KR101611706B1 - Apparatus for producing carbonated water and refrigerator with Apparatus for producing carbonated water and control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a carbonated water producing device, a refrigerator including the carbonated water producing device, and a control method thereof, wherein carbon dioxide gas is continuously injected into a manufacturing tank in which water and carbon dioxide are mixed, So that the production time of the carbonated water can be shortened and the production performance of the carbonated water can be improved.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a carbonated water producing apparatus, a refrigerator having a carbonated water producing apparatus, and a control method thereof.

The present invention relates to a carbonated water producing device, a refrigerator provided with a carbonated water producing device, and a control method thereof.

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a refrigerator is a household appliance that can store food in an internal storage space that is shielded by a refrigerator door at a low temperature. The refrigerator cools the inside of the storage space using cool air generated through heat exchange with a refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle It is configured to store the stored food in an optimal state.

Such a refrigerator has become increasingly large and multifunctional in accordance with changes in dietary life and products, and refrigerators having various structures and convenience devices for users' convenience have been introduced.

Particularly, a refrigerator is provided with a dispenser for taking out water and ice in a state where the door is closed in a refrigerator. Further, a refrigerator has been developed which can take out carbonated water through the dispenser.

Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2013-0128524 discloses a refrigerator having a carbonated water module capable of taking out carbonated water through a dispenser.

The refrigerator disclosed in Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10-2013-0128524 includes a carbon dioxide cylinder in which carbon dioxide gas is stored in a refrigerator door, a carbonated water tank in which carbon dioxide gas and water are mixed, and a flow of carbon dioxide gas, And an integrated valve assembly for adjusting the flow rate of the water.

In order to generate carbonated water, water is supplied to the carbonated water tank, and then carbon dioxide gas is injected. After the carbon dioxide gas is injected, the injection of the carbon dioxide gas is stopped for a set time, And the concentration of the carbonic acid water is regulated by repeating the supply of the carbon dioxide gas and the atmosphere by the set number of times.

In the conventional refrigerator having such a structure, in order to produce carbonated water, the number of times of injection of carbonated water must be set to a predetermined number of times, and the waiting time is set so that carbon dioxide can be sufficiently melted. Further, since the number of times of injecting the carbon dioxide gas can be changed according to the water temperature, the carbonated water having a desired concentration can be produced only when the set water temperature condition is satisfied.

However, in order to produce carbonated water having a desired concentration at the time of actual use, it takes about 10 to 30 minutes depending on repetition of carbon dioxide injection and atmospheric repetition, which is inconvenient to use.

In addition, due to the connection of pipelines connected to the carbonated water tank, the valve, and electrical parts such as the temperature sensor and the water level sensor, a plurality of connection sites may occur. Such connection sites are potential areas for leakage, There is a problem that the carbon dioxide gas in the carbonated water tank may leak.

The present invention relates to a carbonated water producing apparatus capable of continuously supplying carbon dioxide gas into a manufacturing tank in which water and carbon dioxide are mixed to produce carbonated water at a desired concentration at a time, And a control method therefor.

The present invention provides a carbonated water producing device and a refrigerator equipped with a carbonated water producing device capable of minimizing the leakage of carbon dioxide gas by minimizing a connecting tank between a manufacturing tank and a flow path and a front part of a manufacturing tank in which water and carbon dioxide are mixed .

A carbonated water producing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a gas cylinder filled with carbon dioxide gas; A cold water storage unit in which cold water is stored; A manufacturing tank for forming a waste space in which carbonated water is produced; A water supply channel connecting the cold water storage unit and the manufacturing tank and having a water supply valve that is opened or closed to supply the cold water; A gas supply passage connecting the gas cylinder and the manufacturing tank and having a gas valve opened and closed for supplying the carbon dioxide gas; A first relief valve provided in the gas supply passage and opened at a set pressure to discharge carbon dioxide gas; A take-out duct connected to the production tank and a take-out member for taking out the carbonated water from the outside, and having a take-out valve which is opened and closed for taking out the carbonated water; A second relief valve communicating with an upper portion of the manufacturing tank and opened at a set pressure to discharge air inside the manufacturing tank; And a controller for controlling operation of the valves so that the gas valve is continuously opened until the carbonated water reaches a set concentration in the manufacturing tank, and the set pressure of the second relief valve is The second relief valve is opened when the carbon dioxide gas is continuously injected into the manufacturing tank so as to be higher than the atmospheric pressure and lower than the set pressure of the first relief valve.

And the second relief valve is provided on the manufacturing tank.

An exhaust passage having an exhaust valve that is opened or closed to exhaust air inside the manufacturing tank is connected to an upper portion of the manufacturing tank, and the second relief valve is provided on the exhaust passage.

Wherein the gas supply passage and the takeout passage are each provided with a regulator for keeping the pressure of the gas supplied and the carbonated water taken out constant.

And an injection nozzle for injecting carbon dioxide gas is provided at an end of the gas supply passage, and the injection nozzle is disposed so as to be able to be immersed in the cold water in the state where the cold water of the manufacturing tank is at a full water level.

A connection channel communicating with the manufacturing tank is provided at a lower portion of the manufacturing tank, and the connection channel, the water supply channel, and the extraction channel are connected to a switching valve for selectively connecting the respective channels.

The manufacturing tank is formed by injection molding with a plastic material having a space formed therein.

And an outer surface of the manufacturing tank is provided with a water level sensing device for sensing a change in electrostatic capacity and sensing a water level in the manufacturing tank.

And a connection channel communicating with the manufacturing tank is provided at a lower portion of the manufacturing tank, and the connection channel, the water supply channel, and the extraction channel are connected to a switching valve for selectively connecting the respective channels, And a connecting channel between the manufacturing tank and the manufacturing tank.

The gas supply passage is further provided with a check valve for preventing back flow of carbonated water.

And a pressurized flow path that connects the gas supply channel and the upper portion of the manufacturing tank and includes a pressurizing valve that is opened to inject the carbon dioxide gas into the manufacturing tank when the carbonated water is taken out.

An exhaust passage having an exhaust valve that is opened or closed to exhaust air inside the manufacturing tank is connected to an upper portion of the manufacturing tank, and the pressure passage is connected to the exhaust passage.

A refrigerator including a carbonated water producing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet in which a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment are opened and closed by a door, respectively; A dispenser provided on a front surface of the door; A cold water storage unit provided in the door and cooled by the cold air of the refrigerating chamber; And a carbonated water producing device installed in the door, for mixing cold water and carbon dioxide gas in the cold water storage unit and supplying the mixed water to the dispenser, wherein the carbonated water producing device is detachably provided in the door, A gas cylinder; A manufacturing tank which is connected to the gas cylinder, the cold water storage unit, and the dispenser by respective flow paths and forms a waste space in which carbonated water is produced; A plurality of valves provided in the flow paths to open and close the flow paths; A first relief valve provided on a flow path for supplying carbon dioxide to the production tank and opened for discharging carbon dioxide gas when the pressure of the supplied carbon dioxide gas is equal to or higher than a set pressure; A second relief valve communicating with the upper portion of the manufacturing tank, the second relief valve having a set pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure and lower than the set pressure of the first relief valve; And a controller for controlling the plurality of valves so that carbon dioxide gas can be supplied continuously until the carbonated water inside the manufacturing tank reaches a set concentration.

And an ice making chamber in which ice is formed is communicated with the dispenser at an upper portion of the door, and is provided below the ice making chamber.

And the cold water storage unit and the carbonated water producing device are accommodated together in the recessed space of the door liner forming the rear surface of the door.

And the recessed space communicates with the refrigerating chamber so that cool air can be introduced.

And the depressed space is shielded by a cover provided detachably.

The ice making chamber is provided with an ice making chamber door that opens and closes the ice making chamber, and the ice making chamber door is provided with a basket protruding at a height corresponding to the cover to form a storage space.

The cover may be provided with an opening through which the gas cylinder is detachable at a position corresponding to the gas cylinder, and further includes a cylinder cover for opening and closing the opening.

The cold water storage unit is formed in a plate-like shape by continuously winding up a storage tube connected to a water supply source, and is disposed behind the carbonated water producing apparatus.

A connection channel is formed at a lower portion of the manufacturing tank, the connection channel is branched by a water supply channel connected to the cold water storage unit by a switching valve and a takeout channel connected to the dispenser, and the dispenser separates cold water and carbonated water So that selective extraction can be performed.

A control method of a refrigerator including a carbonated water producing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is a method of controlling a refrigerator having a carbonated water producing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which, after sensing a water level of a manufacturing tank by a controller, a set pressure of a second relief valve The pressure of the manufacturing tank is maintained at a predetermined pressure at which the carbonic acid water can be produced even when the continuous carbon dioxide gas is injected into the production tank so as to be lower than the set pressure of the first relief valve provided in the channel for supplying the carbon dioxide gas to the production tank The carbon dioxide gas is continuously supplied to the production tank by continuously opening the gas valve for a preset time so that the carbonated water can be produced at the target concentration at a time.

And after the gas valve is opened for the set time, the completion of carbonated water production is displayed through the display.

Wherein the controller determines an opening time of the gas valve according to a user's concentration setting input.

And when the carbonated water extraction signal is input to the controller, the gas valve and the extraction valve are opened to discharge the carbonated water in the manufacturing tank by the pressure of the supplied carbon dioxide gas.

And outputs no carbonated water through the display when the manufacturing tank reaches the minimum water level after the input of the carbonated water extraction signal or when the accumulated opening time of the gas valve exceeds the set time.

Closing the gas valve and the water supply / drain valve when the manufacturing tank reaches the minimum water level after the input of the carbonated water extraction signal, or when the cumulative opening time of the gas valve exceeds the set time or the extraction end signal is inputted .

According to the carbonated water producing device, the refrigerator provided with the carbonated water producing device, and the control method thereof according to the embodiment of the present invention,

A first relief valve is provided at a set pressure on a flow path for supplying carbon dioxide gas to the production tank, and a second relief valve is provided at an upper portion of the production tank, the second relief valve having a set pressure higher than atmospheric pressure and lower than a set pressure of the first relief valve do.

When the carbon dioxide gas is injected, the manufacturing tank can maintain a constant pressure that facilitates production of carbonated water. Particularly, even when the carbon dioxide gas is continuously supplied, the inner pressure of the manufacturing tank is lowered by the second relief valve, Thereby maintaining a constant pressure that facilitates the production of carbonated water.

Therefore, the carbonated water in the manufacturing tank can reach a desired concentration by only one injection, and the manufacturing time of the carbonated water can be remarkably shortened.

At the same time, even when the carbon dioxide gas is injected for a long time, the pressure inside the storage tank can maintain the optimal pressure which is easy to produce carbonated water, and the manufacturing tank, various kinds of flow paths, valves and the like can be maintained in a stable state without leakage.

The level sensing device for sensing the level of the manufacturing tank is located outside the manufacturing tank, so that no additional perforations are required in the manufacturing tank. Further, the flow path passing through the production tank is minimized to the gas supply flow path, the exhaust flow path, and the connection flow path, thereby minimizing the possibility of leakage of the manufacturing tank, thereby improving operational reliability and durability.

In addition, since the cold water storage unit necessary for producing carbonated water is accommodated in the same space as the above-described carbonated water producing apparatus, the flow path structure can be made the shortest distance, which minimizes the leakage of the carbon dioxide gas as well as the leakage of water. There is an advantage that it can be improved.

1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a perspective view of the door of the refrigerator.
3 is a perspective view of the refrigerator door viewed from the side.
4 is a perspective view showing a state where a gas cylinder is mounted on the door of the refrigerator.
FIG. 5 is a front view of a door of the refrigerator in which a carbonated water producing device is mounted.
6 is a rear view of the carbonated water producing device and the cold water storage unit.
7 is a front view of the carbonated water producing apparatus.
8 is a block diagram showing the flow of signals for controlling the valves constituting the above-described carbonated water producing apparatus.
9 is a view schematically showing the production and discharge paths of carbonated water in the above described carbonated water producing apparatus.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart sequentially showing a process of producing carbonated water in the refrigerator.
11 is a flowchart sequentially showing the process of extracting carbonated water from the cyst cavity.
12 is a view schematically showing a manufacturing and discharging route of carbonated water in the above described water-producing apparatus for a refrigerator according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
13 is a view schematically showing the production and discharge path of carbonated water in the above-described carbonated water producing apparatus of the refrigerator according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment shown in the drawings, and that other embodiments falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention may be easily devised by adding, .

The embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example only for a bottom freeze type refrigerator in which a freezer compartment is located at a lower portion of the refrigerator compartment and a pair of left and right sides of a door of the refrigerator compartment is provided for convenience of understanding and explanation. It is to be noted that the present invention is applicable to all types of refrigerators which are not limited and are rotatably mounted with hinges.

1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a perspective view of the door of the refrigerator.

As shown in the drawings, a refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet 10 for forming a storage space, a door 10 for opening and closing the storage space at the front surface of the cabinet 10, .

In the cabinet 10, a storage space is partitioned vertically by a barrier 11, a refrigerating chamber 12 is formed at an upper portion thereof, and a freezing chamber 13 is formed at a lower portion thereof. The refrigerator compartment 12 and the freezer compartment 13 are provided with a plurality of drawers, shelves, and baskets for storing food.

The door may comprise a refrigerator compartment door 20 for opening and closing the refrigerating compartment 12 and a freezer compartment door 30 for opening and closing the freezing compartment 13. The freezer compartment door 30 is provided on the front surface of the freezer compartment 13 and is drawn in and out of the freezer compartment 13 as a drawer to open and close the freezer compartment 13.

Meanwhile, the freezing chamber 13 may be divided into two upper and lower chambers, and at least one of the upper and lower chambers may be moved to the freezing chamber 13. Sankan and Hakan are temperature-controllable and can form an independent storage space, respectively. Accordingly, any one of the upper and lower chambers can be utilized as a storage space having a temperature higher than the temperature of the freezing chamber 13. [ In addition, the freezing chamber door 30 can be configured to independently draw out the upper chamber and the lower chamber.

The refrigerator compartment door 20 has a pair of left and right sides of the refrigerating compartment 12 and is independently rotatably mounted to open and close the refrigerating compartment 12. The door of any one of the left and right refrigerating chamber doors 20 is provided with an ice maker for making and storing ice and a dispenser 40 for taking ice from the ice maker to the outside.

The dispenser 40 is installed on the front surface of the refrigerator compartment door 20 and is configured to take out water or ice through the front surface of the refrigerator compartment door 20. For this, the dispenser 40 may be connected to an external water source, and a water filter may be further provided on the flow path. In addition, the dispenser 40 is configured to perform a function of a takeout member capable of taking out carbonated water supplied from the carbonated water producing apparatus 100, which will be described in detail below, as well as ice and water.

The ice maker is accommodated in an ice making chamber 50 formed by recessing a door liner 21 forming a rear surface of the refrigerating chamber door 20. The ice maker may include an ice maker 51 for making ice and an ice bank 52 for storing ice made by the ice maker 51. The ice bank 52 communicates with the dispenser 40 so that the ice in the ice bank 52 can be taken out when the dispenser 40 is operated.

The ice making chamber 50 can be opened and closed by an ice making chamber door 53 to form a heat insulating space independent of the refrigerating chamber 12. A basket 54 may be provided on the outer surface of the ice-making chamber door 53 for storing the ice.

3 is a perspective view of the refrigerator door viewed from the side. 4 is a perspective view showing a state where a gas cylinder is mounted on a door of the refrigerator.

As shown in the drawing, the ice making chamber 50 is disposed in the upper area of the rear surface of the refrigerator compartment door 20, and below the ice making compartment 50, that is, below the refrigerator compartment door 20, A space 22 in which the device 100 is disposed is provided.

The carbonated water producing apparatus 100 is disposed inside the space defined by the door liner 21 forming the back surface of the refrigerator compartment door 20 and is disposed inside the space defined by the cover 23, The space in which the display unit 100 is mounted may be opened or closed.

The lower portion of the refrigerator compartment door 20 where the carbonated water producing device 100 is disposed is formed to protrude further than the ice making chamber 50 and the ice making chamber door 53 to accommodate the carbonated water producing device 100 Thereby providing a space 22 having a space. At this time, the lower part of the refrigerator compartment door 20 is configured not to interfere with the shelf or the drawer inside the refrigerator compartment 12 when the refrigerator compartment door 20 is closed.

The carbonated water producing apparatus 100 includes a gas cylinder 300 in which carbon dioxide gas is stored, a manufacturing tank 500 in which carbonated water is produced by mixing gas and water supplied from the gas cylinder 300, And a controller 900 for controlling various valves provided on the flow path connecting the manufacturing tank 500 and the dispenser 40 and electrical components including the valves.

The gas cylinder 300 may be exposed to the outside through the opening 24 provided on the rear surface of the refrigerator door 20 and may be easily replaced and removed by the user. At this time, the opening 24 through which the gas cylinder 300 is put in and out can be further provided with a cylinder cover 25, and the opening 24 can be shielded by the cylinder cover 25.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a door of the refrigerator in which a carbonated water producing device is mounted. 6 is a rear view of the carbonated water producing device and the cold water storage unit. 7 is a front view of the carbonated water producing apparatus. 8 is a block diagram showing the flow of signals for controlling the valves constituting the carbonated water producing apparatus.

As shown in the figure, the water-burning water producing apparatus 100 is disposed inside a space 22 defined by the door liner 21. The cold water storage unit 200 is disposed at the innermost part of the space 22 and the carbonate water producing device 100 connected to the cold water storage unit 200 can be disposed in front of the cold water storage unit 200 have.

The cold water storage unit 200 may include a storage tube 210 in which water is stored and a mounting member 220 in which the storage tube 210 is mounted. The storage tube 210 is formed in a tube shape connected to a water supply source and stores water supplied from the water supply source.

The storage tube 210 is arranged to be wound on the mounting member 220 in a continuous manner and is wound roundly and continuously around one side of the mounting member 220. Accordingly, the storage tube 210 is formed so as to have a generally slender disc shape in a wound state.

The mounting member 220 supports the storage tube 210 so that the storage tube 210 can be wound and the winding tube can be fixed to the inner wall surface of the space 22 where the carbonated water producing apparatus 100 is mounted .

The space in which the storage tube 210 is accommodated can communicate with the space 22 of the refrigerating compartment 12 so that the inside of the space 22 is filled with the cold air circulating in the refrigerating compartment 12 Of course, the storage tube 210 can be cooled. Accordingly, the water stored in the storage tube 210 may be supplied to the inside of the manufacturing tank 500 to be taken out through the dispenser 40 in a cooled state or to produce carbonated water.

The carbonated water producing apparatus 100 is disposed in front of the cold water storing unit 200 and is constructed by connecting the gas cylinder 300, the manufacturing tank 500, and a plurality of valves to each other through a flow path.

In more detail, the gas cylinder 300 is detachably provided in the carbonated water producing apparatus 100 as a container for storing carbon dioxide gas. A connection 310 is formed at the upper end of the gas cylinder 300 and carbon dioxide gas is discharged from the gas cylinder 300 when the connection 310 is connected. In addition, the gas cylinder 300 may be configured to be able to inject and fill the carbon dioxide gas through the connection port 310. The gas cylinder 300 may be a conventional gas cylinder 300 for producing carbonated water. That is, the gas cylinder 300 can use existing products.

The gas regulator 410, the first relief valve 420, and the gas valve 430 may be sequentially disposed on the gas supply passage 400 connecting the gas cylinder 300 and the manufacturing tank 500 . The carbon dioxide gas in the gas cylinder 300 sequentially passes through the gas regulator 410, the first relief valve 420 and the gas valve 430 through the gas supply passage 400 and flows into the manufacturing tank 500 Can be supplied.

The gas regulator 410 allows the carbon dioxide gas discharged from the gas cylinder 300 to be discharged at a predetermined pressure. The gas regulator 410 may be formed of a module connectable with the connector 310.

The first relief valve 420 prevents the pressure of the carbon dioxide supplied from the gas cylinder 300 from exceeding the set pressure, and excessive pressure is applied to the manufacturing tank 500 by gas injection Thereby preventing the manufacturing tank 500 or the valves from being damaged.

The set pressure of the first relief valve 420 may be set to approximately 5 Kgf / cm 2 to 8 Kgf / cm 2, and the set pressure corresponds to the internal pressure of the manufacturing tank 500. That is, the set pressure is an appropriate pressure for making the carbonated water of an appropriate concentration under the temperature condition of the refrigerating chamber 12, and at the same time, the pressure that can be normally operated without damaging the manufacturing tank 500 and the plurality of valves .

Meanwhile, a gas valve 430 may be provided between the first relief valve 420 and the manufacturing tank 500. The gas valve 430 opens and closes the flow path of the carbon dioxide gas supplied to the manufacturing tank 500, and can be opened and closed by being connected to the controller 900 to be described below. Accordingly, the gas valve 430 is operated according to an instruction from the controller 900 to determine the supply of carbon dioxide gas to the manufacturing tank 500.

A check valve 431 may be further provided between the gas valve 430 and the manufacturing tank 500 to prevent the gas in the manufacturing tank 500 from flowing back by the pressure. The gas valve 430 and the check valve 431 may be combined into one assembly and may be connected to at least one of the exhaust valve 620, the water supply valve 710 and the blow-off valve 820, Or more may be combined into one assembly.

The manufacturing tank 500 provides a space for mixing the carbon dioxide gas and the cold water supplied from the cold water storage unit 200, and is formed in a tank shape having a predetermined volume.

The manufacturing tank 500 is formed by injection molding with a plastic material. The upper and lower surfaces of the manufacturing tank 500 are formed in a hemispherical shape so as not to be damaged or deformed by internal pressure. The gas supply passage 400 is connected to the exhaust passage 600, the water supply passage 700 and the blow-out passage 800 are connected to the manufacturing tank 500. At this time, the connecting portion of the manufacturing tank 500 connected to the respective flow paths may be integrally formed when the manufacturing tank 500 is formed.

An injection nozzle for injecting gas is provided at an end of the gas supply passage 400, and the injection nozzle 440 may be positioned inside the manufacturing tank 500. The gas supply passage 400 may be inserted downward from the upper surface of the manufacturing tank 500 and the end of the injection nozzle 440 through which the carbon dioxide is injected may be positioned below the manufacturing tank 500, So that it can be immersed in the water inside the tank 500.

Therefore, the carbon dioxide injected from the injection nozzle 440 can maximize the contact time with the water in the manufacturing tank 500 so that the carbon dioxide gas injected through the injection nozzle 440 can be effectively dissolved in water do.

Of course, the arrangement of the injection nozzles 440 may vary depending on the structure and the shape of the manufacturing tank 500, but the end of the injection nozzle 440 through which the carbon dioxide gas is injected may be disposed at an inner side of the manufacturing tank 500 It is configured to be fully locked in the filled state.

On the outer surface of the manufacturing tank 500, a water level sensing device 510 for sensing a water level in the manufacturing tank 500 is provided. A sensing sensor of a capacitive type may be used to sense the level of the inside of the manufacturing tank 500 from the outside of the manufacturing tank 500. The outside of the manufacturing tank 500 And is configured to detect the minimum water level and the high water level, respectively.

The water level sensing device 510 is connected to the controller 900 and determines the control of the cold water supply to the manufacturing tank 500 and the injection of the carbon dioxide gas according to the sensed level of the water level sensing device 510 It becomes possible.

An exhaust passage 600 is further formed at one side of the manufacturing tank 500. The exhaust passage 600 is a passage through which the air inside the manufacturing tank 500 is discharged to the outside and a second relief valve 610 and an exhaust valve 620 may be further provided on the exhaust passage 600 .

The second relief valve 610 is opened for continuously injecting carbon dioxide gas when the manufacturing tank 500 reaches the set pressure or more, and is lower than the pressure set to the first relief valve 420 And is configured to have a set pressure. The pressure of the second relief valve 610 is set higher than the atmospheric pressure but slightly lower than the pressure of the first relief valve 420.

Therefore, even if the carbon dioxide gas is injected into the manufacturing tank 500, the inner pressure of the manufacturing tank 500 is prevented from being higher than the set pressure of the first relief valve 420 by the second relief valve 610 And continuous injection of carbon dioxide gas enables rapid production of carbonated water having an appropriate concentration.

The exhaust valve 620 is configured to exhaust the internal air of the manufacturing tank 500 during the supply of cold water to the inside of the manufacturing tank 500. The exhaust valve 620 allows the air inside the manufacturing tank 500 to be discharged naturally by the pressure of the cold water injected into the manufacturing tank 500.

The exhaust valve 620 may also be connected to the controller 900 to prevent the pressure in the manufacturing tank 500 from being raised by opening the water supply command of the controller 900, So that a smooth water supply can be achieved.

The storage tube 210 of the cold water storage unit 200 is connected to the water supply channel 700 and the water supply channel 700 may be connected to the switch valve 530. The switching valve 530 may be connected to the connection passage 520 connected to the manufacturing tank 500 so that the cold water stored in the storage tube 210 flows through the water supply passage 700 and the switching valve 530 And may be supplied to the inside of the manufacturing tank 500 through the connection passage 520.

A water supply valve 710 is provided on the water supply channel 700. The water supply valve 710 opens and closes the water supply channel 700 to allow the water stored in the storage tube 210 to be supplied to the manufacturing tank 500, .

The water supply channel 700 may be formed as a separate channel and may be connected to the storage tube 210. The storage tube 210 itself may include the water supply channel 700, A water supply valve 710 may be formed on the water supply valve 710 and connected between the water supply valve 710 and the switching valve 530.

The connection channel 520 connects the one side of the manufacturing tank 500 and the switching valve 530 and connects a passage for supplying cold water to the manufacturing tank 500 and a passage for supplying cold water to the manufacturing tank 500. [ So that the function of the passage through which the discharged carbonated water is discharged can be performed at the same time.

That is, according to the operation of the switching valve 530, when the cold water is supplied to the manufacturing tank 500, the switching valve 530 allows the water supply channel 700 and the connection channel 520 to communicate with each other So that cold water of the storage tube 210 can be supplied to the manufacturing tank 500. In the state where the manufacturing of the carbonated water in the manufacturing tank 500 is completed, the switching valve 530 connects the connection flow path 520 and the take-out flow path 800 to each other, So as to be taken out to the dispenser (40) through the takeout flow path (800).

When the cold water is to be taken out through the operation of the dispenser 40, the switching valve 530 is opened so that the water supply channel 700 and the take-out channel 800 are communicated with each other and stored in the storage tube 210 So that cold water can be taken out through the dispenser (40).

On the other hand, the take-out passage 800 connects the switching valve 530 and the dispenser 40 so that cold or carbonated water can be taken out through the dispenser 40. On the take-out passage 800, a takeout regulator 810 and a take-out valve 820 are provided.

The extraction regulator 810 allows the water taken out from the production tank 500 to be taken out while maintaining the set pressure. The take-out valve 820 selectively opens and closes the take-out passage 800 in accordance with the operation of the dispenser 40 so that cold water and carbonated water can be taken out. Thereby preventing it from flowing down. Accordingly, the take-out valve 820 may be located closest to the outlet side of the dispenser 40.

Hereinafter, the process of producing and extracting carbonated water in the refrigerator having the above-described structure will be described.

9 is a view schematically showing the production and discharge paths of carbonated water in the above described carbonated water producing apparatus. 10 is a flowchart sequentially showing a process of producing carbonated water in the refrigerator. 11 is a flowchart sequentially showing the process of extracting carbonated water from the cyst cavity.

As shown in the figure, the controller 900 first inputs a manufacturing signal of carbonated water. The manufacturing signal of the carbonated water can be input by the user operating the dispenser 40 or the operating part 41 provided on one side of the refrigerator compartment door 20. Then, a carbonated water production signal may be input to the controller 900 when the set time or condition is satisfied by the set program.

After the carbonated water production signal is inputted, the water level sensing device 510 senses the water level in the manufacturing tank 500. The water level sensing device 510 is a capacitance sensing sensor mounted outside the manufacturing tank 500 and senses the water level in the manufacturing tank 500 through a change in capacitance.

The controller 900 opens the exhaust valve 620 and the water supply valve 710 in order to feed water into the manufacturing tank 500. When the water level in the manufacturing tank 500 is lower than the set water level, do.

The water stored in the storage tube 210 can be flowed along the water supply channel 700 by opening the water supply valve 710 while being sufficiently cooled by the cold air of the refrigerating chamber 12. [ The switching valve 530 is operated to connect the water supply channel 700 and the connection channel 520 by the controller 900 and the cold water flowing along the water supply channel 700 is connected to the switching valve 530 and the connection passage 520 in this order, and then flows into the manufacturing tank 500. At this time, the exhaust valve 620 is maintained in an open state so that water can be smoothly supplied to the manufacturing tank 500.

The water supply valve 710 and the exhaust valve 620 are closed and the switching valve 530 is closed when the water level in the manufacturing tank 500 reaches the full water level according to the opening of the water supply valve 710. [ Is connected to the water supply channel (700) and the extraction channel (800).

At the same time, the gas valve 430 is opened so that the carbon dioxide gas in the gas cylinder 300 is supplied to the manufacturing tank 500 through the gas supply passage 400. At this time, 1 relief valve 420, the gas valve 430 and the check valve 431 in order to supply the carbon dioxide gas to the inside of the manufacturing tank 500.

At this time, the carbon dioxide gas discharged from the gas cylinder 300 may be supplied while maintaining a constant pressure by the gas regulator 410, and the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas traveling along the gas supply passage 400 may be set to a predetermined pressure The gas is discharged by the first relief valve 420 to maintain the pressure below the set pressure. Also, even if the pressure inside the manufacturing tank 500 rises, the check valve 431 prevents the carbon dioxide gas from flowing backward.

The timer 910 integrates the opening time of the gas valve 430 and the gas valve 430 is opened for a set time and is set to the inside of the manufacturing tank 500 Thereby continuously supplying carbon dioxide gas for a period of time.

At this time, the injection nozzle 440 discharging the carbon dioxide gas injects the carbon dioxide gas downward in a state of being submerged in the water of the manufacturing tank 500 to increase the time that the carbon dioxide gas stays in the water, thereby dissolving the carbon dioxide gas more efficiently .

When the opening time of the gas valve 430 integrated in the timer 910 reaches a predetermined time, carbonated water having a desired concentration is produced in the manufacturing tank 500. At the same time, the gas valve 430 is closed, and the timer 910 is initialized. The display 42 provided on the outside of the dispenser 40 or the refrigerating chamber door 20 can indicate completion of the production of carbonated water.

Meanwhile, the internal pressure of the manufacturing tank 500 may be increased when the carbon dioxide gas is continuously supplied to the manufacturing tank 500. At this time, the set pressure of the second relief valve 610 connected to the manufacturing tank 500 is higher than the atmospheric pressure but lower than the set pressure of the first relief valve 420.

Accordingly, when the inner pressure of the manufacturing tank 500 becomes high, air in the manufacturing tank 500 is exhausted by the second relief valve 610, so that the pressure of the manufacturing tank 500 is lowered It can be maintained not higher than the valve 610. That is, the continuous supply of the carbon dioxide gas through the gas supply passage 400 prevents damage due to the pressure of the manufacturing tank 500 or the plurality of valves.

On the other hand, when the finished state of carbonated water is outputted through the display 42, the user can operate the dispenser 40 to take out the sparkling water.

When the user operates the display 42 to input a blow-out signal, the blow-out valve 820 is first opened and the switching valve 530 opens the connection channel 520 and the blow- . The gas valve 430 is opened to inject carbon dioxide gas into the inside of the manufacturing tank 500.

The internal pressure of the manufacturing tank 500 is increased by the injection of the carbon dioxide gas and the carbonated water in the manufacturing tank 500 passes through the extraction regulator 810 and the extraction valve 820 And can be supplied to the dispenser 40. At this time, the takeout regulator 810 keeps the pressure of the carbonated water taken out through the takeout flow path 800 to be constant.

When the water level of the manufacturing tank 500 reaches the minimum water level, there is no carbonated water that can be taken out further. Therefore, It is possible to display no carbonated water. Then, the gas valve 430 and the blow-out valve 820 are closed in order, and the timer 910 is initialized, and then the extraction of the carbonated water ends.

If the water level of the manufacturing tank 500 does not reach the minimum water level, the gas valve 430 is closed and the water supply valve is closed, Can be compensated for. Further, it is possible to determine that the gas in the gas cylinder is completely consumed by accumulating the opening time of the gas valve, and it is possible to take out the gas valve and the blow-out valve even when it is judged that the gas of the gas cylinder is completely consumed.

Of course, even when the take-out end signal is input through the operating unit 41, the gas valve 430 and the take-out valve 820 are closed and the timer 910 is initialized.

Meanwhile, the refrigerator according to the present invention may have various other embodiments other than the above-described embodiments.

For example, the refrigerator according to the second embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the refrigerator has a structure capable of simultaneously injecting carbon dioxide gas, cold water, and carbonated water through a connection passage.

Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The same reference numerals are used for the same components as those of the above-described embodiment among the components of the second embodiment of the present invention, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

12 is a view schematically showing a manufacturing and discharging route of carbonated water in the above described water-producing apparatus for a refrigerator according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the figure, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the carbonated water producing apparatus 101 is composed of a gas cylinder 300, a manufacturing tank 500, and a plurality of flow paths, valves, and electrical components connecting the same.

Particularly, the manufacturing tank 500 has a connection channel 520 connected to the switching valve 530, and the water supply channel 700 and the extraction channel 800 are connected to the switching valve 530. The water supply channel 700 is provided with a water supply valve 710 and the water supply valve 710 can be connected to the storage tube 210 for storing cold water. The take-out passage 800 connects the switching valve 530 to the dispenser 40 and the take-out regulator 810 and the take-out valve 820 may be provided on the take-out passage 800.

The gas supply channel 450 connects the gas cylinder 300 and the connection channel 520. A gas regulator 410 and a first relief valve 420 and a second relief valve 420 are connected to the gas supply channel 450, A gas valve 430 and a check valve 431 may be sequentially provided. The gas supply passage 450 and the connection passage 520 are connected to communicate with each other so that gas of the gas supply passage 450 can be supplied to the manufacturing tank 500 through the connection passage 520 . The connection passage 520 may be connected to a lower portion of the manufacturing tank 500 so that gas and cold water can be supplied and taken out through the manufacturing tank 500.

An exhaust passage 600 is connected to an upper portion of the manufacturing tank 500 and a second relief valve 610 and an exhaust valve 620 are provided on the exhaust passage 600. At this time, the second relief valve 610 is configured to have a set pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure and lower than the pressure of the first relief valve 420, so that when the carbon dioxide gas reaches the set concentration in the manufacturing tank 500 As shown in FIG.

The manufacturing tank 500 may include a water level sensing device 510 formed of an electrostatic capacity sensor for sensing a water level inside the manufacturing tank 500. The water level sensing device 510 and the gas valve 430, the water supply valve 710, the extraction valve 820 and the exhaust valve 620 are connected to the controller 900, .

The process of producing carbonated water in the carbonated water producing apparatus of the refrigerator according to the second embodiment of the present invention having the above structure will be described below.

First, the water level sensing device 510 senses the water level of the manufacturing tank 500 and receives cold water from the storage tube 210 when the water level is not high. The switching valve 530 is switched so that the water supply channel 700 and the connection channel 520 are communicated and the water supply valve 710 is opened to supply cold water into the manufacturing tank 500 .

At this time, the check valve 431 on the gas supply channel 450 prevents the cold water on the manufacturing tank 500 or the connection channel 520 from flowing backward. The exhaust valve 620 is opened to prevent the pressure of the manufacturing tank 500 from rising during the supply of water, and enables smooth supply of cold water.

The exhaust valve 620 and the switching valve 530 are closed when the water level of the manufacturing tank 500 reaches the full water level and the gas valve 430 is opened, The first relief valve 420, the gas valve 430 and the check valve 431 are sequentially injected from the lower portion of the manufacturing tank 500 through the connection passage 520. The regulator 410, the first relief valve 420, the gas valve 430, At this time, the carbon dioxide gas injected into the manufacturing tank 500 is continuously injected for a predetermined time, and the gas valve 430 is opened until the concentration of carbonic acid in the manufacturing tank 500 reaches a preset concentration.

Meanwhile, when the carbon dioxide gas is higher than the set pressure of the second relief valve 610 in the course of injecting the carbon dioxide gas into the manufacturing tank 500, the second relief valve 610 may be provided inside the manufacturing tank 500 It is possible to suppress the pressure rise of the pressure regulating member. That is, since the set pressure of the second relief valve 610 is set to be somewhat lower than the set pressure of the first relief valve 420, the manufacturing tank 500 can easily produce carbonated water when the carbon dioxide gas is injected The pressure in the manufacturing tank 500 is not increased even when the carbon dioxide gas is continuously injected while the set pressure is maintained. Therefore, even when the carbon dioxide gas is continuously injected, an easy pressure for producing carbonated water can be maintained.

When the gas valve 430 is opened for a predetermined time to complete the production of the predetermined concentration of carbonated water, the switching valve 530 connects the connection passage 520 and the take-out passage 800. Therefore, the manufactured carbonic acid water can be taken out through the takeout flow path 800 through the takeout regulator 810 and the take-out valve 820 to the dispenser 40.

Of course, the switching valve 530 may be connected to the connection channel 520, the water supply channel 700, the extraction channel 800, and the gas supply channel 450. In response to the operation of the switching valve 530, The connection channel 520 and the gas supply channel 450, the water supply channel 700, and the extraction channel 800 may be selectively connected.

Meanwhile, the refrigerator according to the present invention may have various other embodiments in addition to the above-described embodiments.

For example, the refrigerator according to the third embodiment of the present invention is capable of simultaneously injecting carbon dioxide gas, cold water, and carbonated water through a connection passage, and discharging carbonated water through a pressurized flow path for supplying carbon dioxide And has a structure for more efficient discharge.

Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The same components as those of the above-described embodiments among the components of the third embodiment of the present invention are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

12 is a view schematically showing a manufacturing and discharging path of carbonated water in the above-described burning water producing device of the refrigerator according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the figure, in the third embodiment of the present invention, the carbonated water producing apparatus 102 is composed of a gas cylinder 300, a manufacturing tank 500, and a plurality of flow paths, valves, and electrical components connecting the same.

Particularly, the manufacturing tank 500 has a connection channel 520 connected to the switching valve 530, and the water supply channel 700 and the extraction channel 800 are connected to the switching valve 530. The water supply channel 700 is provided with a water supply valve 710 and the water supply valve 710 can be connected to the storage tube 210 for storing cold water. The take-out passage 800 connects the switching valve 530 and the dispenser 40 and the take-out valve 820 and the take-out valve 820 may be provided on the take-out passage 800.

The gas supply channel 450 connects the gas cylinder 300 and the connection channel 520. A gas regulator 410 and a first relief valve 420 and a second relief valve 420 are connected to the gas supply channel 450, A gas valve 430 and a check valve 431 may be sequentially provided. The gas supply passage 450 and the connection passage 520 are connected to communicate with each other so that gas of the gas supply passage 450 can be supplied to the manufacturing tank 500 through the connection passage 520 . The connection passage 520 may be connected to a lower portion of the manufacturing tank 500 so that gas and cold water can be supplied and taken out through the manufacturing tank 500.

An exhaust passage 600 is connected to an upper portion of the manufacturing tank 500 and a second relief valve 610 and an exhaust valve 620 are provided on the exhaust passage 600. At this time, the second relief valve 610 is configured to have a set pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure and lower than the pressure of the first relief valve 420, so that when the carbon dioxide gas reaches the set concentration in the manufacturing tank 500 As shown in FIG.

A pressurizing passage 460 is provided between the gas supply passage 450 and the exhaust passage 600 so that the gas supply passage 450 and the exhaust passage 600 can be connected to each other. The pressurizing passage 460 is provided with a pressurizing valve 461 so that the carbon dioxide gas of the gas cylinder 300 can be supplied into the manufacturing tank 500 through the exhaust passage 600.

The manufacturing tank 500 may include a water level sensing device 510 formed of an electrostatic capacity sensor for sensing a water level inside the manufacturing tank 500. The water level sensing device 510 and the gas valve 430, the water supply valve 710, the extraction valve 820 and the exhaust valve 620 are connected to the controller 900, .

The process of producing carbonated water in the carbonated water producing apparatus of the refrigerator according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

First, the water level sensing device 510 senses the water level of the manufacturing tank 500 and receives cold water from the storage tube 210 when the water level is not high. The switching valve 530 is switched so that the water supply channel 700 and the connection channel 520 are communicated and the water supply valve 710 is opened to supply cold water into the manufacturing tank 500 .

At this time, the check valve 431 on the gas supply channel 450 prevents the cold water on the manufacturing tank 500 or the connection channel 520 from flowing backward. The exhaust valve 620 is opened to prevent the pressure of the manufacturing tank 500 from rising during the supply of water, and enables smooth supply of cold water. Then, the pressurization valve 461 is closed so that the gas is not supplied to the manufacturing tank 500.

The exhaust valve 620 and the switching valve 530 are closed when the water level of the manufacturing tank 500 reaches the full water level and the gas valve 430 is opened, The first relief valve 420, the gas valve 430 and the check valve 431 are sequentially injected from the lower portion of the manufacturing tank 500 through the connection passage 520. The regulator 410, the first relief valve 420, the gas valve 430, At this time, the carbon dioxide gas injected into the manufacturing tank 500 is continuously injected for a predetermined time, and the gas valve 430 is opened until the concentration of carbonic acid in the manufacturing tank 500 reaches a preset concentration.

Meanwhile, when the carbon dioxide gas is higher than the set pressure of the second relief valve 610 in the course of injecting the carbon dioxide gas into the manufacturing tank 500, the second relief valve 610 may be provided inside the manufacturing tank 500 It is possible to suppress the pressure rise of the pressure regulating member. That is, since the set pressure of the second relief valve 610 is set to be somewhat lower than the set pressure of the first relief valve 420, the manufacturing tank 500 can easily produce carbonated water when the carbon dioxide gas is injected It is possible to continuously inject carbon dioxide gas while maintaining the set pressure.

When the gas valve 430 is opened for a predetermined period of time to complete the production of the predetermined concentration of carbonated water, the switching valve 530 connects the connection channel and the extraction channel. The pressurization valve 461 is opened and the carbon dioxide gas can be injected into the upper portion of the manufacturing tank through the pressurization passage 460.

The produced carbonic acid water flows into the dispenser 40 through the extraction valve 820 and the extraction valve 820 on the extraction channel 800 by the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas injected into the manufacturing tank 500 It can be taken out.

Claims (27)

delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete A cabinet in which a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment are opened and closed by a door, respectively;
A dispenser provided on a front surface of the door;
A cold water storage unit in which cold water is stored;
And a carbonated water producing device for mixing cold water and carbon dioxide gas in the cold water storage unit and supplying the mixed water to the dispenser,
The carbonated water producing apparatus includes:
A gas cylinder filled with carbon dioxide gas;
A manufacturing tank for forming a waste space in which carbonated water is produced;
A gas supply passage connecting the gas cylinder and the manufacturing tank and having a gas valve opened and closed for supplying the carbon dioxide gas;
A first relief valve provided in the gas supply passage and opened at a set pressure to discharge carbon dioxide gas so as to prevent damage to the carbonated water producing device due to the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas;
A second relief valve communicating with an upper portion of the manufacturing tank, the second relief valve having a set pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure and lower than the set pressure of the first relief valve; And
And a controller for continuously opening the gas valve so that carbon dioxide gas is continuously injected until the carbonic acid water inside the manufacturing tank reaches a set concentration,
When the carbon dioxide gas is continuously injected into the manufacturing tank,
And the second relief valve is opened to allow continuous injection of carbon dioxide gas.
17. The method of claim 16,
An exhaust passage having an exhaust valve that is opened and closed to exhaust air inside the manufacturing tank is connected to the upper portion of the manufacturing tank,
And the second relief valve is provided on the exhaust flow path.
17. The method of claim 16,
The carbonated water producing apparatus includes:
A water supply channel connecting the cold water storage unit and the manufacturing tank and having a water supply valve that is opened or closed to supply the cold water;
Further comprising a takeout flow path connecting the manufacturing tank and the dispenser and having a take-out valve that is opened and closed for taking out the carbonated water.
19. The method of claim 18,
Wherein the gas supply passage and the discharge passage are provided with a regulator for keeping the pressure of the gas supplied and the carbonated water taken out constant.
19. The method of claim 18,
Wherein the gas supply passage is further provided with a check valve for preventing back flow of carbonated water.
17. The method of claim 16,
Wherein the cold water storage unit and the carbonated water producing device are accommodated together in a recessed space of the door liner forming the back surface of the door.
22. The method of claim 21,
Wherein the cold water storage unit is disposed on the rear side of the carbonated water producing device and is formed into a plate shape by continuously winding up a storage tube connected to a water supply source,
Wherein the recessed space communicates with the refrigerating chamber so that cool air can be introduced into the refrigerating chamber.
22. The method of claim 21,
Wherein the depressed space is shielded by a cover provided detachably. ≪ RTI ID = 0.0 > 15. < / RTI >
24. The method of claim 23,
The cover may be provided with an opening through which the gas cylinder is detached at a position corresponding to the gas cylinder,
And a cylinder cover for opening and closing the opening is further provided.
17. The method of claim 16,
Wherein an ice making compartment in which ice is formed is communicated with the dispenser at an upper portion of the door,
And the carbonated water producing device is provided below the ice making chamber.
26. The method of claim 25,
Wherein the ice making chamber is provided with an ice making chamber door for opening and closing the ice making chamber,
Wherein the ice making chamber door is provided with a basket protruding toward the refrigerating chamber and forming a storage space in which foods can be stored.

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