Method for adjusting a target temeprature of a refrigerator appliance

Abstract

A method for adjusting a target temperature of a refrigerator appliance may include detecting, from an indirect temperature input selector, a temperature adjustment sequence corresponding to a change in a target temperature of a chilled chamber. The method may include adjusting, via a cooling system, the target temperature of the chilled chamber in response to detecting the temperature adjustment sequence.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a refrigerator appliance and more particularly a method for adjusting a target temperature of a refrigerator appliance.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Certain appliances, such as a refrigerator appliance, utilize cooling systems for cooling one or more chilled chambers. For instance, a common cooling system for a refrigerator appliance includes an evaporator and an air duct. During operations, the air duct may direct a flow of air across the evaporator and to / from the chilled chamber(s). A convective heat transfer between the flow of air and the evaporator generally serves to cool the flow of air before it is directed to the chilled chamber(s). In some such systems, air is recirculated across the evaporator and to at least one chilled chamber. Through this heat transfer, a chilled chamber may be maintained at a desired temperature (e.g., a target temperature). Often, these conventional appliances include dedicated temperature input selectors, such as control knobs, configured for adjusting the target temperature within the one or more chilled chambers.

[0003] Control knobs that are dedicated to adjusting the target temperature of the one or more chilled chambers can have various benefits. For example, such control knobs allow a user to easily adjust the target temperature of the one or more chilled chambers via manipulation of the dedicated temperature input selector. In spite of these advantages, however, incorporating a control knob that is dedicated to adjusting the target temperature of the one or more chilled chambers has numerous drawbacks. For example, such control knobs can require dedicated mechanical and electrical components. These components can be costly or otherwise add to the difficulty of assembly. Thus, such control knobs can increase costs (e.g., production and maintenance costs) or complexities associated with the refrigerator appliance. As another example, such control knobs often do not have precise control of the temperature adjustment. For instance, the control knob can only be capable of adjusting the temperature according to predetermined ranges (e.g., high, medium, low). As another example, such control knobs can allow a user to adjust the target temperature to non-ideal temperature. Adjusting the target temperature to a non-ideal temperature (e.g., a temperature outside of a predetermined target temperature range, such as a predetermined target temperature range set by a government or manufacturer) can negatively impact the performance and user experience of the refrigerator appliance.

[0004] Accordingly, a refrigerator appliance that obviates one or more of the above mentioned drawbacks would be beneficial.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

[0006] In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator appliance is provided. The refrigerator appliance may include a cabinet that may define a chilled chamber. The refrigerator appliance may include an indirect temperature input selector that may be disposed at the cabinet. The refrigerator appliance may include a cooling system. The cooling system may include a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator that may be connected in fluid series. The refrigerator appliance may include a controller in operable communication with the indirect temperature input selector. The controller may be configured for: detecting, from the indirect temperature input selector, a temperature adjustment sequence corresponding to a change in a target temperature of the chilled chamber, and adjusting, via the cooling system, the target temperature of the chilled chamber in response to detecting the temperature adjustment sequence.

[0007] In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a method for adjusting a target temperature of a refrigerator appliance is provided. The refrigerator appliance may include a cabinet that may define a chilled chamber, an indirect temperature input selector that may be disposed at the cabinet, and a cooling system that may include a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator that may be connected in fluid series. The method may include detecting, from the indirect temperature input selector, a temperature adjustment sequence corresponding to a change in a target temperature of the chilled chamber. The method may include adjusting, via the cooling system, the target temperature of the chilled chamber in response to detecting the temperature adjustment sequence.

[0008] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

[0010] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a refrigerator appliance according to one or more embodiments of the present subject matter.

[0011] FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the exemplary refrigerator appliance shown in FIG. 1, wherein doors of the refrigerator appliance are in an open position.

[0012] FIG. 3 provides a cross-sectional side view of a refrigerator appliance, including a sealed cooling system, according to example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of a switch housing of the exemplary refrigerator appliance of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 5 provides flowchart illustrating a method for adjusting a target temperature of a refrigerator appliance according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter.

[0015] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0017] As used herein, the terms “first,”“second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). In addition, here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined or interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. The singular forms “a,”“an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0018] Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “generally,”“about,”“approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin (i.e., including values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value). In this regard, for example, when used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction (e.g., “generally vertical” includes forming an angle of up to ten degrees in any direction, such as, clockwise or counterclockwise, with the vertical direction V).

[0019] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” In addition, reference to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “an embodiment” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.

[0020] Except as explicitly indicated otherwise, recitation of a singular processing element (e.g., “a controller,”“a processor,”“a microprocessor,” etc.) is understood to include more than one processing element. In other words, “a processing element” is generally understood as “one or more processing element.” Furthermore, barring a specific statement to the contrary, any steps or functions recited as being performed by “the processing element” or “said processing element” are generally understood to be capable of being performed by “any one of the one or more processing elements.” Thus, a first step or function performed by “the processing element” may be performed by “any one of the one or more processing elements,” and a second step or function performed by “the processing element” may be performed by “any one of the one or more processing elements and not necessarily by the same one of the one or more processing elements by which the first step or function is performed.” Moreover, it is understood that recitation of “the processing element” or “said processing element” performing a plurality of steps or functions does not require that at least one discrete processing element be capable of performing each one of the plurality of steps or functions.

[0021] Embodiments of the present subject matter provide systems and methods of adjusting a target temperature of a refrigerator appliance. The target temperature of the refrigerator appliance may be the desired temperature within one or more chilled chambers defined by the refrigerator appliance. Notably, the present disclosure eliminates the need for a user input mechanism, such as a control knob, that is conventionally used to adjust the target temperature of the refrigerator appliance. By eliminating the user input mechanism, temperatures can be set (e.g., stored or preprogrammed within a memory of a controller) during the manufacturing process. In turn, aspects of the present disclosure may advantageously reduce costs (e.g., production and maintenance costs) of the refrigerator appliance, which may reduce the likelihood of service calls (e.g., from a user) or increase the internal volume of the refrigerator appliance by eliminating unnecessary parts. Embodiments of the present subject matter may also include a non-standard means for adjusting the target temperature (e.g., for service adjustments or user adjustments). In particular, embodiments of the present disclosure systems and methods of adjusting the target temperature can include a series of presses or interactions with inconspicuous electromechanical input components, such as a door switch, an ice maker feeler arm, or the like. This approach may permit the refrigerator appliance to change temperature settings (e.g., to increase energy performance), without the drawbacks of traditional user input mechanisms.

[0022] Turning to the figures, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate perspective views of an exemplary appliance (e.g., a refrigerator appliance 100). Refrigerator appliance 100 may include a housing or cabinet 102 having an outer liner 118. As shown, cabinet 102 generally extends between a top 104 and a bottom 106 along a vertical direction V, between a first side 108 and a second side 110 along a lateral direction L, and between a front side 112 and a rear side 114 along a transverse direction T. Each of the vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are mutually perpendicular to one another and form an orthogonal direction system.

[0023] As shown, cabinet 102 generally defines chilled chambers for receipt of food items for storage. In particular, cabinet 102 defines a fresh food chamber 122 proximal to bottom 106 of cabinet 102 and a freezer chamber 124 arranged proximal to top 104 of cabinet 102. Freezer chamber 124 is spaced apart from fresh food chamber 122 along the vertical direction V. As shown the freezer chamber 124 is positioned above the fresh food chamber 122 along the vertical direction V. As such, refrigerator appliance 100 is generally referred to as a top mount refrigerator. It is recognized, however, that the benefits of the present disclosure apply to other types and styles of refrigerator appliances such as, for example, a bottom mount refrigerator appliance or a side-by-side style refrigerator appliance. Consequently, the description set forth herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any aspect to any particular appliance configuration.

[0024] According to the illustrated embodiment, various storage components are mounted within fresh food chamber 122 to facilitate storage of food items therein as will be understood by those skilled in the art. In particular, the storage components include bins 170, drawers 172, and shelves 174 that are mounted within fresh food chamber 122. Bins 170, drawers 172, and shelves 174 are positioned to receive food items (e.g., beverages, solid food items, etc.) and may assist with organizing such food items. As an example, drawers 172 may receive fresh food items (e.g., vegetables, fruits, or cheeses) and increase the useful life of such fresh food items. In some embodiments, a lateral mullion 116 may be positioned within cabinet 102 and separating freezer chamber 124 and the fresh food chamber 122 along a vertical direction V.

[0025] A refrigerator door 128 may be rotatably hinged to an edge of cabinet 102 for selectively accessing fresh food chamber 122 and extending across at least a portion of fresh food chamber 122. In addition, a freezer door 130 is rotatably hinged above refrigerator door 128 for selectively accessing freezer chamber 124 and extending across at least a portion of freezer chamber 124. Refrigerator door 128 and freezer door 130 are each shown in the closed position in FIG. 1 (e.g., a first closed position corresponding to door 128, and a second closed position corresponding to door 130). In FIG. 2, refrigerator door 128 and freezer door 130 are each shown in the closed position (e.g., a first open position corresponding to door 128, and a second open position corresponding to door 130).

[0026] The refrigerator appliance 100 may include a switch housing 148. The switch housing 148 may be mounted within the fresh food chamber 122, such as to an upper fresh food wall 193. Referring briefly to FIG. 4, the switch housing 148 may include a door switch 202 that is configured for detecting if / when the refrigerator door 128 is transitioned to the open position. In particular, the door switch 202 may be positioned such that it is selectively engaged with the refrigerator door 128 to detect if / when the refrigerator door 128 is in an open position or other moved from a closed position. The door switch 202 may be configured or provided as a reed switch, a pusher switch, or any other suitable switch capable of determining when the refrigerator door 128 is in the open position. Operation of the refrigerator appliance 100 can be generally controlled or regulated by a controller 190. In some embodiments, controller 190 is operably coupled to the switch housing 148.

[0027] Conventionally, refrigerator appliances include one or more components that are configured for adjusting a target temperature of the fresh food chamber 122 or the freezer chamber 124. For instance, in conventional refrigerator appliances, the switch housing may typically include a direct temperature input selector, such as a control knob, that may be manipulated by a user of the refrigerator appliance, for example, to adjust the target temperature of the fresh food chamber 122 or the freezer chamber 124. As will be appreciated in more detail below, the switch housing 148, and more generally, the refrigerator appliance 100, does not include a direct temperature input selector. According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the target temperature (e.g., of the fresh food chamber 122 or the freezer chamber 124) may be adjusted through non-standard means, such as via an indirect temperature input selector (e.g., described in more detail below). The non-standard means for adjusting the target temperature can advantageously reduce production costs of the refrigerator appliance 100 by reducing or mitigating the amount of parts (e.g., by eliminating the need for the direct temperature input selector). In addition, the non-standard means for adjusting the target temperature can advantageously increase the overall efficiency and performance of the refrigerator appliance 100 by mitigating user variability with regards to the target temperature adjustment.

[0028] Referring now back to FIG. 2, the controller 190 may include a memory and one or more microprocessors, CPUs or the like, such as general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with operation of refrigerator appliance 100. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In some embodiments, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. For certain embodiments, the instructions include a software package configured to operate appliance 100. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller 190 may be constructed without using a microprocessor (e.g., using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuitry—such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software.

[0029] Controller 190, or portions thereof, may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout refrigerator appliance 100. In example embodiments, controller 190 is located within the switch housing 148. In other embodiments, the controller 190 may be positioned at any suitable location within refrigerator appliance 100, such as for example within cabinet, a door 128 or 130, etc. Input / output (“I / O”) signals may be routed between controller 190 and various operational components of refrigerator appliance 100. For example, switch housing 148 may be operably coupled to controller 190 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.

[0030] As illustrated, controller 190 may be operably coupled to the various components of dispensing assembly 140 and may control operation of the various components. For example, the various valves, switches, etc. may be actuatable based on commands from the controller 190. As discussed, switch housing 148 may additionally be operably coupled to the controller 190. Thus, the various operations may occur based on user input or automatically through controller 190 instruction.

[0031] As shown, an ice making assembly or ice maker 152 may be positioned or mounted within freezer chamber 124, along with an optional storage bin 154. The ice maker 152 is generally configured for generating or producing ice (e.g., ice cubes) from liquid water. Ice storage bin 154 may be positioned to receive or store ice from ice maker 152. In the illustrated embodiments, ice storage bin 154 is positioned below ice maker 152 and receives ice therefrom. Additionally, the ice maker 152 may include a feeler arm 155 positioned above the ice storage bin 154. The feeler arm 155 may be in operable communication with the controller 190. The feeler arm 155 may be configured for detecting when the ice storage bin 154 is filled, for instance, with ice. In particular, the feeler arm 155 may be moveably coupled to the ice maker 152 such that when the ice storage bin 154 is filled with ice, the ice may manipulate the position of the feeler arm 155. The feeler arm 155 may have a predetermined threshold angle at which the feeler arm 155 is engaged. When the feeler arm 155 is moved such that the predetermined threshold angle is surpassed, the feeler arm 155 may transmit a suspension signal to the ice maker 152 (e.g., directly or indirectly) and ice production may be suspended (e.g., temporarily).

[0032] An internal liner 120 generally defines fresh food chamber 122 and freezer chamber 124. Specifically, an inner surface 141 of internal liner 120 may define one or both of fresh food chamber 122 and freezer chamber 124. An opposite outer surface 143 of internal liner 120 may face away from inner surface 143 and the respective fresh food chamber 122 or freezer chamber 124. Internal liner 120 may be formed from a single continuous integral component or, alternatively, from multiple connected pieces.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiments, internal liner 120 includes a plurality of walls defining chambers 122, 124. Specifically, internal liner 120 includes a first fresh food sidewall 191 and a second fresh food sidewall 192 spaced apart along the lateral direction L, as well as an upper fresh food wall 193 and a lower fresh food wall 194 spaced apart along the vertical direction V. A rear fresh food wall 195 may join the upper fresh food wall 193, the lower fresh food wall 194, the first fresh food sidewall 191, and the second fresh food sidewalls 192 to define an internal extreme of fresh food chamber 122 along the transverse direction T (e.g., a point or plane of fresh food chamber 122 most proximal to rear side 114 of cabinet 102). Rear fresh food wall 195 may further be positioned opposite an opening defined between the transverse fresh food walls 191, 192, 193, 194 and selectively covered by door 128. Internal liner 120 may further include a first freezer sidewall 196 and a second freezer sidewall 197 spaced apart along the lateral direction L, as well as an upper freezer wall 198 and a lower freezer wall 199 spaced apart along the vertical direction V. A rear freezer wall 200 may join the upper freezer wall 198, the lower freezer wall 199, the first freezer sidewall 196, and the second freezer sidewall 197 to define an internal extreme of freezer chamber 124 along the transverse direction T (e.g., a point or plane of freezer chamber 124 most proximal to rear side 114 of cabinet 102). Rear freezer wall 200 may further be positioned opposite an opening defined between the transverse freezer walls 196, 197, 198, 199 and selectively covered by door 130.

[0034] In addition, the refrigerator appliance 100 may include one or more cabinet light source 206 (e.g., FIG. 3) for illuminating the fresh food chamber 122 or the freezer chamber 124. For instance, the cabinet light sources 206 may emit light to illuminate the fresh food chamber 122 or the freezer chamber 124 such as when the refrigerator door 128 or the freezer door 130 are in the open position, respectively. In some embodiments, the cabinet light sources 206 are configured as alert components of the refrigerator appliance 100. For instance, the cabinet light sources 206 may be configured to perform a responsive action when a temperature adjustment sequence is received from an indirect temperature input selector (e.g., described in more detail below). In particular, the responsive action may include dimming or brightening the cabinet light sources 206 in response to the temperature adjustment sequence being received from the indirect temperature input selector. In this regard, the cabinet light sources 206 may also be utilized to alert a user that a target temperature of the fresh food chamber 122 or the freezer chamber 124 has been adjusted.

[0035] Additionally or alternatively, the refrigerator appliance 100 may include one or more audio emitters 207 disposed at the cabinet. In some exemplary embodiments, the audio emitter 207 is disposed at or within a wall of the cabinet. However, in some other embodiments, the audio emitter 207 may be disposed at any suitable location of the refrigerator appliance 100. For instance, the audio emitter 207 may be disposed at or on a door (e.g., the refrigerator door 128 or the freezer door 130) of the refrigerator appliance 100. In some embodiments, the audio emitter(s) 207 may be provided as an alert component of the refrigerator appliance 100. For instance, the audio emitter 207 may be configured to perform a responsive action when a temperature adjustment sequence is received from an indirect temperature input selector (e.g., described in more detail below). In particular, the responsive action may include emitting or playing or more programmed sounds, tones, messages, or alerts in response to the temperature adjustment. Such sounds, tones, messages, or alerts may notify a user that a temperature adjustment sequence has been received from the indirect temperature input selector. The audio emitter 207 may include a be provided as any suitable device or component that may emit or play one or more programmed sounds, tones, messages, or alerts. For example, the audio emitter 207 may include or be provided as a dynamic driver, an electrostatic driver, a planar magnetic driver, a piezoelectric driver, or the like. sequence being received from the indirect temperature input selector.

[0036] Turning now to FIG. 3, a schematic view of certain components of a sealed cooling system 180 for refrigerator appliance 100 is provided. As may be seen in FIG. 3, refrigerator appliance 100 includes a sealed cooling system 180 for executing a vapor compression cycle for cooling air within refrigerator appliance 100 (e.g., within fresh food chamber 122 and freezer chamber 124). Sealed cooling system 180 includes a compressor 182, a condenser 184, an expansion device 186, and an evaporator 188 connected in fluid series and charged with a refrigerant. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, sealed cooling system 180 may include additional or fewer components. For example, sealed cooling system 180 may include multiple discrete evaporators positioned separate locations within cabinet 102.

[0037] Within sealed cooling system 180, gaseous refrigerant flows into compressor 182, which operates to increase the pressure of the refrigerant. This compression of the refrigerant raises its temperature, which is lowered by passing the gaseous refrigerant through condenser 184. Within condenser 184, heat exchange (e.g., with ambient air) takes place so as to cool the refrigerant and cause the refrigerant to condense to a liquid state.

[0038] Expansion device 186 (e.g., a valve, capillary tube, or other restriction device) receives liquid refrigerant from condenser 184. From expansion device 186, the liquid refrigerant enters evaporator 188. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment of FIG. 3, evaporator 188 is positioned within freezer chamber 124. Upon exiting expansion device 186 and entering evaporator 188, the liquid refrigerant drops in pressure and vaporizes. Due to the pressure drop and phase change of the refrigerant, evaporator 188 is cool relative to freezer chamber 124 and fresh food chambers 122 of refrigerator appliance 100. As such, cooled air is produced and refrigerates freezer and fresh food chambers 124 and 122 of refrigerator appliance 100. Air and heat may be exchanged through one or more fluid paths connecting freezer chamber 124 to fresh food chamber 124. Thus, evaporator 188 acts as a heat exchanger that transfers heat from air passing over evaporator 188 to refrigerant flowing through evaporator 188. In some embodiments, an air handler (not pictured), such as a fan or blower, is provided adjacent to evaporator 188. For instance, an air handler may be provided within freezer chamber 124 to motivate air across evaporator 188 in a forced convection airflow. Additionally or alternatively, air may flow between freezer chamber 124 and fresh food chamber 122 via a natural convection airflow (e.g., according to the difference in density between relatively cold air and relatively hot air)

[0039] Now that the construction of refrigerator appliance 100 and the configuration of controller 190 according to exemplary embodiments have been presented, an exemplary method 300 of operating a refrigerator appliance will be described. Specifically, referring now to FIG. 5, a method 300 that may be used to adjust a target temperature of a refrigerator appliance, such as the refrigerator appliance 100, is provided. Although the discussion below refers to the exemplary method 300 of operating refrigerator appliance 100, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the exemplary method 300 is applicable to the operation of a variety of other refrigerator appliances, such as side-by-side refrigerator appliance, bottom mount refrigerator appliances, or the like. In exemplary embodiments, the various method steps as disclosed herein may be performed by controller 190 or a separate, dedicated controller.

[0040] At 310 the method 300 may include detecting, from the indirect temperature input selector, a temperature adjustment sequence corresponding to a change in a target temperature of the chilled chamber. As used herein, the “indirect temperature input selector(s)” may generally refers to any component, such as any electromechanical component, of a refrigerator appliance that is operatively linked to a temperature-agnostic assembly of the refrigerator appliance. Notably, the indirect temperature input selector(s) may be a component of the refrigerator appliance that includes a standard / dedicated function in addition to capable of adjusting the target temperature of the chilled chambers of the refrigerator appliance. For example, the indirect temperature input selector may include or be provided as a door switch, a feeler arm of the ice maker, a user interface assembly disposed at an external face of the cabinet including one or more input selectors, or any other non-obvious electromechanical component of the refrigerator appliance. As should be appreciated, the refrigerator appliance may not include a direct temperature input selector. For instance, the refrigerator appliance may not include a component of the refrigerator appliance, such as a control knob, found in conventional refrigerator appliances that are configured for only adjusting the target temperature of the refrigerator appliance. Thus, the indirect temperature input may be in operable communication with the controller and configured for affecting or directing commands to a portion of the refrigerator appliance that is separate and distinct from a cooling system of the refrigerator appliance.

[0041] In some embodiments, detecting the temperature adjustment sequence includes receiving, from the indirect temperature input selector, a signal sequence. Receiving the temperature adjustment sequence may include receiving user input signals in a predetermined sequence or order. For instance, when the indirect temperature input selector is manipulated (e.g., by a user), the indirect temperature input selector may transmit a user input signal to the controller. The user input signal transmitted may correspond to characteristics of the user manipulation of the indirect temperature input selector. For example, if the indirect temperature input selector is pressed and held for five seconds, the indirect temperature input selector may transmit a user input signal corresponding to a press and hold of five seconds. The temperature adjustment sequence received at the controller may indicate a change or adjustment that is to be made to the target temperature of the fresh food chamber or the freezer chamber.

[0042] In some such embodiments, detecting the temperature adjustment sequence includes evaluating the signal sequence in response to receiving the signal sequence. Evaluating the signal sequence may include processing the received signal sequence. The controller may include one or more programmed sequence of signals stored within a memory of the controller. Each programmed sequence of signals may correspond to a predetermined adjustment to the target temperature of one or more of the chilled chambers within the refrigerator appliance. For example, a particular programmed sequence of signals may correspond to an increase in the target temperature. As another example, another particular programmed sequence of signals may correspond to a decrease in the target temperature. Thus, in some such embodiments, detecting the temperature adjustment sequence also includes determining the signal sequence to be a programmed sequence of signals in response to evaluating the signal sequence. For instance, the it may be determined at the 320, that the received sequence of signals corresponds to a programmed sequence of signals.

[0043] At 320 the method 300 may include adjusting, via the cooling system, the target temperature of the chilled chamber in response to detecting the temperature adjustment sequence. In some embodiments, adjusting the target temperature of the chilled chamber includes executing a vapor compression cycle at the cooling system. Adjusting the target temperature of the chilled chamber may include directing a cooling system, such as a sealed cooling system, to adjust the target temperature of the chilled chamber. For instance, the controller may direct the cooling system to adjust the target temperature of the chilled chamber by directing the cooling system to execute a vapor compression cycle for cooling air within the fresh food chamber or the freezer chamber (e.g., as described in more detail above).

[0044] In some embodiments, the method 300 further includes implementing a responsive action at an alert component upon detecting the temperature adjustment sequence. The alert component may refer to a component of the refrigerator appliance that is capable of emitting a perceivable (e.g., a visible, tactile, or audible) alert to a user. In particular, to alert the user that the target temperature of the chilled chamber(s) has / while be adjusted. For example, in additional or alternative exemplary embodiments, the alert component may be a cabinet light source, an audio emitter (e.g., a speaker), or a fan, such as a fan of the cooling system. In some embodiments, implementing the responsive action at the alert component includes directing the alert component according to a predetermined user alert. The predetermined user alert may correspond to the physical (e.g., visible, tactile, or audible) alert that the user may receive from the refrigerator appliance. For example, directing the alert component according to the predetermined user alert may include dimming or brightening a cabinet light source to alert the user. As another example, directing the alert component according to the predetermined user alert may include emitting, from an audio emitter, an alert chime or alert audio feedback to alert the user.

[0045] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

1. A refrigerator appliance comprising:a cabinet defining a chilled chamber;an indirect temperature input selector disposed at the cabinet;a cooling system comprising a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator being connected in fluid series;a controller in operable communication with the indirect temperature input selector, the controller being configured for:detecting, from the indirect temperature input selector, a temperature adjustment sequence corresponding to a change in a target temperature of the chilled chamber, andadjusting, via the cooling system, the target temperature of the chilled chamber in response to detecting the temperature adjustment sequence.

2. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein detecting the temperature adjustment sequence comprisesreceiving, from the indirect temperature input selector, a signal sequence,evaluating the signal sequence in response to receiving the signal sequence, anddetermining the signal sequence to be a programmed sequence in response to evaluating the signal sequence.

3. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, further comprising:an alert component disposed at the cabinet,wherein the controller is further configured for:implementing a responsive action at the alert component upon detecting the temperature adjustment sequence.

4. The refrigerator appliance of claim 3, wherein the alert component comprises a cabinet light source disposed within the chilled chamber.

5. The refrigerator appliance of claim 3, wherein the alert component comprises an audio emitter disposed at the cabinet.

6. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, further comprising:a door rotatably hinged to the cabinet; anda door switch disposed at the cabinet for detecting a position of a doorwherein the door switch is provided as the indirect temperature input selector.

7. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, further comprising:an ice making assembly positioned within the chilled chamber, the ice making assembly comprising an ice maker and a feeler arm, the feeler arm being moveably mounted to the ice maker,wherein the feeler arm is provided as the indirect temperature input selector.

8. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein adjusting, via the cooling system, the target temperature of the chilled chamber comprisesexecuting a vapor compression cycle at the cooling system.

9. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the chilled chamber is configured as a fresh food chamber, andwherein the cabinet further defines a freezer chamber positioned above the fresh food chamber.

10. A method for adjusting a target temperature of a refrigerator appliance, the refrigerator appliance comprising a cabinet defining a chilled chamber, an indirect temperature input selector disposed at the cabinet, and a cooling system comprising a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator being connected in fluid series, the method comprising:detecting, from the indirect temperature input selector, a temperature adjustment sequence corresponding to a change in a target temperature of the chilled chamber; andadjusting, via the cooling system, the target temperature of the chilled chamber in response to detecting the temperature adjustment sequence.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein detecting the temperature adjustment sequence comprisesreceiving, from the indirect temperature input selector, a signal sequence,evaluating the signal sequence in response to receiving the signal sequence, anddetermining the signal sequence to be a programmed sequence in response to evaluating the signal sequence.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising:implementing a responsive action at an alert component upon detecting the temperature adjustment sequence.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the alert component comprises a cabinet light source disposed within the chilled chamber.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the alert component comprises an audio emitter disposed at the cabinet.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein the refrigerator appliance further comprises a door rotatably hinged to the cabinet and a door switch disposed at the cabinet for detecting a position of a door,wherein the door switch is provided as the indirect temperature input selector.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein the refrigerator appliance further comprises an ice making assembly positioned within the chilled chamber, the ice making assembly comprising an ice maker and a feeler arm, the feeler arm being moveably mounted to the ice maker,wherein the feeler arm is provided as the indirect temperature input selector.

17. The method of claim 10, wherein adjusting, via the cooling system, the target temperature of the chilled chamber comprisesexecuting a vapor compression cycle at the cooling system.

18. The method of claim 10, wherein the chilled chamber is configured as a fresh food chamber, andwherein the cabinet further defines a freezer chamber positioned above the fresh food chamber.

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