AU2020436117B2 - Water supply device and refrigerator comprising same - Google Patents
Water supply device and refrigerator comprising same Download PDFInfo
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- AU2020436117B2 AU2020436117B2 AU2020436117A AU2020436117A AU2020436117B2 AU 2020436117 B2 AU2020436117 B2 AU 2020436117B2 AU 2020436117 A AU2020436117 A AU 2020436117A AU 2020436117 A AU2020436117 A AU 2020436117A AU 2020436117 B2 AU2020436117 B2 AU 2020436117B2
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- Prior art keywords
- water
- vessel
- sensor
- water vessel
- water supply
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- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title claims abstract description 426
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 50
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 28
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 230000001939 inductive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 24
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000000630 rising effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 abstract 2
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 abstract 2
- 230000004907 flux Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 2
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000005355 Hall effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000016213 coffee Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000013353 coffee beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005429 filling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000015203 fruit juice Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000013336 milk Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000008267 milk Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000004080 milk Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000008213 purified water Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005057 refrigeration Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- 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
-
- 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
- F25D29/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
- F25D29/003—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for movable devices
-
- 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
- F25D29/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
- F25D29/005—Mounting of control devices
-
- 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
- F25D2700/00—Means for sensing or measuring; Sensors therefor
-
- 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
- F25D2700/00—Means for sensing or measuring; Sensors therefor
- F25D2700/06—Sensors detecting the presence of a product
Abstract
An automatic water supply device and a refrigerator comprising same. The automatic water supply device comprises a pitcher (100), a support frame (200) used for placing the pitcher, a detection device (300), and a water supply mechanism (400) used for supplying water to the pitcher (100). The pitcher (100) comprises a water injection port (110); the detection device (300) comprises a sensing unit (320) and a switch movably connected to the support frame (200); the sensing unit (320) comprises a sensor (321) working in conjunction with the switch and a sensing element (322) that rises and falls with a liquid level; the water supply mechanism (400) comprises a water supply pipe (410) and a water valve provided on the water supply pipe (410), and the outlet of the water supply pipe (410) corresponds to the water injection port (110) of the pitcher (100). The automatic water supply device further comprises a controller. The sensor (321) switches between a connected state and a disconnected state on the basis of the movement of the switch; the pitcher (100) is placed on the support frame (200) to touch the switch, so as to drive the sensor (321) to be in the connected state; the sensor (321) detects, in the connected state, the location of the sensing element (322) to determine the liquid level in the pitcher (100); the controller controls, according to a received detection signal of the sensor (321), the water valve to open or close.
Description
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of a water supply device, and particularly to an automatic water supply device and a refrigerator having the same.
[0002] At present, along with the development of refrigerator technologies, many demands have arisen for diverse functions of refrigerators. As the demands for cold water increase, a user needs to frequently use a water vessel. The user usually fills the vessel with water and then puts the vessel into a refrigerating chamber, and takes out the vessel after a period of time to drink cold water. In this way, the user needs to notice the water amount in the vessel at any time and needs to wait for a period of time to drink the cold water. If he forgets to refill water into the vessel or wants to drink the cold water urgently, inconvenience will be caused to the user.
[00031 In one aspect, there is provided an automatic water supply device, wherein the device includes a water vessel, a bracket for placing the water vessel, a detection device, and a water supply mechanism for supplying water to the water vessel, the water vessel including a water filling port; the detection device includes a sensing unit and a switch movably connected to the bracket, and the sensing unit includes a sensor fitted with the switch and an inductive element disposed in the water vessel and being capable of rising or falling along with a liquid level; the water supply mechanism includes a water supply pipe and a water valve provided on the water supply pipe, and an outlet of the water supply pipe corresponds to the water filling port of the water vessel; the automatic water supply device further includes a controller, the sensor switches between an ON state and an OFF state based on the movement of the switch, and the water vessel is placed on the bracket to touch the switch, thereby driving the sensor to be in the ON state; the sensor detects a position of the inductive element in the ON state to output a detection signal indicating the liquid level in the water vessel; the controller controls the water valve to open or close according to the detection signal received from the sensor.
[0004] In one form, the switch includes a rotating member rotatably connected to the bracket, an electrical connection member is provided on the bracket, and the sensor is provided in the rotating member; when the switch is pressed, the sensor contacts the electrical connection member.
[0005] In one form, the sensor includes at least three contacts; when the switch is pressed, all of the at least three contacts are in contact with the electrical connection member; the at least three contacts include at least two electrical connection contacts and at least one signal connection contact.
[00061 In one form, the electrical connection member is an elastic member.
[00071 In one form, a float box is disposed in the water vessel, the inductive element is fixedly disposed in the float box, and the float box rises or falls along with a change of the liquid level.
[00081 In one form, the sensor is a Hall switch, and the Hall switch is disposed at a position on the bracket corresponding to a top of the water vessel; the inductive element is a magnet.
[0009] In one form, the water vessel further includes a water vessel lid, a water vessel body, and a water storage space defined by the water vessel lid and the water vessel body, and the water filling port is disposed on the water vessel lid; the water vessel further includes a water filling cup extending from the water filling port to the bottom of the water vessel, and a plurality of water outlets communicated with the water storage space are provided on a peripheral wall of the water filling cup.
[0010] In one form, the water filling cup includes an upwardly-protruding bottom wall, and the water outlets extend from top to bottom on the peripheral wall to a position connected to the bottom wall.
[0011] In one form, the water vessel further includes a water vessel lid, a water vessel body, and a water storage space defined by the water vessel lid and the water vessel body, a water spout is disposed on the water vessel body, a water baffle is provided at a position adjacent to the water spout in the water storage space, and a water passageway communicated with the water spout is formed between the water baffle and the inner wall of the water vessel.
[0012] In one form, the water baffle extends from the water vessel lid to the bottom of the water vessel, and the water passage is formed on both sides and the bottom of the water baffle.
[00131 In one form, the water baffle is arc-shaped.
[0014] In one form, the refrigerator includes a cabinet and a door body for opening and closing the cabinet, the water supply device according to any of claims 1-11 being disposed on the inner side of the door body.
[0015] In a further aspect there is provided an automatic water supply device, wherein the device includes a water vessel, a bracket for placing the water vessel, a detection device, and a water supply mechanism for supplying water to the water vessel, the water vessel including a water filling port; the detection device includes a sensing unit and a switch movably connected to the bracket, and the sensing unit includes a sensor fitted with the switch and an inductive element disposed in the water vessel and being capable of rising or falling along with a liquid level; the water supply mechanism includes a water supply pipe and a water valve provided on the water supply pipe, and an outlet of the water supply pipe corresponds to the water filling port of the water vessel; the automatic water supply device further includes a controller, the sensor switches between an ON state and an OFF state based on the movement of the switch, and the water vessel is placed on the bracket to touch the switch, thereby driving the sensor to be in the ON state; the sensor detects a position of the inductive element in the ON state to output a detection signal indicating the liquid level in the water vessel; the controller controls the water valve to open or close according to the detection signal received from the sensor; wherein the switch includes a rotating member rotatably connected to the bracket, an electrical connection member is provided on the bracket, and the sensor is provided in the rotating member; when the switch is pressed, the sensor contacts the electrical connection member; and wherein a bump is disposed at the top of the water vessel, when the water vessel is placed on the bracket, the bump on the top of the water vessel will press the switch and cause the rotating member to drive the sensor to rotate, to energize the sensor.
[00161 As compared with the prior art, the automatic water supply device disclosed in the present invention judges whether the water vessel is placed on the bracket according to the ON state and OFF state of the sensor, and then detects the liquid level in the water vessel through the cooperation of the sensor in the ON state and the inductive element. The automatic water supply device may simultaneously detect whether the water vessel is placed on the bracket as well as the liquid level in the water vessel by using the cooperation of the sensor and the inductive element, thereby controlling the water valve to open when the water vessel is placed on the bracket and the liquid level is low, to automatically fill water into the water vessel, so that the user may take the cold water conveniently at any time.
[0017] FIG. 1 is a structure schematic view of a door body of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a structure schematic view of a water supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a water supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of portion A in FIG. 3;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a water vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] 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.
[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, an embodiment of the present invention discloses a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a cabinet and a door body 1 for opening and closing the cabinet, an automatic water supply device being provided on an inner side of the door body 1. As shown in FIGS. 2-5, the automatic water supply device includes a water vessel 100, a bracket 200 for placing the water vessel 100, a detection device 300, and a water supply mechanism 400 for supplying water to the water vessel 100. The cabinet may define a refrigerating chamber. When the door body 1 closes the cabinet, the cold air in the refrigerating chamber may cool the water in the water vessel 100.
[0024] Certainly, sites where the automatic water supply device is used are not limited to refrigerators, and may be various sites such as other refrigeration appliances or cafes. In embodiments of the present invention, water is a collective term of liquid beverages, and includes but not limited to liquid beverages such as purified water, fruit juice, milk or coffee.
[0025] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the water vessel 100 includes a water filling port 110. The detection device includes a sensing unit 320 and a switch movably connected to the bracket 200. The sensing unit 320 includes a sensor 321 fitted with the switch and an inductive element 322 disposed in the water vessel 100 and being capable of rising or falling along with the liquid level. The switch is disposed at a position on the bracket 200 corresponding to the top of the water vessel 100. The water supply mechanism 400 includes a water supply pipe 410 and a water valve provided on the water supply pipe 410. An outlet of the water supply pipe 410 corresponds to the water filling port 110 of the water vessel 100. The automatic water supply device further includes a controller. The sensor 321 switches between an ON state and an OFF state based on the movement of the switch. The water vessel 100 is placed on the bracket 200 to touch the switch, thereby driving the sensor 321 to be in the ON state. The sensor 321 detects the position of the inductive element 322 in the ON state to output a detection signal indicating the liquid level in the water vessel 100. The controller controls the water valve to open or close according to the detection signal received from the sensor 321.
[0026] The automatic water supply device disclosed in the present invention judges whether the water vessel 100 is placed on the bracket 200 according to the ON state and OFF state of the sensor 321, and then detects the liquid level in the water vessel 100 through the cooperation of the sensor 321 in the ON state and the inductive element 322. The automatic water supply device may simultaneously detect whether the water vessel 100 is placed on the bracket 200 as well as the liquid level in the water vessel 100 by using the cooperation of the sensor 321 and the inductive element 322, thereby controlling the water valve to open when the water vessel 100 is placed on the bracket 200 and the liquid level is low, to automatically fill water into the water vessel 100, so that the user may take the cold water conveniently at any time.
[0027] In the embodiment of the present invention, a height nearby the top of the water vessel 100 is set as a preset liquid level. When the liquid level in the water vessel reaches the preset liquid level, water needn't be further filled and the controller will control the water valve to close; when the liquid level in the water vessel 100 does not reach the preset liquid level, water needs to be filled into the water vessel, and the controller will control the water valve to open.
[0028] In the embodiment of the present invention, the switch includes a rotating member 311 rotatably connected to the bracket 200, an electrical connection member 312 is provided on the bracket 200, and the sensor 321 is provided in the rotating member 311. When the switch is pressed, the sensor 321 contacts the electrical connection member 312. A bump 124 is disposed at the top of the water vessel 100. When the water vessel 100 is placed on the bracket 200, the bump 124 on the top of the water vessel 100 will press the switch and cause the rotating member 311 to drive the sensor 321 to rotate, to energize the sensor 321, so that whether the water vessel 100 is placed on the bracket 200 may bejudged through the ON state of the sensor 321. Therefore, it is unnecessary to provide an additional sensor, and only the sensor for detecting the liquid level can be used to detect whether the water vessel is placed on the bracket. In another embodiment, the electrical connection member may be provided on the rotating member, and the sensor may be provided on the bracket.
[0029] Specifically, the water supply pipe 410 can be externally connected to the user's water source, and extends along the cabinet of the refrigerator into the door body 1. When the water valve is opened, the external water source can fill the water vessel 100 with water through the water supply pipe 410. Specifically, in the embodiment of the present invention, the water supply pipe extends from a compressor compartment at a lower part of the cabinet along the cabinet into the inner side of the door body, and the water valve may be provided on the water supply pipe in the compressor compartment. Certainly, in other embodiments, the water valve may also be disposed on other parts of the water supply pipe.
[0030] Further, the sensor 321 includes at least three contacts. When the switch is pressed, all of the at least three contacts are in contact with the electrical connection member 312. The at least three contacts include at least two electrical connection contacts and at least one signal connection contact. In the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 4, the sensor 321 includes three contacts, wherein two contacts are electrical connection contacts, and the remaining one contact is a signal connection contact. Correspondingly, three electrical connection members 312 are provided on the bracket 200. When the switch is pressed, the electrical connection contacts and the signal connection contact of the sensor 321 are respectively communicated with the electrical connection member 312, thereby energizing the sensor. After the controller detects that the sensor is energized, it may determine that the water vessel 100 has been placed on the bracket 200. The signal connection contact is used to send a detection signal indicating the liquid level in the water vessel 100 to the controller when the capacitance sensor 321 is in the ON state. Specifically, when the sensor is in the ON state, the sensor cooperates with the inductive element to detect the liquid level in the water vessel, and the detection signal generated by the sensor and indicating the liquid level in the water vessel 100 will be sent to the controller through the communication between the signal contact point and the electrical connection member.
[0031] Further, the electrical connection member 312 is an elastic member. When the water vessel 100 is placed on the bracket 200, a side wall of the water vessel 100 presses the rotating member 311, and the sensor 321 contacts the electrical connection member 312 to make the elastic electrical connection member 312 in a compressed state. When the water vessel 100 is removed from the bracket 200, the electrical connection member 312 may release the elastic force to cause the rotating member 311 to rotate reversely, and the sensor 321 does not contact the electrical connection member 312 any longer and switches to the OFF state. The cooperation of the elastic electrical connection member 312 and the rotating member 311 may cause the water vessel 100 to be placed on the bracket to correspond to the ON state of the sensor, and cause the water vessel 100 not to be placed on the bracket to correspond to the OFF state of the sensor, so that the ON/OFF state of the sensor may be used to detect whether the water vessel 100 is placed on the bracket. The electrical connection member 312 may preferably be a compression spring. As shown in FIG. 4, three compression springs extend from the bracket 200, and correspond to the three contacts on the sensor, respectively.
[0032] Specifically, in the embodiment of the present invention, the water vessel 100 further includes a water vessel lid 120, a water vessel body 130, and a water storage space defined by the water vessel lid 120 and the water vessel body 130. Inside the water vessel 100, an inner box 121 extends downward from the water vessel lid 120, and a plurality of water holes communicated with the water storage space are provided on a peripheral wall of the inner box 121, so that the water in the water vessel 100 may flow into the inner box 121. A float box 122 is disposed in the inner box 121, and the inductive element 322 is disposed in the float box 122. Specifically, the inner box 121 is snap-fitted on the water vessel lid 120, and the inner box 121 does not rise or fall along with the liquid level, whereas the float box 122 may move up and down inside the inner box 121 as the liquid level changes. In this way, with the inner box 121 that does not move along with the liquid level being provided in the water vessel 100, the moving range and moving direction of the float box may be restricted, and it may be ensured that a magnet can only move within a desired height range and only move in a height direction of the water vessel. The inductive element 322 is fixedly disposed in the float box 122 and moves up and down along with the float box 122. The float box 122 seals the inductive element 322 inside to ensure that the inductive element 322 can float up and down.
[0033] Specifically, an outer diameter of the float box 122 matches an inner diameter of the inner box 121 so that the float box 122 can only move up and down along the height direction of the inner box 121. A plurality of guide ribs 1211 extending from top to bottom are provided on an inner wall of the inner box 121, and may prevent the float box 122 from getting stuck when it moves up and down. An upper surface of the float box 122 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 1221, and air outlets 123 are provided at positions of the water vessel lid 120 corresponding to the protrusions 1221. Specifically, when the liquid level in the water vessel 100 rises and the upper surface of the float box 122 contacts the bottom surface of the water vessel lid 120, the float box 122 might not fall down when the liquid level drops due to a siphon effect. With the protrusions 1221 being provided on the upper surface of the float box 122 and air outlets 123 being provided on the water vessel lid 100, a gap is present between the upper surface of the float box 122 and the water vessel lid 100 to avoid the occurrence of the siphon effect therebetween, so that the float box 122 moves up and down more smoothly.
[0034] In the embodiment of the present invention, the sensor 321 is a Hall switch, and the Hall switch is disposed at a position on the bracket 200 corresponding to the top of the water vessel 100; the inductive element 322 is a magnet. The Hall switch is disposed on the bracket 200 and may detect the approach of the magnet. Specifically, the Hall switch is an active electromagnetic conversion device fabricated by an integrated packaging and assembling process based on the principle of the Hall effect. The Hall switch may induce a magnitude of the magnetic flux. When the magnetic flux reaches a preset value, a trigger in the Hall switch flips, and an output level state of the Hall switch is also inverted accordingly, so that the magnetic input signal may be converted into an electrical signal. The magnet in the float box will move up and down along with the liquid level, and the magnetic flux detected by the Hall switch will also change accordingly. When the Hall switch is in the ON state, the controller receives the signal and determines that the water vessel 100 has been placed on the bracket 200. If the liquid level in the water vessel 100 does not reach the preset liquid level, the magnet is far away from the Hall switch and the magnetic flux induced by the Hall switch cannot make the trigger inside the Hall switch flip, the controller will control the water valve to open and fill the water vessel 100 with water. During the water filling process, the liquid level will rise and drive the float box 122 to move upward, and the magnet will also approach the Hall switch until the magnetic flux induced by the Hall switch also reaches a preset value when the liquid level in the water vessel 100 reaches the preset liquid level. At this time, the trigger inside the Hall switch flips to invert the output level state of the Hall switch, and the controller will control the water valve to close and stop water filling. As such, the Hall switch determines the liquid level in the water vessel by detecting the position of the magnet, and the controller may control the opening and closing of the water valve according to the detection signal sent by the Hall switch, to automatically fill the water vessel with water when needed.
[0035] As shown in FIGS. 4-5, the water filling port 110 is disposed on the water vessel lid 120. The water vessel 100 further includes a water filling cup 140 extending from the water filling port 110 to the bottom of the water vessel 100. A plurality of water outlets 141 communicated with the water storage space are provided on a peripheral wall of the water filling cup 140. The water filling cup 140 may slow down the flow rate of the water upon water filling, reduce the noise upon water filling, and prevent the water flow from splashing around.
[0036] Preferably, the water filling cup 140 includes an upwardly-protruding bottom wall 142, and the water outlets 141 extend from top to bottom on the peripheral wall to a position connected to the bottom wall 142. Specifically, a plurality of elongated water outlets 141 are provided at an interval on the peripheral wall of the water filling cup 140, and the water outlets 141 extend on the peripheral wall of the water filling cup 140 so that water can flow into the water storage space quickly without gathering in the water filling cup 140. The upward protrusion of the bottom wall 142 may further prevent the water in the water filling cup 140 from gathering and enable the water to flow out through the water outlets 141.
[0037] Further, a water spout 131 is disposed on the water vessel body 130, and a water baffle 150 is provided at a position adjacent to the water spout 131 in the water storage space. A water passageway 151 communicated with the water spout 131 is formed between the water baffle 150 and the inner wall of the water vessel 100. When the user takes water, he may pour out water through the water spout 131. The water baffle 150 is provided to prevent the water from flowing rapidly and splashing out of the water vessel 100 when the user pours water.
[0038] Preferably, the water baffle 150 is preferably arc-shaped. In addition, the arc top of the water baffle 150 protrudes toward the side wall of the water vessel 100 opposite to the water spout 131. The arc-shaped water baffle 150 has a good water blocking effect, and its arc top protrudes toward the side wall of the water vessel 100 opposite to the water spout 131, so that an effective water passage is formed between the water baffle 150 and the side wall of the water vessel 100, and further enhances the splash-preventing effect.
[0039] In the embodiment of the present invention, the water baffle 150 extends from the water vessel lid 120 to the bottom of the water vessel 100, and the water passage 151 is formed on both sides and the bottom of the water baffle 150. The water baffle 150 extending to the bottom of the water vessel 100 may guide water into the water passage from a lower position of the water vessel 100, thereby further reducing the flow rate of water when poured.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 1, the door 1 is provided with a bottle seat 3, and the bracket 200 is additionally disposed on the bottle seat 3. The bracket 200 is pre-assembled with the bottle seat 3 through a connecting piece. The connecting piece may be specifically a hook structure to facilitate mounting the bracket 200 to or demounting the bracket 200 from the bottle seat 3. When the user does not need to use the water vessel, he may remove the water vessel 100 and the bracket 200, and the original position where the bracket is placed may continue to be used as the bottle seat. The outlet of the water supply pipe 410 is fixed at an upper half of the bracket 100 to align with the water filling port 110 on the water vessel lid 120 of the water vessel 100. The water vessel 100 is located below the bottle seat 3 and on a side close to the door handle. The water vessel 100 may be drawn out transversely along the width direction of the door body, so it occupies a small space in the refrigerator without affecting the storage space of the shelves in the refrigerating compartment.
[0041] Another embodiment of the present invention further discloses an automatic water supply method. The method includes the following steps: Si: receiving a signal indicating that the sensing unit is in an ON state. S2: determining whether a first detection signal indicating that the liquid level in the water vessel reaches a preset level is received. S3, if YES, turning to step S4; if NO, turning to step S5. S4: controlling the water valve to close. S5: controlling the water valve to open, and meanwhile executing step S3.
[0042] When the water vessel is placed on the bracket, the side wall of the water vessel will press the rotating member to energize the sensing unit to be the ON state. At this time, the controller will receive the signal indicating that the sensing unit is in the ON state. The sensing unit will detect the liquid level in the water vessel. If the liquid level in the water vessel reaches the preset level, the sensing unit will send the first detection signal to the controller; otherwise, the sensing unit will not send a signal to the controller or sends a second detection signal to the controller. When the controller does not receive the first signal or receives the second detection signal, it will control the water valve to be in an open state, and the water supply pipe will automatically fill the water vessel with water at this time. When the liquid level in the water vessel gradually rises to the preset level, the controller receives the first signal and controls the water valve to close to end automatic water filling. In this way, one sensor is used to achieve the detection of whether the water vessel 100 is placed on the bracket 200 and the detection of the liquid level in the water vessel 100 at the same time, so that the water vessel 100 may be automatically filled with water, and the user may conveniently take a sufficient amount of cold water at any time.
[00431 The automatic water supply device disclosed in the present invention judges whether the water vessel is placed on the bracket according to the ON state and OFF state of the sensor, and then detects the liquid level in the water vessel through the cooperation of the sensor in the ON state and the inductive element. The automatic water supply device may simultaneously detect whether the water vessel is placed on the bracket as well as the liquid level in the water vessel by using the cooperation of the sensor and the inductive element, thereby controlling the water valve to open when the water vessel is placed on the bracket and the liquid level is low, to automatically fill water into the water vessel, so that the user may take the cold water conveniently at any time. With the inner box that does not move along with the liquid level being provided in the water vessel, the moving range and moving direction of the float box may be restricted, and it may be ensured that a magnet can only move within a desired height range and only move in a height direction of the water vessel. With the protrusions being provided on the upper surface of the float box and air outlets being provided on the water vessel lid, a gap is present between the upper surface of the float box and the water vessel lid to avoid the occurrence of the siphon effect therebetween, so that the float box moves up and down more smoothly. The water filling cup disposed in the water vessel may slow down the flow rate of the water upon water filling, reduce the noise upon water filling, and prevent the water flow from splashing around. The upward protrusion of the bottom wall of the water filling cup may further prevent the water in the water filling cup from gathering and enable the water to flow out through the water outlets. The water baffle is provided to prevent the water from flowing rapidly and splashing out of the water vessel when the user pours water.
[00441 The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.
[0045] It will be understood that the terms "comprise" and "include" and any of their derivatives (e.g. comprises, comprising, includes, including) as used in this specification, and the claims that follow, is to be taken to be inclusive of features to which the term refers, and is not meant to exclude the presence of any additional features unless otherwise stated or implied.
[0046] In some cases, a single embodiment may, for succinctness and/or to assist in understanding the scope of the disclosure, combine multiple features. It is to be understood that in such a case, these multiple features may be provided separately (in separate embodiments), or in any other suitable combination. Alternatively, where separate features are described in separate embodiments, these separate features may be combined into a single embodiment unless otherwise stated or implied. This also applies to the claims which can be recombined in any combination. That is a claim may be amended to include a feature defined in any other claim. Further a phrase referring to "at least one of' a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, "at least one of: a, b, or c" is intended to cover: a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, and a-b-c.
[0047] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.
Claims (11)
1. An automatic water supply device, wherein the device includes a water vessel, a bracket for placing the water vessel, a detection device, and a water supply mechanism for supplying water to the water vessel, the water vessel including a water filling port; the detection device includes a sensing unit and a switch movably connected to the bracket, and the sensing unit includes a sensor fitted with the switch and an inductive element disposed in the water vessel and being capable of rising or falling along with a liquid level; the water supply mechanism includes a water supply pipe and a water valve provided on the water supply pipe, and an outlet of the water supply pipe corresponds to the water filling port of the water vessel; the automatic water supply device further includes a controller, the sensor switches between an ON state and an OFF state based on the movement of the switch, and the water vessel is placed on the bracket to touch the switch, thereby driving the sensor to be in the ON state; the sensor detects a position of the inductive element in the ON state to output a detection signal indicating the liquid level in the water vessel; the controller controls the water valve to open or close according to the detection signal received from the sensor;
wherein the switch includes a rotating member rotatably connected to the bracket, an electrical connection member is provided on the bracket, and the sensor is provided in the rotating member; when the switch is pressed, the sensor contacts the electrical connection member; and
wherein a bump is disposed at the top of the water vessel, when the water vessel is placed on the bracket, the bump on the top of the water vessel will press the switch and cause the rotating member to drive the sensor to rotate, to energize the sensor.
2. The automatic water supply device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor includes at least three contacts; when the switch is pressed, all of the at least three contacts are in contact with the electrical connection member; the at least three contacts include at least two electrical connection contacts and at least one signal connection contact.
3. The automatic water supply device according to claim 1, wherein the electrical connection member is an elastic member.
4. The automatic water supply device according to claim 1, wherein a float box is disposed in the water vessel, the inductive element is fixedly disposed in the float box, and the float box rises or falls along with a change of the liquid level.
5. The automatic water supply device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is a Hall switch, and the Hall switch is disposed at a position on the bracket corresponding to a top of the water vessel; the inductive element is a magnet.
6. The automatic water supply device according to claim 1, wherein the water vessel further includes a water vessel lid, a water vessel body, and a water storage space defined by the water vessel lid and the water vessel body, and the water filling port is disposed on the water vessel lid; the water vessel further includes a water filling cup extending from the water filling port to the bottom of the water vessel, and a plurality of water outlets communicated with the water storage space are provided on a peripheral wall of the water filling cup.
7. The automatic water supply device according to claim 6, wherein the water filling cup includes an upwardly-protruding bottom wall, and the water outlets extend from top to bottom on the peripheral wall to a position connected to the bottom wall.
8. The automatic water supply device according to claim 1, wherein the water vessel further includes a water vessel lid, a water vessel body, and a water storage space defined by the water vessel lid and the water vessel body, a water spout is disposed on the water vessel body, a water baffle is provided at a position adjacent to the water spout in the water storage space, and a water passageway communicated with the water spout is formed between the water baffle and the inner wall of the water vessel.
9. The automatic water supply device according to claim 8, wherein the water baffle extends from the water vessel lid to the bottom of the water vessel, and the water passage is formed on both sides and the bottom of the water baffle.
10. The automatic water supply device according to claim 8, wherein the water baffle is arc-shaped.
11. A refrigerator, wherein the refrigerator includes a cabinet and a door body for opening and closing the cabinet, the water supply device according to any of claims 1-10 being disposed on the inner side of the door body.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN202010182450.2 | 2020-03-16 | ||
| CN202010182450.2A CN113405310B (en) | 2020-03-16 | 2020-03-16 | Water supply device and refrigerator with same |
| PCT/CN2020/115642 WO2021184710A1 (en) | 2020-03-16 | 2020-09-16 | Water supply device and refrigerator comprising same |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| AU2020436117A1 AU2020436117A1 (en) | 2022-10-13 |
| AU2020436117B2 true AU2020436117B2 (en) | 2023-11-09 |
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ID=77676654
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2020436117A Active AU2020436117B2 (en) | 2020-03-16 | 2020-09-16 | Water supply device and refrigerator comprising same |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP4123248A4 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN113405310B (en) |
| AU (1) | AU2020436117B2 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2021184710A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US11780722B1 (en) * | 2022-10-14 | 2023-10-10 | Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. | Autofill pitcher overfill shutoff mechanism |
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| CN106766657A (en) * | 2016-12-27 | 2017-05-31 | 青岛海尔股份有限公司 | The refrigerator water path control system and the refrigerator with it of a kind of automatic water-supply |
| CN207739313U (en) * | 2017-10-20 | 2018-08-17 | 合肥华凌股份有限公司 | Water fetching device |
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| TWI312853B (en) * | 2003-10-09 | 2009-08-01 | Panasonic Corporatio | Refrigerator |
| US7201005B2 (en) * | 2004-06-04 | 2007-04-10 | Whirlpool Corporation | Measured fill water dispenser for refrigerator freezer |
| ES2395274T3 (en) * | 2004-10-05 | 2013-02-11 | Whirlpool Corporation | Domestic refrigerator with a water dispenser set |
| US9890029B2 (en) * | 2011-12-09 | 2018-02-13 | Electrolux Home Products, Inc. | Refrigerator with automatic liquid dispenser |
| CN103903908B (en) * | 2012-12-26 | 2016-04-27 | 苏州宝时得电动工具有限公司 | Hall switch |
| US20150197417A1 (en) * | 2014-01-16 | 2015-07-16 | Haier America Research And Development Co., Ltd. | Self-filling refrigerator water pitcher |
| CN105795908B (en) * | 2014-12-31 | 2019-03-12 | 青岛海尔股份有限公司 | The automatic water-supply method of water supply device |
| CN105806025B (en) * | 2014-12-31 | 2019-07-02 | 青岛海尔股份有限公司 | Water supply device and refrigerator with the water supply device |
| US10444080B2 (en) * | 2015-11-17 | 2019-10-15 | Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. | Thermal management for a wireless cooking probe |
| CN205452132U (en) * | 2015-12-25 | 2016-08-10 | 罗国良 | Panel mount sparkless safety power supply switch |
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| CN206102422U (en) * | 2016-06-30 | 2017-04-19 | 杭州杰富睿科技有限公司 | Foot -operated straight water dispenser |
| CN206507780U (en) * | 2016-12-09 | 2017-09-22 | 浙江绍兴苏泊尔生活电器有限公司 | Electric heating kettle |
| KR20180080056A (en) * | 2017-01-03 | 2018-07-11 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Refrigerator and control method thereof |
| EP3549914A4 (en) * | 2018-01-31 | 2019-12-04 | Foshan Shunde Midea Water Dispenser Manufacturing Co., Ltd. | Water storage device and water purification equipment |
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2020
- 2020-03-16 CN CN202010182450.2A patent/CN113405310B/en active Active
- 2020-09-16 AU AU2020436117A patent/AU2020436117B2/en active Active
- 2020-09-16 WO PCT/CN2020/115642 patent/WO2021184710A1/en unknown
- 2020-09-16 EP EP20925513.2A patent/EP4123248A4/en active Pending
Patent Citations (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN106766657A (en) * | 2016-12-27 | 2017-05-31 | 青岛海尔股份有限公司 | The refrigerator water path control system and the refrigerator with it of a kind of automatic water-supply |
| CN207739313U (en) * | 2017-10-20 | 2018-08-17 | 合肥华凌股份有限公司 | Water fetching device |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP4123248A4 (en) | 2023-08-09 |
| EP4123248A1 (en) | 2023-01-25 |
| CN113405310B (en) | 2023-03-17 |
| WO2021184710A1 (en) | 2021-09-23 |
| CN113405310A (en) | 2021-09-17 |
| AU2020436117A1 (en) | 2022-10-13 |
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