AIR CONDITIONER UNIT HAVING A BUILT-IN LIGHT ASSEMBLY

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present subject matter relates generally to single-package air conditioner units, including illumination features for the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Air conditioner units are conventionally used to adjust the temperature within structures such as dwellings and office buildings. In particular, one-unit type or single-package room air conditioner units (i.e., non-split units), such as window units, single-package vertical units (SPVU), vertical packaged air conditioners (VPAC), or package terminal air conditioners (PTAC) may be used to adjust the temperature in, for example, a single room or group of rooms of a structure. Such units are especially common in hotels, rental apartments, and assisted-living facilities in which a large number of occupants live within the same building.

A typical one-unit type air conditioner or air conditioning appliance includes an indoor portion and an outdoor portion. The indoor portion generally communicates (e.g., exchanges air) with the area within a building or indoor environment, and the outdoor portion generally communicates (e.g., exchanges air) with the area outside a building. Accordingly, the air conditioner unit generally extends through, for example, a wall of the structure. Generally, a fan may be operable to rotate to motivate air through the indoor portion. Another fan may be operable to rotate to motivate air through the outdoor portion. A sealed cooling system including a compressor is generally housed within the air conditioner unit to treat (e.g., cool or heat) air as it is circulated through, for example, the indoor portion of the air conditioner unit. One or more control boards are typically provided to direct the operation of various elements of the particular air conditioner unit.

One of the challenges that exist for single-package air conditioner units is notifying a user of one or more conditions, and even the unit's presence, without being visually disruptive or distracting. In many cases, a user may be relatively unfamiliar with the room or indoor environment, and thus have difficulties navigating the area or use of the air conditioner unit. This may be especially important in low-light settings, where a user may wish to pass by or near to the unit without disrupting another person within the room.

As a result, it would be useful to provide an air conditioner unit that includes features for addressing one or more of the above issues.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

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 of the present disclosure, a single-package air conditioner unit is provided. The single-package air conditioner unit may include a cabinet, an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger, a compressor, and a light assembly. The cabinet may extend along a vertical direction between a top end and a bottom end. The cabinet may define an outdoor portion and an indoor portion. The outdoor heat exchanger may be disposed in the outdoor portion. The indoor heat exchanger may be disposed in the indoor portion. The compressor may be in fluid communication with the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger to circulate a refrigerant between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger. The light assembly may include an electrical light source. The light assembly may be attached to the cabinet and directed therebelow.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a single-package air conditioner unit is provided. The single-package air conditioner unit may include a cabinet, an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger, a compressor, a light assembly, and a controller. The cabinet may define an outdoor portion and an indoor portion. The outdoor heat exchanger may be disposed in the outdoor portion. The indoor heat exchanger may be disposed in the indoor portion. The compressor may be in fluid communication with the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger to circulate a refrigerant between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger. The light assembly may include an electrical light source. The light assembly may attached to the cabinet proximal to the bottom end and directed therebelow. The controller may be attached to the cabinet in operative communication with the lighting assembly direct a lighting operation to activate the lighting assembly.

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

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 perspective view of an air conditioner unit, with a room front exploded from a remainder of the air conditioner unit for illustrative purposes, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of components of an indoor portion of an air conditioner unit in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 provides a schematic view of an air conditioner unit according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 provides a side sectional view of components of an air conditioner unit in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 provides a bottom perspective view of a light assembly, in isolation, of an air conditioner unit in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 provides an exploded perspective view of the exemplary light assembly of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 provides a perspective view of an air conditioner unit within an indoor environment or room according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

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

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. The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” In addition, references 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.

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”). The terms “upstream” and “downstream” refer to the relative flow direction with respect to fluid flow in a fluid pathway. For example, “upstream” refers to the flow direction from which the fluid flows, and “downstream” refers to the flow direction to which the fluid flows. 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.

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).

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.

Generally, aspects of the present disclosure may provide an assembly or appliance for providing light adjacent to an air conditioner unit. Such disclosures may advantageously project light away from a user's line of sight. Additionally or alternatively, aspects of the present disclosure may provide for notifying a user of one or more conditions or the presence of an air conditioner unit.

Turning now to the figures, FIGS. 1 through 3 illustrate an exemplary air conditioning appliance (e.g., air conditioner 10). Specifically, FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of air conditioner 10, FIG. 2 provides a front view of air conditioner 10, and FIG. 3 provides a schematic view of air conditioner 10. As shown, air conditioner 10 may be provided as a one-unit type air conditioner 10, such as a single-package vertical unit (SPVU). However, it should be appreciated that aspects of the present disclosure may be used with other suitable air conditioning units or air filtering devices, such as a packaged terminal air conditioner unit (PTAC), a split heat pump system, etc.

The air conditioner 10 includes an indoor portion 12 and an outdoor portion 14, and defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T. Each direction V, L, T is perpendicular to each other, such that an orthogonal coordinate system is generally defined.

Generally, a cabinet 20 of the air conditioner 10 contains various other components of the air conditioner 10. Cabinet 20 may include, for example, a rear grill 22 and a room front 24 that may be spaced apart along the transverse direction T by a wall sleeve 26. The rear grill 22 may be part of the outdoor portion 14, while the room front 24 is part of the indoor portion 12. Components of the outdoor portion 14, such as an outdoor heat exchanger 30, outdoor fan 33 (FIG. 3), and compressor 32 may be housed within the wall sleeve 26. A casing 34 may additionally enclose the outdoor fan 33, as shown.

Indoor portion 12 may include, for example, an indoor heat exchanger 40, a blower fan 42, and a heating unit 44. These components may, for example, be housed behind the room front 24. Additionally, a bulkhead 46 may generally support or house various other components or portions thereof of the indoor portion 12, such as the blower fan 42 and the heating unit 44. Bulkhead 46 may generally separate and define the indoor portion 12 and outdoor portion 14. As would be understood, when air conditioner 10 is mounted within a room or indoor environment (e.g., to heat or cool the room or indoor environment), indoor portion 12 is generally held or enclosed within the indoor environment. Optionally, outdoor portion 14 may be generally held outside of the indoor environment.

In some embodiments, cabinet 20 includes a base pan 28 (e.g., separate from or in addition to bulkhead 46) that supports one or more components. Specifically, the base pan 28 may be provided as a single or multi-part structure on which other portions of the unit 10 are mounted. For instance, the base pan 28 may support the outdoor heat exchanger 30 or the indoor heat exchanger 40, as well as (optionally) other components of the outdoor portion 14 or the indoor portion 12. When assembled, room front 24 or rear grill 22 may optionally cover or enclose at least a portion of base pan 28.

Outdoor and indoor heat exchangers 30, 40 may be components of a thermodynamic assembly (i.e., sealed system), which may be operated as a refrigeration assembly (and thus perform a refrigeration cycle) and, in the case of the heat pump unit embodiment, a heat pump (and thus perform a heat pump cycle). Thus, as is understood, exemplary heat pump unit embodiments may be selectively operated perform a refrigeration cycle at certain instances (e.g., while in a cooling mode) and a heat pump cycle at other instances (e.g., while in a heating mode).

In optional embodiments, such as exemplary heat pump unit embodiments, the sealed system includes a reversible refrigerant valve 110 (FIG. 3). Reversible refrigerant valve 110 selectively directs compressed refrigerant from compressor 32 to either indoor heat exchanger 40 or outdoor heat exchanger 30. For example, in a cooling mode, reversible refrigerant valve 110 is arranged or configured to direct compressed refrigerant from compressor 32 to outdoor heat exchanger 30. Conversely, in a heating mode, reversible refrigerant valve 110 is arranged or configured to direct compressed refrigerant from compressor 32 to indoor heat exchanger 40. Thus, reversible refrigerant valve 110 permits the sealed system to adjust between the heating mode and the cooling mode (e.g., as selected at a control panel 87), as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

The sealed system may, for example, further include compressor 32 and an expansion valve, both of which may be in fluid communication with the heat exchangers 30, 40 to flow refrigerant therethrough, as is generally understood. Optionally, the compressor 32 may be a variable speed compressor or, alternatively, a single speed compressor. When the assembly is operating in a cooling mode, and thus performs a refrigeration cycle, the indoor heat exchanger 40 acts as an evaporator and the outdoor heat exchanger 30 acts as a condenser. In heat pump unit embodiments, when the assembly is operating in a heating mode, and thus performs a heat pump cycle, the indoor heat exchanger 40 acts as a condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger 30 acts as an evaporator. The outdoor and indoor heat exchangers 30, 40 may each include coils 31, 41, as illustrated, through which a refrigerant may flow for heat exchange purposes, as is generally understood.

Additionally or alternatively, one or more portions of heat exchangers 30, 40 may be adapted for use as dehumidification features or as part of a dehumidification routine. For instance, when a dehumidification routine is initiated or implemented (e.g., in a cooling mode or heating mode), a refrigeration cycle may be performed while air is directed across at least a portion of indoor heat exchanger 40 to generate a dry airflow, as would be understood. Certain known dehumidification routines may subsequently direct the dried airflow across a separate heating unit (e.g., as part of an active heat dehumidification routine) before the air is flowed to the room. Other known dehumidification routines may subsequently direct the dried air across a relatively hot portion of the sealed system (e.g., as part of a reheat loop dehumidification routine) before the air is flowed to the room. Still other known dehumidification routines may direct the dried air directly to the room without additional heating (e.g., as part of a cool-air dehumidification routine).

Bulkhead 46 may include various peripheral surfaces that define an interior 50 thereof. For example, and additionally referring to FIG. 3, bulkhead 46 may include a first sidewall 52 and a second sidewall 54 which are spaced apart from each other along the lateral direction L. A rear wall 56 may extend laterally between the first sidewall 52 and second sidewall 54.

The rear wall 56 may, for example, include an upper portion 60 and a lower portion 62. Upper portion 60 may for example have a generally curvilinear cross-sectional shape, and may accommodate a portion of the blower fan 42 when blower fan 42 is housed within the interior 50. Lower portion 62 may have a generally linear cross-sectional shape, and may be positioned below upper portion 60 along the vertical direction V. Rear wall 56 may further include an indoor facing surface 64 and an opposing outdoor facing surface. The indoor facing surface 64 may face the interior 50 and indoor portion 12, and the outdoor facing surface 66 may face the outdoor portion 14.

Bulkhead 46 may additionally extend between a top end 61 and a bottom end 63 along vertical axis V. Upper portion 60 may, for example, include top end 61, while lower portion 62 may, for example, include bottom end 63. Bulkhead 46 may additionally include, for example, an air diverter 68, which may extend between the sidewalls 52, 54 along the lateral direction L and through which air may flow.

In exemplary embodiments, blower fan 42 may include or be provided as a tangential fan. Alternatively, however, any suitable fan type may be used. Blower fan 42 may include a blade assembly 70 and a motor 72. The blade assembly 70, which may include one or more blades disposed within a fan housing 74, may be disposed at least partially within the interior 50 of the bulkhead 46, such as within the upper portion 60. As shown, blade assembly 70 may for example extend along the lateral direction L between the first sidewall 52 and the second sidewall 54. The motor 72 may be connected to the blade assembly 70, such as through the fan housing 74 to the blades via a shaft. Operation of the motor 72 may rotate the blades, thus generally operating the blower fan 42. Further, in exemplary embodiments, motor 72 may be disposed exterior to the bulkhead 46. Accordingly, the shaft may for example extend through one of the sidewalls 52, 54 to connect the motor 72 and blade assembly 70.

In exemplary embodiments, heating unit 44 includes one or more heater banks 80. Each heater bank 80 may be operated as desired to produce heat. In some embodiments, three heater banks 80 may be used, as shown. Alternatively, however, any suitable number of heater banks 80 may be used. Each heater bank 80 may further include at least one heater coil or coil pass 82, such as in exemplary embodiments two heater coils or coil passes 82. Alternatively, other suitable heating elements may be used. As is understood, each heater coil pass 82 may be provided as a resistive heating element configured to generate heat in response to resistance to an electrical current flowed therethrough.

The operation of air conditioner 10 including compressor 32 (and thus the sealed system generally) blower fan 42, fan 33, heating unit 44, or other suitable components may be controlled by a control board or controller 85. Controller 85 may be in communication (via for example a suitable wired or wireless connection) to such components of the air conditioner 10. By way of example, the controller 85 may include a memory and one or more processing devices such as 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 air conditioner 10. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. Generally, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory.

Air conditioner 10 may additionally include a control panel 87 and one or more user inputs 89, which may be included in control panel 87. The user inputs 89 may be in communication with the controller 85. A user of the air conditioner 10 may interact with the user inputs 89 to operate the air conditioner 10, and user commands may be transmitted between the user inputs 89 and controller 85 to facilitate operation of the air conditioner 10 based on such user commands. A display 88 may additionally be provided in the control panel 87, and may be in communication with the controller 85. Display 88 may, for example be a touchscreen or other text-readable display screen, or alternatively may simply be a light that can be activated and deactivated as required to provide an indication of, for example, an event or setting for the air conditioner 10.

Referring especially to FIGS. 3 through 7, a light assembly 100 may be provided to illuminate a region (e.g., a ground surface 120) nearby or proximal to cabinet 20. Generally, light assembly 100 is attached (e.g., directly or indirectly) to cabinet 20 to provide a notably subtle illumination that visible to an adjacent user. To this end, light assembly 100 includes one or more electrical light sources (e.g., a light emitting diode (LED), halogen bulb, incandescent bulb, fluorescent bulb, etc.) configured to emit radiation in the visible light spectrum (e.g., at a wavelength range of between 400 and 700 nanometers), which may be emitted at a fixed or, alternatively, variable wavelength (e.g., to vary the color of light emissions, as would be understood).

In some embodiments, light assembly 100 is directed at an area below the cabinet 20 (e.g., a ground surface 120). Thus, the light emissions from light assembly 100 may generally be projected below the cabinet 20. The light emissions may be, for instance, projected downward, either directly (e.g., parallel to the vertical direction V) or indirectly (e.g., at a non-parallel and non-orthogonal angle relative to the vertical direction V). The light emissions may be in the form of a general or diffuse illumination region (e.g., to be projected on the ground surface 120) or one or more illuminated messages (e.g., a singular fixed message or, alternatively, a plurality of discrete, variable messages), such as in the form of text or a pictorial icon. Advantageously, the light emissions may be directed away from a user's eyes are face, though the reflected light may still be visible.

Generally, cabinet 20 extends along the vertical direction between a top end 36 and a bottom end 38. When assembled, light assembly 100 may be disposed proximal to bottom end 38. In other words, light assembly 100 may be located closer to the bottom than the top of cabinet 20. In some such embodiments, light assembly 100 is mounted below (e.g., lower relative to the vertical direction V) or directly beneath one or more other components. For instance, light assembly 100 may be provided on a mounted bracket 104 located below one or more components at the indoor portion 12, such as control panel 87, indoor heat exchanger 40, etc. In certain embodiments, light assembly 100 is disposed below or directly beneath base pan 28. Optionally, light assembly 100 (e.g., at least a portion thereof) may be supported (e.g., from above) by base pan 28. Additionally or alternatively, light assembly 100 (e.g., at least a portion thereof) may be mounted on room front 24. Notably, portions of unit 10 above light assembly 100 may effectively block portions of the light emissions from light assembly 100 (e.g., from directly traveling to or being visible by a user), such that no light is shone directly into the eyes of a user.

In certain embodiments, one or more light sources 102 of light assembly 100 are advantageously covered or sealed (e.g., to prevent the passage of moisture thereto, which might otherwise be problematic if condensation forms or travels from indoor heat exchanger 40). For instance, a lens casing 106 (e.g., UV-transparent lens casing) may seal at least one light source 102 (e.g., and a control board thereof) against mounting bracket 104. Optionally, a peripheral bracket 108 may extend about a rim of the lens casing 106 to sandwich the rim against mounting bracket 104 and, thus, hold lens casing 106 to mounting bracket 104. Lens casing 106 may be formed from a light-permissive polymer. When assembled, at least a portion of lens casing 106 may be disposed between light source 102 and the ground surface 120 (e.g., along the vertical direction V).

In some embodiments, one or more remote devices 202, such as a remote thermostat 210, or remote computer 240 (e.g., personal computer, laptop, server, smartphone, tablet, etc.), is provided at a location separate and apart from the cabinet 20. For instance, the remote device 202 may be spaced apart from cabinet 20 while a corresponding remote controller of the remote device 202 is in operative communication with, and may thus exchange signals to/from, the controller 85 (e.g., via for example a suitable wired or wireless connection). Optionally, the remote device 202 may be mounted or positioned within the same room or indoor environment as the indoor and outdoor portions 12, 14. Additionally or alternatively, the remote device 202 may be independently movable relative to the cabinet 20.

In optional embodiments, a remote thermostat 210 is in operative communication with the controller 85 to selectively detecting a temperature that is not immediately adjacent to either the indoor and outdoor portions 12, 14 (e.g., within the same room or indoor environment). Thus, remote thermostat 210 includes a remote body 212 that houses or supports a suitable temperature circuit 214 for detecting temperature. For instance, the remote thermostat 210 may include a temperature circuit 214 that is or includes one or more thermocouples, thermistors, optical temperature sensors, infrared temperature sensors, etc. Within the remote body 212, a secondary controller 216 may be provided (e.g., in communication with or as part of temperature circuit 214). In additional or alternative embodiments, a network interface 218 may be mounted within the remote body 212 (e.g., to selectively communicate with the controller 85).

The secondary controller 216 may include one or more memory devices and one or more processors. The processors of the secondary controller 216 can be any combination of general or special purpose processors, CPUs, or the like that can execute programming instructions or control code associated with operation of remote thermostat 210. The memory devices (i.e., memory) of the secondary controller 216 may represent random access memory such as DRAM or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In certain embodiments, the processor of the secondary controller 216 executes programming instructions stored in the memory of the secondary controller 216. The memory of the secondary controller 216 may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, the secondary controller 216 may be constructed without using a processor, for example, 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.

In optional embodiments, the secondary controller 216 includes a network interface 218 (e.g., on or off board secondary controller 216) such that secondary controller 216 can connect to and communicate over one or more networks (e.g., wireless communications network 220) with the controller 85. In some such embodiments, network interface 218 includes one or more transmitting, receiving, or transceiving components for transmitting/receiving communications with the controller 85 via wireless communications network 220. In exemplary embodiments, the wireless communications network 220 may be a wireless sensor network (such as a Bluetooth communication network), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a point-to point communication networks (such as radio frequency identification networks, near field communications networks, etc.), or a combination of two or more of the above communications networks.

In certain embodiments, the secondary controller 216 is configured to transmit (e.g., wirelessly transmit) one or more detected temperature values (i.e., signals corresponding to a value of a temperature detected at remote thermostat 210) to the controller 85. For example, the secondary controller 216 may be configured to transmit detected temperature values unprompted by any outside request, such as a polling request that might otherwise be transmitted to the secondary controller 216 from the controller 85.

Separate from or in addition to remote thermostat 210, an input sensor assembly 250 may be provided. As an example, input sensor assembly 250 may be provided on or as part of a remote device 202, such as within the remote body 212 (e.g., spaced apart from cabinet 20 of unit 10). As an additional or alternative example, input sensor assembly 250 may be mounted directly to or supported on cabinet 20 (e.g., at indoor portion 12, such as on or proximal to control panel 87). Generally, input sensor assembly 250 is in operative communication with controller 85 and is configured to transmit an occupancy or user-input signal thereto (e.g., based on a detected condition). In particular, the occupancy or user-input signal transmitted by input sensor assembly 250 may indicate a user's input (e.g., desired action for the unit 10) or the presence/absence of a person within the same room or indoor environment as unit 10. For instance, input sensor assembly 250 may include an motion sensor (e.g., infrared motion sensor), photoelectric light sensor, acoustic or ultrasonic sensor, radio frequency sensor, audio sensor, touch sensor, etc. to directly detect an action or a portion of a human body within the indoor environment. Thus, a user's input or presence may prompt transmission of an occupancy or user-input signal. Additionally or alternatively, input sensor assembly 250 may indirectly detect a human body, such as by including a keycard reader positioned within the indoor environment or on a door thereto. Thus, swiping a mated identification or access card across the input sensor assembly 250 may indirectly indicate a user is present within the indoor environment and, thereby, prompt transmission of an indirect occupancy or user-input signal.

As an alternative or supplement to input sensor assembly 250, one or more remote computers 240 may be in operative communication with controller 85 and be configured to selectively transmit an occupancy or user-input signal thereto. In some such embodiments, the occupancy or user-input signal is transmitted from the remote computer 240 based on a remote user input 89. For instance, the remote computer 240 may be provided as or include a room management device, such as might be provided for a hotel system or network to manage room reservations. In response to a remote user input 89 (e.g., indicating the room has been reserved or an intended occupant has checked in), the remote computer 240 may transmit an occupancy signal indicating the presence of a user within the room or indoor environment of the unit 10. Additionally or alternatively, a remote computer 240 may be provided as a user device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, remote, wearable computing device, etc.) in wireless communication with the unit 10 or controller 85 to control one or more features thereof (e.g., as a wireless extension or addition to control panel 87). In response to a user input 89 on the user device (e.g., indicating a desired action or activation of the unit 10), the remote computer 240 may transmit a user-input signal indicating the user's desired action.

Generally, the light assembly 100 may be configured to activate (e.g., illuminate or otherwise project light emissions therefrom) in response to one or more detected signals. Such signals may be detected, for instance, at controller 85, which itself may be in operative (e.g., wired or wireless) communication with light assembly 100. In some embodiments, controller 85 is configured to activate or illuminate light assembly 100 in response to one or more received signals.

As an example, a user-input signal may be received, such as in response to a user action positively indicating desired activation of the light assembly 100 (e.g., indefinitely or for a predetermined time period). In certain embodiments, the user-input signal is provided to the controller 85 from a user input 89 on the control panel 87 (e.g., in response to a user pressing, turning, touching, or otherwise engaging the user input 89) attached to the cabinet 20. In additional or alternative embodiments, the user-input signal is provided to the controller 85 from a remote device 202 (e.g., as described above). In further additional or alternative embodiments, the user-input signal is received from a linked or corresponding sensor assembly (e.g., sensor assembly 250). In some such embodiments, the sensor assembly includes or is provided as a motion sensor (e.g., passive infrared sensor, microwave motion sensor, etc.), which directed outward (e.g., away from cabinet 20). Moreover, the motion sensor may be configured to detect a movement action (e.g., provided by movement of a user's body in front of the motion sensor) proximal to the cabinet 20. Detected motion may thus prompt activation of the light assembly 100. In still further additional or alternative embodiments, the sensor assembly may include or be provided as a photoelectric light sensor (e.g., photoresistor, photodiode, phototransistor, etc.) configured to detect an illumination threshold proximal to the cabinet 20, as would be understood. Detected light may thus prompt activation of the light assembly 100.

As an additional or alternative example, an occupancy input signal may be received, such as to indicate a predicted or confirmed occupancy of the room by a user (e.g., as described above). Activation of the light assembly 100 may be based on the occupancy signal. For instance, the light assembly 100 may be directed to activate (e.g., by controller 85) in response to receiving an occupancy signal. Additionally or alternatively, the light assembly 100 may be restricted from activating if no occupancy signal has been received (e.g., within a predetermined time period or following a set condition). Subsequent activation of the light assembly 100 may be further based on one or more additional conditions (e.g., receiving a user-input signal or a predetermined schedule). Thus, the light assembly 100 may be prevented from being selectively activated if the room is unoccupied or otherwise designated in an unoccupied state (e.g., when no registered guest has been confirmed or indicated as present).

As another additional or alternative example, the light assembly 100 may be configured to activate according to a predetermined schedule. Such a schedule may be programmed, for instance, within controller 85. Thus, controller 85 may be configured to activate the light assembly 100 as proscribed in the predetermined schedule (e.g., without requiring further user assent or input).

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.