Patent Application
20250172334
The present subject matter relates generally to refrigerator appliances, and more particularly to supplying water to ice and water dispensers in refrigerator appliances.
Refrigerator appliances generally include a cabinet that defines one or more chilled chambers for receipt of food articles for storage. Typically, one or more doors are rotatably hinged to the cabinet to permit selective access to food items stored in the chilled chamber. Further, refrigerator appliances commonly include ice making assemblies mounted within an icebox on one of the doors or in a freezer compartment. The ice is stored in a storage bin and is accessible from within the freezer chamber or may be discharged through a dispenser recess defined on a front of the refrigerator door.
A typical side-by-side refrigerator with an external ice and water dispenser has one water line going into the door through the bottom hinge. In this design the icemaker is located in the case. Some refrigerators have the icemaker located on the freezer door. Typically, this design has two water lines going through the bottom hinge-one line for the ice maker and one for the water dispenser. This design has the potential for the water lines to break after many door opening cycles, e.g., because the lines must rotate around a vertical axis that is between the two tubes causing some stress in the material each time the door is opened and closed. In addition, to remove the door during installation, two water lines must be disconnected and reconnected essentially doubling the chance for a leak. Moreover, when a freezer door houses a water dispenser and two icemakers (e.g., one for standard ice and one for craft ice), three water lines are required to go through the bottom door hinge, further complicating reliability and service complexity.
Accordingly, a refrigerator appliance with features for improved water management would be desirable. More particularly, a refrigerator appliance with features for addressing common issues associated with getting water to door ice makers and water dispensers would be particularly beneficial.
Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.
In one exemplary embodiment, a refrigerator appliance is provided including a cabinet defining a chilled chamber, a door being rotatably mounted to the cabinet using a hinge and being rotatable to provide selective access to the chilled chamber, a first icemaker mounted to the door, a second icemaker mounted to the door, and a water supply system. The water supply system includes a water source for supplying water to the first icemaker and the second icemaker, a main supply line passing from the water source, through the hinge, and into the door, a multi-way valve fluidly coupled to the main supply line, the multi-way valve comprising a plurality of outlets, a first supply line providing fluid communication between the first icemaker and a first outlet of the plurality of outlets, and a second supply line providing fluid communication between the second icemaker and a second outlet of the plurality of outlets.
In another exemplary embodiment, a water supply system for supplying water to a first icemaker and a second icemaker mounted to a door of a refrigerator appliance is provided. The water supply system includes a water source, a main supply line passing from the water source, through a hinge of the door, and into the door, a multi-way valve fluidly coupled to the main supply line, the multi-way valve comprising a plurality of outlets, a first supply line providing fluid communication between the first icemaker and a first outlet of the plurality of outlets, and a second supply line providing fluid communication between the second icemaker and a second outlet of the plurality of outlets.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.
Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.
Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). The term “at least one of” in the context of, e.g., “at least one of A, B, and C” refers to only A, only B, only C, or any combination of A, B, and C. In addition, here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “generally,” “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components and/or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin, i.e., including values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. In this regard, for example, when used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction, e.g., “generally vertical” includes forming an angle of up to ten degrees in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise, with the vertical direction V.
The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” In addition, references to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “an embodiment” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
Housing 102 defines chilled chambers for receipt of food items for storage. In particular, housing 102 defines fresh food chamber 122 positioned at or adjacent second side 110 of housing 102 and a freezer chamber 124 arranged at or adjacent first side 108 of housing 102. As such, refrigerator appliance 100 is generally referred to as a side-by-side refrigerator. It is recognized, however, that the benefits of the present disclosure apply to other types and styles of refrigerator appliances such as, e.g., a top mount refrigerator appliance, a bottom mount refrigerator appliance, or a single door refrigerator appliance. Consequently, the description set forth herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any aspect to any particular refrigerator chamber configuration.
A refrigerator door 128 is rotatably hinged to an edge of housing 102 for selectively accessing fresh food chamber 122. In addition, a freezer door 130 is rotatably hinged to an edge of housing 102 for selectively accessing freezer chamber 124. Refrigerator door 128 and freezer door 130 are shown in the closed configuration in
Referring now generally to
Dispensing assembly 140 and its various components may be positioned at least in part within a dispenser recess 142 defined on freezer door 130. In this regard, dispenser recess 142 is defined on a front side 112 of refrigerator appliance 100 such that a user may operate dispensing assembly 140 without opening freezer door 130. In addition, dispenser recess 142 is positioned at a predetermined elevation convenient for a user to access ice and enabling the user to access ice without the need to bend-over. In the exemplary embodiment, dispenser recess 142 is positioned at a level that approximates the chest level of a user.
Dispensing assembly 140 includes an ice dispenser 144 including a discharging outlet 146 for discharging ice from dispensing assembly 140. An actuating mechanism 148, shown as a paddle, is mounted below discharging outlet 146 for operating ice or water dispenser 144. In alternative exemplary embodiments, any suitable actuating mechanism may be used to operate ice dispenser 144. For example, ice dispenser 144 can include a sensor (such as an ultrasonic sensor) or a button rather than the paddle. Discharging outlet 146 and actuating mechanism 148 are an external part of ice dispenser 144 and are mounted in dispenser recess 142.
As shown in
A control panel 160 is provided for controlling the mode of operation. For example, control panel 160 includes one or more selector inputs 162, such as knobs, buttons, touchscreen interfaces, etc., such as a water dispensing button and an ice-dispensing button, for selecting a desired mode of operation such as crushed or non-crushed ice. In addition, inputs 162 may be used to specify a fill volume or method of operating dispensing assembly 140. In this regard, inputs 162 may be in communication with a processing device or controller 164. Signals generated in controller 164 operate refrigerator appliance 100 and dispensing assembly 140 in response to selector inputs 162. Additionally, a display 166, such as an indicator light or a screen, may be provided on control panel 160. Display 166 may be in communication with controller 164 and may display information in response to signals from controller 164.
As used herein, “processing device” or “controller” may refer to one or more microprocessors or semiconductor devices and is not restricted necessarily to a single element. The processing device can be programmed to operate refrigerator appliance 100 and dispensing assembly 140. The processing device may include, or be associated with, one or more memory elements (e.g., non-transitory storage media). In some such embodiments, the memory elements include electrically erasable, programmable read only memory (EEPROM). Generally, the memory elements can store information accessible processing device, including instructions that can be executed by processing device. Optionally, the instructions can be software or any set of instructions and/or data that when executed by the processing device, cause the processing device to perform operations.
Referring now also to
Referring to
Conventional refrigerator appliances 100 include a dedicated water supply line for each water consuming device on the freezer door. Accordingly, conventional refrigerator appliances may utilize a dedicated water dispenser supply line and a dedicated icemaker supply line for each icemaker on the freezer door. Each of these supply lines may be routed through a door hinge. However, as explained above, an increase in the number of supply lines passing through a door hinge increases the likelihood of leaks, complicates appliance assembly in repairs, etc. For example, the use of multiple supply lines may result in the twisting or abrasion of supply lines in the confined space provided by the door hinge. Accordingly, aspects of the present subject matter are generally directed to improving water dispensing systems that simplify assembly, improve appliance performance, and mitigate or eliminate the likelihood of water leaks. Although exemplary water supply system configurations will be described herein, it should be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.
According to the illustrated embodiment, water supply system 200 may generally include a water source 220 that is configured for supplying water to first icemaker 202, second icemaker 204, and/or water dispenser 206. For example, water source 220 may be a municipal water supply or any other suitable source of potable water. According to the illustrated embodiment, refrigerator appliance 100 may include a water valve 222 for regulating the flow of water from water source 220 into refrigerator appliance 100. In addition, water supply system 200 may include a water filter 224 is generally configured to filter the water from water source 220. According to example embodiments, refrigerator appliance 100 may further include a water tank 226 that stores a predetermined volume of water. According to the illustrated embodiment, water tank 226 is positioned within fresh food chamber 122, e.g., such that the volume of water stored within water tank 226 may be chilled prior to dispensing.
Water supply system 200 may further include a main supply line 230 that is fluidly coupled to water source 220 (e.g., through water filter 224 and water tank 226). According to example embodiments, main supply line 230 may be the only water supply line passing through the hinge of freezer door 130. More specifically, according to the illustrated embodiment, main supply line 230 passes through a center of lower hinge 212 into freezer door 130 and supplies water to all of first icemaker 202, second icemaker 204, and water dispenser 206. According to other example embodiments, main supply line 230 may pass through a center of upper hinge 210 into freezer door 130.
Notably, it may be desirable to regulate the supply of water from a main supply line 230 to each of first icemaker 202, second icemaker 204, and/or water dispenser 206. Accordingly, water supply system 200 may further include a multi-way valve 232 that is fluidly coupled to the main supply line 230. For example, referring now also to
As illustrated, multi-way valve 232 may include a plurality of solenoid valves 238 that may be selectively open and to direct the flow of water through one or more respective outlets 236 to one or more of first icemaker 202, second icemaker 204, and/or water dispenser 206. Specifically, multi-way valve 232 is illustrated as a triple solenoid valve. Although multi-way valve 232 is illustrated as multiple chamber solenoid valve, it should be appreciated that other valve types and constructions may be used while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.
Referring now specifically to
According to an example embodiment, junction housing 250 may be positioned on an opposite side of freezer door 130 relative to hinges 210, 212. In this regard, main supply line 230 may pass into freezer door 130 through lower hinge 212 and may be routed through an interior of freezer door 130 to junction housing 250. Junction housing 250 may generally define an inlet aperture 252 through which a main supply line 230 may be routed through interior door into a connection chamber 254 of junction housing 250. It should be appreciated that junction housing 250 may include other suitable configurations and positions while remaining within the scope of the present subject matter.
According to example embodiments, water supply system 200 may further include a first supply line 240 that provides fluid communication between a first outlet of the plurality of outlets 236 and first icemaker 202. Similarly, water supply system 200 may further include a second supply line 242 that provides fluid communication between a second outlet of the plurality of outlets 236 and second icemaker 204. Water supply system 200 may further include a third supply line 244 that provide fluid communication between a third outlet of the plurality of outlets 236 and water dispenser 206. Accordingly, by regulating the operation of solenoid valves 238, multi-way valve 232 may selectively direct the flow of water to each of first icemaker 202, second icemaker 204, and/or water dispenser 206.
As explained herein, aspects of the present subject matter are generally directed to a side-by-side refrigerator that includes dual ice makers (e.g., a main ice maker and a secondary ice maker) and a water dispenser installed in the freezer door with three water supply line configurations. According to example embodiments, a maximum of two water supply lines are installed in the door hinge to supply water to the ice makers and the water dispenser.
One example water supply configuration includes sending tap water through a filter and a water tank in the fresh food compartment and a single water pipe reaches through a freezer door hinge to the freezer top and supplies the water to the 4-way water valve (1 inlet and 3 outlets) installed on top of the freezer door, and the 4-way valve supplies cold water to the main icemaker, the secondary ice maker and the water dispenser.
Notably, refrigerator appliances have utilized a single water line that passes through the bottom hinge extensively for many years. Aspects of the present subject matter provide the same reliability since only one tube is routed through the bottom hinge while facilitating water supply to a water dispenser, two icemakers, or more. Since only one water line must be disconnected and reconnected to remove/install the door, the possibility for a water leak is not affected.
This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.
