radiating components. For details regarding the controller, RF signal source, power supply, and power detector, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 3 As shown.

[0077] like Figure 4 As shown, housing 420 has a chamber 442 within it. Housing 420 may include an outer housing 421 and an inner housing 422 at least partially located within the outer housing 421. The outer housing 421 is configured to shield against RF radiation. At least a portion of the inner housing 422 is permeable to RF radiation.

[0078] The rear of chamber 442 has a mounting cavity 425. An impedance matching unit 47 is provided in the mounting cavity 425.

[0079] The mounting cavity 25 includes a bottom wall 4250, a top wall 4253, a front wall 4251 facing the cavity 442, and a rear wall 4252 opposite to the front wall 4251.

[0080] The support portion 45 for bearing the load 200 can be generally plate-shaped and coupled to the door 424 so that it can move together with the door 424.

[0081] The housing 420 has an air inlet 4210 and an air outlet 4212. Air outside the housing 420 can enter the chamber 442 through the air inlet 4210. Air inside the chamber 442 can be discharged outside the housing 420 through the air outlet 4212. The heating device 1A may include a fan 428 for forcing air into the chamber 442.

[0082] Air inlet 4210 may be located at the rear of housing 420. In an embodiment, outside air may enter chamber 442 via mounting cavity 425. At least one wall of mounting cavity 425 may have air inlet 4210. In a specific embodiment, at least one of bottom wall 4250, top wall 4253, and rear wall 4252 may have at least one air inlet 4210. Impedance matching unit 47 and air inlet 4210 may be staggered.

[0083] Air entering the mounting cavity 425 can pass through the partition separating the mounting cavity 425 and the chamber 442 to enter the chamber 442.

[0084] Fan 428 can be installed inside cavity 425. The air outlet / inlet of fan 428 is connected to cavity 442.

[0085] The chamber 442 is provided with an air passage 4214 located below the support part 45. The air entering the chamber 442 flows through the air passage 4214 and then leaves the chamber 442.

[0086] Air passage 4214 may be located between the support portion 45 and the inner housing 422. For example, air passage 4214 may be formed by a gap between the support portion 45 and the lower wall 4220 of the inner housing 422.

[0087] The support portion 45 has a first through hole 4216 communicating with the air passage 4214. At least one first through hole 4216 is located at the front of the support portion 45.

[0088] like Figure 4 As shown, the radiating component 44 includes a first electrode plate located between the inner housing 422 and the outer housing 421. The outer housing 421 is grounded. An RF signal source supplies an RF signal to the first electrode plate 44 to apply RF energy to a load located within the chamber 442.

[0089] Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heating device 1B according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment and... Figure 2 The main differences in the illustrated embodiment lie in the construction of the housing and the structure of the carrying unit. For details regarding the controller, RF signal source, power supply, and power detector, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 3 As shown.

[0090] like Figure 5 As shown, the housing 520 has a chamber 52, and the RF radiating component is adapted to apply RF energy to the chamber 52 to heat the load 200 located in the chamber 2.

[0091] The housing 520 has an air inlet 5210 and an air outlet 5212. Air outside the housing 520 can enter the chamber 52 through the air inlet 5210. Air inside the chamber 52 can be exhausted to the outside of the housing 520 through the air outlet 5212. The heating device may include a fan 528 for forcing air into the chamber 52.

[0092] The heating device 1B includes a support portion 55 for supporting a load 200. The support portion 55 has an air passage 4214.

[0093] In one embodiment, the support portion 55 includes a substrate 551 and a placement portion 552 located above the substrate 551. A gap exists between the placement portion 552 and the substrate 551 to form an air passage 5214 communicating with the chamber 52.

[0094] External air can enter the chamber 52 via the mounting cavity 525. In this embodiment, external air enters the mounting cavity 525 through the air inlet 5210 of the outer casing 521, passes through the partition wall 5251 between the mounting cavity 525 and the chamber 52, and then enters the chamber 52. After flowing over the load 200, the external air enters the air passage 5214 located below the placement part 552 through the first through hole 5216 of the carrying part 55. The external air flows over the lower surface of the placement part 552, which helps to increase the impact of the external air on the load 200. After leaving the air passage 5214 through the second through hole 5218 of the carrying part 55, the air returns to the mounting cavity 525 via the third through hole 5219 of the partition wall 5251, and then exits the casing 520 via the bottom wall or side wall of the outer casing 521. A partition 556 may be provided in the mounting cavity 525 to separate the intake airflow flowing toward the chamber 52 and the exhaust airflow flowing toward the air outlet 5212.

[0095] In the above embodiments, by allowing air flowing into the chamber from outside the housing to pass through an air passage, it is advantageous to increase the influence of external air on the load. For example, the load can be affected from below, near the bottom wall of the chamber. For example, when the external air is conditioned (e.g., cooled) air introduced into the chamber, it becomes possible for the external air to affect the load simultaneously from above and below. For example, it is possible to cool the load by introducing cold air from outside the housing into the chamber, thereby enabling the heating device to function (e.g., cooling function).

[0096] Furthermore, if cooled external air is introduced into the chamber during the heating process of the load by the heating device, and the external air flows over the outer surface of the load or over the bearing part that is in contact with the outer surface of the load to reduce the surface temperature of the load, it becomes possible to achieve a more uniform temperature between the inner and outer surfaces of the load.

[0097] For example, in some embodiments, heating devices 1, 1A, and 1B can selectively operate in heating mode or cooling mode. For simplicity, the operation of the heating device is described below using heating device 1 as an example. It is understood that heating devices 1A and 1B can also operate in the same or similar manner.

[0098] Users can input operations through user interface 9. Based on the operations received through interface 9, controller 8 determines the operating mode of heating device 1.

[0099] In heating mode, the radiating component 4 applies RF energy to the chamber 2 to provide temperature for the load 200 located within the chamber 2. In a specific embodiment, the controller 8 causes the RF signal source 3 to supply an RF signal to the radiating component 4, which responsively radiates electromagnetic energy into the chamber 2 to increase the thermal energy of the load 200.

[0100] In some embodiments, the radiating element 4 is used to raise the initial temperature of the load 200 located within the chamber 2 from below zero to above zero or near zero, and to a freezing temperature suitable for the user to cut. For example, the user places the frozen load 200 into the chamber 2 and heats it to a preset temperature to thaw the load 200. As a specific embodiment, the RF energy applied to the chamber 2 can heat the load 200 from -18 to -16 degrees Celsius to -3 to -1 degrees Celsius.

[0101] In cooling mode, cold air is forced into chamber 20 from outside the housing 20 and then flows out of chamber 2. When chamber 2 is operating in cooling mode, the temperature of the load 200 located inside chamber 20 can be rapidly reduced. In cooling mode, the RF signal source 3 is not operational. Therefore, the heating device 1 can not only be used to increase the temperature of the load, but also to rapidly cool the load in cooling mode, thus functioning as a rapid cooling device.

[0102] In cooling mode, load 200 can rapidly decrease from an initial temperature above or below zero to a temperature above or below zero. For example, load 200 can decrease from an initial temperature above zero to a temperature below zero.

[0103] In this embodiment, fan 28 can be activated to accelerate the cooling rate of load 200. When fan 28 is operating, cooled air can be forcibly introduced into chamber 2 from storage chamber 102 or cold air passage 108 to rapidly reduce the temperature of load 200.

[0104] In one embodiment, cold air can enter chamber 2 through air inlet 210 via mounting cavity 25. It is understood that in alternative embodiments, cold air may not pass through mounting cavity 25; for example, cold air may enter chamber 2 from above or below housing 20.

[0105] In one embodiment, cold air can enter chamber 2 from the rear and flow forward, passing over the storage portion 52. Cold air enters the air channel 214 located below the support portion 5 through the first through-hole 216 and flows rearward. In other embodiments, cold air enters the air channel located within the support portion through the first through-hole and flows rearward (e.g., Figure 5 (As shown in the embodiment). With this flow pattern, the cold air cools the load 200 with greater intensity, thereby facilitating rapid cooling of the load 200.

[0106] Air exiting from the rear of the cold air passage 214 can be discharged outside the housing 20 through the air outlet 212.

[0107] A temperature sensor may be installed inside chamber 2 to detect the temperature of load 200 or the temperature inside chamber 2. When the temperature of load 200 or the temperature of chamber 2 reaches a preset temperature, fan 28 stops working.

[0108] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating a method for a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. For simplicity, the operation of the heating device is described below using heating device 1 as an example. It is understood that the following method is also applicable to heating devices 1A and 1B.

[0109] The refrigerator 100 includes a heating device 1, which can selectively operate in a heating mode and a cooling mode.

[0110] like Figure 6 As shown, in step S1, the controller receives user input. This user input can be received through user interface 9.

[0111] In step S2, the operating mode of the heating device 1 is determined based on the user's input. Specifically, it is determined whether the heating device 1 operates in heating mode or cooling mode.

[0112] When it is determined that the user has selected the heating mode, in step S41, the controller 8 causes the RF signal source 3 to supply an RF signal to the radiating component 4, and the radiating component 4 radiates electromagnetic energy into the chamber 2 to increase the heat energy of the load 200.

[0113] When heating is determined to be complete in step S42, the controller 8 stops the RF signal source 3 from operating. Upon confirming that heating is complete, the controller 8 can determine whether to stop applying RF energy to the chamber 2 based on feedback from the power detection circuit 6. In some alternative embodiments, the controller 8 may also determine whether to stop applying RF energy to the chamber 2 based on a temperature sensor located within the chamber 2.

[0114] When it is determined that the user has selected the cooling mode, in step S31, cold air cooled by a cold source is forcibly introduced into chamber 2 to cool the load 200, such as food, located in chamber 2. The cold air may come from the evaporator chamber, the cold air duct 108, or the storage chamber 102.

[0115] In cooling mode, cool air can flow into chamber 2 through mounting cavity 25, which houses at least one of the RF signal source 3, impedance matching unit 7, power detection circuit 6, and controller 8.

[0116] In cooling mode, fan 28 is activated to force cool air into chamber 2. Fan 28 may be located inside housing 20. It is readily understood that in other embodiments, the method of this embodiment is also applicable to implementations where fan 28 is located outside housing 20, as long as the fan can force air into chamber 2. Fan 28 may operate continuously or intermittently.

[0117] Cold air can enter chamber 2 from the rear and flow forward, passing over the storage portion 52. Cold air enters the air channel 214 located below the support portion 5 through the first through-hole 216 and flows rearward. In other embodiments, cold air enters the air channel 5214 located within the support portion 55 through the first through-hole 5216 and flows rearward (e.g., Figure 5 (As shown). With this flow pattern, the cold air cools the load 200 with greater intensity, thus facilitating rapid cooling of the load 200.

[0118] When the cooling operation is determined to be complete in step S32, the fan 28 stops operating. The completion of the cooling operation can be determined by detecting the temperature of the load 200 or the chamber.

[0119] Figure 7 This is a method for use in a refrigeration appliance according to another embodiment of the present invention. For simplicity, the operation of the heating device is described below using heating device 1 as an example. It is understood that the following method is also applicable to heating devices 1A and 1B.

[0120] like Figure 7 As shown, in step S61, the controller receives user input. This user input can be received through user interface 9.

[0121] In step S62, the operating mode of the heating device 1 is determined based on the user's input. Specifically, it is determined whether the heating device 1 is operating in heating mode or cooling mode.

[0122] When it is determined in step S62 that the user has selected the heating mode, in step S641, the controller 8 supplies an RF signal from the RF signal source 3 to the radiating component 4. The radiating component 4 radiates electromagnetic energy into the chamber 2 to increase the thermal energy of the load 200. To make the surface and interior of the load 200 more uniformly heated, cold air can be introduced into the chamber 2 in the heating mode to reduce the surface temperature of the load 200. Cold air can be forcibly introduced into the chamber 2 by a fan 28 located outside or inside the housing 20.

[0123] Applying RF energy to chamber 2 and introducing cold air into chamber 2 can be performed simultaneously for a portion of the time or at least staggered for a portion of the time. In some embodiments, cold air can be introduced into chamber 2 before applying RF energy to ensure that the surface temperature of load 200 is lower than the internal temperature.

[0124] Cold air can enter chamber 2 from the rear and flow forward, passing over the storage portion 52. Cold air enters the air channel 214 located below the support portion 5 through the first through-hole 216 and flows rearward. In other embodiments, cold air enters the air channel 5214 located within the support portion 55 through the first through-hole 5216 and flows rearward (e.g., Figure 5 (As shown). With this flow pattern, the cold air cools the load 200 with greater intensity, thus facilitating rapid cooling of the load 200.

[0125] In heating mode, fan 28 operates at its first output power. Fan 28 can operate intermittently.

[0126] When heating is determined to be complete in step S642, the controller 8 stops the RF signal source 3 from operating. Upon confirming that heating is complete, the controller 8 can determine whether to stop applying RF energy to the chamber 2 based on feedback from the power detection circuit 6. In some alternative embodiments, the controller 8 may also determine whether to stop applying RF energy to the chamber 2 based on a temperature sensor located within the chamber 2.

[0127] By introducing cold air into chamber 2 during heating mode to cool the surface temperature of the load, it is beneficial to achieve a more balanced internal and external temperature during the heating process. This advantage is even more pronounced when the heating mode is used to defrost the load.

[0128] When it is determined in step S62 that the user has selected the cooling mode, in step S631, cold air cooled by a cold source is forcibly introduced into chamber 2 to cool the load 200, such as food, located in chamber 2. The cold air can come from the evaporator chamber, the cold air duct 108, or the storage chamber 102. At this time, the RF signal source 3 is not working.

[0129] In cooling mode, fan 28 operates at a second output power. The second output power is greater than the first output power.

[0130] In cooling mode, cold air can flow through a mounting cavity 25 that houses at least one of the RF signal source 3, impedance matching unit 7, power detection circuit 6, and controller 8 before entering chamber 2. It is understood that in other embodiments, cold air may enter the chamber without passing through the mounting cavity. For example, cold air may enter the chamber from the top wall, side wall, or bottom wall of the chamber.

[0131] In cooling mode, fan 28 is activated to force cool air into chamber 2. Fan 28 may be located inside housing 20. It is readily understood that in other embodiments, the method of this embodiment is also applicable to implementations where fan 28 is located outside housing 20, as long as the fan can force air into chamber 2. Fan 28 may operate continuously or intermittently.

[0132] Cold air can enter chamber 2 from the rear and flow forward, passing over the storage portion 52. Cold air enters the air channel 214 located below the support portion 5 through the first through-hole 216 and flows rearward. In other embodiments, cold air enters the air channel 5214 located within the support portion 55 through the first through-hole 5216 and flows rearward (e.g., Figure 5 (As shown). With this flow pattern, the cold air cools the load 200 with greater intensity, thus facilitating rapid cooling of the load 200.

[0133] When the cooling operation is determined to be complete in step S632, fan 28 stops operating. The completion of the cooling operation can be determined by detecting the temperature of the load 200 or the chamber.

[0134] Combination Figures 1 to 7 The various embodiments described can be combined with each other in any given manner to achieve the advantages of the invention. Furthermore, the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments; other means besides those shown can generally be used, as long as they achieve the same effect.

Claims

1. A heating device, comprising: a housing having a chamber for receiving a load and a mounting cavity spaced apart from the chamber, at least one of an RF signal source, a power supply, and an impedance matching unit located within the mounting cavity; a radiating component coupled to the RF signal source and the impedance matching unit, configured to apply RF energy to the chamber to heat the load; a support portion located within the chamber for carrying the load; an air passage located within the chamber and below or within the support portion; and a fan located within the housing; the mounting cavity including a front wall facing the chamber and a rear wall opposite to the front wall, the fan being disposed on the front wall and having an air outlet or air inlet communicating with the chamber, the housing having an air inlet and an air outlet; when the heating device is in a heating mode, the fan operates to force external cold air into the mounting cavity via the air inlet, then into the chamber, then through the air passage, and finally out of the housing via the air outlet.

2. The heating device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The air passage is formed by a gap between the supporting part and the lower wall of the housing.

3. The heating device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The support portion includes a substrate and a placement portion, with a gap between the substrate and the placement portion to form the air channel.

4. The heating device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The front end of the housing includes a retrieval port, and the supporting part has a first through hole near the retrieval port that connects the chamber and the air passage.

5. The heating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing includes an outer shell and an inner shell located at least partially within the outer shell. The inner shell is permeable to radio frequency electromagnetic waves, and the air passage is located between the support portion and the inner shell.

6. The heating device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The lower rear end of the inner housing has a second through hole, which is connected to the rear end of the air passage.

7. The heating device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The air outlet is located at the rear of the housing, and / or the air inlet is located at the rear of the housing.

8. The heating device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The impedance matching unit is located inside the mounting cavity. The air enters the mounting cavity and flows through the impedance matching unit before entering the chamber.

9. The heating device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, At least one wall of the mounting cavity has the air inlet.

10. The heating device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting cavity is located at the rear of the chamber.

11. The heating device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting cavity includes a bottom wall, a front wall facing the cavity, and a rear wall opposite to the front wall, the rear wall and / or the rear wall having at least one of the air inlets.

12. The heating device as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, The impedance matching unit is located closer to the air inlet than the fan.

13. A heating device, comprising: A housing having a chamber for receiving a load and a mounting cavity located behind the chamber, the mounting cavity being in fluid communication with the outside of the housing and with the chamber; a radiating element configured to apply RF energy to the chamber to heat the load and located outside the mounting cavity; the housing having an air inlet communicating with the mounting cavity and the outside of the housing; and an impedance matching unit located within the mounting cavity and coupled to the radiating element. A fan is located inside the mounting cavity, which includes a front wall facing the cavity and a rear wall opposite to the front wall. The fan is disposed on the front wall, and the air outlet or air inlet of the fan is connected to the cavity. When the heating device is in heating mode, the fan is used to force external cold air to flow into the mounting cavity from the air inlet and then into the cavity after passing through the impedance matching unit.

14. The heating device as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The impedance matching unit is closer to the rear wall than the fan.

15. The heating device as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The radiating components are arranged along the upper and / or lower walls of the chamber.

16. The heating device as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that, The cold air from outside passes through the rear wall and enters the chamber.

17. A refrigerator comprising a heating device as described in any one of claims 1-16 above.

18. A method of operating a heating device, the heating device having a chamber suitable for receiving a load, a mounting cavity, a radiating component, a fan, and an impedance matching unit; the heating device can selectively operate in a heating mode or a cooling mode, characterized in that, The method includes: in a heating mode, applying radio frequency electromagnetic waves to a cavity to heat the load; in a cooling mode, operating a fan to input external cold air into the cavity to cool the load; wherein, in the heating mode, the fan is operated to force external cold air into the cavity; wherein the external cold air flows through a mounting cavity for housing the impedance matching unit into the cavity, the impedance matching unit being used to match the input impedance of the cavity and the load and including an inductor.

19. The method as described in claim 18, characterized in that, Both the impedance matching unit and the fan are located inside the mounting cavity, and the air outlet or air inlet of the fan is connected to the cavity.

20. The method as described in claim 18, characterized in that, External cold air is adapted to flow backward into the air passage located below the load at the front of the chamber.

21. The method as described in claim 18, characterized in that, External cold air enters the chamber from the rear, flows forward, and then flows backward into an air passage located below the load.

22. The method as described in claim 18, characterized in that, In cooling mode, a fan is operated to supply cool air from outside into the chamber to cool the load, and the RF signal source stops working.

23. The method as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The fan's output power in cooling mode is greater than the fan's output power in heating mode.

24. A method of operating a heating device, the heating device comprising a chamber for receiving a load, a radiating component for applying radio frequency energy to the chamber, a mounting cavity, and an impedance matching unit and a fan located within the mounting cavity, the impedance matching unit and the radiating component being coupled, characterized in that, include: In heating mode, an RF signal source supplies an RF signal to the radiating component to apply radio frequency energy to the chamber to heat the load located inside the chamber and operates a fan to force external air from the heating device into the chamber; wherein, the external cold air flows into the chamber after passing through a mounting cavity with an impedance matching unit located at the rear of the chamber, and the external cold air flows into the chamber after passing through the mounting cavity with the impedance matching unit.

25. A heating device, comprising: It has a chamber for receiving the load; Radiating components; Fan; Impedance matching unit; The controller is configured to allow the heating device to operate selectively in a heating mode or in a cooling mode, wherein in the heating mode, the radiating component applies radio frequency electromagnetic waves to the chamber to heat the load and operates a fan to force cold air from outside into the chamber. In cooling mode, a fan is operated to force cooled air into the chamber to cool the load; while in heating mode, external air flows into the chamber after passing through a mounting cavity that houses the impedance matching unit.

26. A heating device comprising: a chamber having a load for receiving a load; a radiating element; a fan; an impedance matching unit located within a mounting cavity, the impedance matching unit including an inductor and located within the mounting cavity; and a controller configured to, in a heating mode, cause the radiating element to apply radio frequency electromagnetic waves to the chamber to heat the load and to operate the fan to input external cold air into the chamber, wherein... The external cold air flows through the mounting cavity and then enters the chamber.

27. The heating device as described in claim 25 or 26, characterized in that, A support portion located within the cavity for bearing the load; and an air passage located within the cavity and below or within the support portion; The air entering the chamber flows through the air passage.

28. A refrigerator comprising the heating device as described in any one of claims 25 to 27.

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