US20110056222A1 - Refrigerator - Google Patents

Refrigerator Download PDF

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Publication number
US20110056222A1
US20110056222A1 US12/805,892 US80589210A US2011056222A1 US 20110056222 A1 US20110056222 A1 US 20110056222A1 US 80589210 A US80589210 A US 80589210A US 2011056222 A1 US2011056222 A1 US 2011056222A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
water
chamber door
refrigerator according
refrigerating chamber
supply pipe
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US12/805,892
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Sang Hoon Lee
Han Wook Cho
Jee Yong Kim
Kyoung Mi Yoon
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Samsung Electronics Co Ltd filed Critical Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Assigned to SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD. reassignment SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: CHO, HAN WOOK, KIM, JEE YONG, LEE, SANG HOON, YOON, KYOUNG MI
Publication of US20110056222A1 publication Critical patent/US20110056222A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D25/00—Charging, supporting, and discharging the articles to be cooled
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D23/00—General constructional features
    • F25D23/12—Arrangements of compartments additional to cooling compartments; Combinations of refrigerators with other equipment, e.g. stove
    • F25D23/126—Water cooler
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C1/00—Producing ice
    • F25C1/22—Construction of moulds; Filling devices for moulds
    • F25C1/24—Construction of moulds; Filling devices for moulds for refrigerators, e.g. freezing trays
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D11/00—Self-contained movable devices, e.g. domestic refrigerators
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D23/00—General constructional features
    • F25D23/06—Walls
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C2400/00—Auxiliary features or devices for producing, working or handling ice
    • F25C2400/10—Refrigerator units
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C2400/00—Auxiliary features or devices for producing, working or handling ice
    • F25C2400/14—Water supply
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D23/00—General constructional features
    • F25D23/02—Doors; Covers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2323/00—General constructional features not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • F25D2323/122—General constructional features not provided for in other groups of this subclass the refrigerator is characterised by a water tank for the water/ice dispenser
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2400/00—General features of, or devices for refrigerators, cold rooms, ice-boxes, or for cooling or freezing apparatus not covered by any other subclass
    • F25D2400/22—Cleaning means for refrigerating devices

Definitions

  • Embodiments relate to a refrigerator capable of improving sanitation and space efficiency by structuring a water supply device integrally with a rear surface of a door of a storage chamber.
  • a refrigerator refers to an apparatus to store food at a low temperature and, more specifically, to store food in a freezing state or a refrigerating state according to the type of food to be stored.
  • refrigerators have been equipped with a dispenser, that is, a device to allow a user to take out water or ice stored in the refrigerator, from the outside without having to open a door of the refrigerator, thereby improving user convenience.
  • a dispenser that is, a device to allow a user to take out water or ice stored in the refrigerator, from the outside without having to open a door of the refrigerator, thereby improving user convenience.
  • an ice making unit may be further provided, which is supplied with water from the outside and makes ice to be taken out through the dispenser.
  • the dispenser and the ice making unit require supply of water from the outside in order to operate.
  • the refrigerator is connected with a water supply source.
  • Water in the water supply source is supplied to the refrigerator, being diverged through a valve. Part of the water is diverged at the valve and supplied to the ice making unit and another part of the water is supplied to a water tank.
  • the water tank is connected through a supply pipe to the dispenser mounted on a front of the door of the refrigerator.
  • the ice making unit is generally mounted in a freezing chamber, the water tank is mounted in a refrigerating chamber, and the dispenser is mounted to a door of the freezing chamber. Therefore, installation of the supply pipe that supplies water to those parts becomes complicated. Accordingly, the total length of the supply pipe should be increased, which complicates the manufacturing process and deteriorates sanitation.
  • a refrigerator having a water supply device, integrally formed with a rear surface of a refrigerating chamber door, accordingly simplifying the structure and reducing manufacturing costs.
  • a refrigerator including a storage chamber door to open and close a storage chamber, a dispenser mounted to the storage chamber door, and a water supply device separably connected to a rear surface of the storage chamber door adjacent to the dispenser, to supply water to the dispenser.
  • the water supply device may further include a case having a receiving part to receive a water tank assembly, and the case may be separably connected to the rear surface of the door.
  • the case may further include a hook part formed on both sides of the receiving part and separably engaged with the rear surface of the door.
  • the door may include a supporting projection formed on the rear surface thereof to support a door guard, and the hook parts may be separably engaged with the supporting projections.
  • the case may further include a cover member allowing the components mounted in the receiving part to be unseen from the outside.
  • the case may include a first case having a first path a second case having a second path that forms an inner passage for water through connection with the first path.
  • the case may include an LED lamp displaying the state of water stored in the water tank assembly.
  • the water tank assembly may include a connector connected to an external water supply source, and a water tank separably connected with the connector.
  • the water tank may include a tank body storing water, and a tank cover separably connected to an upper part of the tank body.
  • the tank body may be made of a transparent material.
  • the water supply device may further include a filter assembly received in the receiving part of the case to clean the water supplied from the external water supply source and supply the cleaned water to the water tank assembly.
  • the filter assembly may include a connector connected to an external water supply source, and a water cleaning filter separably connected with the connector.
  • the refrigerator may further include an ice making device mounted in the storage chamber to produce ice, wherein the water supply device may further include a control valve supplying the water passed through the filter assembly selectively to the ice making device or to the water tank assembly.
  • the water supply device may further include a shielding member connected to the case to surround the control valve, so as to shield noise.
  • the water supply device may further include a supply pipe connect the water supply device from the rear surface of the storage chamber door to the dispenser or to the external water supply source.
  • a receiving part may be formed at the storage chamber door to secure a space in a foamed material so that the supply pipe is connected to the external water supply source or the dispenser in the space.
  • the refrigerator may further include a hinge unit pivotably supporting the storage chamber door, wherein the receiving part may be disposed adjacent to the hinge unit.
  • the receiving part may have a pipe form having a greater diameter than the supply pipe.
  • a refrigerator including refrigerator having a main body; a refrigerating chamber disposed at an upper part of the main body; a freezing chamber disposed at a lower part of the main body, further includes a refrigerating chamber door opening and closing the refrigerating chamber, a water tank assembly separably connected to a rear surface of the refrigerating chamber door to store water, and a dispenser formed on a front of the refrigerating chamber door to allow a user to take out the water stored in the water tank assembly.
  • the water tank assembly may include a connector connected to an external water supply source, and a water tank separably connected with the connector.
  • the refrigerator may further include a case to receive the water tank assembly, and the case may be separably connected with the rear surface of the refrigerating chamber door.
  • the refrigerator may further include a filter assembly received in the case to clean the water supplied from the external water supply source, a supply pipe disposed in a foamed material filling an inside of the refrigerating chamber door to connect the filter assembly to the water supply source, and a receiving part formed in the refrigerating chamber door to receive the supply pipe so that the supply pipe is movable in the foamed material.
  • the refrigerator may further include a supply pipe disposed in a foamed material filling an inside of the refrigerating chamber door to connect the water tank assembly to the dispenser, and a receiving part formed at the dispenser to receive the supply pipe so that the supply pipe is movable in the foamed material.
  • a refrigerator in accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, includes a main body, a refrigerating chamber disposed at an upper part of the main body, a refrigerating chamber door connected to the main body to open and close the refrigerating chamber, an ice making device mounted in the refrigerating chamber to produce ice, a dispenser mounted on a front of the refrigerating chamber door, and a water supply device removably connected to a rear surface of the refrigerating chamber door to supply water from an external water supply source selectively to the ice making device or the dispenser.
  • the water supply device may include a filter assembly supplied with water from the external water supply source to clean the water, a water tank assembly storing the water cleaned by the filter assembly, a control valve controlling supply of water to the ice making device or to the water tank assembly, and a case receiving the filter assembly, the water tank assembly and the control valve, being separably connected to the rear surface of the refrigerating chamber door.
  • the refrigerator may further include a first supply pipe connecting the filter assembly to the water supply source, a second supply pipe connecting the filter assembly to the control valve, a third supply pipe connecting the control valve to the water tank assembly, a fourth supply pipe connecting the control valve to the ice making device that produces ice, and a fifth supply pipe connecting the water tank assembly to the dispenser through which water is taken out.
  • the case may include a first case having a first path, and a second path having a second path that forms an inner passage for water through connection with the first path.
  • the fifth supply pipe may be movable within the refrigerating chamber door.
  • the water supply device which conventionally has a complicated structure, may be simplified in structure, accordingly reducing the manufacturing costs.
  • the filter assembly, the water tank assembly and the supply pipe may be cleaned or replaced by separating the water supply device from the refrigerating chamber door. Accordingly, the water supply device may be maintained in a sanitary state.
  • FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing the exterior appearance of a refrigerator according to one embodiment
  • FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing an inner structure of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a water supply device of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the water supply device, as seen from the front of a refrigerating chamber door;
  • FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C are views illustrating the processes of assembling or disassembling a connector and a water cleaning filter according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a water tank according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an LED lamp according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the connection relationships of the water supply device with a water supply source and a dispenser, according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a water supply device of a refrigerator according to another embodiment.
  • FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing the exterior appearance of a refrigerator according to one embodiment
  • FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing an inner structure of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 1 .
  • a main body 10 of the refrigerator includes a refrigerating chamber 20 and a freezing chamber 30 as storage spaces.
  • the refrigerating chamber 20 and the freezing chamber 30 are separated upward and downward by a partition 40 within the main body 10 .
  • the refrigerating chamber 20 is disposed at an upper part of the main body 10 and the freezing chamber 30 is disposed at a lower part thereof.
  • embodiments are not limited to such a structure and may be structured in a reverse manner or applied to a side-by-side refrigerator.
  • the refrigerating chamber 20 and the freezing chamber 30 are opened toward the front of the main body 10 .
  • the opened front sides of the chambers 20 and 30 are opened and closed by doors 50 and 60 , respectively.
  • the refrigerating chamber 20 is opened and closed by a pair of the refrigerating chamber doors 50 .
  • the refrigerating chamber doors 50 are pivotably supported by hinge units 70 mounted at upper and lower both sides of the front of the main body 10 .
  • a door handle 80 is formed at a leading end of a front side of each refrigerating chamber door 50 .
  • a user grips the handle 80 and applies a force to open and close the refrigerating chamber door 50 .
  • the freezing chamber door 60 also has a door handle 90 at an upper front part thereof. The freezing chamber door 60 may be withdrawn like a drawer from the freezing chamber 30 .
  • an ice making chamber 100 to produce ice is mounted at an upper inside of the refrigerating chamber 20 .
  • the ice making chamber 100 is at a relatively low temperature as compared to the refrigerating chamber 20 , and therefore is isolated by a dedicated adiabatic partition 100 a.
  • An ice making device 110 which actually produces ice is provided in the ice making chamber 100 .
  • the ice making device 110 receives supplied water in an ice making tray 111 and freezes the water using the low inner temperature of the ice making chamber 100 .
  • An ice storage unit 112 is disposed at a lower part of the ice making device 110 to store the ice produced by the ice making device 110 .
  • the ice produced at the ice making device 110 may be transferred to the ice storage unit 112 by various methods.
  • the produced ice is temporarily stored in the ice storage unit 112 and transferred by an ice transfer unit 113 .
  • the ice storage unit 112 is fluidly communicated with an ice discharge duct 114 formed through the refrigerating chamber door 50 and the adiabatic partition 100 a .
  • the ice discharge duct 114 is selectively opened and closed, thereby transferring the ice to a dispenser 200 installed at the refrigerating chamber door 50 . More specifically, the ice discharge duct 114 is formed at the refrigerating chamber door 50 to fluidly communicate with the dispenser 200 in an outward direction. Also, the ice discharge duct 114 is fluidly communicated with the ice storage unit 112 through the adiabatic partition 100 a of the ice making chamber 100 , in an inward direction.
  • the dispenser 200 enables the user to take out water or ice without opening the refrigerating chamber door 50 . That is, the dispenser 200 has the structure to take out water and ice.
  • the dispenser 200 may include an operation button, or an operation lever exposed to the front of the refrigerating chamber door 50 to be input with signals regarding opening and closing of a discharge port that discharges the water or ice therethrough.
  • a water supply device 300 is formed integrally with a rear surface 50 a of the refrigerating chamber door 50 and connected to an external water supply source such as a water tap.
  • the water supply device of this embodiment is disposed at the rear surface of the refrigerating chamber door
  • the water supply device may be formed at a rear surface of a freezing chamber door by properly modifying the structure so that water in the water supply device does not freeze by using an adiabatic member.
  • FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a water supply device of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the water supply device, as seen from the front of a refrigerating chamber door.
  • the water supply device 300 includes a case 400 , a filter assembly 500 , a water tank assembly 600 , a control valve 700 , and a supply pipe 800 .
  • the case 400 is mounted along a guide rail 51 formed on the rear surface 50 a of the refrigerating chamber door 50 .
  • the total length of the supply pipe 800 including by first to fifth supply pipes P 1 , P 2 , P 3 , P 4 and P 5 may be reduced.
  • the case 400 includes a receiving part 410 that receives the filter assembly 500 , the water tank assembly 600 and the control valve 700 , and a hook part 420 formed on a lateral side of the receiving part 410 to be separably connected to the rear surface 50 a of the refrigerating chamber door 50 .
  • the water supply device 300 also includes frames 300 a , which connect the water tank assembly 600 and the filter assembly 500 to the case 400 .
  • the receiving part 410 may be depressed by a predetermined depth inwardly so as to receive the filter assembly 500 , the water tank assembly 600 and the control valve 700 .
  • the receiving part 410 may include an upper receiving part 411 receiving the filter assembly 500 and the water tank assembly 600 , and a lower receiving part 412 receiving the control valve 700 .
  • the upper receiving part 411 may be larger than the lower receiving part 412 in order to receive the filter assembly 500 and the water tank assembly 600 .
  • a shielding cover 412 a may be connected to the lower receiving part 412 to shield noise generated by the operation of the control valve 700 .
  • the hook part 420 may be formed on both sides of the upper receiving part 411 .
  • the guide rail 51 is mounted at the rear surface 50 a of the refrigerating chamber door 50 , and supporting projections 51 a are formed on both inner sides of the guide rail 51 to support a door guard (not shown).
  • the hook parts 420 are structured so that the case 400 is inserted between both sides of the guide rail 51 while being supported by the supporting projections 51 a formed at both sides to support the door guard (not shown).
  • the water supply device 300 is connected to the rear surface 50 a through the supporting projections 51 a adapted to support the door guard (not shown), thereby achieving an economical structure.
  • the filter assembly 500 is disposed in the upper receiving part 411 of the case 400 .
  • the filter assembly 500 cleans water supplied from the external water supply source through the first supply pipe P 1 , so that the water becomes drinkable for the user.
  • the filter assembly 500 includes a connector 510 and a water cleaning filter 520 .
  • FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C are views illustrating the processes of assembling or disassembling the connector and the water cleaning filter according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 .
  • the connector 510 includes an inlet 511 connected to the first supply pipe P 1 to guide water into the water cleaning filter 520 , and an outlet 512 connected to the second supply pipe P 2 to guide the water outward to the control valve 700 .
  • the connector 510 further includes a first port 513 through which the water flowing in through the inlet 511 is moved to the water cleaning filter 520 , and a second port 514 through which the water is moved from the water cleaning filter 520 to the outlet 512 .
  • the first port 513 and the second port 514 are hollow. Therefore, a sealing member 515 may be provided in a part of an inner wall of each of the first and the second ports 513 and 514 , thereby preventing leakage of water.
  • the first and the second ports 513 and 514 include a first hook 513 a and a second hook 514 a , respectively, which are made of an elastic material and separably connected to the air cleaning filters 520 .
  • the water cleaning filter 520 includes a filter housing 521 , a first guide 522 protruded from the filter housing 521 to be connected to the first port 513 , a second guide 523 protruded from the filter housing 521 to be connected to the second port 514 , a connection guide 524 connected to the first and the second guides 522 and 523 , and a filter element (not shown) disposed at the filter housing 521 and made of a non-woven fabric or a reverse osmosis membrane.
  • the first guide 522 and the second guide 523 are protruded in a pipe form and inserted in the first port 513 and the second port 514 , respectively.
  • the first and the second guides 522 and 523 include a first locking projection 522 a and a second locking projection 523 a , respectively.
  • the first locking projection 522 a is engaged with the first hook 513 a of the first port 513 and the second locking projection 523 a is engaged with the second hook 514 a of the second port 514 .
  • first and the second locking projections 522 a and 523 a are protruded outward from parts of the first and the second guides 522 and 523 , and separably engaged with the first and the second hooks 513 a and 514 a.
  • connection guide 524 may have a push stick form which is hollow through the center and be mounted to the first and the second guides 522 and 523 . That is, the connection guide 524 is a hard bar having a donut-like sectional shape.
  • the connection guide 524 is pushed toward the connector 510 , the first and the second hooks 513 a and 514 a made of an elastic material are pushed and therefore released from the first and the second locking projections 522 a and 523 a . According to this, the air cleaning filter 520 may be conveniently connected with and released from the connector 510 even in a narrow space, as shown in FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C .
  • the control valve 700 is formed in the lower receiving part 410 of the case 400 .
  • the water passed through the filter assembly 500 is cleaned and supplied to the control valve 700 through the second supply pipe P 2 .
  • the water supplied from the second supply pipe P 2 is divergently supplied to the third and the fourth supply pipes P 3 and P 4 by the control valve 700 .
  • the control valve 700 may include a pair of solenoid valves (not shown) formed therein so that the water supplied through the second supply pipe P 2 is selectively supplied to the third and the fourth supply pipes P 3 and P 4 or interrupted.
  • the water supplied to the third supply pipe P 3 is supplied to the water tank assembly 600 and then to the dispenser 200 , whereas the water supplied to the fourth supply pipe P 4 is supplied to the ice making device 110 to become ice.
  • control valve 700 may shield noise using the shielding cover 412 a covering the lower receiving part 410 .
  • the water tank assembly 600 is formed in the upper receiving part 410 of the case 400 .
  • the water tank assembly 600 may be disposed at a lower part of the filter assembly 500 .
  • the water tank assembly 600 receives the water flowing into the control valve 700 through the third supply pipe P 3 and stores the water at lower than a predetermined temperature. That is, the water tank assembly 600 preserves a predetermined amount of water in a refrigerated state and supplies the water to the dispenser 200 so that the user is supplied with cool water. That is, a predetermined amount of the water cleaned through the filter assembly 500 may always be supplied to and stored in the water tank assembly 600 .
  • the water tank assembly 600 may include a connector 610 and a water tank 620 separably connected to the connector 610 .
  • the connector 610 includes an inlet connected to the third supply pipe P 3 to guide water into the water tank 620 , and an outlet connected to the fifth supply pipe P 5 to guide the water out to the dispenser 200 .
  • the case 400 may further include a cover member allowing the components mounted in the receiving part 410 to be hidden from view from the outside. Therefore, the water supply device 300 is not exposed to the outside by the cover member, thereby improving the aesthetics of the refrigerating chamber door 50 .
  • FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the water tank 620 according to the above embodiment.
  • the water tank 620 may include a tank body 621 , and a tank cover 622 connected to an upper part of the tank body 621 .
  • the tank body 621 has small locking parts 621 a protruded on an outer circumference thereof.
  • the tank cover 622 has a cover part 622 a covering the tank body 621 , connection parts 622 b for connection with the tank body 621 , and a locking projection 622 c protruded from an inner surface of each of the connection parts 622 b and elastically engaged with and released from the locking parts 621 a of the tank body 621 .
  • the tank body 621 is connected to the tank cover 622 as follows.
  • the locking projections 622 c protruded from the inner surfaces of the connection parts 622 b disposed opposite to each other are pressed toward the tank body 621 , and therefore elastically engaged with the locking parts 621 a .
  • the tank cover 622 is connected to the tank body 621 .
  • the water tank 620 is made of a transparent material so that the user easily checks the state of water in the water tank 620 .
  • the case 400 disposed adjacent to the water tank 620 may include an LED lamp 900 displaying the water state to inform the user of the cleaning period.
  • FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the LED lamp 900 .
  • the LED lamp 900 emits red light when the water has remained in the water tank 620 for 7 days or longer, or emits blue light when the water has remained in the water tank 620 for less than 7 days.
  • the LED lamp 900 flashes the red light to warn the user of the state of the water tank 620 . In addition, if the user does not press a reset button even after cleaning the water tank 620 , the LED lamp 900 also flashes.
  • the LED lamp 900 When the user cleans the water tank 620 in the state where the red light is on and presses the reset button, the LED lamp 900 emits blue light. Thus, the user is able to easily recognize the cleaning period through the state of the LED lamp 900 and the sanitary state in the water tank 620 .
  • the first supply pipe P 1 is provided to guide the water from the water supply source to the water supply device 300 .
  • the first supply pipe P 1 is connected to the filter assembly 500 mounted at the rear surface 50 a of the refrigerating chamber door 50 , by passing through an upper surface 50 b of the refrigerating chamber door 50 .
  • the water guided into the filter assembly 500 is moved through the second supply pipe P 2 disposed at a lower part of the first supply pipe P 1 .
  • the second supply pipe P 2 is connected to the control valve 700 at the opposite side to where the filter assembly 500 is connected.
  • the water flows into the control valve 700 and is moved divergently to the third and the fourth supply pipes P 3 and P 4 .
  • part of the water moved along the second supply pipe P 2 flows to the third supply pipe P 3 and the other part flows to the fourth supply pipe P 4 .
  • the third supply pipe P 3 is connected to the ice making device 110 .
  • the ice making device 110 produces ice from the water cleaned by the filter assembly 500 to be used by the user.
  • the ice is supplied to the user through the dispenser 200 .
  • the fourth supply pipe P 4 is connected to the water tank assembly 600 .
  • the water tank assembly 600 preserves a predetermined amount of water in a refrigerated state while supplying the cool water to the dispenser 200 for the user.
  • the fifth supply pipe P 5 is mounted at a part of the water tank assembly 600 discharging the water from the water tank assembly 600 .
  • the fifth supply pipe P 5 is connected to the dispenser 200 at the rear surface of the refrigerating chamber door.
  • the water discharged from the water tank assembly 600 is transferred to the dispenser 200 through the fifth supply pipe P 5 and supplied to the user through the dispenser 200 .
  • FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the connection of the water supply device with the water supply source and the dispenser, according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 .
  • the hinge units 70 are mounted to the upper surface 50 b of the refrigerating chamber door 50 to enable opening and closing of the refrigerating chamber door 50 .
  • An insertion hole 50 c is formed by penetrating a part of the upper surface 50 b of the refrigerating chamber door 50 , in order for connection of the hinge units 70 .
  • a foam 50 d fills an inner side 500 a of the refrigerating chamber door 50 .
  • a first receiving hole H 1 is formed in the refrigerating chamber door 50 disposed adjacent to the insertion hole 50 c so that the first supply pipe P 1 may move within the refrigerating chamber door 50 . That is, the first receiving hole H 1 forms a path allowing the first supply pipe P 1 to be movable from the rear surface 50 a to the upper surface 50 b of the refrigerating chamber door 50 .
  • the first receiving hole H 1 may have a pipe form having a greater diameter than the first supply pipe P 1 .
  • the water tank assembly 600 has the fifth supply pipe P 5 at the part discharging the water.
  • the fifth supply pipe P 5 is connected to the dispenser 200 to supply the water for the user.
  • the dispenser 200 includes a dispenser base 200 a depressed by a predetermined depth inwardly from the front of the refrigerating chamber door 50 .
  • a second receiving part H 2 is formed in the foamed material 50 d for connection of the fifth supply pipe P 5 .
  • the fifth supply pipe P 5 may freely move, not fixed by the foam 50 d . Therefore, cleaning or replacement of the fifth supply pipe P 5 may be conveniently performed, consequently improving the sanitation of the fifth supply pipe P 5 .
  • FIG. 9 shows a water supply device according to another embodiment.
  • the water supply device 300 ′ includes a case 400 ′, the filter assembly 500 , the water tank assembly 600 , the control valve 700 , and supply pipes P 1 ′, P 2 ′, P 3 ′, P 4 ′ and P 5 ′.
  • the case 300 ′ includes a first case 430 ′ including a first path 430 ′ a , and a second case 440 including a second path 440 ′ a connected to the first path 430 ′ a , thereby forming an inner passage for water.
  • the water from the water supply source may be supplied to the filter assembly 500 through the first supply pipe P 1 ′.
  • the second supply pipe P 2 ′ is connected to the inner passage formed through connection between the first and the second cases 430 ′ and 440 ′, so that the water may be supplied from the filter assembly 500 to the control valve 700 .
  • the third and the fourth supply pipes P 3 ′ and P 4 ′ are connected to the inner passage, so that the water may be supplied from the control valve 700 to the water tank assembly 600 and the ice making device 110 .
  • the fifth supply pipe P 5 ′ is connected to the inner passage, so that the water may be supplied from the water tank assembly 600 to the dispenser (not shown).
  • the first and the second cases 430 and 440 are connected to form the inner passage allowing passage of the water, the total length of the supply pipes P 1 ′ to P 5 ′ is reduced. Also, unwanted bending of the supply pipes P 1 ′ to P 5 ′ caused due to an insufficient installation space may be prevented.
  • a speed of the water flow from the point of passing through the filter assembly 500 to the point of reaching the water tank assembly 600 may be controlled.
  • the refrigerator according to the embodiment has a water supply device integrally formed with a rear surface of a refrigerating chamber door, accordingly improving the sanitation, space efficiency and material utilization efficiency.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)
US12/805,892 2009-09-08 2010-08-23 Refrigerator Abandoned US20110056222A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
KR10-2009-84326 2009-09-08
KR1020090084326A KR20110026602A (ko) 2009-09-08 2009-09-08 냉장고

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CN (1) CN102012143B (de)
DE (1) DE102010039379A1 (de)

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US20120297814A1 (en) * 2011-05-25 2012-11-29 Kim Sungkyoung Refrigerator and water tank assembly for refrigerator
US20130327073A1 (en) * 2012-06-07 2013-12-12 Seungho Lee Refrigerator
US20140007609A1 (en) * 2012-07-04 2014-01-09 Lg Electronics Inc. Refrigerator
US20140157600A1 (en) * 2012-12-06 2014-06-12 Whirlpool Corporation Utility routing for a door-mounted icemaker
US20170241700A1 (en) * 2016-02-24 2017-08-24 General Electric Company Water Reservoir Assembly and a Refrigerator Appliance
EP3273193A1 (de) * 2016-07-19 2018-01-24 BSH Hausgeräte GmbH Wasserführungskomponentenanordnung für ein haushaltskühlgerät
WO2019148863A1 (zh) * 2018-01-31 2019-08-08 海信容声(广东)冰箱有限公司 储水盒组件及设置有该储水盒组件的冰箱
US10775098B2 (en) 2017-01-03 2020-09-15 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Refrigerator including fixers to fix components of refrigerator
US11079157B2 (en) * 2015-05-20 2021-08-03 Lg Electronics Inc. Refrigerator
US11118832B2 (en) * 2019-04-17 2021-09-14 Whirlpool Corporation Shelf assembly with water dispenser and filtration system
US11828527B2 (en) 2020-02-28 2023-11-28 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Refrigerator
EP4279842A3 (de) * 2018-08-01 2024-01-24 LG Electronics Inc. Kühlschrank

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KR102076530B1 (ko) * 2013-06-17 2020-02-13 삼성전자주식회사 정수필터 카트리지 및 이를 포함하는 냉장고
DE102016000375A1 (de) * 2015-11-17 2017-05-18 Liebherr-Hausgeräte Ochsenhausen GmbH Kühl- und/oder Gefriergerät
CN112074698B (zh) * 2018-06-20 2022-08-09 惠而浦有限公司 具有铰接铰链的冰箱的从箱体至箱门的水路
CN219199691U (zh) * 2022-10-20 2023-06-16 青岛海尔电冰箱有限公司 冰箱
CN115875921A (zh) * 2022-12-29 2023-03-31 Tcl家用电器（合肥）有限公司 一种冰箱

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US9222722B2 (en) * 2011-05-25 2015-12-29 Lg Electronics Inc. Refrigerator and water tank assembly for refrigerator
US20120297814A1 (en) * 2011-05-25 2012-11-29 Kim Sungkyoung Refrigerator and water tank assembly for refrigerator
US20130327073A1 (en) * 2012-06-07 2013-12-12 Seungho Lee Refrigerator
EP2682691B1 (de) * 2012-07-04 2018-09-05 LG Electronics Inc. Kühlschrank
US9677802B2 (en) * 2012-07-04 2017-06-13 Lg Electronics Inc. Refrigerator
US20140007609A1 (en) * 2012-07-04 2014-01-09 Lg Electronics Inc. Refrigerator
US9851137B2 (en) * 2012-12-06 2017-12-26 Whirlpool Corporation Utility routing for a door-mounted icemaker
US20180094845A1 (en) * 2012-12-06 2018-04-05 Whirlpool Corporation Utility routing for a door-mounted icemaker
US11293679B2 (en) * 2012-12-06 2022-04-05 Whirlpool Corporation Utility routing for a door-mounted icemaker
US20140157600A1 (en) * 2012-12-06 2014-06-12 Whirlpool Corporation Utility routing for a door-mounted icemaker
US10619904B2 (en) * 2012-12-06 2020-04-14 Whirlpool Corporation Utility routing for a door-mounted icemaker
US11079157B2 (en) * 2015-05-20 2021-08-03 Lg Electronics Inc. Refrigerator
US12013169B2 (en) 2015-05-20 2024-06-18 Lg Electronics Inc. Refrigerator
US20170241700A1 (en) * 2016-02-24 2017-08-24 General Electric Company Water Reservoir Assembly and a Refrigerator Appliance
US10591193B2 (en) 2016-07-19 2020-03-17 Bsh Hausgeraete Gmbh Water-guiding component assembly for a household cooling appliance
EP3273193A1 (de) * 2016-07-19 2018-01-24 BSH Hausgeräte GmbH Wasserführungskomponentenanordnung für ein haushaltskühlgerät
US10775098B2 (en) 2017-01-03 2020-09-15 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Refrigerator including fixers to fix components of refrigerator
US11415363B2 (en) 2017-01-03 2022-08-16 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Refrigerator including light emitting diode assembly
WO2019148863A1 (zh) * 2018-01-31 2019-08-08 海信容声(广东)冰箱有限公司 储水盒组件及设置有该储水盒组件的冰箱
EP4279842A3 (de) * 2018-08-01 2024-01-24 LG Electronics Inc. Kühlschrank
US11118832B2 (en) * 2019-04-17 2021-09-14 Whirlpool Corporation Shelf assembly with water dispenser and filtration system
US11828527B2 (en) 2020-02-28 2023-11-28 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Refrigerator

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE102010039379A1 (de) 2011-03-17
CN102012143A (zh) 2011-04-13
KR20110026602A (ko) 2011-03-16
CN102012143B (zh) 2014-09-17

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