TR201801348A2 - A REFRIGERATOR WITH WATER TANK - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a water tank (1) in which water is stored; a pump which draws water from the water tank (1); an outlet (2) located in the water tank (1) and connected to the pump; a water dispenser and / or ice-making device, each of which is connected to the water tank (1) by said pump; a refrigerator comprising a user interface and a control unit.

Description

DESCRIPTION The invention relates to a refrigerator, in particular, a water dispenser or an ice maker. It relates to a refrigerator containing a water tank for filling it.

Refrigerators with water dispensers and/or ice making devices known.

This type of refrigerator is usually reusable for water dispenser and/or ice maker. a water tank in which water is stored for filling and upstream of the water tank located and drawing water from the outlet of the water tank and making water fountain and/or ice making It contains a pump that feeds the device.

In the patent document US 4,909,039, a refrigerator containing a water tank is described. is explained. A problem encountered in refrigerators of the prior art is that the pump It is easily damaged when it is operated when the tank is empty. In such cases, The life of the pump is shortened and the refrigerator requires maintenance in a short time. and causes additional costs.

The aim of this invention is to provide a cost-effective solution to these disadvantages known in the art. a device that allows it to hang in a way that improves its operability and usability. realization of the refrigerator.

This object is achieved by the refrigerator defined in claim 1. to further developments The subject of the invention, which is defined respectively in the attached claims, is reached with the help of it.

The refrigerator of the invention must be placed in a water tank before the pump starts up for the first time. which detects the water level inside and sends a detection signal to a control unit. It contains a sensing unit that sends the control unit according to the sensing signal. It controls the first operation of the pump in question.

One of the main advantages of this invention is that the gasket located downstream of the water tank the pump in question, for example when the water tank is empty, thanks to the detection unit. protection against damage. Thus, the life of the pump in question is extended and saves on maintenance costs. One of the main advantages of this invention another, thanks to the detection unit, the user's water level in the water tank. not have to control. Thus, the operability of the refrigerator and usability is improved. Thus, user satisfaction is being increased.

Other features and other characteristics of the refrigerator subject to the invention and the water tank subject to the invention advantages, applications are explained with reference to the attached figures. will be explained; from the aforementioned Figure 1 is the Figure of the water tank in the refrigerator in one embodiment of the invention. This is the schematic section view taken along line A-A in Fig.

Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the invention from the top of the water tank in the refrigerator. sematic view.

Figure 3 is the schematic section view of the water tank in Figure 2.

Figure 4 is another schematic section view of the water tank in Figure 2.

Figure 5 shows the relative position of the water tank and magnetic sensor in one embodiment of the invention. The sematic section showing their positions is visible.

Figure 6, in another embodiment of the invention, the water tank and magnetic sensor The sematic section showing their relative positions is apparent.

Figure 7 is an embodiment of the invention, the magnetic in the sensing unit. Samandira's sematic perspective view.

Figure 8 is an embodiment of the invention, the magnetic in the sensing unit. is the sematic perspective view of the sensor.

The parts in the figures are numbered one by one and the corresponding numbers are given below: 1. Water tank 2. Exit 3. Detection unit 4. Magnetic straw . magnetic sensor 6. Channel 7. Liquid passage 8. Rear channel section 9. Front channel section . Stopper l Drawer 1 12. Cover 1 3. Openness 14. Valve . Hose 16. Filter The refrigerator is a water tank (1) where water is stored (Fig. 1); water from the water tank (1) a pulling pump; a pump located in the water tank (1) and connected to the said pump. output (2); a water tank, each of which is connected to the water tank (1) via the said pump. pinari and/or ice maker; a user interface and a control unit contains.

The refrigerator of the invention should also be supplied with water before the pump in question works for the first time. It detects the water level in the tank (1) and sends a detection to the control unit. includes a sensing unit (3) (Figure 1) that sends the signal, the control unit, It controls the first operation of the pump in question according to the detection signal.

In one embodiment of the invention, the water tank (1) is fixed inside the refrigerator.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the water tank (1) is placed inside the refrigerator. it is attached detachably. This application is specifically designed for the water tank (l) It is advantageous because it can be removed completely for cleaning. In this way, Hygiene conditions can be maintained correctly inside the refrigerator.

In alternative embodiments of the invention, the control unit generates water according to the sensing signal. It determines the water level in the tank (l) and/or determines the quality of the water in it. elapsed since the last water withdrawal from the water tank (1) to evaluate determines the time and/or the sensing unit (3) or another presence/absence determines whether the water tank (1) is attached or not, by means of its sensor, displaying one or more determination results to the user of the user interface provides the information to be given and according to the results of the determination controls the operation of the pump. These applications are particularly the water level in the tank (l) according to the number of days the water remains in the tank (l) Informing about the quality of the water in it and the absence of the water tank (l) because it is advantageous. In this way, it is necessary to fill the water tank (1) with fresh water and The user can be warned to reinstall the refrigerator. Like this, the operability and usability of the refrigerator are further improved.

In other alternative embodiments of the invention, the control unit ensures that the water tank (1) is empty. When it is determined that it is, it prevents the pump in question from working and/or the time elapsed since the last water was drawn from the control unit water tank (l). when it is determined that it is longer than a predetermined time, prevents the pump from working and/or the control unit water tank (l) When it is determined that it is not installed, it prevents the pump in question from working.

These applications are especially important for the existing water tank (l) of the pump in question. due to the fact that it can be protected against damages in cases where it is not available or empty. it is advantageous. In particular, these applications also It is advantageous because it can prevent the consumption of ice and/or non-fresh ice.

In another embodiment of the invention, the control unit is also based on the detection signal. whether the water level inside the water tank (1) is less than a predetermined level determines whether the user interface is not and, if low, the (1) the water level in the pump in question for a predetermined period of time. information indicating that it is sufficient to operate only once during the allows the user to pump the pump in question for a predetermined time. It allows it to run only once during the lifetime, and then the water tank (l) prevent the operation of the pump in question unless it is sufficiently refilled. hinders. This application especially, before the water tank (l) is completely empty. It is advantageous because the user can be informed in a timely manner first. Like this, user satisfaction is further increased.

In other alternative embodiments of the invention, the user interface, pump, water dispenser and/or a device located above the refrigerator to operate the ice maker. able to communicate through a display with input and/or refrigerator It is operated via a wireless device such as a mobile phone, tablet computer.

These applications especially improve the operability and usability of the refrigerator. advantageous because of its improvement.

In another embodiment of the invention, the sensing unit (3) is connected to the water tank (1) with the liquid a magnetic float (4) and magnetic one or more of the floats (4) placed at different levels to detect contains more than one magnetic sensor (5) (Fig. 1). Here, the magnetic haystack (4), It is a floating element containing a magnetic substance. This application is specifically the straw (4) is reliable, cost-effective and easy to install because it is advantageous.

In other alternative embodiments of the invention, each magnetic sensor (5) is contains more reed switches or one or more Hall effect sensors.

These applications are particularly related to the magnetic float (4) of the magnetic sensors (5). It is advantageous because it can detect the levels safely.

In another embodiment of the invention, the refrigerator is also equipped with magnetic float (4). in which it is placed so that it can move freely up and down includes a channel (6) (Figure 1). In this application, the water tank (l) is connected to the channel (6). it includes an opening liquid passage (7). This application is specifically that the chaff (4) can be guided smoothly in the channel (6) because it is advantageous.

In another embodiment of the invention, the channel (6) is located inside the water tank (l). takes. In one version of this application, the channel (6) is located behind the water tank (1). located on the side. This application is especially suitable for magnetic chamandira (4) water. It does not take up much space in the tank (1), thus increasing the capacity of the water tank. It is advantageous because it can be increased.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the conduit (6) is in the refrigerator, where the water It is located in a location other than the tank (1). In this application, the liquid passage (7), when the water tank (1) is separated from the channel (6), there is a safety device to prevent leakage. may include valve. This application, especially the capacity of the water tank (l) It is advantageous because it can be increased even more.

In another embodiment of the invention, the channel (6) is separated from each other by the fluid passage (7). a rear duct section (8) and an anterior duct that separates and encloses the duct (6) together It contains section (9). In this embodiment, the channel (6) is located behind the water tank (1). side and also the magnetic float (4) is directed upwards. includes a stopper (10) that limits its movement. This application is specifically Thanks to the channel (6) and the stopper (10), the magnetic straw (4) can be displaced. It is advantageous because it can be prevented from coming out.

In another embodiment of the invention, the refrigerator is also equipped with a removable water tank (l). It contains an indent where it is placed in the figure. In this application, magnetic sensors (5) into said recess, close to the magnetic float (4). is fixed. In addition, the magnetic sensor (5) or sensors in the water tank (l) There is no electrical connection made. This application is specifically magnetic sensors (5) and electrical connections to the sensors are corroded. and because the water tank (1) can be protected against short circuit when refilling it is advantageous. Thus, the security of the user is further increased. this app also, in particular, for cleaning or refilling the water tank (1) It is advantageous because it can be easily removed.

In other alternative embodiments of the invention, the recess is in the refrigerator body or in the refrigerator compartment or on the inside of the refrigerator compartment door or located on the outside of the compartment door.

In another embodiment of the invention, the water tank 1 is furthermore a vessel in which water is stored. drawer (11); a cover (12) that enables the drawer (11) to be closed and opened; and it includes an opening (13) that allows the drawer (11) to be refilled. (Figure 1). This application is especially useful after the user has removed the cover (12). It is advantageous because it can be easily cleaned inside the drawer (11). This In particular, the application allows the user to open the drawer (11) through the opening (13). It is advantageous because it can be filled easily.

In another embodiment of the invention, the water tank (1) is also used to manually close the opening (13). it includes a valve (14) that enables it to be closed and opened. In this application, the opening (13) is located in the cover (12) (Figure 1). This application is a In its version, the valve (14) has a locking means. this app in particular, it is advantageous because the opening (13) is easily accessible.

In another embodiment of the invention, the outlet (2) of the water tank (1) is located in the cover (12). takes (Figure 2). In one version of this application, the exit (2) is on the cover (12) is located at the back. This application also specifically It is advantageous because it is prevented from using the tank (1) without closing it.

In another embodiment of the invention, the refrigerator is also located inside the water tank (l). includes a hose (15) that receives it (Fig. 3). In this embodiment, the flow of the hose (15) The end in the direction of the flow is connected to the outlet (2) and the end in the opposite direction of the flow is connected to the water outlet. It is immersed in the water in the tank (1). This application is especially It is advantageous in that it can be efficiently withdrawn from the tank (1).

In another embodiment of the invention, the refrigerator is also located inside the water tank (1). a filter immersed in water and connected to the opposite end of the hose (15) (16) includes (Figure 3). This application is especially suitable for impurities and It is advantageous because the particles can be removed from the water.

In other alternative embodiments of the invention, the outlet (2) of said pump is or more rigid and/or flexible lines for water supply and/or ice making connected to your device.

In other alternative embodiments of the invention, at least one magnetic sensor (5), water located near the bottom of the tank (l) and/or at least one magnetic sensor (5) is located near the upper part of the water tank (1) (Figure 5 and Figure 6).

In particular, this application allows you to easily determine the fill level of the water tank (1). It is advantageous because it can be detected.

One of the main advantages of this invention is that the water tank (l) is located downstream. the sensing unit (3) of the pump in question, for example when the water tank (1) is empty thanks to its protection against damage. Thus, the life of the pump in question extended and maintenance costs are saved. This is the main invention Another advantage is that, thanks to the detection unit (3), the user's water tank (l) does not have to control the water level inside. Like this, the operability and usability of the refrigerator is improved. Thus, the user satisfaction is also increased. Other advantages of the invention, the invention mentioned above described in their applications.

Claims (15)

REQUESTS l. A water tank (1) where water is stored; a pump drawing water from the water tank (1); an outlet (2) located in the water tank (1) and connected to said pump; a water dispenser and/or ice making device, each of which is connected to the water tank (1) via said pump; a sensing unit (3) comprising a user interface and a control unit, which detects the water level in the water tank (1) prior to the first start-up of said pump and sends a sensing signal to the control unit; and a control unit controlling the initial start-up of said pump according to the sensing signal A refrigerator characterized by 2. The water tank (1), which is fixed or removable, and determines the water level in the water tank (1) according to the detection signal and/or determines the time elapsed since the last water was drawn from the water tank (1) in order to evaluate the quality of the water in it, and/or A refrigerator as in Claim 1, characterized by a control unit that determines whether the tank (l) is attached or not, provides the user interface to provide information showing one or more determination results to the user, and controls the operation of said pump according to the determination results. 3. When it is determined that the water tank (1) is empty, which prevents the pump in question from working and/or when it is determined that the time elapsed since the last water withdrawal from the water tank (1) is longer than a predetermined time, which prevents the pump in question from working and/or the water tank (1) A refrigerator as in claim 2, characterized by a control unit that prevents said pump from operating when it is determined that it is not installed. 4. According to the detection signal, which determines whether the water level in the water tank (1) is less than a predetermined level, and if it is, the user interface tells the user that the water level in the water tank (1) can only be set for the pump in question to run once for a predetermined period of time. From Claims 1 to 3, characterized by a control unit that allows the user to run said pump only once for a predetermined period of time, and then prevents said pump from operating unless the water tank (l) is refilled sufficiently. a refrigerator as in any. 5. Claim, characterized by a magnetic float (4) placed in liquid communication with the water tank (1) and a sensing unit (3) containing one or more magnetic sensors (5) placed at different levels to detect the magnetic float (4). A refrigerator as in any of 1 to 4. 6. A refrigerator as in claim 5, characterized by a magnetic sensor (5), each of which includes one or more reed switches or one or more Hall effect sensors. 7. Claim 5 or 6', characterized by a water tank (1) comprising a channel (6) in which the magnetic float (4) is placed so that it can move up and down freely, and a liquid passage (7) opening into the channel (6). like a refrigerator. 8. A refrigerator as in Claim 7, characterized by the channel (6) located inside the water tank (1). 9. The channel (6) and magnetic floater located at the rear of the water tank (1), which are separated from each other by the liquid passage (7) and contain a rear channel section (8) and a front channel section (9) surrounding the channel (6) together. (4) A refrigerator as in Claim 8, characterized by a stopper (10) limiting its upward movement. 10. Claims 1 to A refrigerator like any of the 9. 11. A drawer (11) in which water is stored; A refrigerator as in any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by a water tank (1) comprising a cover (12) that enables the drawer (11) to be closed and opened, and an opening (13) that allows the drawer (11) to be refilled. 12. A refrigerator as in Claim 11, characterized by a flap (14) allowing the opening (13) to be opened and closed manually, and an opening (13) located in the lid (12). 13. A refrigerator as in Claim 11 or 12, characterized by the water tank (1) outlet (2) located in the cover (12). 14. As in any of Claims 1 to 13, characterized by a hose (15) located inside the water tank (1), the end of which is connected to the outlet (2) in the flow direction, and the end of the opposite flow is immersed in the water inside the water tank (l). a refrigerator. 15. A refrigerator as in Claim 14, characterized by a filter (16) immersed in water in the water tank (1) and connected to the opposite end of the hose (15) flow direction.