EP1869380B1 - Water supply device for supplying an ice cube maker and/or a water dispenser of a refrigerator and/or freezer - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a water supply device for the water supply of an ice cube maker and/or water dispenser of a refrigerator and/or freezer, comprising a water tank, which includes a filling hole for manually filling the water tank and an outlet connection for connecting the water tank to a supply conduit of the ice cube maker and/or water dispenser. The invention furthermore relates to a refrigerator and/or freezer with such a water supply device. The invention is based on the idea to combine the advantages of a fixed water connection with the advantages of a manually fillable water tank. In accordance with the invention, it is proposed to use a manually fillable water tank on which a fixed water connection is provided for connection of the water tank to a stationary water conduit. The water supply device thereby can selectively be operated manually, in particular when no fixed water connection is provided, or automatically, when such fixed water connection is provided. In this way, the comfort of a fixed water connection is incorporated, but the presence of a stationary water conduit is no condition for mounting or operating the refrigerator with water supply point. In automatic operation, the combination of the manually fillable water tank with the fixed water connection also provides advantages over pure solutions with fixed water connection. Thus, a simple cleaning of the system can be achieved by adding a cleaning agent through the filling hole of the water tank. Other additives also can easily be added to the water to be dispensed. Moreover, when switching over to automatic operation, the first tank fill-up, in particular the water present in the supply conduit for an extended period, can be disposed of in a fast and uncomplicated way by draining the tank.

Description

The present invention relates to a water supply device for supplying water to an ice cube maker and / or water dispenser of a refrigerator and / or freezer, comprising a water tank having a filling opening for manually filling the water tank and a discharge connection for connecting the water tank to a supply line of the ice cube maker and / or the Having water dispenser. The invention further relates to a refrigerator and / or freezer with such a water supply device.

Refrigerator or freezers with a water consumption point, such. As an ice cube maker or a water dispenser for dispensing cooled water must be connected to an appropriate water supply. This is usually achieved by providing a fixed water connection to the refrigerator or freezer, with the aid of which the refrigerator, like a washing machine, can be connected to the stationary water installation of a building. Whenever the water supply point of the refrigerator or freezer needs water, it automatically draws it in the required amount via the fixed water connection from the stationary water installation.

The disadvantage here, however, is that a corresponding water connection must be present. Such a refrigerator can not be used in rooms that have no water installation.

It has therefore already been proposed such a water supply point, z. As an ice cube maker or a chilled water dispenser, having refrigerators with a water tank, which can be filled manually via a filling. In the water tank, a relatively large amount of water can be stored, so that over a considerable amount of time sufficient water, for example for the ice cube maker, is available. The water tank only needs to be refilled in relatively large time intervals. Such a refrigerator with water tank shows, for example DE 196 44 090 A1 in which the water level in the water tank is detected by the pump operating time and a low water level is activated when the water level is reached. Furthermore, the shows EP 14 67 163 A1 an ice-making machine having a water tank for supplying an ice cube maker, which is open at its top, so that it can be filled from a suitably arranged faucet in the manner of a free-falling waterfall. Furthermore, the shows EP 16 02 622 A1 (in the prior art according to Article 54 (3) EPC) a water tank for water supply of an ice cube maker of a refrigerator, which has a vent hole at its top and is connected to a fixed water connection.

The present invention is based on the object to provide an improved water supply device of the type mentioned and an improved refrigerator with such a water supply device, avoid the disadvantages of the prior art and further develop the latter in an advantageous manner. In particular, an automatic water supply should be possible, but a manual supply should not be sacrificed.

According to the invention this object is achieved by a water supply device according to claim 1 and a refrigerator and / or freezer according to claim 11. Preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

The invention is therefore based on the idea of combining the advantages of a fixed water connection with the advantages of a manually fillable water tank. According to the invention, it is proposed to use a manually fillable water tank, on which a fixed water connection is provided for connecting the water tank to a stationary water pipe. The water supply device As a result, it can optionally be operated manually, in particular when there is no fixed water connection, or automatically when such a fixed water connection is present. As a result, the comfort of a fixed water connection is installed, but the presence of a stationary water pipe no condition for the installation or operation of the refrigerator with water supply. In addition, the combination of the manually fillable water tank with the fixed water connection also offers advantages in automatic mode compared to pure fixed water connection solutions. Thus, a simple cleaning of the system can be achieved by adding a cleaning agent through the filling opening of the water tank. Other additives can be easily added to the water to be dispensed. In addition, when switching to automatic operation, the first tank filling, especially the water that was in the supply line for a long period of time, can be disposed of quickly and easily by draining the tank.

In a further development of the invention, a short-circuit line can be provided between the fixed water connection and the discharge connection of the water tank, via which the discharge connection of the water tank with water from the fixed water connection, bypassing the water tank can be fed. In this way, water from the fixed water connection can also be fed directly into the delivery connection or the supply line connected thereto, for example the ice cube maker or the water dispenser. This may, for example, be advantageous if, in the case of an empty water tank, a water requirement of the ice cube maker is to be met without delay or if, for example, water with flavor additives for the water dispenser is stored in the water tank, but water without such flavor additives is temporarily required for the ice cube maker.

Advantageously, the water supply device has a switching device for switching between automatic mode with Festwasserspeisung and manual mode with manual filling of the water tank. If the refrigerator is installed in a room without a fixed water connection, it can be switched to manual mode become. Conversely, the automatic mode can be selected for increased comfort, if a Festwasseranschluss is present. The switching mechanism may be electrical, electronic or mechanical. The user can thereby determine in a simple manner, whether an automatic or manual filling of the water tank is provided.

Preferably, a valve, preferably a solenoid valve, can be provided in the abovementioned short-circuit line, with the aid of which the water flow through the short-circuit line can be controlled. In particular, the short-circuit line can be blocked via this valve, so that the water from the fixed water connection into the tank and the discharge connection is supplied with water from the tank. If, on the other hand, the short-circuit line valve is opened, the supply line connected directly to the delivery connection is fed directly via the fixed-water connection.

In addition or as an alternative to such a short-circuit line valve, a valve, in particular a solenoid valve, for controlling the flow of water into the water tank and / or from the water tank can be assigned to the fixed water connection and / or the discharge connection. In particular, can be switched by providing such valves in a simple manner between automatic operation and manual operation. If automatic filling is required, the fixed water connection can be disconnected. If, however, manual filling is required, the fixed water connection can be blocked. The dispensing port valve can also be used to open and block this dispensing port. In particular, this can prevent water removal if the level in the water tank is too low or the discharge connection can be blocked in order to remove the water tank from the refrigerator and / or freezer, for example for the purpose of filling. The water tank is in fact removable. For this purpose, the discharge connection and the fixed water connection have detachable connection means in order to be able to remove the water tank.

In a further development of the invention, the water supply device comprises a level detection device for detecting the level of the water tank. Depending on a signal of the level detection device may optionally be controlled a display indicating whether the water tank is sufficiently filled or whether water is replenished. According to an embodiment of the invention, the level detection means may comprise an upper level switch which responds upon reaching an upper level, and a lower level switch which is responsive to undershoot of a lower level.

Advantageously, one of the aforementioned valves can be controlled as a function of the detected fill level. For this purpose, a control device may be provided which is connected on the one hand to the aforementioned fixed water connection valve, the discharge connection valve and / or the short-circuit valve and on the other hand connected to the aforementioned level detection device. For example, the control device may be designed such that upon reaching a predetermined upper level in the water tank, the fixed water connection is blocked, so that no pressure in the water tank can arise. Alternatively or additionally, upon reaching or falling below a predetermined lower filling level in the water tank, the fixed water connection can be disconnected so that automatic refilling of the water tank is achieved. Optionally, when the lower filling level is reached, alternatively or additionally, the dispensing connection can be blocked, so that no further water can be withdrawn. Alternatively or additionally, when the lower filling level is reached, the short-circuit valve can also be opened in order to ensure the water supply in the event of a simultaneous water requirement of the ice cube maker and / or of the water dispenser.

The aforementioned control device can also interact with the switching device for switching between automatic and manual operation. In particular, the control device can lock the fixed water connection and the short-circuit line when switching to manual mode, while at least switching to automatic mode, at least the fixed water connection, possibly also the short-circuit line, unlocks. This control function of the control device as a function of a signal of the switching device between automatic and manual operation may be provided as an alternative or in addition to the aforementioned control function as a function of the filling level of the water tank.

The fixed water connection and the discharge connection can in principle be provided at various points on the water tank. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the fixed water connection is located above the discharge connection. In particular, the fixed water connection may be connected to an upper end portion of the water tank with this, while the discharge port is connectable to a bottom portion of the water tank.

Advantageously, the water tank has a floor inclined to one side. By such a slope on the container for an optimal fit of the water tank is ensured in a corresponding water tank holder. The weight of the water tank and its contents presses over the sloping bottom of the water tank in a predetermined direction against a stop. In particular, the floor is sloping sloping towards the discharge connection and / or the fixed water connection of the water tank, so that the uprising force generated over the inclined floor presses the water tank in the direction of its discharge connection and / or its fixed water connection. Advantageously, the fixed water connection and the discharge connection are provided on the same side of the water tank at this.

On the other hand, can be achieved by an inclined bottom and a corresponding arrangement of the discharge connection that always the older filling of the water tank is used first. For this purpose, the discharge connection can in particular communicate with the section of the water tank which is located above the lowest point of the inclined floor.

The supply line connected to the discharge connection of the water tank is expediently connected to a pump, through which the supply of the ice cube maker and / or the water dispenser takes place.

Fig. 1:

eine schematische Darstellung einer Wasserversorgungsvorrichtung um- fassend einen Wassertank mit Festwasseranschluss und manueller Ein- füllöffnung zur Versorgung eines Eiswürfelbereiters und eines Wasser- spenders eines Kühl- und Gefrierschranks.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to a preferred embodiment and associated drawings. In the drawing shows:

Fig. 1:

a schematic representation of a water supply device comprising a water tank with fixed water connection and manual filling opening for supplying an ice cube maker and a water dispenser of a refrigerator and freezer.

In the FIG. 1 illustrated water supply device 1 can be installed in a not shown for reasons of clarity fridge and freezer and includes in particular the provided in the figure with the reference numeral 2 water tank, which consists of a container closed on all sides of sufficient size.

As FIG. 1 shows, the water tank 2 comprises at its top a closable by a lid 3 manual filling opening 4, via which the water tank 2 can be filled manually with water or other desired liquid. Furthermore, the filling opening 4 is also provided and sufficiently dimensioned in order to be able to add additives of all kinds, for example cleaning agents, flavoring additives and the like, into the water tank 2.

The stored in the water tank 2 liquid can be discharged through a discharge port 5, which is mounted in the upper third of the water tank 2 on a side wall of the same, but in the interior of the water tank with a bottom portion of the same communicates to deliver water at low water tank level and To be able to pull off water from the lower area of the water tank.

The discharge port 5 of the water tank 2 is connected to a supply line, via the use of a non-specifically illustrated pump liquid from the discharge port 5 can be promoted to a Einsürfelpbereiter and a water dispenser of the refrigerator and freezer.

On the same side wall of the water tank 2, a fixed water connection 6 is further provided at its upper edge, which communicates with the interior of the water tank 2 in the region of the lid. To the fixed water connection 6, a stationary water pipe can be connected, which is present in the building in which the refrigerator is placed. As a result, the water tank 2 is automatically filled by water is fed through the fixed water connection 6 in the water tank 2 via the stationary water pipe.

Furthermore, a short-circuit line 7 is provided between the fixed water connection 6 and the discharge connection 5, which connects the fixed water connection 6 to the discharge connection 5 outside the water tank 2.

As FIG. 1 shows three preferably electrically controllable valves in the terminals of the water tank or the short-circuit line between them are provided, wherein the valves can be preferably designed as magnetic switching or shut-off valves. A fixed water connection valve 8 is provided downstream of the branch of the short-circuit line 7 in the fixed water connection 6 in order to be able to shut off its connection to the water tank 2. A short-circuit line valve 9 is seated in the short-circuit line 7 in order to shut it off or to be able to unlock it. Finally, a discharge port valve 10 is located in the discharge port 5 upstream of the junction of the short-circuit line 7.

The three valves 8, 9 and 10 are controlled by a control device 11 which is connected to a switching device 12, by means of which a user or a fitter can switch the water supply between manual operation and automatic operation. The control device 11 controls in the previously described Way in response to the signal of the switching device 12, the valves 8, 9 and 10 respectively.

Furthermore, the control device 11 is connected to a level detection device 13, which has an upper level limiter 14 and a lower level limiter 15 on the water tank 2. When the water level in the water tank 2 reaches the upper level limiter 14, it gives a corresponding signal, while the lower level limiter 15 emits a signal when the water level in the water tank 2 drops below the lower level limiter 15. Depending on the signals of the two level limiters 14 and 15, the control device 11, the solenoid valves 8, 9 and 10 control in the manner described above, in particular to ensure an automatic water supply or to lock in manual operation, the water delivery falls below the lower level level.

As FIG. 1 shows, the bottom 16 of the water tank 1 to the side at which the fixed water connection 6 and the discharge port 10 are provided, sloping inclined. The discharge port 10 communicates with the deepest portion of the water tank 2.

In the FIG. 1 shown water supply device 1 can fulfill in particular the following functions: If automatic mode is selected with automatic water supply via the fixed water connection 6, can be determined by means of the level detection device 13, whether a filling of the water tank 2 is required. This is activated when the lower level limiter 15 is reached. This ensures that the system is not idle. It is filled by unlocking the fixed water connection valve 8 of the water tank until the upper level limiter 13 is reached.

It is understood that even in automatic mode there is the possibility to add 4 additives of all kinds via the manual filling opening. Furthermore, when using the fixed water connection 6 via the control device 11 and the solenoid valves, In particular, the short-circuit line valve 9, be achieved, that the liquid can be used without previous cooling in the water tank 2 directly for the liquid dispenser or the ice cube maker.

In manual operation, the water tank 2 can be optionally filled or removed in the installed state, i. be removed from the refrigerator and freezer to be filled. In both cases, the filling takes place via the filling opening 4. If the manual mode is selected, falls below the lower level limit 15, a signal that can be acoustically or visually output to indicate that must be refilled. Furthermore, the possibility of liquid extraction is stopped by blocking the discharge port valve 10.

In order to achieve a filtering of the water for the ice cube maker or the water dispenser, advantageously a water filter can be used in the inlet of the device, in particular the filling opening 4 and / or the fixed water connection 6. FIG. 1 shows water filters 16 and 17 both in the filling opening 4 and in the fixed water connection 6. It is understood that water filters are preferably removable to be cleaned or replaced.

Claims (11)

1. A water supply device for the water supply of an ice cube maker and/or a water dispenser of a refrigerator and/or freezer, comprising a water tank (2) which includes a filling hole (4) for manually filling the water tank (2) and an outlet connection (5) for connection of the water tank to a supply conduit of the ice cube maker and/or the water dispenser, characterized in that for connection of the water tank (2) to a stationary water conduit the water tank (2) includes a fixed water connection (6) formed separate from the filling hole (4), wherein the outlet connection (5) and the fixed water connection (6) include releasable connecting means, in order to be able to remove the water tank (2).
2. The water supply device according to the preceding claim, wherein between the fixed water connection (6) and the outlet connection (5) a by-pass conduit (7) is provided, through which the outlet connection (5) can be fed with water from the fixed water connection (6) by by-passing the water tank (2).
3. The water supply device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a switching device (12) is provided for switching between automatic operation with fixed water supply and manual operation with manual filling of the water tank (2).
4. The water supply device according to claim 2, wherein a by-pass conduit valve (9), preferably a solenoid valve, is provided for controlling the flow of water between the fixed water connection (6) and the outlet connection (5) by by-passing the water tank (2).
5. The water supply device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a fixed water connection valve (8) and/or an outlet connection valve (10), in particular a solenoid valve, is provided for controlling the flow of water into the water tank (2) and/or out of the water tank (2).
6. The water supply device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a filling level detection means (13) is provided for detecting the filling level of the water tank (2), which preferably includes an upper filling level switch (14) and a lower filling level switch (15).
7. The water supply device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a control means (11) is provided for actuating the fixed water connection valve (8), the outlet connection valve (10) and/or the by-pass conduit valve (9) in dependence on the filling level of the water tank (2) and/or in dependence on a switching signal indicating either automatic operation or manual operation.
8. The water supply device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fixed water connection (6) is connected with a first water tank portion, which is located above a second water tank portion with which the outlet connection (5) is connected, wherein preferably the fixed water connection (6) is connected with the water tank at an upper end portion thereof and/or the outlet connection (5) is connected with a bottom portion of the water tank (2).
9. The water supply device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the water tank (2) has a bottom (16) inclined towards one side and the outlet connection (5) is connected with a water tank portion above the deepest bottom portion.
10. The water supply device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a pump is provided for delivering the water from the outlet connection (5) of the water tank to the ice cube maker and/or the water dispenser.
11. A refrigerator and/or freezer with a water supply device (1) according to any of the preceding claims and with an ice cube maker and/or water dispenser connected therewith.

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