EP3123088A1 - Check valve assembly with improved safety for use in a water dispenser and refrigeration appliance having the same - Google Patents

Check valve assembly with improved safety for use in a water dispenser and refrigeration appliance having the same

Info

Publication number
EP3123088A1
EP3123088A1 EP14713478.7A EP14713478A EP3123088A1 EP 3123088 A1 EP3123088 A1 EP 3123088A1 EP 14713478 A EP14713478 A EP 14713478A EP 3123088 A1 EP3123088 A1 EP 3123088A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
valve assembly
check valve
shaft
opening
sealing element
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP14713478.7A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3123088B1 (en
Inventor
Serpil Kaymak
Hasan Yuksel
Hulusi Han Iyigun
Ibrahim Yilmaz Evren
Kubilay BORA
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Arcelik AS
Original Assignee
Arcelik AS
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 AS filed Critical Arcelik AS
Priority to PL14713478T priority Critical patent/PL3123088T3/en
Publication of EP3123088A1 publication Critical patent/EP3123088A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3123088B1 publication Critical patent/EP3123088B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

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
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D23/00—General constructional features
    • F25D23/12—Arrangements of compartments additional to cooling compartments; Combinations of refrigerators with other equipment, e.g. stove
    • F25D23/126—Water cooler
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D3/00—Apparatus or devices for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes
    • B67D3/0025—Apparatus or devices for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes provided with dispensing valves actuated by the receptacle to be filled
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D3/00—Apparatus or devices for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes
    • B67D3/04—Liquid-dispensing taps or cocks adapted to seal and open tapping holes of casks, e.g. for beer
    • B67D3/043—Liquid-dispensing taps or cocks adapted to seal and open tapping holes of casks, e.g. for beer with a closing element having a linear movement, in a direction perpendicular to the seat
    • 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
    • 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
    • F25D2331/00—Details or arrangements of other cooling or freezing apparatus not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • F25D2331/80—Type of cooled receptacles
    • F25D2331/806—Dispensers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a water dispenser of a refrigeration appliance, in particular a domestic refrigerator.
  • the present invention more particularly relates to a check valve assembly of a water dispenser.
  • domestic refrigerators have been endowed with various functionalities in order to improve their user convenience.
  • domestic refrigerators are commonly provided with a built-in water dispenser for supplying the user with cold drinking water.
  • Such water dispensers are usually built into a recess formed on a front side of the refrigerator door. Thereby, the user can take cold drinking water without opening the refrigerator door.
  • Such water dispensers have a refillable water tank which is detachably attachable on an inner side of the refrigerator door.
  • the water tank has a check valve assembly and a lever which operates the check valve assembly.
  • a discharge opening of the valve assembly and the lever are arranged into the recess which is exposed to a front side of the refrigerator door. The user can fill a cup with cold drinking water by simply activating the lever.
  • the user When the water is completely consumed, the user must replenish the water tank. To replenish the water tank, the user removes the water tank together with the valve assembly, refills the water tank with drinking water from a tap or the like, and subsequently mounts the water tank to its place on the inner side of the refrigerator door.
  • US 2011/0067433 A1 discloses a refrigerator having a water dispenser which is installed on its front door.
  • check valve assembly usually a gasket which is arranged on a movable shaft is biased via a coil spring to an intake opening so as to attain a leak-tight assembly.
  • the spring must have a sufficient stiffness.
  • the gasket becomes vulnerable to wear and dislocations.
  • the check valve assembly is subjected to excessive mechanical stress when the user demounts and remounts the water tank for replenishment or cleaning. Therefore, there is a risk that the movable components fall apart and the water leaks out into the refrigeration compartment and/or the kitchen.
  • An objective of the present invention is to provide a check valve assembly which overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art and which is easy to install and has an improved safety.
  • a leading end of the shaft has a first groove and a second groove which respectively support an elastic sealing element and a snap-ring element.
  • the sealing element leak-tightly closes the intake opening as the shaft is pushed rearward by a spring whereas the snap-ring element permanently abuts against the sealing element on a side which is immediately averted from the intake opening and blocks rearward movement of the shaft in a state where the sealing element firmly closes the inlet opening
  • the shaft is provided with a radially extending protrusion which separates the first groove and the second groove.
  • the protrusion restricts an axial movement of the sealing element and the snap-ring element. Thereby, the sealing element and the snap-ring element are securely retained at their respectively designated positions.
  • the snap-ring element has a sufficiently large size so as to abut against a whole rear surface of the sealing element. Thereby, in a fully retracted state of the shaft, the sealing element is securely pressed against the entire inlet opening and a sealing performance increases.
  • a safety and a sealing performance of the check valve assembly have been improved. Any excessive forces generated during a removal of the water dispenser are counteracted in series by the sealing element and the snap-ring element.
  • the snap-ring element prevents the movable parts of the check valve assembly, in particular the shaft and the sealing element from dislodging out of a valve body.
  • the snap-ring element also prevents the sealing element from retreating as the latter is firmly pressed by the action of the spring onto the inlet opening. Thereby a sealing performance has been increased.
  • the component parts of the check-vale assembly of the present invention can be easily disassembled and reassembled for cleaning even by a user with ordinary skill.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic perspective front view of a refrigeration appliance door having a water dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 2 is a schematic perspective rear view of the door shown in Fig. 1;
  • Figure 3 is a schematic enlarged perspective view of the water dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 4 is a schematic enlarged side view of a check valve assembly of the water dispenser shown in Fig. 3;
  • Figure 5 is a schematic exploded view of the check valve assembly of the water dispenser shown in Fig. 4;
  • Figure 6 is a schematic cross sectional view of the check valve assembly shown in Fig. 4, taken along the line A-A;
  • Figure 7 is a schematic front view of the refrigeration appliance door having the water dispenser shown in Fig. 1;
  • Figure 8 is a schematic cross sectional view of the refrigeration appliance door having the water dispenser shown in Fig. 7, taken along the line B-B;
  • Figure 9 is a schematic enlarged view of the detail C shown in Fig. 8.
  • the check valve assembly (1) is suitable for use in a water dispenser (2) (Fig. 3).
  • the water dispenser (2) comprises a water tank (23) which includes an outlet (22); a mounting portion (27) for detachably mounting it to an inner side of a door (28) of a refrigeration appliance (not shown), a lid (29) for accessing an interior thereof.
  • the water dispenser (2) also comprises a check valve assembly (1).
  • the check valve assembly (1) is detachably engaged with the outlet (22) (Figs. 3, and 7 to 9).
  • the check valve assembly (1) comprises a body (3) which has a first opening (4), a second opening (5), and a passage (6) which is formed between the first opening (4) and the second opening (5), a shaft (7) which is loaded by a spring (8) and inserted through the second opening (5) into the passage (6) until a leading end (9) of the shaft (7) projects out of the first opening (4) and the spring (8) is compressed between a first seat (10) on the body (3) and a second seat (11) on the shaft (7) (Figs. 4 to 6).
  • the check valve assembly (1) of the present invention comprises an elastic first sealing element (12) which is detachably engaged with a first groove (13) which is circumferentially formed on a periphery of the leading end (9) of the shaft (7).
  • the first sealing element (12) leak-tightly closes the first opening (4) as the shaft (7) is pushed rearward by the spring (8).
  • the check valve assembly (1) of the present invention further comprises a snap-ring element (14) which is detachably engaged with a second groove (15) which is circumferentially formed on a periphery of the leading end (9) of the shaft (7).
  • the second groove (15) is closer to a tip of the leading end (9) than the first groove (13).
  • the snap-ring element (14) is arranged to permanently abut against the first sealing element (12) on a side which is immediately averted from the first opening (4).
  • the snap-ring element (14) blocks rearward movement of the shaft (7) in a state where the first sealing element (12) firmly closes the first opening (4) (Figs. 4 to 6).
  • first groove (13) and the second groove (15) are separated by a radially extending protrusion (16) which restricts an axial movement of the first sealing element (12) and the snap-ring element (14) (Figs. 5 and 6). Thereby, a relative movement of the first sealing element (12) and the snap-ring element (14) is prevented and a stable arrangement is attained.
  • the first sealing element (12) is an O-ring.
  • the snap-ring element (14) has an outer radius which is equal to or larger than the outer diameter of the O-ring (Figs. 5 and 6). Thereby, the snap-ring element (14) effectively abuts against an entire rear surface of the first sealing element (12) and a sealing performance of the first sealing element (12) increases.
  • first groove (13) and the second groove (15) both have a rectangular-shaped second cross section (Figs. 5 and 6).
  • the shaft (7) has a channel (17) which fluidly inter-connects the first opening (4) with the second opening (5) (Figs. 5 and 6).
  • the first opening (4) When the first opening (4) is in an open state the cold drinking water is conveyed under the action of gravity via the channel (17) through the second opening (5) to an outside.
  • the shaft (7) has a first abutment (18) which cooperates with a second abutment (19) of the main body (3) so as to restrict an axial forward movement of the shaft (7) into the passage (6) (Figs. 5 and 6).
  • a restoring force of the spring (8) has been limited to a predetermined value and the first sealing element (12) is protected from excessive mechanical stress as the shaft (7) is pushed rearward to its rest position.
  • the main body (3) has an inner threaded portion (20) which is formed around the first opening (4).
  • the inner threaded portion (20) is screwable onto a corresponding outer threaded portion (21) which is formed around an outlet (22) of the water tank (23) of the water dispenser (2) (Figs. 6 and 8 to 9).
  • the check valve assembly (1) comprises a second sealing element (24) which is arranged to seal an interface between the inner threaded portion (20) and the outer threaded portion (21) (Figs. 5 and 6).
  • the spring (8) is a coil compression spring (8) which is sleeved onto the shaft (7) and abutted against the second seat (11).
  • the second seat (11) is radially formed around the shaft (7) (Figs. 5 and 6).
  • the check valve assembly (1) comprises an annular guide element (25) which is releasably and leak-tightly fitted into said passage (6).
  • the shaft (7) is inserted into the annular guide element (25).
  • the check valve assembly (1) comprises a third sealing element (26) which is arranged to leak-tightly seal an interface between the annular guide element (25) and the main body (3) (Figs. 5 and 6).
  • the third sealing element (26) is arranged in a third groove formed on the annular guide element (25).
  • the present invention also provides a refrigeration appliance (not shown).
  • the refrigeration appliance comprises a refrigeration compartment, a door (28) for opening/closing the refrigeration compartment, a water dispenser (2) and a lever (31) configured to push the shaft (7) of the check valve assembly (1) forward so as to dispense cold drinking water.
  • the water dispenser (2) is detachably mounted to an inner side of the door (28).
  • the second opening (5) of the check valve assembly (1) is arranged to open into a recess (30) formed on the front side of the door (28) (Figs. 1 to 9).
  • the refrigeration appliance is provided as a domestic refrigerator (not shown).

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Check Valves (AREA)
  • Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a check valve assembly (1) for use in a water dispenser (2) of the refrigeration appliances, in particular a domestic refrigerators. In the check valve assembly (1) of the present invention, a leading end (9) of a shaft (7) has a first groove (13) and a second groove (15) which respectively support an elastic first sealing element (12) and a snap-ring element (14).

Description

    CHECK VALVE ASSEMBLY WITH IMPROVED SAFETY FOR USE IN A WATER DISPENSER AND REFRIGERATION APPLIANCE HAVING THE SAME
  • The present invention relates to a water dispenser of a refrigeration appliance, in particular a domestic refrigerator. The present invention more particularly relates to a check valve assembly of a water dispenser.
  • Domestic refrigerators have been endowed with various functionalities in order to improve their user convenience. For example, domestic refrigerators are commonly provided with a built-in water dispenser for supplying the user with cold drinking water. Such water dispensers are usually built into a recess formed on a front side of the refrigerator door. Thereby, the user can take cold drinking water without opening the refrigerator door. Such water dispensers have a refillable water tank which is detachably attachable on an inner side of the refrigerator door. The water tank has a check valve assembly and a lever which operates the check valve assembly. A discharge opening of the valve assembly and the lever are arranged into the recess which is exposed to a front side of the refrigerator door. The user can fill a cup with cold drinking water by simply activating the lever. When the water is completely consumed, the user must replenish the water tank. To replenish the water tank, the user removes the water tank together with the valve assembly, refills the water tank with drinking water from a tap or the like, and subsequently mounts the water tank to its place on the inner side of the refrigerator door.
  • US 2011/0067433 A1 discloses a refrigerator having a water dispenser which is installed on its front door.
  • A frequently encountered problem with the water dispensers is that they start leaking. However, it is an important requirement that a water dispenser is absolutely leak-tight. In general, a leakage may cause damages to the user’s articles. In the above-mentioned check valve assembly usually a gasket which is arranged on a movable shaft is biased via a coil spring to an intake opening so as to attain a leak-tight assembly. To secure the leak-tightness of the assembly, the spring must have a sufficient stiffness. However under excessive load, the gasket becomes vulnerable to wear and dislocations. In particular, the check valve assembly is subjected to excessive mechanical stress when the user demounts and remounts the water tank for replenishment or cleaning. Therefore, there is a risk that the movable components fall apart and the water leaks out into the refrigeration compartment and/or the kitchen.
  • An objective of the present invention is to provide a check valve assembly which overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art and which is easy to install and has an improved safety.
  • This objective have been achieved by the check valve assembly as defined in claim 1, the water dispenser as defined in claim 12, and the refrigeration appliance as defined in claim 13. Further achievements have been attained by the subject-matters respectively defined in the dependent claims.
  • In the check valve assembly of the present invention, a leading end of the shaft has a first groove and a second groove which respectively support an elastic sealing element and a snap-ring element. The sealing element leak-tightly closes the intake opening as the shaft is pushed rearward by a spring whereas the snap-ring element permanently abuts against the sealing element on a side which is immediately averted from the intake opening and blocks rearward movement of the shaft in a state where the sealing element firmly closes the inlet opening
  • In an embodiment, the shaft is provided with a radially extending protrusion which separates the first groove and the second groove. The protrusion restricts an axial movement of the sealing element and the snap-ring element. Thereby, the sealing element and the snap-ring element are securely retained at their respectively designated positions.
  • In another embodiment, the snap-ring element has a sufficiently large size so as to abut against a whole rear surface of the sealing element. Thereby, in a fully retracted state of the shaft, the sealing element is securely pressed against the entire inlet opening and a sealing performance increases.
  • By the present invention, a safety and a sealing performance of the check valve assembly have been improved. Any excessive forces generated during a removal of the water dispenser are counteracted in series by the sealing element and the snap-ring element. The snap-ring element prevents the movable parts of the check valve assembly, in particular the shaft and the sealing element from dislodging out of a valve body. Thus, a user can safely remove the water tank for cleaning or replenishment. Thereby a safety of the check valve assembly has been increased. The snap-ring element also prevents the sealing element from retreating as the latter is firmly pressed by the action of the spring onto the inlet opening. Thereby a sealing performance has been increased. The component parts of the check-vale assembly of the present invention can be easily disassembled and reassembled for cleaning even by a user with ordinary skill.
  • Additional advantages of the check valve assembly of the present invention and the water dispenser of the present invention will become apparent with the detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
  • Figure 1 is a schematic perspective front view of a refrigeration appliance door having a water dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention;
  • Figure 2 is a schematic perspective rear view of the door shown in Fig. 1;
  • Figure 3 is a schematic enlarged perspective view of the water dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention;
  • Figure 4 is a schematic enlarged side view of a check valve assembly of the water dispenser shown in Fig. 3;
  • Figure 5 is a schematic exploded view of the check valve assembly of the water dispenser shown in Fig. 4;
  • Figure 6 is a schematic cross sectional view of the check valve assembly shown in Fig. 4, taken along the line A-A;
  • Figure 7 is a schematic front view of the refrigeration appliance door having the water dispenser shown in Fig. 1;
  • Figure 8 is a schematic cross sectional view of the refrigeration appliance door having the water dispenser shown in Fig. 7, taken along the line B-B;
  • Figure 9 is a schematic enlarged view of the detail C shown in Fig. 8.
  • The reference signs appearing on the drawings relate to the following technical features.
    1. Check valve assembly
    2. Water dispenser
    3. Body
    4. First opening
    5. Second opening
    6. Passage
    7. Shaft
    8. Spring
    9. Leading end
    10. First seat
    11. Second seat
    12. First sealing element
    13. First groove
    14. Snap-ring element
    15. Second groove
    16. Protrusion
    17. Channel
    18. First abutment
    19. Second abutment
    20. Inner threaded portion
    21. Outer threaded portion
    22. Outlet
    23. Water tank
    24. Second sealing element
    25. Guide element
    26. Third sealing element
    27. Mounting portion
    28. Door
    29. Lid
    30. Recess
    31. Lever
  • The check valve assembly (1) is suitable for use in a water dispenser (2) (Fig. 3).
  • The water dispenser (2) comprises a water tank (23) which includes an outlet (22); a mounting portion (27) for detachably mounting it to an inner side of a door (28) of a refrigeration appliance (not shown), a lid (29) for accessing an interior thereof. The water dispenser (2) also comprises a check valve assembly (1). The check valve assembly (1) is detachably engaged with the outlet (22) (Figs. 3, and 7 to 9).
  • The check valve assembly (1) comprises a body (3) which has a first opening (4), a second opening (5), and a passage (6) which is formed between the first opening (4) and the second opening (5), a shaft (7) which is loaded by a spring (8) and inserted through the second opening (5) into the passage (6) until a leading end (9) of the shaft (7) projects out of the first opening (4) and the spring (8) is compressed between a first seat (10) on the body (3) and a second seat (11) on the shaft (7) (Figs. 4 to 6).
  • The check valve assembly (1) of the present invention comprises an elastic first sealing element (12) which is detachably engaged with a first groove (13) which is circumferentially formed on a periphery of the leading end (9) of the shaft (7). The first sealing element (12) leak-tightly closes the first opening (4) as the shaft (7) is pushed rearward by the spring (8). The check valve assembly (1) of the present invention further comprises a snap-ring element (14) which is detachably engaged with a second groove (15) which is circumferentially formed on a periphery of the leading end (9) of the shaft (7). The second groove (15) is closer to a tip of the leading end (9) than the first groove (13). The snap-ring element (14) is arranged to permanently abut against the first sealing element (12) on a side which is immediately averted from the first opening (4). The snap-ring element (14) blocks rearward movement of the shaft (7) in a state where the first sealing element (12) firmly closes the first opening (4) (Figs. 4 to 6).
  • In an embodiment, the first groove (13) and the second groove (15) are separated by a radially extending protrusion (16) which restricts an axial movement of the first sealing element (12) and the snap-ring element (14) (Figs. 5 and 6). Thereby, a relative movement of the first sealing element (12) and the snap-ring element (14) is prevented and a stable arrangement is attained.
  • In another embodiment, the first sealing element (12) is an O-ring. In this embodiment, the snap-ring element (14) has an outer radius which is equal to or larger than the outer diameter of the O-ring (Figs. 5 and 6). Thereby, the snap-ring element (14) effectively abuts against an entire rear surface of the first sealing element (12) and a sealing performance of the first sealing element (12) increases.
  • In another embodiment, the first groove (13) and the second groove (15) both have a rectangular-shaped second cross section (Figs. 5 and 6).
  • In another embodiment, the shaft (7) has a channel (17) which fluidly inter-connects the first opening (4) with the second opening (5) (Figs. 5 and 6). When the first opening (4) is in an open state the cold drinking water is conveyed under the action of gravity via the channel (17) through the second opening (5) to an outside.
  • In another embodiment, the shaft (7) has a first abutment (18) which cooperates with a second abutment (19) of the main body (3) so as to restrict an axial forward movement of the shaft (7) into the passage (6) (Figs. 5 and 6). Thereby, a restoring force of the spring (8) has been limited to a predetermined value and the first sealing element (12) is protected from excessive mechanical stress as the shaft (7) is pushed rearward to its rest position.
  • In another embodiment, the main body (3) has an inner threaded portion (20) which is formed around the first opening (4). In this embodiment, the inner threaded portion (20) is screwable onto a corresponding outer threaded portion (21) which is formed around an outlet (22) of the water tank (23) of the water dispenser (2) (Figs. 6 and 8 to 9).
  • In another embodiment, the check valve assembly (1) comprises a second sealing element (24) which is arranged to seal an interface between the inner threaded portion (20) and the outer threaded portion (21) (Figs. 5 and 6).
  • In another embodiment, the spring (8) is a coil compression spring (8) which is sleeved onto the shaft (7) and abutted against the second seat (11). In this embodiment, the second seat (11) is radially formed around the shaft (7) (Figs. 5 and 6).
  • In another embodiment, the check valve assembly (1) comprises an annular guide element (25) which is releasably and leak-tightly fitted into said passage (6). In this embodiment, the shaft (7) is inserted into the annular guide element (25).
  • In another embodiment, the check valve assembly (1) comprises a third sealing element (26) which is arranged to leak-tightly seal an interface between the annular guide element (25) and the main body (3) (Figs. 5 and 6). In this embodiment, the third sealing element (26) is arranged in a third groove formed on the annular guide element (25).
  • The present invention also provides a refrigeration appliance (not shown). The refrigeration appliance comprises a refrigeration compartment, a door (28) for opening/closing the refrigeration compartment, a water dispenser (2) and a lever (31) configured to push the shaft (7) of the check valve assembly (1) forward so as to dispense cold drinking water. The water dispenser (2) is detachably mounted to an inner side of the door (28). The second opening (5) of the check valve assembly (1) is arranged to open into a recess (30) formed on the front side of the door (28) (Figs. 1 to 9).
  • In another embodiment, the refrigeration appliance is provided as a domestic refrigerator (not shown).
  • By the present invention, a safety and sealing performance of the check valve assembly (1) have been improved. Thus, a user can safely remove the water tank (23) for cleaning or replenishment.

Claims (13)

  1. A check valve assembly (1) for use in a water dispenser (2), comprising a body (3) which has a first opening (4), a second opening (5), and a passage (6) which is formed between the first opening (4) and the second opening (5) and a shaft (7) which is loaded by a spring (8) and inserted through the second opening (5) into the passage (6) until a leading end (9) of the shaft (7) projects out of the first opening (4) and the spring (8) is compressed between a first seat (10) on the body (3) and a second seat (11) on the shaft (7), characterized in that
    - an elastic first sealing element (12) which is detachably engaged with a first groove (13) which is circumferentially formed on a periphery of the leading end (9) of the shaft (7), wherein the first sealing element (12) leak-tightly closes the first opening (4) as the shaft (7) is pushed rearward by the spring (8) and
    - a snap-ring element (14) which is detachably engaged with a second groove (15) which is circumferentially formed on a periphery of the leading end (9) of the shaft (7),
    wherein the second groove (15) is closer to a tip of the leading end (9) than the first groove (13), and wherein the snap-ring element (14) abuts against the first sealing element (12) on a side which is immediately averted from the first opening (4) and blocks rearward movement of the shaft (7) in a state where the first sealing element (12) firmly closes the first opening (4).
  2. The check valve assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first groove (13) and the second groove (15) are separated by a radially extending protrusion (16) which restricts an axial movement of the first sealing element (12) and the snap-ring element (14).
  3. The check valve assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first sealing element (12) is an O-ring and the snap-ring element (14) has an outer radius which is equal to or larger than the outer diameter of the O-ring.
  4. The check valve assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first groove (13) and the second groove (15) both have a rectangular-shaped second cross section.
  5. The check valve assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the shaft (7) has a channel (17) which fluidly inter-connects the first opening (4) with the second opening (5).
  6. The check valve assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the shaft (7) has a first abutment (18) which cooperates with a second abutment (19) of the main body (3) so as to restrict an axial forward movement of the shaft (7) into the passage (6).
  7. The check valve assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 characterized in that the main body (3) has an inner threaded portion (20) which is formed around the first opening (4), wherein the inner threaded portion (20) is screwable onto a corresponding outer threaded portion (21) which is formed around an outlet (22) of a water tank (23) of the water dispenser (2).
  8. The check valve assembly (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that a second sealing element (24) arranged to seal an interface between the inner threaded portion (20) and the outer threaded portion (21).
  9. The check valve assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the spring (8) is a coil compression spring (8) which is sleeved onto the shaft (7) and abutted against the second seat (11), wherein the second seat (11) is radially formed around the shaft (7).
  10. The check valve assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that an annular guide element (25) which is releasably and leak-tightly fitted into said passage (6), wherein the shaft (7) is inserted into the annular guide element (25).
  11. The check valve assembly (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that a third sealing element (26) which is arranged to leak-tightly seal an interface between the annular guide element (25) and the main body (3).
  12. A water dispenser (2) comprising a water tank (23) which includes an outlet (22), a mounting portion (27) for detachably mounting it to an inner side of a door (28) of a refrigeration appliance and a lid (29) for accessing an interior thereof, characterized in that a check valve assembly (1) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the check valve assembly (1) is detachably engaged with the outlet (22).
  13. A refrigeration appliance, in particular a domestic refrigerator, comprising
    - a refrigeration compartment,
    - a door (28) for opening/closing the refrigeration compartment,
    - a water dispenser (2) as defined in claim 12, wherein the water dispenser (2) is detachably mounted to an inner side of the door (28), wherein the second opening (5) of the check valve assembly (1) is arranged to open into a recess (30) formed on the front side of the door (28) and
    - a lever (31) configured to push the shaft (7) forward so as to dispense water.
EP14713478.7A 2014-03-28 2014-03-28 Check valve assembly with improved safety for use in a water dispenser and refrigeration appliance having the same Active EP3123088B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL14713478T PL3123088T3 (en) 2014-03-28 2014-03-28 Check valve assembly with improved safety for use in a water dispenser and refrigeration appliance having the same

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2014/056332 WO2015144244A1 (en) 2014-03-28 2014-03-28 Check valve assembly with improved safety for use in a water dispenser and refrigeration appliance having the same

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3123088A1 true EP3123088A1 (en) 2017-02-01
EP3123088B1 EP3123088B1 (en) 2019-11-06

Family

ID=50390104

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP14713478.7A Active EP3123088B1 (en) 2014-03-28 2014-03-28 Check valve assembly with improved safety for use in a water dispenser and refrigeration appliance having the same

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3123088B1 (en)
PL (1) PL3123088T3 (en)
TR (1) TR201503610A2 (en)
WO (1) WO2015144244A1 (en)

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN105371576B (en) * 2015-12-01 2018-02-02 青岛海尔股份有限公司 Door of refrigerator body component and there is its refrigerator
WO2017186296A1 (en) 2016-04-28 2017-11-02 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi Check-valve assembly for use in a water dispenser
CN106595202A (en) * 2016-12-14 2017-04-26 青岛海尔股份有限公司 Refrigerator door body and refrigerator with same
WO2018162027A1 (en) 2017-03-06 2018-09-13 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi Improved valve assembly for use in a water dispenser of a refrigerator
WO2018202292A1 (en) * 2017-05-03 2018-11-08 Arcelik Anonim Sirketi Water dispensing unit for refrigerator having a self-locking nozzle valve
CN108713976A (en) * 2018-08-14 2018-10-30 泰州乐金电子冷机有限公司 Refrigerator water spout
KR102463874B1 (en) * 2021-01-06 2022-11-04 엘지전자 주식회사 Refrigerator

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2590177A (en) * 1949-12-06 1952-03-25 Monitor Process Corp Glass controlled dispensing valve
US3239192A (en) * 1963-02-18 1966-03-08 Daytree Mfg Company Livestock oiler valve and method of installing same
US3640304A (en) * 1970-05-01 1972-02-08 Marvin L Fox Insertable valve assembly
US5405058A (en) * 1994-02-01 1995-04-11 Kalis; Russell A. Device for dispensing liquids
US6824385B1 (en) * 2003-05-05 2004-11-30 Dentech Corporation Dental syringe apparatus and method
US20090126394A1 (en) * 2007-11-21 2009-05-21 Torben Krog Portable cooler
KR20110032167A (en) 2009-09-22 2011-03-30 삼성전자주식회사 Dispenser water tank and refrigerator including the same
KR20120072763A (en) * 2010-12-24 2012-07-04 주식회사 대우일렉트로닉스 Valve device of water dispenser for refrigerator
CN102374715B (en) * 2011-09-23 2017-02-08 海尔集团公司 Ice machine water filling system and refrigerator with same
EP2641865A3 (en) * 2012-03-19 2013-11-20 Indesit Company S.p.A. Beverage dispensing valve, in particular for a household refrigeration appliance

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
PL3123088T3 (en) 2020-06-01
WO2015144244A1 (en) 2015-10-01
TR201503610A2 (en) 2016-10-21
EP3123088B1 (en) 2019-11-06

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