WO2019098978A2 - A refrigerator comprising an ice making unit - Google Patents

A refrigerator comprising an ice making unit Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2019098978A2
WO2019098978A2 PCT/TR2018/050572 TR2018050572W WO2019098978A2 WO 2019098978 A2 WO2019098978 A2 WO 2019098978A2 TR 2018050572 W TR2018050572 W TR 2018050572W WO 2019098978 A2 WO2019098978 A2 WO 2019098978A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
ice making
water
refrigerator
water delivery
sealing element
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/TR2018/050572
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2019098978A3 (en
Inventor
Furkan YURTTEPE
Samet AKAN
Tansel OZTURK
Original Assignee
Arcelik Anonim Sirketi
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Arcelik Anonim Sirketi filed Critical Arcelik Anonim Sirketi
Priority to EP18878795.6A priority Critical patent/EP3714225A4/en
Publication of WO2019098978A2 publication Critical patent/WO2019098978A2/en
Publication of WO2019098978A3 publication Critical patent/WO2019098978A3/en

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C5/00—Working or handling ice
    • F25C5/20—Distributing ice
    • F25C5/22—Distributing ice particularly adapted for household refrigerators
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L59/00—Thermal insulation in general
    • F16L59/12—Arrangements for supporting insulation from the wall or body insulated, e.g. by means of spacers between pipe and heat-insulating material; Arrangements specially adapted for supporting insulated bodies
    • F16L59/121—Arrangements for supporting insulation from the wall or body insulated, e.g. by means of spacers between pipe and heat-insulating material; Arrangements specially adapted for supporting insulated bodies for pipes passing through walls or partitions
    • 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
    • F25D23/08—Parts formed wholly or mainly of plastics materials
    • F25D23/082—Strips
    • F25D23/087—Sealing strips
    • 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
    • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C2500/00—Problems to be solved
    • F25C2500/06—Spillage or flooding of water
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a refrigerator comprising an ice making unit.
  • the ice making units used in refrigerators are generally disposed in an ice making compartment that is defined by walls in the freezer compartment. Furthermore, a water tank wherein the water used in ice making is stored is provided in the ice making compartment. The ice making units are filled with the water supplied from the water tank to enable the ice to be obtained. When ice is desired to be made, the water in the water tank is fed from the water tank to the ice making unit by means of a water delivery element such as hose, etc. and the water that is not used in the ice making process is transferred back to the water tank by means of the same water delivery element.
  • a water delivery element such as hose, etc.
  • the water delivery element extends outside the ice making compartment, between the ice making compartment and the water tank.
  • the water delivery element enters the ice making compartment through a hole on one of the walls that define the ice making compartment and reaches the water tank.
  • water may leak out of the water delivery element due to the problems that occur in the structure of the water transfer element.
  • the water that leaks enters the ice making compartment through the hole on the wall and accumulates in the ice making compartment or in the freezer compartment outside the ice making compartment.
  • the water that accumulates in said compartments may also leak out of the refrigerator. This in turn leads to user dissatisfaction.
  • a refrigerator comprising a connector that prevents water leakage from the hose that delivers water to the refrigerator.
  • the aim of the present invention is the realization of a refrigerator wherein the water that may leak from the water delivery element that extends between the ice making unit and the water tank is prevented from entering the ice making compartment and the freezer compartment.
  • the refrigerator comprising the ice making unit realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention, explicated in the first claim and the respective claims thereof comprises a connection element having a body enabling the water delivery element that provides water transfer between the ice making unit and the water tank to be fixed on a wall that defines the ice making department and at least one sealing element that is attached to the water delivery element at one end.
  • the body is arranged on the wall through which the water delivery element enters the ice making compartment to reach the water tank and the sealing element is mounted into the body.
  • the water delivery element is attached to the end of the sealing element that faces the exterior of the ice making compartment and thus, a leak- proof connection is provided between the water delivery element and the wall.
  • a leak- proof connection is provided between the water delivery element and the wall.
  • the refrigerator further comprises at least one limiting element that is mounted onto the body and that surrounds the water delivery element such that there is a gap between the limiting element and the water delivery element.
  • the limiting element is in the form of a hollow cylindrical pipe that extends almost in the same direction as the water delivery element.
  • the sealing element comprises at least one extension that receives at least a portion of the water delivery element.
  • the extension has a form that receives the water delivery element from the end that faces the exterior of the ice making compartment, and that allows the water delivery element to extend therein.
  • the extension is, for example, in the form of a hollow cylindrical pipe.
  • the extension extends preferably almost on the same axis as the water delivery element extends.
  • the extension extends preferably beyond the body, in other words, towards the exterior of the ice making compartment so as to pass beyond the body.
  • the sealing element comprises at least one receptacle that surrounds at least a portion of the extension.
  • the receptacle surrounds a part of the extension in the radial direction, in other words, in the direction that is perpendicular to the axis on which the extension extends.
  • the receptacle preferably surrounds the part of the extension that remains in the body.
  • the receptacle preferably extends along the entire length of the gap between the extension and the body.
  • the sealing element is detachably mounted into the body.
  • the damaged sealing element can be easily detached from the body and the leakage problem can be easily solved by attaching a new sealing element to the body.
  • the water delivery element is attached to the end of the sealing element in the ice making compartment before the attachment of the sealing element to the body and then, the sealing element is mounted to the body.
  • the sealing element is detached from the body and together with the water delivery element, pulled into the ice making compartment that can be easily reached and the water delivery element is easily detached from the end of the sealing element in the ice making compartment.
  • the water delivery element is enabled to be easily and quickly detached and reattached during the service and maintenance procedures.
  • the outer surface of the sealing element and the inner surface of the body are toothed.
  • the sealing element can be easily mounted to the body by means of the engagement between the toothed structure on the outer surface of the sealing element and the toothed structure on the inner surface of the body.
  • the sealing element can be mounted to the body and removed from the body only by being rotated.
  • the attachment to the body and detachment from the body of the sealing element becomes easier and quicker.
  • the sealing element comprises at least one fin.
  • the fin is arranged on the end of the sealing element opposite the end to which the water delivery element is attached. The user grabs sealing element by the fin during the attachment and detachment of the sealing element to and from the body and thus, the mounting and the removal processes are facilitated by enabling the sealing element to be easily grabbed by the user while being attached to the body and detached from the body.
  • the body comprises at least one first protrusion and at least one second protrusion that is not positioned at the same height as the first protrusion along the axis (X) along which the body extends.
  • the body is fixed onto the wall such that the first protrusion contacts the surface of the wall that faces the exterior of the ice making container and the second protrusion contacts the other surface of the ice making container that faces the interior of the ice making container.
  • the first protrusion and the second protrusion are arranged on the body in an unaligned manner.
  • the connection element when the connection element is viewed in the direction of the axis along which the connection element extends, the first protrusion and the second protrusion can be at least partially seen.
  • the area where the first protrusion and second protrusion make contact with the wall is increased and a firm and secure connection is provided between the body and the wall.
  • the body comprises a plurality of first protrusions with intervals therebetween and a plurality of second protrusions with intervals therebetween that are positioned at a different height along the axis (X) of the body than the first protrusions.
  • the water that may leak from the water delivery element at least a part of which extends outside the ice making compartment in the freezer compartment between the ice making unit and the water tank is prevented from entering the ice making compartment by means of the sealing element. Furthermore, the water that may leak from the water delivery element is accumulated between the water delivery element and the limiting element so as to be prevented from accumulating in the freezer compartment. Additionally, by enabling the sealing element to be mounted to the body in an easily detachable manner, the water delivery element is enabled to be easily detached and reattached especially during the maintenance and service procedures.
  • Figure 1 - is the general view of the refrigerator of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 - is the perspective view of the interior of the ice making compartment provided in the refrigerator.
  • Figure 3 - is the perspective view of the exterior of the ice making compartment provided in the refrigerator.
  • Figure 4 - is the view of detail A in Figure 3.
  • Figure 5 - is the perspective view of the connection element provided in the refrigerator.
  • Figure 6 - is the perspective view of the connection element when the water delivery element and the limiting element are attached to the connection element provided in the refrigerator.
  • Figure 7 - is the front cross-sectional view of the connection element provided in the refrigerator.
  • Figure 8 is the front view of the sealing element provided in the refrigerator.
  • connection element extends
  • Tl The toothed structure on the sealing element
  • T2 The toothed structure on the body
  • the refrigerator (1) comprises at least one freezer compartment (2); at least one ice making compartment (4) that is limited by a plurality of walls (3) in the freezer compartment (2); at least one ice making unit (5) arranged in the ice making compartment (4); at least one water tank (6) that is arranged in the ice making compartment (4) and wherein water is stored, and a water delivery element (7) that enables the water used for ice making to be transferred between the water tank (6) and the ice making unit (5).
  • the water stored in the water tank (6) is supplied to the ice making unit (5) by means of the water delivery element (7) that is a water pipe or a hose, and the water that is not used for ice making by the ice making unit (5) is delivered back to the water tank (6) by means of the water delivery element (7).
  • the water delivery element (7) extends between the ice making unit (5) and the water tank (6) so as to be at least partially in the freezer compartment (2) outside the ice making compartment (4), and reaches the water tank (5) by passing through a hole on the wall (3).
  • the refrigerator (1) of the present invention comprises a connection element (10) that has a body (8) disposed on the wall (3) and at least one sealing element (9) that is mounted into the body (8) and that is attached to the water delivery element (7) at one end.
  • the body (8) is fixed onto the wall (3) through which the water delivery element (7) enters the ice making compartment (4) to reach the water tank (6) and then, the sealing element (9) is mounted into the body (8).
  • the water delivery element (7) is attached to the end of the sealing element (9) that faces the exterior of the ice making compartment (4) and thus, a leak-proof connection is provided between the water delivery element (7) and the wall (3).
  • the sealing element (9) is prevented from reaching interior of the ice making compartment (4) by means of the sealing element (9).
  • the refrigerator (1) of the present invention further comprises at least one limiting element (11) that is mounted onto the body (8) and that surrounds the water delivery element (7) so that there is a gap between the limiting element (11) and the water delivery element (7).
  • the limiting element (11) is in the form of a hollow cylindrical pipe that extends almost along the same direction as the water delivery element (7) extends.
  • the sealing element (9) comprises at least one extension (12) that receives at least a portion of the water delivery element (7).
  • the extension (12) extends along the same axis as the water delivery element (7).
  • the extension (12) extends beyond the body (8).
  • the sealing element (9) comprises at least one receptacle (13) that surrounds at least a portion of the extension (12).
  • the receptacle (13) preferably surrounds the part of the extension (12) that remains in the body (8).
  • the sealing element (9) is detachably mounted into the body (8).
  • the sealing element (9) can be easily detached from the body (8) and a new sealing element (9) is attached to the body (8) and thus, water leakage problem can be easily solved.
  • the water delivery element (7) is attached to the end of the sealing element (9) before the attachment of the sealing element (9) to the body (8) and then, the sealing element (9) is mounted into the body (8).
  • the water delivery element (7) is enabled to be easily and quickly detached and reattached during the service and maintenance procedures.
  • the outer surface of the sealing element (9) is provided with a toothed structure (Tl) and the inner surface of the body (8) is provided with a toothed structure (T2) that matches the teeth (Tl) on the outer surface of the sealing element (9).
  • the sealing element (9) can be easily mounted to the body (8) by engaging the toothed structure (Tl) on the outer surface of the former with the toothed structure (T2) on the inner surface of the body (8). Consequently, the sealing element (9) can be mounted to the body (8) and removed from the body (8) only by being rotated. Thereby, the attachment of the sealing element (9) to the body (8) and detachment thereof from the body (8) becomes easier and quicker.
  • the sealing element (9) comprises at least one fin (14).
  • the fin (14) is provided on the end of the sealing element (9) opposite the end to which the water delivery element (7) is attached. While being mounted to the body (8) or being detached from the body (8), the sealing element (9) is grabbed by the fin
  • the sealing element (9) is enabled to be more conveniently grabbed while being attached to and detached from the body (8), and the mounting and detachment processes are facilitated.
  • the body (8) comprises at least one first protrusion (15) and at least one second protrusion (16) that is positioned at a different height than the first protrusion (15) along the axis (X) along which the body (8) extends.
  • the body (8) is fixed to the wall (3) such that the wall (3) is positioned between the first protrusion (15) and the second protrusion (16). In other words, the body (8) is fixed onto the wall (3) such that the first protrusion
  • the body (8) is attached to the wall (3) without using additional connection elements such as screws, bolts, nuts, etc. and advantages in terms of labor and cost are provided.
  • the first protrusion (15) and the second protrusion (16) are arranged on the body (8) in an unaligned manner.
  • the area where the first protrusion (15) and the second protrusion (16) make contact with the wall (3) is increased and a firm and secure connection is provided between the body (8) and the wall (3).
  • the body (8) comprises a plurality of first protrusions (15) with intervals therebetween and a plurality of second protrusions (16) with intervals therebetween that are positioned at a different height along the axis (X) of the body (8) than the first protrusions (15).
  • first protrusions (15) and the second protrusions (16) make contact with the wall (3) is increased and a firm and secure connection is provided between the body (8) and the wall (3).
  • the water that may leak from the water delivery element (7) at least a part of which extends outside the ice making compartment (4) in the freezer compartment (2) between the ice making unit (5) and the water tank (6) is prevented from entering the ice making compartment (4) by means of the sealing element (9). Furthermore, the water that may leak from the water delivery element (7) is accumulated between the water delivery element (7) and the limiting element (11) so as to be prevented from accumulating in the freezer compartment (2). Additionally, by enabling the sealing element (9) to be mounted to the body (8) in an easily detachable manner, the water delivery element (7) is enabled to be easily detached and reattached especially during the maintenance and service procedures.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a refrigerator (1) comprising at least one freezer compartment (2); at least one ice making compartment (4) that is limited by a 5 plurality of walls (3) in the freezer compartment (2); at least one ice making unit (5) arranged in the ice making compartment (4); at least one water tank (6) that is arranged in the ice making compartment (4) and wherein water is stored, and a water delivery element (7) that enables the water used for ice making to be transferred between the water tank (6) and the ice making unit (5).

Description

DESCRIPTION
A REFRIGERATOR COMPRISING AN ICE MAKING UNIT
The present invention relates to a refrigerator comprising an ice making unit.
The ice making units used in refrigerators are generally disposed in an ice making compartment that is defined by walls in the freezer compartment. Furthermore, a water tank wherein the water used in ice making is stored is provided in the ice making compartment. The ice making units are filled with the water supplied from the water tank to enable the ice to be obtained. When ice is desired to be made, the water in the water tank is fed from the water tank to the ice making unit by means of a water delivery element such as hose, etc. and the water that is not used in the ice making process is transferred back to the water tank by means of the same water delivery element.
Since the area in the ice making compartment that is defined by the walls is limited, the water delivery element extends outside the ice making compartment, between the ice making compartment and the water tank. The water delivery element enters the ice making compartment through a hole on one of the walls that define the ice making compartment and reaches the water tank. Sometimes, water may leak out of the water delivery element due to the problems that occur in the structure of the water transfer element. In such cases, the water that leaks enters the ice making compartment through the hole on the wall and accumulates in the ice making compartment or in the freezer compartment outside the ice making compartment. Furthermore, the water that accumulates in said compartments may also leak out of the refrigerator. This in turn leads to user dissatisfaction. Moreover, in such cases, when the water delivery element is desired to be replaced, said water delivery element cannot be easily reached, and this makes difficult the process of detaching the water delivery element and attaching a new water delivery element that extends between the ice making unit and the water tank. In the state of the art Korean Patent Document No. KR20130029928, a refrigerator is disclosed, comprising a connector that prevents water leakage from the hose that delivers water to the refrigerator.
The aim of the present invention is the realization of a refrigerator wherein the water that may leak from the water delivery element that extends between the ice making unit and the water tank is prevented from entering the ice making compartment and the freezer compartment.
The refrigerator comprising the ice making unit realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention, explicated in the first claim and the respective claims thereof comprises a connection element having a body enabling the water delivery element that provides water transfer between the ice making unit and the water tank to be fixed on a wall that defines the ice making department and at least one sealing element that is attached to the water delivery element at one end. The body is arranged on the wall through which the water delivery element enters the ice making compartment to reach the water tank and the sealing element is mounted into the body. The water delivery element is attached to the end of the sealing element that faces the exterior of the ice making compartment and thus, a leak- proof connection is provided between the water delivery element and the wall. Thus, the water that may leak from the water delivery element is prevented from entering the ice making compartment by means of the sealing element.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator further comprises at least one limiting element that is mounted onto the body and that surrounds the water delivery element such that there is a gap between the limiting element and the water delivery element. In an exemplary embodiment, the limiting element is in the form of a hollow cylindrical pipe that extends almost in the same direction as the water delivery element. By means of the limiting element, the water that may leak from the water delivery element is accumulated in the gap between the water delivery element and the limiting element. Thus, the water that may leak from the water delivery element is prevented from accumulating in the freezer compartment.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the sealing element comprises at least one extension that receives at least a portion of the water delivery element. The extension has a form that receives the water delivery element from the end that faces the exterior of the ice making compartment, and that allows the water delivery element to extend therein. The extension is, for example, in the form of a hollow cylindrical pipe. The extension extends preferably almost on the same axis as the water delivery element extends. The extension extends preferably beyond the body, in other words, towards the exterior of the ice making compartment so as to pass beyond the body. By means of the extension, the water that may leak out of the part of the water delivery element accommodated in the extension is prevented from leaking out of the sealing element. Furthermore, by means of the extension, the exact position of the water delivery element can be correctly determined and thus, the attachment and detachment of the water delivery element is enabled to be easier and quicker.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the sealing element comprises at least one receptacle that surrounds at least a portion of the extension. The receptacle surrounds a part of the extension in the radial direction, in other words, in the direction that is perpendicular to the axis on which the extension extends. The receptacle preferably surrounds the part of the extension that remains in the body. The receptacle preferably extends along the entire length of the gap between the extension and the body. Thus, the water that may leak from the part of the water delivery element that is not in the extension accumulates in the receptacle and does not leak out.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the sealing element is detachably mounted into the body. Thus, in case of a leakage that is caused by in the sealing element, the damaged sealing element can be easily detached from the body and the leakage problem can be easily solved by attaching a new sealing element to the body. Furthermore, the water delivery element is attached to the end of the sealing element in the ice making compartment before the attachment of the sealing element to the body and then, the sealing element is mounted to the body. Similarly, when the water delivery element needs to be replaced or repaired, the sealing element is detached from the body and together with the water delivery element, pulled into the ice making compartment that can be easily reached and the water delivery element is easily detached from the end of the sealing element in the ice making compartment. Thus, the water delivery element is enabled to be easily and quickly detached and reattached during the service and maintenance procedures.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the outer surface of the sealing element and the inner surface of the body are toothed. The sealing element can be easily mounted to the body by means of the engagement between the toothed structure on the outer surface of the sealing element and the toothed structure on the inner surface of the body. Thus, the sealing element can be mounted to the body and removed from the body only by being rotated. Thus, the attachment to the body and detachment from the body of the sealing element becomes easier and quicker.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the sealing element comprises at least one fin. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fin is arranged on the end of the sealing element opposite the end to which the water delivery element is attached. The user grabs sealing element by the fin during the attachment and detachment of the sealing element to and from the body and thus, the mounting and the removal processes are facilitated by enabling the sealing element to be easily grabbed by the user while being attached to the body and detached from the body.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the body comprises at least one first protrusion and at least one second protrusion that is not positioned at the same height as the first protrusion along the axis (X) along which the body extends. The body is fixed onto the wall such that the first protrusion contacts the surface of the wall that faces the exterior of the ice making container and the second protrusion contacts the other surface of the ice making container that faces the interior of the ice making container. Thus, the need for using connection elements such as screws, bolts, nuts, etc. is eliminated and advantages are provided in terms of labor and cost.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the first protrusion and the second protrusion are arranged on the body in an unaligned manner. In other words, when the connection element is viewed in the direction of the axis along which the connection element extends, the first protrusion and the second protrusion can be at least partially seen. Thus, the area where the first protrusion and second protrusion make contact with the wall is increased and a firm and secure connection is provided between the body and the wall.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the body comprises a plurality of first protrusions with intervals therebetween and a plurality of second protrusions with intervals therebetween that are positioned at a different height along the axis (X) of the body than the first protrusions. Thus, the area where the first protrusions and the second protrusions make contact with the wall is increased and a firm and secure connection is provided between the body and the wall.
By means of the present invention, the water that may leak from the water delivery element at least a part of which extends outside the ice making compartment in the freezer compartment between the ice making unit and the water tank is prevented from entering the ice making compartment by means of the sealing element. Furthermore, the water that may leak from the water delivery element is accumulated between the water delivery element and the limiting element so as to be prevented from accumulating in the freezer compartment. Additionally, by enabling the sealing element to be mounted to the body in an easily detachable manner, the water delivery element is enabled to be easily detached and reattached especially during the maintenance and service procedures.
The refrigerator realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is illustrated in the attached figures, where:
Figure 1 - is the general view of the refrigerator of the present invention.
Figure 2 - is the perspective view of the interior of the ice making compartment provided in the refrigerator.
Figure 3 - is the perspective view of the exterior of the ice making compartment provided in the refrigerator.
Figure 4 - is the view of detail A in Figure 3.
Figure 5 - is the perspective view of the connection element provided in the refrigerator.
Figure 6 - is the perspective view of the connection element when the water delivery element and the limiting element are attached to the connection element provided in the refrigerator.
Figure 7 - is the front cross-sectional view of the connection element provided in the refrigerator.
Figure 8 -is the front view of the sealing element provided in the refrigerator.
The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:
1. Refrigerator
2. Freezer compartment
3. Wall
4. Ice making compartment
5. Ice making unit
6. Water tank 7. Water delivery element
8. Body
9. Sealing element
10. Connection element
11. Limiting element
12. Extension
13. Receptacle
14. Fin
15. First protrusion
16. Second protrusion
X: The axis along which the connection element extends
Tl: The toothed structure on the sealing element
T2: The toothed structure on the body
The refrigerator (1) comprises at least one freezer compartment (2); at least one ice making compartment (4) that is limited by a plurality of walls (3) in the freezer compartment (2); at least one ice making unit (5) arranged in the ice making compartment (4); at least one water tank (6) that is arranged in the ice making compartment (4) and wherein water is stored, and a water delivery element (7) that enables the water used for ice making to be transferred between the water tank (6) and the ice making unit (5). In the refrigerator (1), during the ice making process, the water stored in the water tank (6) is supplied to the ice making unit (5) by means of the water delivery element (7) that is a water pipe or a hose, and the water that is not used for ice making by the ice making unit (5) is delivered back to the water tank (6) by means of the water delivery element (7). The water delivery element (7) extends between the ice making unit (5) and the water tank (6) so as to be at least partially in the freezer compartment (2) outside the ice making compartment (4), and reaches the water tank (5) by passing through a hole on the wall (3).
The refrigerator (1) of the present invention comprises a connection element (10) that has a body (8) disposed on the wall (3) and at least one sealing element (9) that is mounted into the body (8) and that is attached to the water delivery element (7) at one end. The body (8) is fixed onto the wall (3) through which the water delivery element (7) enters the ice making compartment (4) to reach the water tank (6) and then, the sealing element (9) is mounted into the body (8). The water delivery element (7) is attached to the end of the sealing element (9) that faces the exterior of the ice making compartment (4) and thus, a leak-proof connection is provided between the water delivery element (7) and the wall (3). Thus, the water that may leak from the water delivery element (7) is prevented from reaching interior of the ice making compartment (4) by means of the sealing element (9).
The refrigerator (1) of the present invention further comprises at least one limiting element (11) that is mounted onto the body (8) and that surrounds the water delivery element (7) so that there is a gap between the limiting element (11) and the water delivery element (7). In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the limiting element (11) is in the form of a hollow cylindrical pipe that extends almost along the same direction as the water delivery element (7) extends. By means of the limiting element (11), the water that leaks from the water delivery element (7) is enabled to be kept in the gap between the limiting element (11) and the water delivery element (7) and thus, the water that leaks from the water delivery element (7) is prevented from accumulating in the freezer compartment (2).
In an embodiment of the present invention, the sealing element (9) comprises at least one extension (12) that receives at least a portion of the water delivery element (7). In an exemplary embodiment, the extension (12) extends along the same axis as the water delivery element (7). In an exemplary embodiment, the extension (12) extends beyond the body (8). By accommodating a part of the water delivery element (7) in the extension (12), the water that may leak out of the water delivery element (7) is prevented from leaking out of the sealing element (9). Furthermore, by means of said extension (12), the water delivery element (7) is enabled to be easily attached to the sealing element (9) through the end of the extension (12).
In an embodiment of the present invention, the sealing element (9) comprises at least one receptacle (13) that surrounds at least a portion of the extension (12). In an exemplary embodiment, the receptacle (13) preferably surrounds the part of the extension (12) that remains in the body (8). Thus, the water that may leak from the part of the water delivery element (7) that is not in the extension (12) accumulates in the receptacle (13) and does not leak out.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the sealing element (9) is detachably mounted into the body (8). Thereby, in case of a leakage from the water delivery element (7) that is caused by a damage in the sealing element (8), the sealing element (9) can be easily detached from the body (8) and a new sealing element (9) is attached to the body (8) and thus, water leakage problem can be easily solved. Furthermore, the water delivery element (7) is attached to the end of the sealing element (9) before the attachment of the sealing element (9) to the body (8) and then, the sealing element (9) is mounted into the body (8). Thus, the water delivery element (7) is enabled to be easily and quickly detached and reattached during the service and maintenance procedures.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the outer surface of the sealing element (9) is provided with a toothed structure (Tl) and the inner surface of the body (8) is provided with a toothed structure (T2) that matches the teeth (Tl) on the outer surface of the sealing element (9). Thus, the sealing element (9) can be easily mounted to the body (8) by engaging the toothed structure (Tl) on the outer surface of the former with the toothed structure (T2) on the inner surface of the body (8). Consequently, the sealing element (9) can be mounted to the body (8) and removed from the body (8) only by being rotated. Thereby, the attachment of the sealing element (9) to the body (8) and detachment thereof from the body (8) becomes easier and quicker.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the sealing element (9) comprises at least one fin (14). In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fin (14) is provided on the end of the sealing element (9) opposite the end to which the water delivery element (7) is attached. While being mounted to the body (8) or being detached from the body (8), the sealing element (9) is grabbed by the fin
(14). Thus, the sealing element (9) is enabled to be more conveniently grabbed while being attached to and detached from the body (8), and the mounting and detachment processes are facilitated.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the body (8) comprises at least one first protrusion (15) and at least one second protrusion (16) that is positioned at a different height than the first protrusion (15) along the axis (X) along which the body (8) extends. The body (8) is fixed to the wall (3) such that the wall (3) is positioned between the first protrusion (15) and the second protrusion (16). In other words, the body (8) is fixed onto the wall (3) such that the first protrusion
(15) bears against one surface of the wall (3) and the second protrusion (16) bears against the other surface of the wall (3). Thus, the body (8) is attached to the wall (3) without using additional connection elements such as screws, bolts, nuts, etc. and advantages in terms of labor and cost are provided.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the first protrusion (15) and the second protrusion (16) are arranged on the body (8) in an unaligned manner. Thus, the area where the first protrusion (15) and the second protrusion (16) make contact with the wall (3) is increased and a firm and secure connection is provided between the body (8) and the wall (3).
In an embodiment of the present invention, the body (8) comprises a plurality of first protrusions (15) with intervals therebetween and a plurality of second protrusions (16) with intervals therebetween that are positioned at a different height along the axis (X) of the body (8) than the first protrusions (15). Thus, the area where the first protrusions (15) and the second protrusions (16) make contact with the wall (3) is increased and a firm and secure connection is provided between the body (8) and the wall (3).
By means of the present invention, the water that may leak from the water delivery element (7) at least a part of which extends outside the ice making compartment (4) in the freezer compartment (2) between the ice making unit (5) and the water tank (6) is prevented from entering the ice making compartment (4) by means of the sealing element (9). Furthermore, the water that may leak from the water delivery element (7) is accumulated between the water delivery element (7) and the limiting element (11) so as to be prevented from accumulating in the freezer compartment (2). Additionally, by enabling the sealing element (9) to be mounted to the body (8) in an easily detachable manner, the water delivery element (7) is enabled to be easily detached and reattached especially during the maintenance and service procedures.

Claims

1. A refrigerator (1) comprising at least one freezer compartment (2); at least one ice making compartment (4) that is limited by a plurality of walls (3) in the freezer compartment (2); at least one ice making unit (5) arranged in the ice making compartment (4); at least one water tank (6) that is arranged in the ice making compartment (4) and wherein water is stored, and a water delivery element (7) that enables the water used for ice making to be transferred between the water tank (6) and the ice making unit (5), characterized by a connection element (10) that has a body (8) disposed on the wall (3) and at least one sealing element (9) that is mounted into the body (8) and that is attached to the water delivery element (7) at one end.
2. A refrigerator (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by at least one limiting element (11) that is mounted onto the body (8) and that surrounds the water delivery element (7) so that there is a gap between the limiting element (11) and the water delivery element (7).
3. A refrigerator (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the sealing element (9) comprising at least one extension (12) that receives at least a portion of the water delivery element (7).
4. A refrigerator (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the sealing element (9) comprising at least one receptacle (13) surrounding at least a portion of the extension (12).
5. A refrigerator (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the sealing element (9) that is mounted into the body (8) in a detachable manner.
6. A refrigerator (1) as in Claim 5, characterized by the sealing element (9) that is provided with a toothed structure (Tl) on the outer surface thereof and the body (8) that is provided with a toothed structure (T2) on the inner surface thereof that matches the teeth (Tl) on the outer surface of the sealing element (9).
7. A refrigerator (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the sealing element (9) that comprises at least one fin (14).
8. A refrigerator (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the body (8) comprising at least one first protrusion (15) and at least one second protrusion (16) that is positioned at a different height than the first protrusion (15) along the axis (X) along which the body (8) extends.
9. A refrigerator (1) as Claim 8, characterized by the first protrusion (15) and the second protrusion (16) that are arranged on the body (8) in an unaligned manner.
10. A refrigerator (1) as in Claim 8 or 9, characterized by the body (8) comprising a plurality of first protrusions (15) with intervals therebetween and a plurality of second protrusions (16) with intervals therebetween that are positioned at a different height along the axis (X) of the body (8) than the first protrusions (15).
PCT/TR2018/050572 2017-11-15 2018-10-09 A refrigerator comprising an ice making unit WO2019098978A2 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP18878795.6A EP3714225A4 (en) 2017-11-15 2018-10-09 A refrigerator comprising an ice making unit

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
TR201717962 2017-11-15
TR2017/17962 2017-11-15

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2019098978A2 true WO2019098978A2 (en) 2019-05-23
WO2019098978A3 WO2019098978A3 (en) 2019-07-11

Family

ID=66538777

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/TR2018/050572 WO2019098978A2 (en) 2017-11-15 2018-10-09 A refrigerator comprising an ice making unit

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3714225A4 (en)
WO (1) WO2019098978A2 (en)

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20060266059A1 (en) 2005-05-27 2006-11-30 Maytag Corporation Insulated ice compartment for bottom mount refrigerator with controlled damper

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5655750A (en) * 1995-03-30 1997-08-12 Emerson Electric Co. Plastic inlet appliance water valve
BRPI0415958A (en) * 2003-10-28 2007-01-23 3M Innovative Properties Co water filtration system, method for installing a water filtration unit, and insulated structure
US7455280B2 (en) * 2003-12-16 2008-11-25 Parker-Hannifin Corporation Tube activated cartridge/fitting valve
KR101548263B1 (en) * 2008-10-02 2015-08-28 삼성전자 주식회사 Refrigerator
DE102015215487A1 (en) * 2015-06-26 2016-12-29 BSH Hausgeräte GmbH Refrigeration unit with pressure sensor

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20060266059A1 (en) 2005-05-27 2006-11-30 Maytag Corporation Insulated ice compartment for bottom mount refrigerator with controlled damper

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See also references of EP3714225A4

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP3714225A2 (en) 2020-09-30
WO2019098978A3 (en) 2019-07-11
EP3714225A4 (en) 2021-10-20

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US9115920B2 (en) Water filter device and refrigerator having the same
EP2333468A2 (en) Water tank for refrigerator, manufacturing method of water tank for refrigerator, and refrigerator having water tank for refrigerator
CN103782119A (en) Refrigerator
US5238299A (en) Assembly to introduce electric conductors into a refrigerator
WO2019098978A2 (en) A refrigerator comprising an ice making unit
RU2013110868A (en) REFRIGERATING UNIT, IN PARTICULAR HOUSEHOLD REFRIGERATING UNIT
US20180149406A1 (en) Cooling appliance
KR20150107232A (en) Refrigerator
KR102463869B1 (en) Refrigerator and manufacturing method thereof
KR20170067705A (en) Refrigerator
CN210399673U (en) Ice maker pipe passing structure capable of preventing bubbles from leaking
KR102470628B1 (en) Refrigerator
JP3806861B2 (en) Freezer refrigerator
CN106659356B (en) Dish washer and method for manufacturing the same
CN110541802A (en) Structure and method for preventing/reducing noise for refrigerator
JP2012093070A (en) Cooling storage
KR20100064536A (en) Refrigerator
RU2795349C1 (en) Cooling appliance and water outlet for the cooling appliance
WO2016120385A1 (en) A cooling device comprising an evaporation tray
KR200180351Y1 (en) Apparatus for collecting water of a refrigerator
KR200330735Y1 (en) Ice-maker for rdfrigerator
ZA200504497B (en) Machine for making ice cubes.
CN207422766U (en) Water filter component and the refrigerating appliance with the water filter component
KR101954492B1 (en) Fitting apparatus for connecting tube
KR20210144200A (en) Ice maker

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 18878795

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A2

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 18878795

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A2

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2018878795

Country of ref document: EP

Effective date: 20200615