EP3593069B1

EP3593069B1 - Refrigerator with a water tank

Info

Publication number: EP3593069B1
Application number: EP17713165.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ezgi KUTLU; Ahmet Ferit Cosan; Umutcan Salih ERYILMAZ; Onur Akboru; Emrah TUNCER
Original assignee: Arcelik AS
Current assignee: Arcelik AS
Priority date: 2017-03-06
Filing date: 2017-03-06
Publication date: 2021-05-05
Anticipated expiration: 2037-03-06
Also published as: TR201801348A2; WO2018162022A1; PL3593069T3; EP3593069A1

Description

The present invention relates to a refrigerator, in particular to a refrigerator which has a water tank for replenishing the water dispenser and/or the ice maker thereof.
Refrigerators having water dispensers and/or ice makers are commonly known in the art.
Such a refrigerator generally comprises: a water tank which stores water for replenishing the water dispenser and/or the ice maker; and a pump on the downstream side of the water tank which draws the water out of the outlet of the water tank and feeds it into the water dispenser and/or the ice maker.
American Patent Document US2006226170 A1 discloses a method and apparatus for delivering bottled water to an automatic ice maker and water chiller.
Japanese Patent Document JP2006145193 A discloses a water supply tank to provide water to an ice making unit wherein the water supply tank is provided with a water supply pump which is prevented from driving when the water level is lower than a predetermined value.
American Patent Document US6109055 A discloses a down-flow type ice making machine having a pump and a level sensor.
US 4,909,039 discloses a refrigerator which comprises a water tank.
A problem with the prior art refrigerator is that the pump can be easily damaged when it is operated as the water tank is empty. In such instances, the life time of the pump is shortened, and thus the refrigerator will soon require maintenance which in turn incurs additional costs.
An objective of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator which solves the aforementioned problems of the prior art in a cost-effective way and which has an improved operability and usability.
This objective has been achieved by the refrigerator as defined in claim 1. Further achievements have been attained by the subject-matters respectively defined in the dependent claims.
The refrigerator of the present invention comprises a detection unit which is adapted to detect, prior to the initial operation of the said pump, the water level inside the water tank, and to output a detection signal to the control unit, wherein the control unit is adapted to control the initial operation of the said pump based on the detection signal.
A major advantageous effect of the present invention is that the said pump on the downstream side of the water tank can be protected against damages by virtue of the detection unit, for instance, when the water tank is empty. Thereby, the life time of the said pump can be prolonged, and the maintenance costs can be saved. Another major advantageous effect of the present invention is that the user is relieved from checking the water level inside the water tank by virtue of the detection unit. Thereby, the operability and the usability of the refrigerator have been improved. Thereby, the user satisfaction can also be increased.
Additional features and additional advantageous effects of the refrigerator of the present invention and the water tank of the present invention will become more apparent with the detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 - is a schematic sectional view of the water tank of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, taken along the line A-A in Fig. 2;
Figure 2 - is a schematic top view of the water tank of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3 - is a schematic cutaway view of the water tank of Fig. 2;
Figure 4 - is another schematic cutaway view of the water tank of Fig. 2;
Figure 5 - is a schematic cutaway view showing the relative positions of the water tank and the magnetic sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 6 - is a schematic cutaway view showing the relative positions of the water tank and the magnetic sensor according to another embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 7 - is a schematic perspective view of the magnetic float of the detection unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 8 - is a schematic perspective view of the magnetic sensor of the detection unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The reference signs appearing on the drawings relate to the following technical features.

1. Water tank
2. Outlet
3. Detection unit
4. Magnetic float
5. Magnetic sensor
6. Channel
7. Fluid passage
8. Rear channel section
9. Front channel section
10. Stopper
11. Drawer
12. Cover
13. Aperture
14. Lid
15. Hose
16. Filter

The refrigerator comprises: a water tank (1) (Fig. 1) for storing the water; a pump for drawing the water from the water tank (1), wherein the water tank (1) comprises an outlet (2) which is connectable to the said pump; a water dispenser and/or an ice maker each connectable to the water tank (1) via the said pump; a user-interface; and a control unit.
The refrigerator of the present invention further comprises a detection unit (3) (Fig. 1) which is adapted to detect, prior to the initial operation of the said pump, the water level inside the water tank (1), and to output a detection signal to the control unit, wherein the control unit is further adapted to control the initial operation of the said pump based on the detection signal.
According to the present invention, the water tank (1) is detachably attachable into the refrigerator. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the water tank (1) can be entirely detached for cleaning. Thereby, the hygiene conditions inside the refrigerator can be properly maintained.
In other alternative embodiments, the control unit is further adapted to determine the water level inside the water tank (1) based on the detection signal and/or to determine the time elapsed from the last drawing of the water out of the water tank (1) so as to assess the quality of the water therein and/or to determine whether the water tank (1) is attached or not by means of the detection unit (3) or another presence/absence sensor, to cause the user-interface to output information to the user which indicates one or more of the determination results and to control operation of the said pump in accordance with the determination results. These embodiments are particularly advantageous as the user is informed on the water level inside the tank (1), on the quality of the water inside the tank (1) in terms of the number of days the water stayed, and on the absence of the water tank (1). Thereby, the user can be prompted to refill the water tank (1) with fresh water and remount into the refrigerator. Thereby, the operability and usability of the refrigerator has been further improved.
In other alternative embodiments, the control unit is further adapted to inhibit operation of the said pump if it is determined that the water tank (1) is empty and/or the control unit is further adapted to inhibit operation of the said pump if it is determined that the the time elapsed from the last drawing of the water out of the water tank (1) is longer than a predetermined time and/or the control unit is further adapted to inhibit operation of the said pump if it is determined that the water tank (1) is not attached. These embodiments are particularly advantageous as the said pump can be protected from receiving damages when the water tank (1) is empty or absent. These embodiments are also particularly advantageous as the user can be prevented from consuming water that is not fresh and/or ice that is not fresh.
In another embodiment, the control unit is further adapted to determine whether the water level inside the water tank (1) is less than a predetermined level based on the detection signal, and if so, to cause the user-interface to output information to the user which indicates that the water level inside the water tank (1) is just sufficient for a single further operation of the said pump for a predetermined duration, and to allow the user to activate the said pump only once for the predetermined duration, and thereafter to inhibit operation of the said pump unless the water tank (1) is suffiently refilled. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the user can be informed timely before the water tank (1) is entirely emptied. Thereby, the user satisfaction can be further increased.
In other alternative embodiments, the user interface is implemented through a display with input means disposed on the refrigerator for actuating the pump, the water dispenser and/or the ice maker and/or through a wireless device such as a mobile phone, a tablet pc or the like which can communicate with the refrigerator. These embodiments are particularly advantageous as the operability and the usability of the refrigerator has been further improved.
According to the present invention, the detection unit (3) comprises: a magnetic float (4) which is set in fluid communication with the water tank (1); and one or more magnetic sensors (5) which are arranged at respectively different levels so as to detect the magnetic float (4) (Fig. 1). Herein the magnetic float (4) is a floating member which includes a magnetic substance. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the magnetic float (4) is reliable, cost-effective and easy to assemble.
In other alternative embodiments, each magnetic sensor (5) comprises one or more reed switches or one or more Hall Effect sensors. These embodiments are particularly advantageous as the magnetic sensors (5) can reliably detect the magnetic float (4) at the corresponding levels.
According to the present invention, the refrigerator further comprises: a channel (6) for movably accommodating the magnetic float (4) such that it can freely move up and down (Fig. 1). In this embodiment, the water tank (1) comprises a fluid passage (7) which opens into the channel (6). This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the magnetic float (4) can be smoothly guided within the channel (6).
According to the present invention, the channel (6) is formed into the water tank (1), wherein the channel (6) is formed into the rear of the water tank (1). This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the magnetic float (4) does not take too much space inside the water tank (1), and thus the capacity of the water tank (1) can be increased.
According to the present invention, the channel (6) comprises: a rear channel section (8) and a front channel section (9) which are separated by the fluid passage (7) and together enclose the channel (6). In this embodiment, the channel (6) is disposed into the rear of the water tank (1) and further comprises a stopper (10) for restricting the upwards movement of the magnetic float (4). This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the magnetic float (4) can be prevented from dislodging by virtue of the channel (6) and the stopper (10).
According to the present invention, the refrigerator further comprises a recess for detachably accommodating the water tank (1). In this embodiment, the magetic sensors (5) are fixed within the said recess in close proximity to the magnetic float (4). In addition, the water tank (1) is void of the magnetic sensors (5) and any electrical connections thereto. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the magnetic sensors (5) and the electrical connections thereto can be protected from corrosion and short circuit when refilling the water tank (1). Thereby, the safety of the user can be further increased. This embodiment is also particularly advantageous as water tank (1) can easily detached from the said recess for cleaning or refilling.
In other alternative embodiments, the recess is formed into the body of the refrigerator or into the fresh food compartment or into the inner side of the fresh food door or into the outer side of the fresh food door.
According to the present invention, the water tank (1) further comprises: a drawer (11) for storing the water; a cover (12) for opening/closing the drawer (11); and an aperture (13) for refilling the drawer (11) (Fig. 1). This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the user can easily clean the interior of the drawer (11) after removing the the cover (12). This embodiment is also particularly advantageous as the user can easily refill the drawer (11) through the aperture (13).
In another embodiment, the water tank (1) further comprises: a lid (14) for manually opening/closing the aperture (13). In this embodiment, the aperture (13) is formed into the cover (12) (Fig. 1). In a version of this embodiment the lid (14) has a locking means. This embodiment is also particularly advantageous as the aperture (12) is easily accessible.
In another embodiment, the outlet (2) of the water tank (1) is formed into the cover (12) (Fig.2). In a version of this embodiment, the outlet (2) is located at the rear of the cover (12). This embodiment is also particularly advantageous as the user is prevented from using the water tank (1) without closing it.
In another embodiment, the refrigerator further comprises: a hose (15) which is disposed into the water tank (1) (Fig.3). In this embodiment, the downstream end of the hose (15) is connected to the outlet (2) and at its upstream end is submerged into the water tank (1). This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the water can be effectively drawn out of the water tank (1).
In another embodiment, the refrigerator further comprises: a filter (16) which is submerged into the water tank (1) and connected to the upstream end of the hose (15) (Fig.3). This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the impurities and the solid particles can be removed from the water.
In other alternative embodiments, the outlet of the said pump is connected to the water dispenser and/or to the ice maker through one or more rigid and/or flexible conduits.
In other alternative embodiments, at least one magnetic sensor (5) is arranged close to the bottom of the water tank (1) and/or at least one magnetic sensor (5) is arranged close to the top of the water tank (1) (Fig. 5 and Fig. 6). This embodiment is particularly advantageous as the fill level of the water tank (1) can be easily detected.
A major advantageous effect of the present invention is that the said pump on the downstream side of the water tank (1) can be protected against damages by virtue of the detection unit (3), for instance, when the water tank (1) is empty. Thereby, the life time of the said pump can be prolonged, and the maintenance costs can be saved. Another major advantageous effect of the present invention is that the user is relieved from checking the water level inside the water tank (1) by virtue of the detection unit (3). Thereby, the operability and the usability of the refrigerator have been improved. Thereby, the user satisfaction can also be increased. Other advantageous effects of the present invention can be taken from the above-described embodiments.

Claims

A refrigerator comprising: a water tank (1) for storing the water; a pump for drawing the water from the water tank (1), wherein the water tank (1) comprises an outlet (2) which is connectable to the said pump; a water dispenser and/or an ice maker each connectable to the water tank (1) via the said pump; a user-interface; a control unit, a detection unit (3) which is adapted to detect, prior to the initial operation of the said pump, the water level inside the water tank (1), and to output a detection signal to the control unit, wherein the control unit is further adapted to control the initial operation of the said pump based on the detection signal, wherein
the detection unit (3) comprises a magnetic float (4) which is set in fluid communication with the water tank (1); and one or more magnetic sensors (5) which are arranged at respectively different levels so as to detect the magnetic float (4),

characterized in that the water tank (1) further comprises a drawer (11) for storing the water, a cover (12) for opening/closing the drawer and an aperture (13) for refilling the drawer (11), wherein a channel (6) is formed into the water tank (1) for movably accommodating the magnetic float (4) such that it can freely move up and down therein, wherein the water tank (1) comprises a fluid passage (7) which opens into the channel (6) wherein the channel (6) comprises a rear channel section (8) and a front channel section (9) which are separated by the fluid passage (7) and together enclose the channel (6), wherein the channel (6) is disposed into the rear of the water tank (1); wherein the channel (6) further comprises a stopper (10) for restricting the upwards movement of the magnetic float (4), wherein the refrigerator further comprises

a recess for detachably accommodating the water tank (1), wherein the magnetic sensors (5) are fixed within the recess in close proximity to the magnetic float (4), and wherein the water tank (1) is void of the magnetic sensors (5) and any electrical connections thereto.
The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that the water tank (1) is fixed or detachably attachable; and the control unit is further adapted to determine the water level inside the water tank (1) based on the detection signal and/or to determine the time elapsed from the last drawing of the water out of the water tank (1) so as to assess the quality of the water therein and/or to determine whether the water tank (1) is attached or not, to cause the user-interface to output information to the user which indicates one or more of the determination results and to control operation of the said pump in accordance with the determination results.
The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that the control unit is further adapted to inhibit operation of the said pump if it is determined that the water tank (1) is empty and/or the control unit is further adapted to inhibit operation of the said pump if it is determined that the the time elapsed from the last drawing of the water out of the water tank (1) is longer than a predetermined time and/or the control unit is further adapted to inhibit operation of the said pump if it is determined that the water tank (1) is not attached.
The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the control unit is further adapted to determine whether the water level inside the water tank (1) is less than a predetermined level based on the detection signal, and if so, to cause the user-interface to output information to the user which indicates that the water level inside the water tank (1) is just sufficient for a single further operation of the said pump for a predetermined duration, and to allow the user to activate the said pump only once for the predetermined duration, and thereafter to inhibit operation of the said pump unless the water tank (1) is suffiently refilled.
The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that each magnetic sensor (5) comprises one or more reed switches or one or more Hall Effect sensors.
The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that the water tank (1) further comprises: a lid (14) for manually opening/closing the aperture (13), wherein the aperture (13) is formed into the cover (12).
The refrigerator according to claim 6, characterized in that the outlet (2) of the water tank (1) is formed into the cover (12).
The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by further comprising: a hose (15) which is disposed into the water tank (1), wherein the downstream end of the hose (15) is connected to the outlet (2) and at its upstream end is submerged into the water tank (1).
The refrigerator according to claim 8, characterized by further comprising: a filter (16) which is submerged into the water tank (1) and connected to the upstream end of the hose (15).