CA2225836C - Dispenser assembly for refrigerator and control method thereof - Google Patents
Dispenser assembly for refrigerator and control method thereof Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2225836C CA2225836C CA002225836A CA2225836A CA2225836C CA 2225836 C CA2225836 C CA 2225836C CA 002225836 A CA002225836 A CA 002225836A CA 2225836 A CA2225836 A CA 2225836A CA 2225836 C CA2225836 C CA 2225836C
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- water
- container
- cooled
- drink
- dispenser
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 16
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 223
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 36
- 241000404068 Cotula Species 0.000 claims description 18
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 235000011389 fruit/vegetable juice Nutrition 0.000 abstract description 3
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 9
- 241001122767 Theaceae Species 0.000 description 1
- 238000007792 addition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000020965 cold beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001914 filtration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006467 substitution reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
- B67D1/0003—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being a single liquid
- B67D1/0009—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being a single liquid the beverage being stored in an intermediate container connected to a supply
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D25/00—Charging, supporting, and discharging the articles to be cooled
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D23/00—General constructional features
- F25D23/12—Arrangements of compartments additional to cooling compartments; Combinations of refrigerators with other equipment, e.g. stove
- F25D23/126—Water cooler
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D2210/00—Indexing scheme relating to aspects and details of apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught or for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes
- B67D2210/00028—Constructional details
- B67D2210/00031—Housing
- B67D2210/00034—Modules
- B67D2210/00036—Modules for use with or in refrigerators
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2323/00—General constructional features not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2323/121—General constructional features not provided for in other groups of this subclass the refrigerator is characterised by a water filter for the water/ice dispenser
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2400/00—General features of, or devices for refrigerators, cold rooms, ice-boxes, or for cooling or freezing apparatus not covered by any other subclass
- F25D2400/06—Refrigerators with a vertical mullion
Abstract
A refrigerator dispenser assembly and a control method thereof by which a user can selectively drink drinks such as juice, barley-boiled water and the like including water through the dispenser. The assembly includes a water supply valve connected with a water supply apparatus installed outside a refrigerator for receiving a water filtered by a filter, a water container connected with one end of the water supply valve by a connection tube for storing a predetermined amount of water therein, a cooled drink container connected with the other end of the water supply valve for storing a predetermined amount of water therein, a first temperature detection sensor installed in an outer portion of the cooled drink container forsensing a temperature of the water filled in the cooled drink container, a second temperature detection sensor installed in an outer portion of the water container for sensing a temperature of the water filled in the water container, and a dispenser for receiving water from the water container or the cooled drink container.
Description
DISPENSER ASSEMBLY OF REFRIGERATOR
AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
s 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a dispenser assembly for a refrigerator and a control method thereof.
io 2. Description of the Background Art As shown in Figure 1, in a conventional refrigerator having a water container and dispenser, an external connection tube 8 is connected with a water supply apparatus (for example, a piped water tap connected with a water pipe) installed outside the refrigerator for supplying water into the refrigerator is In addition, a filter 1 is connected with one end portion of the external connection tube 8 for filtering water which is supplied to the interior of the refrigerator through the external connection tube 8.
A water supply valve 2 is installed below the filter 1 and connected with the filter 1 by a first connection tube 7a.
2o The lower portion of the water supply valve 2 is connected with one end portion of the second connection tube 7b, and the other end portion of the second connection tube 7b is connected with one end of a water container 5 for storing water which is supplied thereinto through the filter 1.
The upper portion of the water supply valve 2 is connected with one end 2s portion of a third connection tube 7c, and the other end portion of the third connection i tube 7c is connected with an ice manufacturing machine 3 installed in a portion of the refrigerator.
A storing container 4 is installed below the ice manufacturing machine 3 for storing ice therein.
s In addition, the other end portion of the water container 5 is connected with one end of a fourth connection tube 7d, and the other end portion of the fourth connection tube 7d is connected with a dispenser 6 installed in a front surface of the refrigerator door for discharging water to the outside.
At this time, in a front panel 11 installed above the dispenser 6, there are io provided a button for discharging ice (hereinafter called an ice button 11a) and a button for discharging cooled water (hereinafter called a cooled water button 11 b).
In the drawing, reference numeral 7g denotes a tube through which ice is moved from the storing container 4 to the dispenser 6.
The operation of the conventional refrigerator dispenser assembly will now is be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings, specifically Fig.
AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
s 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a dispenser assembly for a refrigerator and a control method thereof.
io 2. Description of the Background Art As shown in Figure 1, in a conventional refrigerator having a water container and dispenser, an external connection tube 8 is connected with a water supply apparatus (for example, a piped water tap connected with a water pipe) installed outside the refrigerator for supplying water into the refrigerator is In addition, a filter 1 is connected with one end portion of the external connection tube 8 for filtering water which is supplied to the interior of the refrigerator through the external connection tube 8.
A water supply valve 2 is installed below the filter 1 and connected with the filter 1 by a first connection tube 7a.
2o The lower portion of the water supply valve 2 is connected with one end portion of the second connection tube 7b, and the other end portion of the second connection tube 7b is connected with one end of a water container 5 for storing water which is supplied thereinto through the filter 1.
The upper portion of the water supply valve 2 is connected with one end 2s portion of a third connection tube 7c, and the other end portion of the third connection i tube 7c is connected with an ice manufacturing machine 3 installed in a portion of the refrigerator.
A storing container 4 is installed below the ice manufacturing machine 3 for storing ice therein.
s In addition, the other end portion of the water container 5 is connected with one end of a fourth connection tube 7d, and the other end portion of the fourth connection tube 7d is connected with a dispenser 6 installed in a front surface of the refrigerator door for discharging water to the outside.
At this time, in a front panel 11 installed above the dispenser 6, there are io provided a button for discharging ice (hereinafter called an ice button 11a) and a button for discharging cooled water (hereinafter called a cooled water button 11 b).
In the drawing, reference numeral 7g denotes a tube through which ice is moved from the storing container 4 to the dispenser 6.
The operation of the conventional refrigerator dispenser assembly will now is be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings, specifically Fig.
2.
Water, which is supplied to the filter through the interior of the external connection tube 8 connected with a water supply apparatus installed outside the refrigerator, is filtered by the filter 1.
The filtered water is transferred into the interior of the water container 5 and 2o the ice manufacturing machine 3 through the water supply valve 2.
Namely, the water supply valve 2 is provided for supplying a predetermined amount of water into the interiors of the water container 5 and the ice manufacturing machine 3 and serves to block the water supply when the water container 5 and ice manufacturing machine 3 are full of water.
2s The water supplied to the water container 5 is cooled by the cooled air in a refrigerating chamber, and then is discharged to the outside when a user pushes a cooled water button 11 b provided in a front panel 11 installed above the dispenser 6, and the push lever 12 is pushed. In this way, a predetermined amount of the water in the water container 5 is supplied to the dispenser 6 through the fourth connection s tube 7d.
When a predetermined amount of water is supplied from the water container to the dispenser 6, as shown in Figure 2, the water supply valve 2 is opened, and the water is externally supplied to the water container 5 so that a predetermined amount of water is maintained in the water container 5.
io In addition, after a predetermined amount of water is supplied to the ice manufacturing machine 3, when ice manufacturing step is finished, the produced ice is stored in the storing container 4. Thereafter the water supply valve 2 is opened, and a predetermined amount of water is maintained in the ice manufacturing machine 3.
is However, in the conventional refrigerator dispenser assembly, when a user often discharges water, since a lot of cooled water is discharged to the outside, it is impossible to quickly cool the water in the water container during a short time, so that a user may drink water which is not fully cooled due to the increased use of the water.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention provides a refrigerator dispenser assembly and a control method thereof which alleviate at least some of the aforementioned 2s problems encountered in the background art.
The present invention also provides a refrigerator dispenser assembly and a control method thereof by which a user can enjoy a cooled drink from a dispenser even when a user often drinks the cooled water by additionally providing a cooled drink container to a refrigerator provided with a water container and dispenser.
s The present invention provides a dispenser assembly and a control method thereof by which a user can selectively drink drinks such as juice, barley-boiled water and the like including water through the dispenser.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a dispenser assembly for a refrigerator, comprising:
io a water supply valve connected with a water supply apparatus installed outside a refrigerator for receiving a water filtered by a filter;
a water container connected with one end of the water supply valve by a connection tube for storing a predetermined amount of water therein;
a cooled drink container connected with the other end of the water supply is valve for storing a predetermined amount of water therein;
a first temperature detection sensor installed in an outer portion of the cooled drink container for sensing a temperature of the water filled in the cooled drink container;
a second temperature detection sensor installed in an outer portion of the 2o water container for sensing a temperature of the water filled in the water container;
and a dispenser for receiving water from the water container or the cooled drink container.
The present invention also provides dispenser assembly control method for 2s a refrigerator, comprising the steps of:
Water, which is supplied to the filter through the interior of the external connection tube 8 connected with a water supply apparatus installed outside the refrigerator, is filtered by the filter 1.
The filtered water is transferred into the interior of the water container 5 and 2o the ice manufacturing machine 3 through the water supply valve 2.
Namely, the water supply valve 2 is provided for supplying a predetermined amount of water into the interiors of the water container 5 and the ice manufacturing machine 3 and serves to block the water supply when the water container 5 and ice manufacturing machine 3 are full of water.
2s The water supplied to the water container 5 is cooled by the cooled air in a refrigerating chamber, and then is discharged to the outside when a user pushes a cooled water button 11 b provided in a front panel 11 installed above the dispenser 6, and the push lever 12 is pushed. In this way, a predetermined amount of the water in the water container 5 is supplied to the dispenser 6 through the fourth connection s tube 7d.
When a predetermined amount of water is supplied from the water container to the dispenser 6, as shown in Figure 2, the water supply valve 2 is opened, and the water is externally supplied to the water container 5 so that a predetermined amount of water is maintained in the water container 5.
io In addition, after a predetermined amount of water is supplied to the ice manufacturing machine 3, when ice manufacturing step is finished, the produced ice is stored in the storing container 4. Thereafter the water supply valve 2 is opened, and a predetermined amount of water is maintained in the ice manufacturing machine 3.
is However, in the conventional refrigerator dispenser assembly, when a user often discharges water, since a lot of cooled water is discharged to the outside, it is impossible to quickly cool the water in the water container during a short time, so that a user may drink water which is not fully cooled due to the increased use of the water.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention provides a refrigerator dispenser assembly and a control method thereof which alleviate at least some of the aforementioned 2s problems encountered in the background art.
The present invention also provides a refrigerator dispenser assembly and a control method thereof by which a user can enjoy a cooled drink from a dispenser even when a user often drinks the cooled water by additionally providing a cooled drink container to a refrigerator provided with a water container and dispenser.
s The present invention provides a dispenser assembly and a control method thereof by which a user can selectively drink drinks such as juice, barley-boiled water and the like including water through the dispenser.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a dispenser assembly for a refrigerator, comprising:
io a water supply valve connected with a water supply apparatus installed outside a refrigerator for receiving a water filtered by a filter;
a water container connected with one end of the water supply valve by a connection tube for storing a predetermined amount of water therein;
a cooled drink container connected with the other end of the water supply is valve for storing a predetermined amount of water therein;
a first temperature detection sensor installed in an outer portion of the cooled drink container for sensing a temperature of the water filled in the cooled drink container;
a second temperature detection sensor installed in an outer portion of the 2o water container for sensing a temperature of the water filled in the water container;
and a dispenser for receiving water from the water container or the cooled drink container.
The present invention also provides dispenser assembly control method for 2s a refrigerator, comprising the steps of:
pushing a cooled water button of a front surface panel installed in an upper portion of a refrigerator;
transferring a signal to a control apparatus wherein a first temperature detection sensor and a second temperature detection sensor detects temperatures of s water in a cooled drink container and a water container;
supplying water from the water container to the dispenser when a temperature of water in the water container is lower than a temperature of water in the cooled drink container;
supplying water from the cooled drink container to the dispenser when a io temperature of water in the water container is higher than a temperature of water in the cooled drink container; and discharging water from the container having the lower temperature detected by the first temperature detection sensor and second temperature detection sensor.
In a further aspect, the present invention provides refrigerator comprising a is cooled drink dispenser assembly comprising:
a water supply valve connected with an external water supply for receiving water filtered by a filter;
a water container connected with the water supply valve by a connection tube for storing a first predetermined amount of water therein;
Zo a cooled drink container connected with the water supply valve for storing a second predetermined amount of water or other drink therein;
a first temperature detection sensor installed on an outer portion of the cooled drink container for sensing a temperature of water or other drink in the cooled drink container;
Zs a second temperature detection sensor installed on an outer portion of the water container for sensing a temperature of water in the water container; and a dispenser for receiving water from the water container or water or other drink from the cooled drink container.
Additional advantages, and features of the invention or at least some s embodiments these of will become more apparent from the description which follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed io description of embodiments given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:
Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a conventional refrigerator dispenser assembly;
is Figure 2 is a flow chart illustrating an operation of a conventional refrigerator dispenser assembly;
Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a refrigerator dispenser assembly embodying the present invention;
Figure 4 is a perspective view illustrating a cooled drink container of a 2o refrigerator dispenser assembly embodying the present invention;
Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cooled drink container for a refrigerator dispenser assembly embodying the present invention;
Figure 5B is a detailed view illustrating the portion Vb of Figure 5A;
Figure 6A is a flow chart illustrating an operation of a refrigerator dispenser 2s assembly embodying the present invention when a cooled drink container is filled with water; and Figure 6B is a flow chart illustrating an operation of a refrigerator dispenser assembly embodying the present invention when a cooled drink container is filled with a selection drink.
s DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The refrigerator dispenser assembly and a control method thereof embodying the present invention will now be explained with reference to the to accompanying drawings.
As shown in Figure 3, differently from the conventional refrigerator dispenser assembly, in the present embodiment, there is further provided a cooled drink container 100 between the water supply valve and dispenser. Parts and assemblies which are similar to the conventional art are assigned identical reference numerals is and their repeated detailed description will be omitted.
In the present refrigerator dispenser assembly, the supply valve 2 is connected with the second connection tube 7b and the third connection tube 7c and is further connected with one end portion of a fifth connection tube 107e, thus forming a three-way connection configuration. The other end portion of the fifth 2o connection tube 107e is connected with a lower portion of the cooled drink container 100, A first temperature detection sensor 100a (for example, thermostat) is installed in an outer portion of the cooled drink container 100 for measuring the temperature of water or another drink in the cooled drink container 100 and 2s transferring a signal to a control apparatus (not shown), and a check valve 109 is installed in a predetermined portion of the fifth connection tube 107e installed below the cooled drink container 100.
In addition, the upper portion of the cooled drink container 100, as shown in Figure 4, is connected with one end portion of a sixth connection tube 107f, and the s other end portion of the sixth connection tube 107f is connected with the dispenser 6.
A pump 110 is installed in a predetermined portion of the sixth connection tube 107f installed above the cooled drink container 100.
The construction of the cooled drink container 100 will be described in more detail.
io As shown in Figure 4, a predetermined shaped selection drink supply hole 114, through which a selection drink such as a juice, tea, barley-boiled water, etc. is supplied, is formed on the upper surface of the cooled drink container 100.
In addition, a hole cover 113 is detachable disposed on the upper surface of the selection drink supply hole 114 to prevent overflowing.
is The engaging structure of the cooled drink container 100 having the selection drink supply hole 114 and the hole cover 113 wilt now be explained in more detail.
As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, a protrusion 111 is formed on the upper surface of the cooled drink container 100, on which one end portion of the selection 2o drink supply hole 114 is formed.
In addition, a 90°-curved engaging portion 112 is formed on the upper surface of the cooled drink container 100 in which the other end portion of the selection drink supply hole 114 opposing with one end portion of the selection drink supply hole 114 is formed.
2s One end portion of the hole cover 113 is rotatably fixed to the protrusion 111, a and the other end portion thereof is forcibly inserted into the curved surfaces of the engaging portion 112 thus fully covering the selection drink supply hole 114.
Returning to Fig. 3, a second temperature detection sensor 105a (for example, thermostat) is installed in a predetermined outer portion of the water s container 5 for measuring the temperature of the water in the water container 5 and transferring a signal to the control apparatus.
A front panel 11 on which an ice button 11 a, a cooled water button 11 b, and a drink selection button 11 c are formed is installed above the dispenser 6, so that a user can select one of the various kinds of drinks.
io The operation of the refrigerator dispenser assembly will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The water supplied into the interior of the refrigerator through the external connection tube 8 is filtered by the filter 1, and the filtered water is supplied to the ice manufacturing machine 3, the water container 5, and the cooled drink container 100, is respectively, through supply valve 2 in accordance with an instruction from the control apparatus.
At this time and assuming water is present in the cooled drink container, when a user pushes the cooled water button 11 b installed in the front surface panel of the dispenser 6 and pushes the push lever 12, the first temperature detection 2o sensor 100a and the second temperature detection sensor 105a detect the temperatures of the water in the water container 5 and the cooled drink container 100. Among the water stored therein, cooler water is supplied to the dispenser 6, so that a user can drink a cooled water.
At this time, the pump 110 and check valve 109 do not operate.
Zs When a user wishes to put a predetermined drink other than water into the cooled drink container 100, the user pushes the drink selection button 11c, and opens the hole cover 113 of the cooled drink container 100, and pours a selected drink into the interior of the cooled drink container 100.
Thereafter, when the push lever 12 is pushed by a cup or the like by a user, s the selected drink is discharged to the outside.
When the drink selection button 11 c is pushed, the check valve 109 installed in a lower portion of the cooled drink container 100 is turned on, and the water in the fifth connection tube 107e is blocked from being supplied to the interior of the cooled drink container 100, so that the selected drink is discharged to the outside from the to cooled drink container 100 by the force generated by the pump 110.
In addition, when a selected drink is filled in the cooled drink container 100, and a user pushes a corresponding cooled water button, the driving operation of the pump 110 is stopped.
The operation of the refrigerator dispenser assembly will be explained in Is more detail by dividing the operation into two cases, namely, the cooled drink container 100 is filled with water and the cooled drink container 100 is filled with a selected drink.
First, as illustrated in Fig. 6A when the cooled drink container 100 is filled with water, and a user pushes the cooled water button 11 b and pushes the push lever 20 12, the first temperature selection detection sensor 100a and second temperature detection sensor 105a detect the temperatures of the water in the cooled drink container 100 and water container 5 and transfer a predetermined signal to the control apparatus (not shown).
At this time, if the temperature of the water in the water container 5 is lower Zs than the temperature of the water in the cooled drink container 100, the water in the io water container 5 is supplied to the dispenser 6 through the fourth connection tube 7d, so that a user enjoys a cooled water.
On the contrary, if the temperature of the water in the water container 5 is higher than the temperature of the water in the cooled drink container 100, the water s in the cooled drink container 100 is supplied to the dispenser 6 through the sixth connection tube 107f, so that a user enjoys a cooled water.
In addition, if the cooled drink container 100 is filled with water and [when]
a user pushes the drink selection button 11 c, and then the user pushes the push lever 12, the check valve 109 installed below the cooled drink container 100 is turned on, io so that the water in the fifth connection tube 107e is prevented from being transferred into the interior of the cooled drink container 100 and the first and second temperature detection sensors 100a, 105a are turned off. Therefore, the water in the cooled drink container 100 is discharged by the pump 110 and in this case, water is not supplied to the cooled drink container 100. This allows a selection drink to be is introduced into the cold drink container 100.
As an alternative, the cooled water button 11 b may be pushed, so that the first temperature detection sensor 100a and second temperature detection sensor 105a are turned on and the check valve 109 is driven into an open state, and thus the cooler water is discharged from the water container 5 or cooled drink container 20 100.
Thus even when the cooled drink container 100 is filled with water, and a user pushes the drink selection button 11 c, it is possible for the user to obtain a drink of substantially cooled water.
In the second case (as illustrated Fig. 6B) when the cooled drink container 2s 100 is filled with the selection drink and, the drink selection button 11 c is pushed, the n first temperature detection sensor 100a and the second temperature detection sensor 105a are not driven, and the check valve 109 is driven into a closed state.
In this case if a user pushes the cooled water button 11 b and pushes the push lever 12, the water in the water container 5 is discharged.
s In addition, if the user pushes the drink selection button 11c, and pushes the push lever 12, the pump 110 is driven, and the selection drink in the interior of the cooled drink container 100 is discharged.
As described above, in the refrigerator dispenser assembly and control method thereof according to the present invention, it is possible to always or nearly to always produce a cooled water (drink) by providing a cooled drink container additionally to the water container, so that the reliability of the product is increased.
In addition, a cooled water as well as a cooled drink may be selectively used using only one dispenser.
Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been is disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope of the invention as recited in the accompanying claims.
transferring a signal to a control apparatus wherein a first temperature detection sensor and a second temperature detection sensor detects temperatures of s water in a cooled drink container and a water container;
supplying water from the water container to the dispenser when a temperature of water in the water container is lower than a temperature of water in the cooled drink container;
supplying water from the cooled drink container to the dispenser when a io temperature of water in the water container is higher than a temperature of water in the cooled drink container; and discharging water from the container having the lower temperature detected by the first temperature detection sensor and second temperature detection sensor.
In a further aspect, the present invention provides refrigerator comprising a is cooled drink dispenser assembly comprising:
a water supply valve connected with an external water supply for receiving water filtered by a filter;
a water container connected with the water supply valve by a connection tube for storing a first predetermined amount of water therein;
Zo a cooled drink container connected with the water supply valve for storing a second predetermined amount of water or other drink therein;
a first temperature detection sensor installed on an outer portion of the cooled drink container for sensing a temperature of water or other drink in the cooled drink container;
Zs a second temperature detection sensor installed on an outer portion of the water container for sensing a temperature of water in the water container; and a dispenser for receiving water from the water container or water or other drink from the cooled drink container.
Additional advantages, and features of the invention or at least some s embodiments these of will become more apparent from the description which follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed io description of embodiments given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:
Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a conventional refrigerator dispenser assembly;
is Figure 2 is a flow chart illustrating an operation of a conventional refrigerator dispenser assembly;
Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a refrigerator dispenser assembly embodying the present invention;
Figure 4 is a perspective view illustrating a cooled drink container of a 2o refrigerator dispenser assembly embodying the present invention;
Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cooled drink container for a refrigerator dispenser assembly embodying the present invention;
Figure 5B is a detailed view illustrating the portion Vb of Figure 5A;
Figure 6A is a flow chart illustrating an operation of a refrigerator dispenser 2s assembly embodying the present invention when a cooled drink container is filled with water; and Figure 6B is a flow chart illustrating an operation of a refrigerator dispenser assembly embodying the present invention when a cooled drink container is filled with a selection drink.
s DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The refrigerator dispenser assembly and a control method thereof embodying the present invention will now be explained with reference to the to accompanying drawings.
As shown in Figure 3, differently from the conventional refrigerator dispenser assembly, in the present embodiment, there is further provided a cooled drink container 100 between the water supply valve and dispenser. Parts and assemblies which are similar to the conventional art are assigned identical reference numerals is and their repeated detailed description will be omitted.
In the present refrigerator dispenser assembly, the supply valve 2 is connected with the second connection tube 7b and the third connection tube 7c and is further connected with one end portion of a fifth connection tube 107e, thus forming a three-way connection configuration. The other end portion of the fifth 2o connection tube 107e is connected with a lower portion of the cooled drink container 100, A first temperature detection sensor 100a (for example, thermostat) is installed in an outer portion of the cooled drink container 100 for measuring the temperature of water or another drink in the cooled drink container 100 and 2s transferring a signal to a control apparatus (not shown), and a check valve 109 is installed in a predetermined portion of the fifth connection tube 107e installed below the cooled drink container 100.
In addition, the upper portion of the cooled drink container 100, as shown in Figure 4, is connected with one end portion of a sixth connection tube 107f, and the s other end portion of the sixth connection tube 107f is connected with the dispenser 6.
A pump 110 is installed in a predetermined portion of the sixth connection tube 107f installed above the cooled drink container 100.
The construction of the cooled drink container 100 will be described in more detail.
io As shown in Figure 4, a predetermined shaped selection drink supply hole 114, through which a selection drink such as a juice, tea, barley-boiled water, etc. is supplied, is formed on the upper surface of the cooled drink container 100.
In addition, a hole cover 113 is detachable disposed on the upper surface of the selection drink supply hole 114 to prevent overflowing.
is The engaging structure of the cooled drink container 100 having the selection drink supply hole 114 and the hole cover 113 wilt now be explained in more detail.
As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, a protrusion 111 is formed on the upper surface of the cooled drink container 100, on which one end portion of the selection 2o drink supply hole 114 is formed.
In addition, a 90°-curved engaging portion 112 is formed on the upper surface of the cooled drink container 100 in which the other end portion of the selection drink supply hole 114 opposing with one end portion of the selection drink supply hole 114 is formed.
2s One end portion of the hole cover 113 is rotatably fixed to the protrusion 111, a and the other end portion thereof is forcibly inserted into the curved surfaces of the engaging portion 112 thus fully covering the selection drink supply hole 114.
Returning to Fig. 3, a second temperature detection sensor 105a (for example, thermostat) is installed in a predetermined outer portion of the water s container 5 for measuring the temperature of the water in the water container 5 and transferring a signal to the control apparatus.
A front panel 11 on which an ice button 11 a, a cooled water button 11 b, and a drink selection button 11 c are formed is installed above the dispenser 6, so that a user can select one of the various kinds of drinks.
io The operation of the refrigerator dispenser assembly will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The water supplied into the interior of the refrigerator through the external connection tube 8 is filtered by the filter 1, and the filtered water is supplied to the ice manufacturing machine 3, the water container 5, and the cooled drink container 100, is respectively, through supply valve 2 in accordance with an instruction from the control apparatus.
At this time and assuming water is present in the cooled drink container, when a user pushes the cooled water button 11 b installed in the front surface panel of the dispenser 6 and pushes the push lever 12, the first temperature detection 2o sensor 100a and the second temperature detection sensor 105a detect the temperatures of the water in the water container 5 and the cooled drink container 100. Among the water stored therein, cooler water is supplied to the dispenser 6, so that a user can drink a cooled water.
At this time, the pump 110 and check valve 109 do not operate.
Zs When a user wishes to put a predetermined drink other than water into the cooled drink container 100, the user pushes the drink selection button 11c, and opens the hole cover 113 of the cooled drink container 100, and pours a selected drink into the interior of the cooled drink container 100.
Thereafter, when the push lever 12 is pushed by a cup or the like by a user, s the selected drink is discharged to the outside.
When the drink selection button 11 c is pushed, the check valve 109 installed in a lower portion of the cooled drink container 100 is turned on, and the water in the fifth connection tube 107e is blocked from being supplied to the interior of the cooled drink container 100, so that the selected drink is discharged to the outside from the to cooled drink container 100 by the force generated by the pump 110.
In addition, when a selected drink is filled in the cooled drink container 100, and a user pushes a corresponding cooled water button, the driving operation of the pump 110 is stopped.
The operation of the refrigerator dispenser assembly will be explained in Is more detail by dividing the operation into two cases, namely, the cooled drink container 100 is filled with water and the cooled drink container 100 is filled with a selected drink.
First, as illustrated in Fig. 6A when the cooled drink container 100 is filled with water, and a user pushes the cooled water button 11 b and pushes the push lever 20 12, the first temperature selection detection sensor 100a and second temperature detection sensor 105a detect the temperatures of the water in the cooled drink container 100 and water container 5 and transfer a predetermined signal to the control apparatus (not shown).
At this time, if the temperature of the water in the water container 5 is lower Zs than the temperature of the water in the cooled drink container 100, the water in the io water container 5 is supplied to the dispenser 6 through the fourth connection tube 7d, so that a user enjoys a cooled water.
On the contrary, if the temperature of the water in the water container 5 is higher than the temperature of the water in the cooled drink container 100, the water s in the cooled drink container 100 is supplied to the dispenser 6 through the sixth connection tube 107f, so that a user enjoys a cooled water.
In addition, if the cooled drink container 100 is filled with water and [when]
a user pushes the drink selection button 11 c, and then the user pushes the push lever 12, the check valve 109 installed below the cooled drink container 100 is turned on, io so that the water in the fifth connection tube 107e is prevented from being transferred into the interior of the cooled drink container 100 and the first and second temperature detection sensors 100a, 105a are turned off. Therefore, the water in the cooled drink container 100 is discharged by the pump 110 and in this case, water is not supplied to the cooled drink container 100. This allows a selection drink to be is introduced into the cold drink container 100.
As an alternative, the cooled water button 11 b may be pushed, so that the first temperature detection sensor 100a and second temperature detection sensor 105a are turned on and the check valve 109 is driven into an open state, and thus the cooler water is discharged from the water container 5 or cooled drink container 20 100.
Thus even when the cooled drink container 100 is filled with water, and a user pushes the drink selection button 11 c, it is possible for the user to obtain a drink of substantially cooled water.
In the second case (as illustrated Fig. 6B) when the cooled drink container 2s 100 is filled with the selection drink and, the drink selection button 11 c is pushed, the n first temperature detection sensor 100a and the second temperature detection sensor 105a are not driven, and the check valve 109 is driven into a closed state.
In this case if a user pushes the cooled water button 11 b and pushes the push lever 12, the water in the water container 5 is discharged.
s In addition, if the user pushes the drink selection button 11c, and pushes the push lever 12, the pump 110 is driven, and the selection drink in the interior of the cooled drink container 100 is discharged.
As described above, in the refrigerator dispenser assembly and control method thereof according to the present invention, it is possible to always or nearly to always produce a cooled water (drink) by providing a cooled drink container additionally to the water container, so that the reliability of the product is increased.
In addition, a cooled water as well as a cooled drink may be selectively used using only one dispenser.
Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been is disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope of the invention as recited in the accompanying claims.
Claims (15)
1. A dispenser assembly for a refrigerator, comprising:
a water supply valve connected with a water supply apparatus installed outside a refrigerator for receiving a water filtered by a filter;
a water container connected with one end of the water supply valve by a connection tube for storing a predetermined amount of water therein;
a cooled drink container connected with the other end of the water supply valve for storing a predetermined amount of water therein;
a first temperature detection sensor installed in an outer portion of the cooled drink container for sensing a temperature of the water filled in the cooled drink container;
a second temperature detection sensor installed in an outer portion of the water container for sensing a temperature of the water filled in the water container;
and a dispenser for receiving water from the water container or the cooled drink container.
a water supply valve connected with a water supply apparatus installed outside a refrigerator for receiving a water filtered by a filter;
a water container connected with one end of the water supply valve by a connection tube for storing a predetermined amount of water therein;
a cooled drink container connected with the other end of the water supply valve for storing a predetermined amount of water therein;
a first temperature detection sensor installed in an outer portion of the cooled drink container for sensing a temperature of the water filled in the cooled drink container;
a second temperature detection sensor installed in an outer portion of the water container for sensing a temperature of the water filled in the water container;
and a dispenser for receiving water from the water container or the cooled drink container.
2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said dispenser receives the water which has a lower temperature of water in the containers in which the temperatures of water in the containers are sensed by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature detection sensor, respectively.
3. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a front surface panel installed in an upper portion of the dispenser and having a cooled water button and a drink selection button, a check valve installed in a predetermined portion of the connection tube connected with the cooled drink container and driven by the drink selection button, and a pump installed in a predetermined portion of the connection tube connected with the other end portion of the cooled drink container and driven by the drink selection button.
4. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a water supply hole formed on an upper surface of the cooled drink container and a water supply hole cover detachable engaged on an upper surface for covering the water supply hole.
5. The assembly of claim 4, further comprising a protrusion formed on an upper surface of the cooled drink container for detachably engaging the water supply hole cover, and an engaging portion which is covered at a predetermined angle.
6. A dispenser assembly control method for a refrigerator, comprising the steps of:
pushing a cooled water button of a front surface panel installed in an upper portion of a refrigerator;
transferring a signal to a control apparatus wherein a first temperature detection sensor and a second temperature detection sensor detects temperatures of water in a cooled drink container and a water container;
supplying water from the water container to the dispenser when a temperature of water in the water container is lower than a temperature of water in the cooled drink container;
supplying water from the cooled drink container to the dispenser when a temperature of water in the water container is higher than a temperature of water in the cooled drink container; and discharging water from the container having the lower temperature detected by the first temperature detection sensor and second temperature detection sensor.
pushing a cooled water button of a front surface panel installed in an upper portion of a refrigerator;
transferring a signal to a control apparatus wherein a first temperature detection sensor and a second temperature detection sensor detects temperatures of water in a cooled drink container and a water container;
supplying water from the water container to the dispenser when a temperature of water in the water container is lower than a temperature of water in the cooled drink container;
supplying water from the cooled drink container to the dispenser when a temperature of water in the water container is higher than a temperature of water in the cooled drink container; and discharging water from the container having the lower temperature detected by the first temperature detection sensor and second temperature detection sensor.
7. A refrigerator comprising a cooled drink dispenser assembly comprising:
a water supply valve connected with an external water supply for receiving water filtered by a filter;
a water container connected with the water supply valve by a connection tube for storing a first predetermined amount of water therein;
a cooled drink container connected with the water supply valve for storing a second predetermined amount of water or other drink therein;
a first temperature detection sensor installed on an outer portion of the cooled drink container for sensing a temperature of water or other drink in the cooled drink container;
a second temperature detection sensor installed on an outer portion of the water container for sensing a temperature of water in the water container;
and a dispenser for receiving water from the water container or water or other drink from the cooled drink container.
a water supply valve connected with an external water supply for receiving water filtered by a filter;
a water container connected with the water supply valve by a connection tube for storing a first predetermined amount of water therein;
a cooled drink container connected with the water supply valve for storing a second predetermined amount of water or other drink therein;
a first temperature detection sensor installed on an outer portion of the cooled drink container for sensing a temperature of water or other drink in the cooled drink container;
a second temperature detection sensor installed on an outer portion of the water container for sensing a temperature of water in the water container;
and a dispenser for receiving water from the water container or water or other drink from the cooled drink container.
8. A refrigerator according to claim 7, arranged so that when said cooled drink container stores water therein, said dispenser receives the water which has a lower temperature between the water in the cooled drink container and the water in the water container the temperatures of water in the containers being sensed by the first temperature detection sensor and the second temperature detection sensor, respectively.
9. A refrigerator according to claim 7 or claim 8, further comprising a front surface panel having a cooled water button and a drink selection button, a check valve installed in a predetermined portion of a connection tube connected with one end portion of the cooled drink container and driven by the drink selection button, and a pump installed in a predetermined portion of a connection tube connected with the other end portion of the cooled drink container and driven by the drink selection button.
10. A refrigerator according to any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising a supply hole formed on an upper surface of the cooled drink container and a supply hole cover detachably engageable on an upper surface for covering the supply hole.
11. A refrigerator according to claim 10, further comprising a protrusion formed on an upper surface of the cooled drink container for detachably engaging the supply hole cover, and an engaging portion which is covered at a predetermined angle.
12. A cooled drink dispenser control method for controlling the cooled drink dispenser assembly of a refrigerator according to claim 7, said dispenser further comprising a push lever and a front surface panel including having a cooled water button and a drink selection button, the method comprising, when the cooled drink container contains water, the steps of:
detecting the pushing of the cooled water button;
turning on said first and second detection temperature sensors;
transferring a signal to a control apparatus based on the outputs of the first temperature detection sensor and the second temperature detection sensor which respectively detect the temperatures of the water in the cooled drink container and in the water container;
supplying water from the water container to the dispenser when a temperature of water in the water container is lower than a temperature of the water in the cooled drink container;
supplying water from the cooled drink container to the dispenser when a temperature of the water in the water container is higher than a temperature of water in the cooled drink container; and dispensing the thusly supplied water in response to the pushing of the push lever of the dispenser.
detecting the pushing of the cooled water button;
turning on said first and second detection temperature sensors;
transferring a signal to a control apparatus based on the outputs of the first temperature detection sensor and the second temperature detection sensor which respectively detect the temperatures of the water in the cooled drink container and in the water container;
supplying water from the water container to the dispenser when a temperature of water in the water container is lower than a temperature of the water in the cooled drink container;
supplying water from the cooled drink container to the dispenser when a temperature of the water in the water container is higher than a temperature of water in the cooled drink container; and dispensing the thusly supplied water in response to the pushing of the push lever of the dispenser.
13. A cooled drink dispenser control method for controlling the cooled_drink dispenser assembly of a refrigerator according to claim 1, said dispenser further comprising a push lever and a front surface panel having a cooled water button and a drink selection button, the method comprising, when the cooled drink container contains another drink, the steps of:
detecting the pushing of the drink selection button;
driving a check valve;
turning off said first and second temperature detection sensors;
supplying the drink from the cooled drink container to the dispenser by driving a pump; and dispensing the supplied drink in response to the pushing of the push lever of the dispenser.
detecting the pushing of the drink selection button;
driving a check valve;
turning off said first and second temperature detection sensors;
supplying the drink from the cooled drink container to the dispenser by driving a pump; and dispensing the supplied drink in response to the pushing of the push lever of the dispenser.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising a step of dispensing water from the water container by pushing the push lever after pushing the cooled water button.
15. A refrigerator according to claim 7, further comprising a front surface panel installed in an upper portion of the refrigerator and having a cooled water button and a drink selection button and wherein, when said cooled drink container stores said other drink therein, said dispenser receives water from the water container or said other drink from the cooled drink container in response to operation of the cooled water button or the drink selection button, respectively.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| KR1019970048163A KR100246399B1 (en) | 1997-09-23 | 1997-09-23 | Dispenser assembly for refrigerator and control method thereof |
| KR48163/1997 | 1997-09-23 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2225836A1 CA2225836A1 (en) | 1999-03-23 |
| CA2225836C true CA2225836C (en) | 2003-03-11 |
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Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002225836A Expired - Fee Related CA2225836C (en) | 1997-09-23 | 1997-12-24 | Dispenser assembly for refrigerator and control method thereof |
Country Status (7)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5956967A (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH11108550A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR100246399B1 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN1135349C (en) |
| AU (1) | AU730337B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2225836C (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2329460B (en) |
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| US4967932A (en) * | 1989-02-27 | 1990-11-06 | The Coca-Cola Company | Postmix beverage dispensing system with warm water purging and method |
| JPH0485091U (en) * | 1990-11-30 | 1992-07-23 | ||
| FR2671863B1 (en) * | 1991-01-18 | 1993-04-23 | Olivier Valerie | DISTRIBUTION OF FRESH WATER USING RADIANT ENERGY FROM THE REFRIGERATOR. |
| US5542265A (en) * | 1995-06-30 | 1996-08-06 | Rutland; Michael D. | External refrigerator-mounted liquid dispenser |
| KR0160414B1 (en) * | 1995-12-12 | 1999-01-15 | 김광호 | Auto drink supplement equipment of water dispenser for a refrigerator |
| US5603230A (en) * | 1996-04-18 | 1997-02-18 | Tsai; Te-Wan | Water supply device for a refrigerator door |
-
1997
- 1997-09-23 KR KR1019970048163A patent/KR100246399B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1997-12-23 US US08/996,632 patent/US5956967A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1997-12-24 GB GB9727311A patent/GB2329460B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1997-12-24 CA CA002225836A patent/CA2225836C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1997-12-26 JP JP9361115A patent/JPH11108550A/en active Pending
- 1997-12-30 CN CNB971261342A patent/CN1135349C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1997-12-30 AU AU49308/97A patent/AU730337B2/en not_active Ceased
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU4930897A (en) | 1999-04-15 |
| GB2329460B (en) | 2002-01-30 |
| GB2329460A (en) | 1999-03-24 |
| KR19990026165A (en) | 1999-04-15 |
| KR100246399B1 (en) | 2000-04-01 |
| CN1212356A (en) | 1999-03-31 |
| US5956967A (en) | 1999-09-28 |
| GB9727311D0 (en) | 1998-02-25 |
| CN1135349C (en) | 2004-01-21 |
| CA2225836A1 (en) | 1999-03-23 |
| JPH11108550A (en) | 1999-04-23 |
| AU730337B2 (en) | 2001-03-01 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20151224 |