阅读说明：本技术 用于器具的可调节的辅助照明 (Adjustable auxiliary lighting for appliances ) 是由 J·斯奈德 于 2019-08-14 设计创作，主要内容包括：提供了一种操作冷藏器具(100)的方法。冷藏器具(100)包括机柜(102)和定位在机柜(102)外部的辅助灯。该方法包括确定远程用户设备(1000)的用户界面(1002)上对辅助灯的亮度水平设置,以及从远程用户设备(1000)向冷藏器具(100)的控制器(144)发送信号(1100)。控制器(144)与辅助灯可操作地通信。该方法还包括基于接收到的信号(1100),用冷藏器具(100)的控制器(144)将辅助灯的亮度调节到确定的亮度水平设置。(A method of operating a refrigeration appliance (100) is provided. The refrigeration appliance (100) includes a cabinet (102) and an auxiliary light positioned outside the cabinet (102). The method includes determining a brightness level setting for an auxiliary light on a user interface (1002) of a remote user device (1000), and sending a signal (1100) from the remote user device (1000) to a controller (144) of the refrigeration appliance (100). A controller (144) is in operable communication with the auxiliary light. The method also includes adjusting, with a controller (144) of the refrigeration appliance (100), the brightness of the auxiliary light to the determined brightness level setting based on the received signal (1100).)

1. A method of operating a refrigeration appliance, the refrigeration appliance including a cabinet and an auxiliary light positioned outside the cabinet, the method comprising:

receiving a signal from a remote device; and

adjusting the brightness of the auxiliary light of the refrigeration appliance based on the received signal.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the brightness of the auxiliary light is independent of ambient light levels.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the signal is received at a predetermined time of day and the step of adjusting the brightness comprises adjusting the brightness to a predetermined level.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the predetermined level is one of a low level, a medium level, or a high level.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein the predetermined level is a percentage value ranging from zero percent luminance to one hundred percent luminance.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the signal is a first signal received at a first predetermined time of day, and adjusting the brightness comprises adjusting the brightness to a first predetermined level, further comprising receiving a second signal at a second predetermined time of day, and adjusting the brightness of the auxiliary light to a second predetermined level based on the second signal.

7. A method of operating a refrigeration appliance, the refrigeration appliance including a cabinet and an auxiliary light positioned outside the cabinet, the method comprising:

determining a brightness level setting for the auxiliary light on a user interface of a remote user device;

sending a signal from the remote user device to a controller of the refrigeration appliance, the controller in operable communication with the auxiliary light; and

adjusting, with the controller of the refrigeration appliance, the brightness of the auxiliary light to the determined brightness level setting based on the received signal.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of transmitting the signal is performed immediately after the step of determining the brightness level setting.

9. The method of claim 7, further comprising determining a time of day threshold on the user interface of the remote user device, wherein the step of transmitting the signal is performed at the time of day threshold.

10. The method of claim 7, further comprising determining a morning threshold and a evening threshold on the user interface of the remote user device, wherein the determined brightness level setting is a daytime brightness setting and the signal is a first signal, wherein the steps of transmitting the first signal and adjusting the brightness based on the first signal are performed at the morning threshold, the method further comprising determining a night brightness level setting on the user interface of the remote user device, transmitting a second signal from the remote user device to the controller of the refrigeration appliance at the evening threshold, and adjusting the brightness of the auxiliary light to the night brightness level setting with the controller of the refrigeration appliance based on the received second signal.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein the brightness level setting is one of a low level, a medium level, or a high level.

12. The method of claim 7, wherein the brightness level setting is a percentage value ranging from zero percent brightness to one hundred percent brightness.

13. The method of claim 7, wherein the brightness of the auxiliary light is independent of ambient light levels.

14. A refrigeration appliance, comprising:

a cabinet;

a door rotatably connected to the cabinet;

a handle assembly connected to or integrally formed with the door and having a handle body defining a recess;

a dispenser assembly comprising a control panel;

an auxiliary light;

a controller in operable communication with the control panel and the auxiliary light, the controller configured to:

receiving a signal from a remote device; and

adjusting the brightness of the auxiliary light based on the received signal.

15. The refrigeration appliance of claim 14, wherein the auxiliary light is positioned within a dispenser recess of the dispenser assembly.

16. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 14, wherein said auxiliary light is a handle light in optical communication with said recess of said handle body.

17. The refrigeration appliance of claim 14, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the brightness of the auxiliary light to one of a low level, a medium level, or a high level.

18. The refrigeration appliance of claim 14, wherein said controller is configured to adjust said brightness of said auxiliary light to be within a range from zero percent brightness to one hundred percent brightness.

19. The refrigeration appliance of claim 14, wherein the refrigeration appliance does not include an ambient light sensor.

Technical Field

The present subject matter relates generally to appliances, and more particularly, to adjustable auxiliary lighting for appliances.

Background

Some appliances include an auxiliary lighting assembly that is operatively configured to emit light in order to enhance the aesthetic appearance or ease of use of the appliance. Such auxiliary lighting assemblies may be disposed, for example, in a handle of the appliance and/or a dispenser recess of the appliance.

In some cases, consumers may desire to change the brightness of light emitted from the auxiliary lighting assembly of their appliance. Conventional auxiliary lighting assemblies do not provide the consumer with readily available means for varying the brightness of the emitted light.

Therefore, an auxiliary light for an appliance providing variable brightness would be useful.

Disclosure of Invention

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.

In one exemplary aspect, the present subject matter relates to a method of operating a refrigeration appliance. The refrigeration appliance includes a cabinet and an auxiliary light positioned outside the cabinet. The method includes receiving a signal from a remote device and adjusting the intensity of an auxiliary light of the refrigeration appliance based on the received signal.

In another exemplary aspect, the present subject matter relates to a method of operating a refrigeration appliance. The refrigeration appliance includes a cabinet and an auxiliary light positioned outside the cabinet. The method includes determining a brightness level setting for an auxiliary light on a user interface of a remote user device and sending a signal from the remote user device to a controller of the refrigeration appliance. The controller is in operable communication with the auxiliary light. The method also includes adjusting, with a controller of the refrigeration appliance, the brightness of the auxiliary light to the determined brightness level setting based on the received signal.

In yet another exemplary aspect, the present subject matter relates to a refrigeration appliance. A refrigeration appliance includes a cabinet and a door rotatably connected to the cabinet. The refrigeration appliance also includes a handle assembly connected to or integrally formed with the door and having a handle body defining a recess. The refrigeration appliance further includes a dispenser assembly including a control panel and an auxiliary light. A controller of the refrigeration appliance is in operable communication with the control panel and the auxiliary light. The controller is configured to receive a signal from a remote device and adjust the intensity of an auxiliary light of the refrigeration appliance based on the received signal.

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.

Drawings

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.

Fig. 1 provides a front view of an exemplary refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

FIG. 2 provides a side view of one refrigeration compartment door of the refrigeration appliance of FIG. 1 depicting the handle assembly.

Fig. 3 provides a perspective view of the exemplary handle assembly of fig. 2.

Fig. 4 provides a cross-sectional view of the door of the exemplary refrigeration appliance of fig. 1 in a closed configuration.

Fig. 5 provides a close-up view of section B of fig. 4.

Fig. 6 provides a schematic illustration of an exemplary remote user interface device in communication with the exemplary refrigeration appliance of fig. 1, according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter.

FIG. 7 provides a view of an exemplary user interface of the remote user interface device of FIG. 6 in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter.

FIG. 8 provides a view of an exemplary user interface of the remote user interface device of FIG. 6 in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter.

Fig. 9 provides a flowchart of an exemplary method of operating a refrigeration appliance, according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter.

Detailed Description

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 or spirit 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 cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

As used herein, an approximation such as "approximately" or "approximately" includes values that are within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. When used in the context of an angle or direction, these terms include within ten degrees of the angle or direction. For example, "substantially vertical" includes directions within ten degrees of vertical in any direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise).

Fig. 1 provides a front view of a refrigeration appliance 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. The refrigeration appliance 100 comprises an enclosure or cabinet 102 extending in a vertical direction V between a top 104 and a bottom 106, in a lateral direction L between a first side 108 and a second side 110, and in a transverse direction T (in and out of the page in fig. 1, see also fig. 4) between a front side and a rear side. Each of the vertical direction V, the lateral direction L, and the transverse direction T is perpendicular to each other, and forms an orthogonal direction system.

The cabinet 102 defines a cooling chamber for receiving food to be stored. In particular, the cabinet 102 defines a fresh food chamber 122 positioned at or near the bottom 106 of the cabinet 102 and a freezer compartment 124 disposed at or near the top 104 of the cabinet 102. As such, the refrigeration appliance 100 is commonly referred to as a top-mount or top-freezer refrigeration compartment. However, it should be recognized that the benefits of the present disclosure apply to other types and styles of refrigeration appliances, such as, for example, bottom-mounted refrigeration appliances or side-by-side refrigeration appliances. Thus, the description set forth herein is for illustrative purposes and is not intended to be limited in any way to any particular refrigerator compartment configuration or style. Further, although the present subject matter is described herein with respect to a lighting assembly of a refrigeration appliance, the teachings and scope of the present subject matter apply to other types of appliances as well. For example, the structure and configuration of the exemplary lighting assemblies described and illustrated herein may also be applicable to other appliances having doors and/or handles, including, but not limited to, washing machines, dryers, microwave ovens, freezers, ovens, and the like.

The refrigeration appliance 100 may include one or more doors. For the exemplary embodiment, the refrigeration appliance includes a refrigeration compartment door and a freezer compartment door configured in a four-door configuration. As shown in fig. 1, refrigerating compartment doors 126, 128 are rotatably hinged to the edges of cabinet 102 for selective access to fresh food compartment 122. In particular, a first refrigeration compartment door 126 is rotatably hinged to cabinet 102 near first side 108, and a second refrigeration compartment door 128 is rotatably hinged near second side 110 of refrigeration appliance 100. Similarly, the freezing compartment doors 130, 131 are rotatably hinged to the edges of the cabinet 102 for selective access to the freezing compartment 124. More specifically, for this embodiment, a first freezing compartment door 130 is rotatably hinged to the cabinet 102 near the first side 108, and a second freezing compartment door 131 is rotatably hinged near the second side 110 of the refrigeration appliance 100. To prevent cold air leakage, the refrigeration compartment doors 126, 128, the freezing compartment doors 130, 131, and/or the cabinet 102 may define one or more sealing mechanisms (e.g., rubber gaskets) at the interfaces where the doors 126, 128, 130, 131 meet the cabinet 102. Refrigeration compartment doors 126, 128 and freezer compartment doors 130, 131 are shown in a closed configuration in fig. 1. It should be understood that doors having different styles, locations, or configurations are possible and within the scope of the present subject matter.

The refrigeration appliance 100 also includes a dispensing assembly 132 for dispensing liquid water and/or ice. The dispensing assembly 132 includes a dispenser 134 positioned or mounted to the exterior of the refrigeration appliance 100 (e.g., on the refrigeration compartment door 126). The dispenser 134 includes a discharge outlet 136 for harvesting ice and liquid water. An actuating mechanism 138, shown as a vane, is mounted below the discharge outlet 136 for operating the distributor 134. In alternative exemplary embodiments, any suitable actuation mechanism may be used to operate the dispenser 134. For example, the dispenser 134 may include a sensor (such as an ultrasonic sensor) or a button, rather than a blade. A control panel 140 is provided for controlling the mode of operation. For example, the control panel 140 includes a plurality of user inputs (not labeled), such as a water dispense button and an ice dispense button, for selecting a desired operating mode, such as crushed ice or non-crushed ice. For example, the control panel 140 may be or include a touch screen, wherein the user input (e.g., buttons) are defined areas on the touch screen. The illustrated refrigeration appliance 100 further includes at least one auxiliary light, e.g., a dispenser light 146 as seen in fig. 1, positioned outside the cabinet 102.

The discharge outlet 136 and the actuating mechanism 138 are external portions of the dispenser 134 and are mounted in the dispenser recess 142. The dispenser recess 142 is positioned at a predetermined height to facilitate the user to access ice or water and to allow the user to access ice without opening the refrigerating compartment doors 126, 128. In the exemplary embodiment of fig. 1, the dispenser recess 142 is positioned at a level near the waist of an adult user. According to an exemplary embodiment, the dispensing assembly 132 may receive ice from an ice maker disposed in a sub-compartment of the fresh food compartment 122 or within the freezer compartment 124. The dispenser light 146 may be positioned within the dispenser recess 142 to illuminate the dispenser recess 142 and/or the adjacent ambient environment around the exterior of the refrigeration appliance 100.

The refrigeration appliance 100 further includes a controller 144. The operation of the refrigeration appliance 100 is controlled by the controller 144. In some example embodiments, the control panel 140 may represent a general purpose I/O ("GPIO") device or function block. In some exemplary embodiments, the control panel 140 may include input components, such as one or more of various electrical, mechanical, or electromechanical input devices, including rotary dials, buttons, touch pads, and touch screens. The control panel 140 may be communicatively coupled to the controller 144 via one or more signal lines or a shared communication bus. Additionally or alternatively, the control panel 140 may be communicatively coupled with the controller 144 via one or more wireless connections. The control panel 140 provides options for user manipulation of the refrigeration appliance 100. In response to user manipulation of the control panel 140, the controller 144 operates the various components of the refrigeration appliance 100. For example, the controller 144 is operatively coupled to or in communication with various components, such as one or more auxiliary lights, e.g., the dispenser light 146 or the handle lighting assembly described above, as discussed below.

The controller 144 includes a memory and one or more processing devices, such as a microprocessor, CPU, or the like, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor, operable to execute programmed instructions or microcontrol code associated with the operation of the refrigeration appliance 100. The memory may represent a random access memory such as a DRAM, or a read only memory such as a ROM or FLASH. The processor executes programming instructions stored in the memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included on-board the processor. Alternatively, the controller 144 may be constructed without the use of a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of separate analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, and gates, etc.) to perform the control functions, rather than relying on software.

Still referring to fig. 1, each door 126, 128, 130, 131 of the refrigeration appliance 100 includes a handle assembly 200 for accessing one of the cooling chambers 122, 124 of the refrigeration appliance 100. For the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 1, the handle assembly 200 of each door 126, 128, 130, 131 is configured as a recessed handle, and each handle assembly 200 extends generally along the length of its respective door 126, 128, 130, 131 along a vertical direction V, as shown. However, in some exemplary embodiments, the handle assemblies 200 need not extend the length of their respective doors. For example, the handle assemblies 200 may extend along the vertical direction V over approximately half the length of their respective doors 126, 128, 130, 131.

Various forms of recessed handles may be used to move the refrigerator compartment doors 126, 128 or freezer compartment doors 130, 132 between open and closed positions. The pocket handle is typically integral with the door and is formed by forming a recess in the door body. For example, a hand grip recess may be formed on a side or front surface of the door, allowing a user to manipulate the door. The recessed handle may be of different sizes, depths and positions to enable a user to grasp the door. For example, as shown in fig. 1, a recess handle may be used to open and close each of a pair of refrigerating compartment doors 126, 128 or freezing compartment doors 130, 132.

In accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter, one or more of the handle assemblies 200 of the refrigeration appliance 100 include a handle illumination assembly operatively configured to emit light from their respective handle assemblies 200. In this way, the aesthetic appearance and ease of use of the refrigeration appliance 100 may be enhanced. One or more aspects of the light emitted from the handle assembly 200 (e.g., brightness) may be adjustable, such as by the controller 144.

Referring now to fig. 2 and 3, fig. 2 provides a side view of the refrigeration compartment door 126 of the exemplary refrigeration appliance 100 of fig. 1 depicting the handle assembly 200. In particular, fig. 2 provides a side view of handle assembly 200 of refrigeration compartment door 126 as seen from view a of fig. 1. For purposes of illustration, fig. 3 provides a perspective view of its handle assembly 200 removed from the door 126. For this exemplary embodiment, the handle assembly 200 is configured as a recessed handle, as described above.

As shown in fig. 2 and 3, the handle assembly 200 includes a handle main body 210. Handle body 210 extends along transverse direction T between front 212 and rear 214 (fig. 3), and for this embodiment handle body 210 is disposed between inner wall 150 and outer wall 152 of refrigeration compartment door 126 (fig. 2). Handle body 210 also extends in vertical direction V between top 216 and bottom 218 (fig. 3), and for this embodiment handle body 210 is disposed between top wall 156 and bottom wall 158 of refrigeration compartment door 126 (fig. 2). The handle main body 210 may be integrally formed with the refrigerating chamber door 126, or may be a separate component from the door. The handle body 210 defines a recess 220. The recess 220 is defined along the vertical direction V substantially along the length L1 of the handle body 210 (fig. 3). To open the refrigerating compartment door 126, a user may reach his or her hand to the recess 220 and may pull the refrigerating compartment door 126 open.

As further shown in fig. 2 and 3, the handle assembly 200 includes a handle illumination assembly 300 coupled to the handle body 210. In particular, for this embodiment, the handle illumination assembly 300 is disposed within the recess 220 defined by the handle body 210. In alternative exemplary embodiments, the handle illumination assembly 300 may be integrally formed with the handle body 210. Further, for this embodiment, the handle illumination assembly 300 extends substantially along the length L1 of the handle body 210. In an alternative embodiment, the handle lighting assembly 300 need not extend substantially along the length L1 of the handle body 210. For example, the handle lighting assembly 300 may extend half way the length L1 of the handle body 210.

Fig. 4 provides a cross-sectional view of the refrigeration compartment doors 126, 128 of the exemplary refrigeration appliance 100 of fig. 1 in a closed configuration. As described above, the refrigerating compartment door 126 of the refrigerating appliance 100 includes the inner wall 150 and the outer wall 152. The inner wall 150 generally defines a portion of the interior of the fresh food compartment 122 when the door 126 is in the closed position. The outer wall 152 is generally opposite the inner wall 150 and defines a portion of the exterior of the refrigeration appliance 100 when the door 126 is in the closed position. The door 126 includes a side wall 154 extending between and connecting the inner wall 150 and the outer wall 152. Foam or other insulating material is disposed between the inner and outer walls 150, 152 along the transverse direction T and between the side walls 154 along the lateral direction L. For this exemplary embodiment, the handle body 210 forms a sidewall 154 at a center point of the refrigeration appliance 100 along the lateral direction L that is proximate to a lateral centerline LC defined by the refrigeration appliance 100 that is orthogonal to the lateral direction L. As shown in fig. 4, the refrigerating compartment door 128 may be configured in the same or similar manner as the refrigerating compartment door 126. Furthermore, although not shown in fig. 4, the freezing compartment doors 130, 131 may likewise include an inner wall 150, an outer wall 152, and a side wall 154 as shown and described for the refrigerating compartment door 126.

As further shown in fig. 4, when the refrigerating compartment doors 126, 128 are in the closed position, the first recess 222 defined by the handle body 210 of the refrigerating compartment door 126 and the second recess 224 defined by the handle body 210 of the refrigerating compartment door 128 define an illumination recess 226. Further, a gap G is defined between the refrigeration compartment door 126 and the refrigeration compartment door 128 along the lateral direction L such that when one or more of the light sources of the respective first and second handle lighting assemblies 302, 304 emit light, the light from within the lighting recess 226 escapes through the gap G and is thus visible from the exterior of the refrigeration appliance 100 (e.g., fig. 1). In this manner, the aesthetic appearance and ease of use of the refrigeration appliance 100 may be enhanced.

Fig. 5 provides a close-up view of portion B of fig. 4 depicting the handle assemblies of refrigeration compartment doors 126, 128, respectively. For this embodiment, the handle lighting assembly disposed within the recess of the refrigerating compartment door 126 is a first handle lighting assembly 302, and the handle lighting assembly disposed within the recess of the refrigerating compartment door 128 is a second handle lighting assembly 304. As shown in fig. 5, the first handle lighting assembly 302 is disposed within a first recess 222 defined by the first handle assembly 202, and the second handle lighting assembly 304 is disposed within a second recess 224 defined by the second handle assembly 204.

Each handle illumination assembly 300 includes one or more light sources 352. The light source 352 may be any suitable type of light source, such as, for example, an LED, OLED, incandescent lamp, halogen lamp, fluorescent lamp, high intensity discharge lamp, combinations of the above, and the like. Each lighting assembly 300 may be communicatively coupled to the controller 144. For this embodiment, the controller 144 is operably configured to control the lumen intensity of the light source of each lighting assembly 300. As such, the controller 144 may dim or turn off the lighting assembly 300 according to a set schedule or according to user input, as described in more detail below.

Each handle illumination assembly 300 includes a lens 342. Further, as shown in fig. 5, for this exemplary embodiment, the lens 342 has an arcuate shape.

For each handle assembly 202, 204, the reference plane RP is disposed in a plane that is coplanar with the front face 360 of the light source 352 or a point of the light source 352. In some embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 5, a film 370 may be disposed over the light source 352 and may be curved toward the reference plane RP while the lens 342 is curved away from the reference plane RP. In other words, the membrane 370 may be a diverging lens and the lens 342 may be a converging lens. In such an embodiment, when light source 352 emits light from first handle assembly 202, the light initially passes through film 370. Due to the curvature of the film 370, the light diverges as it passes through it. The divergence of the light allows the light to spread out over the entire surface of the lens 342. Thus, an efficient use of the lumen intensity of the light emitted from the light source 352 is achieved. The diverging light passes through the convex lens 342. The lens 342 converges or focuses the light at the rear sidewall 228 of the second handle assembly 204. The light may then reflect from the rear sidewall 228 of the second handle assembly 204, and a portion of the reflected light may exit through the gap G. Likewise, when the light source 352 emits light from the second handle assembly 204, the light can be directed in the same manner as the light emitted from the first handle assembly 202 described above. The light escaping through the gap G provides illumination for the refrigeration appliance 100 from the recessed handle of the refrigeration appliance 100 (e.g., fig. 1). In this way, the aesthetic appearance and ease of use of the refrigeration appliance 100 may be enhanced.

As shown in fig. 6, the refrigeration appliance 100, and in particular the controller 144 thereof, may be configured to receive a signal 1100 from a remote user device 1000 external to the refrigeration appliance 100. The signal 1100 may be, for example, a short-range radio signal or other suitable wireless signal. For example, the refrigeration appliance 100 may be used by a user such asOr any other suitable wireless network having a layer protocol architecture, to communicate with the remote user interface device 1000. As used herein, "short range" may include a range of about ten meters or less, up to about one hundred meters. For example, wireless networks may be suitable for short wavelength Ultra High Frequency (UHF) communications (e.g., according to the IEEE 802.15.1 standard) in the frequency band between 2.4GHz and 2.485 GHz. In other examples, the refrigerated compartment 100 and the remote user interface device 1000 may be accessible viaInfra-red signals or any other suitable radioA communication protocol or method communicates. The remote user interface device 1000 may also include a user interface 1002, such as a touch screen, for receiving user input.

The remote user interface device 1000 may be a laptop computer, a smartphone, a tablet, a personal computer, a wearable device, a smart home system, and/or various other suitable devices that include a user interface such as a touch screen display 1002. The remote user interface device 1000 may include a memory for storing and retrieving programming instructions. Accordingly, the remote user interface device 1000 may provide a remote user interface, which may be an additional user interface of the control panel 140. For example, the remote user interface device 1000 may be a smartphone operable to store and run applications (also referred to as "apps").

The remote user interface device 1000 may be configured to receive user input via the user interface 1002 and to send a signal 1100 to the refrigeration appliance 100 based on the received user input. The controller 144 of the refrigeration appliance 100 is operable to receive the signal 1100 from the remote user interface device 1000 and operate an auxiliary light, such as the dispenser light 146 and/or the handle light 300 as described above, e.g., adjust one or more operating parameters of the auxiliary light, based on the signal 1100 received from the remote user interface device 1000.

Fig. 7 shows an exemplary configuration of a user interface 1002 of a remote user interface device. As shown, the user interface includes an on input 1004 and an off input 1006. In fig. 7 and 8, the on input 1004 is shaded to indicate that it is active. For example, a portion of the touch screen 1002 may be illuminated to indicate an activation or selected input, as shown by shading in fig. 7 and 8. In various embodiments, the remote user interface device 1000 can send a signal to the controller 144 of the refrigerated compartment 100 based on a user selection of one or more inputs on the user interface 1002 of the remote user interface device 1000, and the signal can indicate and/or can correspond to the selected input. For example, when a user touches the on input 1004, the remote user interface device 1000 may send a signal to the controller 144, the controller 144 may receive the signal, and the controller 144 may then turn on auxiliary lights, such as the handle light 300 and/or the dispenser light 146, based on the received signal.

When the on input 1004 is selected, the user interface 1002 may then provide additional inputs, such as the day/night input 1008 and the brightness level input 1010 shown in fig. 7. In at least some embodiments, the remote user interface device 1000 can be configured to receive user input or selection via one of the inputs 1008 and 1010 after receiving or detecting a user selection of the open input 1004. As shown in fig. 7, day/night input 1008 has been selected and/or activated, user interface 1002 may confirm by illuminating or otherwise highlighting day/night input 1008, e.g., as shown in phantom in fig. 7.

The day/night input 1008 may correspond to an automatic mode of operation. For example, the automatic operation mode may include one or more threshold times and corresponding brightness settings of the auxiliary lights based on the time of day. For example, the remote user interface device 1000 may be configured to receive or determine a first predetermined time of day, such as a morning threshold, and a second predetermined time of day, such as a evening threshold, on the user interface 1002 and may automatically send a signal to the refrigeration appliance 100 at the predetermined time of day. For example, the morning threshold may be six am (6:00), and the remote user interface device 1000 may automatically send the signal 1100 to the refrigeration appliance 100 when the remote user interface device 1000 determines that the time of day is equal to the morning threshold, e.g., six am. The signal 1100 sent at the morning threshold may correspond to or indicate a first predetermined brightness level, such as a daytime brightness setting, and the controller 144 of the refrigeration appliance 100 may receive such a signal and adjust the brightness of the auxiliary lights (e.g., the dispenser light 146 and/or the handle light 300) based on the received signal. Also by way of example, the evening threshold may be eight pm (8: 00). Similar to the morning threshold, the remote user interface device 1000 may send a second signal 1100 to the controller 144 at the morning threshold, whereupon the controller 144 receives the second signal 1100 and adjusts the brightness of the auxiliary light to a second predetermined level, such as a nighttime setting.

Fig. 8 shows an exemplary configuration of the user interface 1002 when the manual operation mode is active (e.g., when the brightness level input 1010 has been selected). In the manual mode of operation, the remote user interface device 1000 may send the signal 1100 immediately after determining the brightness level setting via the user interface 1002, rather than sending the signal at one or more predetermined times as described above. For example, the brightness level setting may be determined by brightness input 1012. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the brightness input 1012 is a slider input, wherein the brightness level setting may be a percentage value ranging from zero percent (0%) brightness to one hundred percent (100%) brightness. In some embodiments, any value from zero percent (0%) to one hundred percent (100%) may be selected. In other embodiments, a lesser number of brightness levels may be selected, such as low, medium, and high levels. The low level may be between about five percent (5%) and about thirty-five percent (35%) luminance, such as about twenty percent (20%) luminance. The mid-level may be between about thirty percent (30%) brightness and about eighty percent (80%) brightness, such as about fifty percent (50%) brightness. The high level may be between about sixty-five percent (65%) brightness and about one-hundred percent (100%) brightness, such as about ninety percent (90%) brightness. In embodiments where the high level is less than one hundred percent (100%) brightness, a maximum level corresponding to approximately one hundred percent (100%) brightness may also be provided. In other embodiments, only two levels are selectable, such as a low level and a high level. In further embodiments, five or more levels may be selected.

In the case where the brightness of the auxiliary lights (e.g., the dispenser light 146 and/or the handle light 300) may be adjusted based on the signal 1100 from the remote user interface device 1000, the brightness of the auxiliary lights may thus be independent of the ambient light level. For example, the refrigeration appliance 1000 may not include an ambient light sensor. The omission of an ambient light sensor may reduce the cost of the refrigeration appliance 100 and provide a more aesthetically pleasing appearance to the refrigeration appliance 100. For example, the control panel 140 need not include holes for ambient light sensors, thereby providing a smoother and more consistent appearance to the surface of the control panel 140 (e.g., a touch screen surface). Additionally, the control panel 140 and controller 144 may be simplified in that a clock or device that monitors time (e.g., downloads date and time data from the internet or receives time input at the control panel 140) may be omitted in the event that the remote user interface 1000 provides the appropriate signal 1100 at the desired time of day.

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.