Refrigeration appliances with cooling distribution components

Abstract

A refrigeration appliance or door assembly may include a closed body, a liquid storage container, a level sensor, a water valve, and a liquid dispenser. The closed body may define an outer surface and an inner surface. The liquid storage container may be defined within the closed body, between the outer and inner surfaces. The level sensor may be mounted to the liquid storage container. The level sensor may be configured to detect the amount of water within the liquid storage container. The water valve may be mounted upstream of the liquid storage container to selectively direct water into the liquid storage container based on the detected water amount. The liquid dispenser may extend from the liquid storage container and through the inner surface to an outlet orifice to selectively dispense water from the liquid storage container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates generally to refrigeration appliances, and more specifically to refrigeration appliances having distribution components. Background Technology

[0002] Refrigeration appliances typically include a cabinet that defines a refrigerated compartment for receiving and storing food. The appliance may also include a dispenser assembly mounted to the front of a single door for directing ice from the refrigerator's ice maker or liquid water from the refrigerator to the area in front of the door. A user can activate the dispenser to direct the flow of ice or liquid water into a cup or other container located below the dispenser. The liquid water dispensed by the dispenser is typically cooled or provided at ambient temperature. In the case of dispensing cold water, a water tank or extended pipe may store a volume of water, for example, near the evaporator or refrigerated compartment within the cabinet. Therefore, the water can be cooled before being dispensed from the front of the door.

[0003] However, challenges exist for typical refrigeration appliances. For example, the area used for the dispenser is often limited. Specifically, the area below the dispenser for receiving dishes, cups, or containers is typically confined to a small subsection of a single door, which can make it difficult to accommodate large dishes, cups, or containers. Furthermore, in conventional designs for cooling water, a significant amount of space within the cabinet is usually required. Alternatively, a sophisticated layout or control system may be needed to supply water, for example, very close to the evaporator. Even with such demanding designs, providing a sufficient volume of chilled water at a given time often proves difficult.

[0004] Therefore, components or appliances that solve one or more of the aforementioned problems would be useful. As an example, it could be advantageous to provide components or appliances capable of adapting to various container sizes, shapes, or volumes. As another or alternative example, it could be advantageous to provide components or appliances capable of efficiently or reliably supplying cold water to users (e.g., in relatively large volumes or without significant sacrifices in complexity, cost, or refrigeration space). Summary of the Invention

[0005] Various aspects and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in the description which follows, or will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention.

[0006] In one exemplary aspect of the invention, a door assembly for a refrigeration appliance is provided. The door assembly may include a sealing body, a liquid storage container, a level sensor, a water valve, and a liquid dispenser. The sealing body may define an outer surface and an inner surface. The liquid storage container may be defined within the sealing body, between the outer and inner surfaces. The level sensor may be mounted to the liquid storage container. The level sensor may be configured to detect the amount of water within the liquid storage container. The water valve may be mounted upstream of the liquid storage container to selectively direct water into the liquid storage container based on the detected water amount. The liquid dispenser may extend from the liquid storage container and through the inner surface to an outlet orifice to selectively dispense water from the liquid storage container.

[0007] In another exemplary aspect of the invention, a refrigeration appliance is provided. The refrigeration appliance may include a housing, a closed body, a liquid storage container, a level sensor, a water valve, and a liquid dispenser. The housing may define a refrigeration chamber. The closed body may be mounted to the housing. The closed body may define an outer surface facing away from the refrigeration chamber and an inner surface facing the refrigeration chamber. The liquid storage container may be defined within the closed body, between the outer and inner surfaces. The level sensor may be mounted to the liquid storage container. The level sensor may be configured to detect the amount of water in the liquid storage container. The water valve may be mounted within the refrigeration appliance, upstream of the liquid storage container, to selectively direct water into the liquid storage container based on the detected amount of water. The liquid dispenser may extend from the liquid storage container and through the inner surface to an outlet orifice to selectively dispense water from the liquid storage container.

[0008] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will become more readily understood with reference to the following description and the appended claims. Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the specification sets forth a complete disclosure of the invention for those skilled in the art, which enables them to implement the invention, including the preferred embodiments thereof.

[0010] Figure 1 A perspective view of a refrigeration appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0011] Figure 2 Provided Figure 1 A perspective view of the door of an exemplary refrigeration appliance.

[0012] Figure 3 Provided separate from refrigeration appliances Figure 2Another perspective view of an exemplary door, wherein the inner panel has been removed for clarity. Detailed Implementation

[0013] Referring now to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is given by way of explanation and does not constitute a limitation thereof. Indeed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the invention without departing from its scope. For example, features shown or described as part of one embodiment can be used in another embodiment, thereby producing yet another embodiment. Therefore, it is desired that the invention cover such modifications and variations falling within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0014] As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” are used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another, and these terms are not intended to indicate the location or importance of individual components. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be included in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be included (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). Furthermore, scope limitations may be combined or interchanged herein and throughout the specification and claims. Such scopes are identified and include all subscopes contained herein unless the context or language otherwise indicates. For example, all scopes disclosed herein include endpoints, and endpoints may be independently combined with each other. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context expressly specifies otherwise.

[0015] As used herein throughout the specification and claims, approximate language can be applied to modify any quantitative representation that allows for variation without altering its associated essential function. Therefore, values ​​modified by terms such as “generally,” “approximately,” “approximately,” and “roughly” are not limited to the specified precise values. In at least some cases, approximate language may correspond to the precision of the instrument used to measure the value, or the precision of the method or machine used to construct or manufacture a component or system. For example, approximate language may refer to a value within a 10% margin, i.e., a value that is within ten percent larger or smaller than the stated value. In this respect, for example, when used in the context of an angle or direction, such a term includes angles within ten degrees larger or smaller than the stated angle or direction; for example, “generally vertical” includes an angle of up to ten degrees with respect to the vertical V in any direction, such as clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0016] The term "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Furthermore, references to "implementation" or "one implementation" do not necessarily refer to the same implementation, but may include the same implementation. Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" or "implementation" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Moreover, each example is given in an interpretative manner and does not constitute a limitation on the invention. Indeed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the invention without departing from its scope. For example, features shown or described as part of one implementation can be used in another implementation, resulting in yet another implementation. Therefore, it is desired that the invention cover these modifications and variations falling within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0017] Now turn to the attached diagram. Figure 1 A perspective view of a refrigeration appliance 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is provided. The refrigeration appliance 100 includes a housing or casing 102 extending along a vertical V between a top 101 and a bottom 102. A casing 120 defines a refrigeration compartment for receiving food for storage. Specifically, the casing 120 defines a food preservation compartment 122 disposed at or adjacent to the top 101 of the casing 120 and a freezer compartment 124 disposed at or adjacent to the bottom 102 of the casing 120. Thus, the refrigeration appliance 100 is generally referred to as a bottom-mounted refrigerator. However, it is recognized that the benefits of the invention apply to other types and styles of refrigeration appliances, such as top-mounted or side-by-side refrigerators. Therefore, the description set forth herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit any particular refrigeration compartment configuration in any way.

[0018] The refrigerator door 128 is rotatably hinged to the edge of the housing 120 for selective access to the food preservation compartment 122. Additionally, a freezer door 130 is arranged below the refrigerator door 128 for selective access to the freezer compartment 124. The freezer door 130 is connected to a freezer drawer (not shown) that is slidably mounted within the freezer compartment 124. The refrigerator door 128 and the freezer door 130 are located at... Figure 1 The text is shown as being in a closed configuration.

[0019] The refrigerator door 128 includes a closed body 136 formed by one or more panel or frame members, as will be understood. When assembled, the closed body 136 defines an outer surface 132 and an opposing inner surface 134. Figure 2Typically, the outer surface 132 faces outwards and away from the food preservation compartment 122. Conversely, a user facing the refrigeration appliance 100 can typically see the outer surface 132 (e.g., when the refrigerator door 128 is in the closed position). In contrast, the inner surface 134 can be positioned close to and facing the food preservation compartment 122. Thus, the inner surface 134 can be hidden from the user's view or access range before the refrigerator door 128 is opened.

[0020] The refrigeration appliance 100 also includes a dispensing assembly 140 for dispensing liquid water or ice. The dispensing assembly 140 includes a dispenser 142 disposed on or mounted to the exterior of the refrigeration appliance 100, for example, mounted on or extending through an outer surface 132. The dispenser 142 includes a discharge port 144 for receiving ice and liquid water. Specifically, a water dispenser 152 defining an outlet 154 (e.g., formed by a suitable water pipe or conduit) can be arranged to pass through the discharge port 144, thereby passing through the outer surface 132. It is understood that the water dispenser 152 may be in fluid communication with a water source (e.g., municipal water, well, etc.) connected to the refrigeration appliance 100 via one or more connecting pipes or conduits. Water can thus be selectively dispensed from the outlet 154 to a dispenser recess 150 at the outer surface 132.

[0021] An actuation mechanism 146, shown as a paddle, is mounted below the discharge port 144 to operate the dispenser 142. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, any suitable actuation mechanism can be used to operate the dispenser 142. For example, the dispenser 142 may include a sensor (such as an ultrasonic sensor) or a button instead of a paddle. A user interface panel 148 is provided to control operating modes. For example, the user interface panel 148 includes multiple user inputs (unlabeled), such as a water dispensing button and an ice dispensing button, for selecting a desired operating mode, such as crushed ice or non-crushed ice.

[0022] The discharge port 144 and the actuation mechanism 146 are external parts of the dispenser 142 and are mounted in the dispenser recess 150. The dispenser recess 150 is positioned at a predetermined height that allows the user to easily retrieve ice or water, and enables the user to retrieve ice without bending over or opening the door 128. In an exemplary embodiment, the dispenser recess 150 is positioned near the user's chest level.

[0023] The operation of the refrigeration appliance 100 can be regulated by a controller 190, which is operatively coupled to a user interface panel 148 or various other components, as described below. The user interface panel 148 provides options for a user to manipulate the operation of the refrigeration appliance 100, such as choosing between full ice or crushed ice, chilled water, or other various options. In response to user operation of the user interface panel 148 or one or more sensor signals, the controller 190 can operate various components of the refrigeration appliance 100. The controller 190 may include a memory and one or more microprocessors, such as a CPU, or a general-purpose or special-purpose microprocessor, for executing programming instructions or microcontroller code associated with the operation of the refrigeration appliance 100. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM or read-only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in the memory. The memory may be a component separate from the processor or may be contained on a board within the processor. Alternatively, the controller 190 can be constructed to perform control functions without using a microprocessor, for example, using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuits (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, etc.), rather than relying on software.

[0024] The controller 190 can be located in various positions throughout the refrigeration appliance 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 190 is located within the user interface panel 148. In other embodiments, the controller 190 can be located at any suitable location within the refrigeration appliance 100, such as, for example, within the food preservation compartment, the freezer door, etc. Input / output (“I / O”) signals can be routed between the controller 190 and various operating components of the refrigeration appliance 100. For example, the user interface panel 148 can communicate with the controller 190 via one or more signal lines or a shared communication bus.

[0025] As illustrated, the controller 190 can communicate with various components of the distribution assembly 140 and control the operation of these components. For example, various valves, switches, etc., can be actuated based on commands from the controller 190. As described, the interface panel 148 can also communicate with the controller 190. Thus, various operations can occur automatically based on user input or with the aid of commands from the controller 190.

[0026] Figure 2 A perspective view of the door body in the refrigerator door body 128 is provided. Figure 3 A front view of the refrigerator door 128 is provided, wherein the access door 166 and the outer panel are removed for clarity. The refrigeration appliance 100 includes a sub-compartment 162 defined on the refrigerator door 128. The sub-compartment 162 is commonly referred to as an "ice box". Moreover, when the refrigerator door 128 is in the closed position, the sub-compartment 162 extends into the food preservation compartment 122.

[0027] An ice maker, ice-making assembly 160, or ice storage box 164 may be installed or arranged within the sub-compartment 162. Thus, ice is supplied from the ice-making assembly 160 or ice storage box 164 in the sub-compartment 162 on the rear side of the refrigerator door 128 to the dispenser recess 150. Figure 1 Cold air from the sealed system of the refrigeration appliance 100 can be directed into the ice-making assembly 160 to cool its components. Specifically, an evaporator 178 (e.g., located at or within the food preservation compartment 122 or freezer compartment 124) is used to generate cooling air or cold air. A supply conduit 180 (e.g., defined by or located within the housing 120) can extend between the evaporator 178 and the components of the ice-making assembly 160 to cool the components of the ice-making assembly 160 and to aid in ice formation.

[0028] During operation of the ice-making assembly 160, cold air from the sealed system cools the components of the ice-making assembly 160 to or below the freezing temperature of liquid water. Thus, the ice-making assembly 160 is an air-cooled ice-making assembly. The cold air from the sealed system can also cool the ice storage container 164. Additionally, the ice-making assembly 160 can be exposed to air at temperatures above the freezing temperature of liquid water. As an example, air from the food preservation compartment 122 can be directed into the sub-compartment 162, exposing either the ice-making assembly 160 or the ice storage container 164 to air from the food preservation compartment 122.

[0029] In an alternative embodiment, liquid water generated during the melting of ice in ice storage box 164 is drained from ice storage box 164. For example, returning to... Figure 1 Liquid water from melted ice is directed to evaporation plate 172. Evaporation plate 172 is disposed within a mechanical chamber 170 defined by housing 120, for example, at the bottom 102 of housing 120. A condenser 174 of the sealed system may be disposed above (e.g., directly above) and adjacent to evaporation plate 172. Heat from condenser 174 can assist in the evaporation of liquid water in evaporation plate 172. A fan 176 for cooling condenser 174 may also direct airflow through or into evaporation plate 172. Thus, fan 176 may be disposed above and adjacent to evaporation plate 172. The dimensions of evaporation plate 172 may be configured and shaped to facilitate the evaporation of liquid water therein. For example, evaporation plate 172 may be open at the top and extend across approximately the width or depth of housing 120.

[0030] The entry door 166 may be attached (e.g., latched or hinged) to the refrigerator door 128. Typically, the entry door 166 allows selective access to the sub-compartment 162. A suitable latch 168, in any manner, is configured with the sub-compartment 162 to hold the entry door 166 in the closed position. As an example, the latch 168 may be actuated by a consumer to open the entry door 166, providing access to the sub-compartment 162. The entry door 166 may also help insulate the sub-compartment 162.

[0031] Separate from or other than the ice box compartment 162, the refrigerator door 128 may define an internal compartment 210 in which a liquid storage container 212 is installed. For example, one or more internal panels 214 defining at least a portion of the internal surface 134 may be attached to one or more panels or frame members of the closure body 136, such as an inner mold 216. The inner mold 216 can thus be arranged between the outer surface 132 and the inner surface 134.

[0032] During assembly, the liquid storage container 212 may be positioned between the inner mold 216 and the inner panel 214. For example, the liquid storage container 212 may include or be formed as a water tank supported on the inner mold 216. Alternatively, the liquid storage container 212 may be positioned on the portion of the refrigerator door 128 below the ice-making assembly 160, the ice storage box 164, or the water dispenser 152 (e.g., at the outer surface 132).

[0033] Liquid storage container 212 typically defines a closed cavity 222 therein that can receive water. The closed cavity 222 may have a defined and relatively large volumetric capacity (e.g., compared to conventional appliances). For example, the closed cavity 222 may be greater than or equal to 0.5 liters, 1 liter, or 1.5 liters. Alternatively or additionally, the closed cavity 222 may be less than or equal to 3 liters. Specifically, the internal compartment 210 and the liquid storage container 212 may be held within or directly adjacent to the food preservation compartment 122 (e.g., when the door 128 is in the closed position) to cool or maintain the water within the closed cavity 222 at a cooling temperature.

[0034] Storage container inlet 224 may be defined through the wall of storage container 212 (e.g., at or near its top). Separated from (e.g., spaced apart from) storage container inlet 224 and downstream thereof, storage container outlet 226 may be defined through the wall of liquid storage container 212. Water may be allowed to flow from closed cavity 222 through storage container outlet 226. Alternatively, storage container outlet 226 may be located at or near the bottom end of liquid storage container 212, such as through the bottom wall of liquid storage container 212. As shown, storage container outlet 226 may be located at a lower height than storage container inlet 224.

[0035] Downstream of the storage container outlet 226, a liquid dispenser 230 extends from the liquid storage container 212. Specifically, the liquid dispenser 230 extends from the liquid storage container 212 and through the inner surface 134 (e.g., one or more internal panels 214 defining the inner surface 134). The liquid dispenser 230 may include or be formed of one or more suitable water pipes or conduits terminating at an outlet orifice 232, which is located on the side of the outer surface 132 opposite the inner compartment 210. Thus, the liquid dispenser 230 can typically extend from the liquid storage container 212 through the inner compartment 210 to an area or zone outside the inner compartment 210 or the refrigerator door 128. In some such embodiments, the outlet orifice 232 is downward below the liquid storage container 212. The liquid dispenser 230 itself may extend downward from the liquid storage container 212 (e.g., along a downstream flow path of the storage container outlet 226). Water can thus flow from the liquid storage container 212 and through the liquid dispenser 230 (e.g., driven by gravity). Advantageously, a separate pump may not be required or required to dispense water from the liquid storage container 212.

[0036] As shown, an open or unobstructed space can be defined directly below the liquid dispenser 230 and the outlet orifice 232. Specifically, this allows for the accommodation of various container sizes, shapes, and volumes to receive water from the liquid dispenser 230. In some embodiments, the liquid dispenser 230 and the outlet orifice 232 are arranged below the ice-making assembly 160 or the water dispenser 152 (e.g., at a lower height). Thus, the ice-making assembly 160 or the water dispenser 152 can be arranged above the liquid dispenser 230. In some embodiments, the liquid dispenser 230 is configured to dispense water faster than the water dispenser 152 (e.g., at a higher volumetric flow rate). For example, the outlet orifice 232 of the liquid dispenser 230 and the outlet 154 of the water dispenser 152 can each have a corresponding minimum cross-sectional area through which water can flow individually (e.g., defined by the opening diameters DW and DL, respectively). To facilitate faster or higher relative flow through the liquid distributor 230, the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet orifice 232 may be greater than the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet 154.

[0037] One or more valves may be located downstream of the liquid storage container 212 to control the flow or release of water from the closed cavity 222 (e.g., through the outlet orifice 232). Specifically, a release valve 234 may be installed in fluid communication between the liquid storage container 212 (e.g., at least a portion of the closed cavity 222) and the outlet orifice 232. In other words, the release valve 234 may be installed downstream of the liquid storage container 212 (e.g., at the storage container inlet 224) and upstream of the outlet orifice 232. For example, the release valve 234 may be installed on or within the closed cavity 222. During use, the release valve 234 may be moved or actuated (e.g., as guided by a user) to selectively release water from the liquid storage container 212 through the liquid dispenser 230. In an exemplary embodiment, the release valve 234 may be provided as a manually released valve (e.g., a manually actuated gate valve, butterfly valve, ball valve, etc.) that requires direct or indirect physical engagement (e.g., by a user) to selectively open or close the release valve 234, thereby allowing or restricting the flow of water through the liquid distributor 230.

[0038] A manual input 236 (e.g., button, baffle, wheel, etc.) for the manual release valve 234 may be arranged on the refrigerator door 128, allowing a user to actuate or move (e.g., open or close) the manual release valve 234. For example, the manual input 236 may extend through the inner surface 134, such as when a button is slidably arranged on the inner panel 214 to actuate the manual release valve 234 within the inner compartment 210.

[0039] In some embodiments, a level sensor 238 is mounted to a liquid storage container 212. Specifically, the level sensor 238 may be held on, inside, or adjacent to the liquid storage container 212 to detect the amount of water within the enclosed cavity 222. Thus, the level sensor 238 can be configured to detect the amount of water within the liquid storage container 212 (e.g., the amount of water is expressed as a volume value or as a generalized water level that is binary reached or not reached). Typically, the level sensor 238 can be provided as any suitable sensor for detecting the volume, height, or mass of water within the enclosed cavity 222. For example, the level sensor 238 may include or be provided as an ultrasonic sensor, a float sensor, a reed switch, a pressure sensor, or a capacitive sensor (e.g., at one or more predetermined heights within the enclosed cavity 222). In some embodiments, the level sensor 238 may be configured with a preset detection level, thereby enabling the detection of whether and when the amount of water within the enclosed cavity 222 has reached the preset detection level. In another or alternative implementation, the level sensor 238 is operatively (e.g., wired or wireless) in communication with the controller 190 to send or receive one or more signals thereto. For example, the controller 190 may be configured to receive one or more level signals from the level sensor 238 in response to the amount of water in the enclosed cavity 222 reaching a preset detection level.

[0040] During assembly, the liquid storage container 212 may be in downstream fluid communication with a water source of the refrigeration appliance 100. For example, it is understood that one or more intermediate conduits 240 may connect a water source to the liquid storage container 212 at the storage container inlet 224. In some such embodiments, the liquid storage container 212 is fluidly isolated from the ice-making assembly 160 or the water distributor 152. Thus, water received in the liquid storage container 212 is generally kept separate from any water received or used by the ice-making assembly 160 or the water distributor 152. Upstream of the liquid distributor 230, a water valve 218 may be installed to selectively direct water from the water source to the enclosed cavity 222. In other words, the water valve 218 may be installed upstream of the liquid storage container 212 (e.g., typically within the refrigerator door 128 or the refrigeration appliance 100) to selectively direct water to the liquid storage container 212. In some embodiments, the water valve 218 is operatively (e.g., wired or wirelessly) in communication with a controller 190 to send or receive one or more signals thereto. For example, controller 190 can be configured to guide or control the position of water valve 218 (e.g., to open and close water valve 218). Optionally, controller 190 can be configured to guide water valve 218 based on one or more signals received from level sensor 238. As an example, controller 190 can guide water valve 218 to the open position, thereby allowing water to enter liquid storage container 212, unless or until a level signal indicating that a preset detection level is met is received from level sensor 238. In other words, controller 190 can close water valve 218 in response to meeting the preset detection level. Once the water level falls below the preset detection level, controller 190 can guide water valve 218 to reopen. Thus, controller 190 can typically guide water valve 218 to maintain or resupply water to the preset detection level within closed chamber 222.

[0041] Advantageously, the components or appliances according to the above embodiments can efficiently or reliably supply cold water to the user (e.g., with a relatively large volume or without a significant sacrifice of the complexity, cost or storage space of the food preservation compartment 122).

[0042] This written description discloses the invention using examples (including preferred embodiments) and enables those skilled in the art to practice the invention (including making and using any apparatus or system and performing any of the included methods). The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that may be conceived by those skilled in the art. Such other examples are expected to fall within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that are not distinct from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially distinct from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A refrigerator door assembly, characterized by, including: a closed body defining an outer surface and an inner surface; a liquid storage container defined within the closed body, between the outer surface and inner surface; a liquid level sensor mounted to the liquid storage container, the liquid level sensor configured to detect an amount of water within the liquid storage container; a water valve mounted upstream of the liquid storage container to selectively direct water to the liquid storage container based on the detected amount of water; and a liquid dispenser extending from the liquid storage container and through the inner surface to an outlet aperture to selectively dispense water from the liquid storage container; further including: a water dispenser mounted on the closed body and extending through the outer surface; the water dispenser being fluidly isolated from the liquid storage container. further including:

2. The refrigerator door assembly of claim 1, wherein, a manually released valve mounted in fluid communication between the liquid storage container and the outlet aperture to selectively release water from the liquid storage container through the liquid dispenser. the manually released valve including a manual input extending through the inner surface to actuate the manually released valve.

3. The refrigerator door assembly of claim 2, wherein, further including:

4. The refrigerator door assembly of claim 1, wherein, an ice maker mounted within the closed body, fluidly isolated from the liquid storage container. the ice maker disposed above the liquid dispenser.

5. The refrigerator door assembly of claim 4, wherein, the water dispenser defines a water outlet having a minimum cross-sectional area through which water can flow, wherein the outlet aperture has a minimum cross-sectional area through which water can flow, and wherein the minimum cross-sectional area of the outlet aperture is greater than the minimum cross-sectional area of the water outlet.

6. The refrigerator door assembly of claim 1, wherein, the water dispenser is disposed above the liquid dispenser.

7. The refrigerator door assembly of claim 6, wherein, the outlet aperture is downwardly directed below the liquid storage container.

8. The refrigerator door assembly of claim 1, wherein, including:

9. A refrigeration appliance characterized by, a cabinet defining a refrigerated compartment; a closed body mounted to the cabinet, the closed body defining an outer surface facing away from the refrigerated compartment and an inner surface facing toward the refrigerated compartment; a liquid storage container defined within the closed body, between the outer surface and inner surface; a liquid level sensor mounted to the liquid storage container, the liquid level sensor configured to detect an amount of water within the liquid storage container; a water valve mounted within the refrigeration appliance, upstream of the liquid storage container to selectively direct water to the liquid storage container based on the detected amount of water; and a liquid dispenser extending from the liquid storage container and through the inner surface to an outlet aperture to selectively dispense water from the liquid storage container; further including a water dispenser extending through the outer surface; the water dispenser being fluidly isolated from the liquid storage container. further including: a manually released valve mounted in fluid communication between the liquid storage container and the outlet aperture to selectively release water from the liquid storage container through the liquid dispenser.

10. The refrigeration appliance of claim 9, wherein, the manually released valve including a manual input extending through the inner surface to actuate the manually released valve. further including:

11. The refrigeration appliance of claim 10, wherein, an ice maker mounted within the refrigeration appliance, fluidly isolated from the liquid storage container.

12. The refrigeration appliance of claim 9, wherein, the ice maker disposed above the liquid dispenser. ​ 13. The refrigeration appliance of claim 12, wherein, ​ 14. The refrigeration appliance of claim 9, wherein, The water dispenser defines a water outlet having a minimum cross-sectional area through which water can flow, wherein the outlet aperture has a minimum cross-sectional area through which water can flow, and wherein the minimum cross-sectional area of the outlet aperture is greater than the minimum cross-sectional area of the water outlet.

15. The refrigeration appliance of claim 14, wherein, The water dispenser is arranged above the liquid dispenser.

16. The refrigeration appliance of claim 9, wherein, The outlet aperture is directed downwardly below the liquid storage container.

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