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WO2018162022A1 - Réfrigérateur doté d'un réservoir d'eau - Google Patents

Réfrigérateur doté d'un réservoir d'eau Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018162022A1
WO2018162022A1 PCT/EP2017/055128 EP2017055128W WO2018162022A1 WO 2018162022 A1 WO2018162022 A1 WO 2018162022A1 EP 2017055128 W EP2017055128 W EP 2017055128W WO 2018162022 A1 WO2018162022 A1 WO 2018162022A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
water tank
water
pump
refrigerator according
control unit
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2017/055128
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Ezgi KUTLU
Ahmet Ferit Cosan
Umutcan Salih ERYILMAZ
Onur Akboru
Emrah TUNCER
Original Assignee
Arcelik Anonim Sirketi
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Arcelik Anonim Sirketi filed Critical Arcelik Anonim Sirketi
Priority to PL17713165T priority Critical patent/PL3593069T3/pl
Priority to EP17713165.3A priority patent/EP3593069B1/fr
Priority to PCT/EP2017/055128 priority patent/WO2018162022A1/fr
Priority to TR2018/01348A priority patent/TR201801348A2/tr
Publication of WO2018162022A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018162022A1/fr

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Classifications

    • 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
    • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C1/00—Producing ice
    • F25C1/04—Producing ice by using stationary moulds
    • 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
    • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C1/00—Producing ice
    • F25C1/22—Construction of moulds; Filling devices for moulds
    • F25C1/25—Filling devices for moulds
    • 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
    • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C2400/00—Auxiliary features or devices for producing, working or handling ice
    • F25C2400/14—Water 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
    • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C2700/00—Sensing or detecting of parameters; Sensors therefor
    • F25C2700/04—Level of water
    • 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
    • F25D2323/122—General constructional features not provided for in other groups of this subclass the refrigerator is characterised by a water tank for the water/ice dispenser

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a refrigerator, in particular to a refrigerator which has a water tank for replenishing the water dispenser and/or the ice maker thereof.
  • Refrigerators having water dispensers and/or ice makers are commonly known in the art.
  • Such a refrigerator generally comprises: a water tank which stores water for replenishing the water dispenser and/or the ice maker; and a pump on the downstream side of the water tank which draws the water out of the outlet of the water tank and feeds it into the water dispenser and/or the ice maker.
  • US 4,909,039 discloses a refrigerator which comprises a water tank.
  • a problem with the prior art refrigerator is that the pump can be easily damaged when it is operated as the water tank is empty. In such instances, the life time of the pump is shortened, and thus the refrigerator will soon require maintenance which in turn incurs additional costs.
  • An objective of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator which solves the aforementioned problems of the prior art in a cost-effective way and which has an improved operability and usability.
  • the refrigerator of the present invention comprises a detection unit which is adapted to detect, prior to the initial operation of the said pump, the water level inside the water tank, and to output a detection signal to the control unit, wherein the control unit is adapted to control the initial operation of the said pump based on the detection signal.
  • a major advantageous effect of the present invention is that the said pump on the downstream side of the water tank can be protected against damages by virtue of the detection unit, for instance, when the water tank is empty. Thereby, the life time of the said pump can be prolonged, and the maintenance costs can be saved.
  • Another major advantageous effect of the present invention is that the user is relieved from checking the water level inside the water tank by virtue of the detection unit. Thereby, the operability and the usability of the refrigerator have been improved. Thereby, the user satisfaction can also be increased.
  • Figure 1 – is a schematic sectional view of the water tank of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, taken along the line A-A in Fig. 2;
  • Figure 2 – is a schematic top view of the water tank of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 3 – is a schematic cutaway view of the water tank of Fig. 2;
  • Figure 4 – is another schematic cutaway view of the water tank of Fig. 2;
  • Figure 5 – is a schematic cutaway view showing the relative positions of the water tank and the magnetic sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 6 – is a schematic cutaway view showing the relative positions of the water tank and the magnetic sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 7 – is a schematic perspective view of the magnetic float of the detection unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 8 – is a schematic perspective view of the magnetic sensor of the detection unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the refrigerator comprises: a water tank (1) (Fig. 1) for storing the water; a pump for drawing the water from the water tank (1), wherein the water tank (1) comprises an outlet (2) which is connectable to the said pump; a water dispenser and/or an ice maker each connectable to the water tank (1) via the said pump; a user-interface; and a control unit.
  • the refrigerator of the present invention further comprises a detection unit (3) (Fig. 1) which is adapted to detect, prior to the initial operation of the said pump, the water level inside the water tank (1), and to output a detection signal to the control unit, wherein the control unit is further adapted to control the initial operation of the said pump based on the detection signal.
  • a detection unit (3) Fig. 1 which is adapted to detect, prior to the initial operation of the said pump, the water level inside the water tank (1), and to output a detection signal to the control unit, wherein the control unit is further adapted to control the initial operation of the said pump based on the detection signal.
  • the water tank (1) is fixed into the refrigerator.
  • the water tank (1) is detachably attachable into the refrigerator. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the water tank (1) can be entirely detached for cleaning. Thereby, the hygiene conditions inside the refrigerator can be properly maintained.
  • control unit is further adapted to determine the water level inside the water tank (1) based on the detection signal and/or to determine the time elapsed from the last drawing of the water out of the water tank (1) so as to assess the quality of the water therein and/or to determine whether the water tank (1) is attached or not by means of the detection unit (3) or another presence/absence sensor, to cause the user-interface to output information to the user which indicates one or more of the determination results and to control operation of the said pump in accordance with the determination results.
  • the control unit is further adapted to determine the water level inside the water tank (1) based on the detection signal and/or to determine the time elapsed from the last drawing of the water out of the water tank (1) so as to assess the quality of the water therein and/or to determine whether the water tank (1) is attached or not by means of the detection unit (3) or another presence/absence sensor, to cause the user-interface to output information to the user which indicates one or more of the determination results and to control operation of the said pump in accordance with the determination results.
  • control unit is further adapted to inhibit operation of the said pump if it is determined that the water tank (1) is empty and/or the control unit is further adapted to inhibit operation of the said pump if it is determined that the the time elapsed from the last drawing of the water out of the water tank (1) is longer than a predetermined time and/or the control unit is further adapted to inhibit operation of the said pump if it is determined that the water tank (1) is not attached.
  • the control unit is further adapted to inhibit operation of the said pump if it is determined that the water tank (1) is empty and/or the control unit is further adapted to inhibit operation of the said pump if it is determined that the water tank (1) is not attached.
  • control unit is further adapted to determine whether the water level inside the water tank (1) is less than a predetermined level based on the detection signal, and if so, to cause the user-interface to output information to the user which indicates that the water level inside the water tank (1) is just sufficient for a single further operation of the said pump for a predetermined duration, and to allow the user to activate the said pump only once for the predetermined duration, and thereafter to inhibit operation of the said pump unless the water tank (1) is suffiently refilled.
  • This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the user can be informed timely before the water tank (1) is entirely emptied. Thereby, the user satisfaction can be further increased.
  • the user interface is implemented through a display with input means disposed on the refrigerator for actuating the pump, the water dispenser and/or the ice maker and/or through a wireless device such as a mobile phone, a tablet pc or the like which can communicate with the refrigerator.
  • a wireless device such as a mobile phone, a tablet pc or the like which can communicate with the refrigerator.
  • the detection unit (3) comprises: a magnetic float (4) which is set in fluid communication with the water tank (1); and one or more magnetic sensors (5) which are arranged at respectively different levels so as to detect the magnetic float (4) (Fig.1).
  • the magnetic float (4) is a floating member which includes a magnetic substance. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the magnetic float (4) is reliable, cost-effective and easy to assemble.
  • each magnetic sensor (5) comprises one or more reed switches or one or more Hall Effect sensors. These embodiments are particularly advantageous as the magnetic sensors (5) can reliably detect the magnetic float (4) at the corresponding levels.
  • the refrigerator further comprises: a channel (6) for movably accommodating the magnetic float (4) such that it can freely move up and down (Fig. 1).
  • the water tank (1) comprises a fluid passage (7) which opens into the channel (6). This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the magnetic float (4) can be smoothly guided within the channel (6).
  • the channel (6) is formed into the water tank (1).
  • the channel (6) is formed into the rear of the water tank (1). This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the magnetic float (4) does not take too much space inside the water tank (1), and thus the capacity of the water tank (1) can be increased.
  • the channel (6) is formed into the refrigerator at a position outside the water tank (1).
  • the fluid passage (7) can be provided with a safety valve to prevent leakage when the water tank (1) is detached from the channel (6). This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the capacity of the water tank (1) can be further increased.
  • the channel (6) comprises: a rear channel section (8) and a front channel section (9) which are separated by the fluid passage (7) and together enclose the channel (6).
  • the channel (6) is disposed into the rear of the water tank (1) and further comprises a stopper (10) for restricting the upwards movement of the magnetic float (4).
  • This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the magnetic float (4) can be prevented from dislodging by virtue of the channel (6) and the stopper (10).
  • the refrigerator further comprises a recess for detachably accommodating the water tank (1).
  • the magetic sensors (5) are fixed within the said recess in close proximity to the magnetic float (4).
  • the water tank (1) is void of the magnetic sensors (5) and any electrical connections thereto. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the magnetic sensors (5) and the electrical connections thereto can be protected from corrosion and short circuit when refilling the water tank (1). Thereby, the safety of the user can be further increased.
  • This embodiment is also particularly advantageous as water tank (1) can easily detached from the said recess for cleaning or refilling.
  • the recess is formed into the body of the refrigerator or into the fresh food compartment or into the inner side of the fresh food door or into the outer side of the fresh food door.
  • the water tank (1) further comprises: a drawer (11) for storing the water; a cover (12) for opening/closing the drawer (11); and an aperture (13) for refilling the drawer (11) (Fig. 1).
  • a drawer (11) for storing the water
  • a cover (12) for opening/closing the drawer (11)
  • an aperture (13) for refilling the drawer (11) (Fig. 1).
  • This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the user can easily clean the interior of the drawer (11) after removing the the cover (12).
  • This embodiment is also particularly advantageous as the user can easily refill the drawer (11) through the aperture (13).
  • the water tank (1) further comprises: a lid (14) for manually opening/closing the aperture (13).
  • the aperture (13) is formed into the cover (12) (Fig. 1).
  • the lid (14) has a locking means. This embodiment is also particularly advantageous as the aperture (12) is easily accessible.
  • the outlet (2) of the water tank (1) is formed into the cover (12) (Fig.2).
  • the outlet (2) is located at the rear of the cover (12). This embodiment is also particularly advantageous as the user is prevented from using the water tank (1) without closing it.
  • the refrigerator further comprises: a hose (15) which is disposed into the water tank (1) (Fig.3).
  • a hose (15) which is disposed into the water tank (1) (Fig.3).
  • the downstream end of the hose (15) is connected to the outlet (2) and at its upstream end is submerged into the water tank (1).
  • This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the water can be effectively drawn out of the water tank (1).
  • the refrigerator further comprises: a filter (16) which is submerged into the water tank (1) and connected to the upstream end of the hose (15) (Fig.3).
  • a filter (16) which is submerged into the water tank (1) and connected to the upstream end of the hose (15) (Fig.3).
  • the outlet of the said pump is connected to the water dispenser and/or to the ice maker through one or more rigid and/or flexible conduits.
  • At least one magnetic sensor (5) is arranged close to the bottom of the water tank (1) and/or at least one magnetic sensor (5) is arranged close to the top of the water tank (1) (Fig. 5 and Fig. 6). This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the fill level of the water tank (1) can be easily detected.
  • a major advantageous effect of the present invention is that the said pump on the downstream side of the water tank (1) can be protected against damages by virtue of the detection unit (3), for instance, when the water tank (1) is empty. Thereby, the life time of the said pump can be prolonged, and the maintenance costs can be saved.
  • Another major advantageous effect of the present invention is that the user is relieved from checking the water level inside the water tank (1) by virtue of the detection unit (3). Thereby, the operability and the usability of the refrigerator have been improved. Thereby, the user satisfaction can also be increased.
  • Other advantageous effects of the present invention can be taken from the above-described embodiments.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)
  • Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un réfrigérateur comprenant: un réservoir d'eau pour stocker de l'eau; une pompe pour aspirer l'eau à partir du réservoir d'eau (1), le réservoir d'eau (1) comprenant une sortie (2) qui peut être reliée à la pompe; un distributeur d'eau et/ou une machine à glaçons qui peuvent être chacun reliés au réservoir d'eau (1) par l'intermédiaire de ladite pompe; une interface utilisateur; et une unité de commande.
PCT/EP2017/055128 2017-03-06 2017-03-06 Réfrigérateur doté d'un réservoir d'eau WO2018162022A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL17713165T PL3593069T3 (pl) 2017-03-06 2017-03-06 Lodówka ze zbiornikiem na wodę
EP17713165.3A EP3593069B1 (fr) 2017-03-06 2017-03-06 Réfrigérateur avec un reservoir d'eau
PCT/EP2017/055128 WO2018162022A1 (fr) 2017-03-06 2017-03-06 Réfrigérateur doté d'un réservoir d'eau
TR2018/01348A TR201801348A2 (tr) 2017-03-06 2018-01-31 Su deposu i̇çeren bi̇r buzdolabi

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2017/055128 WO2018162022A1 (fr) 2017-03-06 2017-03-06 Réfrigérateur doté d'un réservoir d'eau

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2018162022A1 true WO2018162022A1 (fr) 2018-09-13

Family

ID=58410242

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2017/055128 WO2018162022A1 (fr) 2017-03-06 2017-03-06 Réfrigérateur doté d'un réservoir d'eau

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3593069B1 (fr)
PL (1) PL3593069T3 (fr)
TR (1) TR201801348A2 (fr)
WO (1) WO2018162022A1 (fr)

Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4909039A (en) 1988-03-12 1990-03-20 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Ice maker of refrigerators and method of detecting water unsupplied condition of an ice tray of the ice maker
JPH03263568A (ja) * 1990-03-12 1991-11-25 Toshiba Corp 自動製氷装置
WO1998009119A1 (fr) * 1996-08-27 1998-03-05 Matsushita Refrigeration Company Appareil de production de glace conçu pour un refrigerateur
US5813238A (en) * 1996-10-07 1998-09-29 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Automatic ice production apparatus
US6109055A (en) * 1997-10-21 2000-08-29 Hoshizaki Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Down-flow-type ice-making machine
JP2006145193A (ja) * 2004-10-21 2006-06-08 Sharp Corp 冷蔵庫
JP2006234325A (ja) * 2005-02-25 2006-09-07 Hoshizaki Electric Co Ltd 製氷機
US20060226170A1 (en) * 2005-04-08 2006-10-12 Larsen Gregory K Method and apparatus for delivering bottled water to an automatic ice maker and water chiller
JP2007040594A (ja) * 2005-08-02 2007-02-15 Hoshizaki Electric Co Ltd 製氷機
WO2011159116A2 (fr) * 2010-06-16 2011-12-22 Lg Electronics Inc. Réfrigérateur
US20160039652A1 (en) * 2014-08-06 2016-02-11 Whirlpool Corporation Methods and apparatus to chill dispensed beverages in refrigerators

Patent Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4909039A (en) 1988-03-12 1990-03-20 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Ice maker of refrigerators and method of detecting water unsupplied condition of an ice tray of the ice maker
JPH03263568A (ja) * 1990-03-12 1991-11-25 Toshiba Corp 自動製氷装置
WO1998009119A1 (fr) * 1996-08-27 1998-03-05 Matsushita Refrigeration Company Appareil de production de glace conçu pour un refrigerateur
US5813238A (en) * 1996-10-07 1998-09-29 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Automatic ice production apparatus
US6109055A (en) * 1997-10-21 2000-08-29 Hoshizaki Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Down-flow-type ice-making machine
JP2006145193A (ja) * 2004-10-21 2006-06-08 Sharp Corp 冷蔵庫
JP2006234325A (ja) * 2005-02-25 2006-09-07 Hoshizaki Electric Co Ltd 製氷機
US20060226170A1 (en) * 2005-04-08 2006-10-12 Larsen Gregory K Method and apparatus for delivering bottled water to an automatic ice maker and water chiller
JP2007040594A (ja) * 2005-08-02 2007-02-15 Hoshizaki Electric Co Ltd 製氷機
WO2011159116A2 (fr) * 2010-06-16 2011-12-22 Lg Electronics Inc. Réfrigérateur
US20160039652A1 (en) * 2014-08-06 2016-02-11 Whirlpool Corporation Methods and apparatus to chill dispensed beverages in refrigerators

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
TR201801348A2 (tr) 2018-09-21
PL3593069T3 (pl) 2021-11-15
EP3593069B1 (fr) 2021-05-05
EP3593069A1 (fr) 2020-01-15

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