Water delivery system for a refrigerator appliance

Abstract

A refrigerator appliance may include a cabinet defining one or more chilled chambers. The refrigerator appliance may include a water delivery system. The water delivery system may include a chilled water tank provided within the one or more chilled chambers. The chilled water tank may include an outer wall that may define a water compartment for containing a volume of water. The water delivery system may include a dispenser assembly in downstream fluid communication with the chilled water tank for dispensing ice or water. The water delivery system may include a peristaltic metering pump in fluid communication between the chilled water tank and the dispenser assembly. The peristaltic metering pump may include a housing, a dispensing tube, and a rotor assembly. The housing may define a dosing chamber. The dispensing tube may be disposed within the dosing chamber between the rotor assembly and an inner wall of the housing.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a refrigerator appliance and more particularly to a water delivery system for a refrigerator appliance.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] 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 can include a dispensing assembly for delivering chilled water or ice. A portion of the dispensing assembly is typically mounted at one of the doors of the refrigerator appliance. However, the dispensing assembly may be located within one or more of the chilled chambers.

[0003] Moreover, refrigerator appliances can include a water system that can supply water to a water dispenser or an ice maker of the dispensing assembly. For example, the water system can supply chilled water to the water dispenser. As another example, the water system can supply ambient temperature water to the ice maker. However, such water systems have numerous drawbacks. For example, existing water systems are not capable of delivering accurate or precise volumes of water. As another example, existing water systems are not capable of varying the flow rate of the water being delivered to the dispensing assembly.

[0004] Accordingly, a refrigerator that can obviate one or more of the above-mentioned drawbacks would be beneficial.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

[0006] In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator appliance is provided. The refrigerator appliance may include a cabinet. The cabinet may define one or more chilled chambers. The refrigerator appliance may include a water delivery system. The water delivery system may include comprising a chilled water tank provided within the one or more chilled chambers. The chilled water tank may include an outer wall. The outer wall may define a water compartment for containing a volume of water. The water delivery system may include a dispenser assembly in downstream fluid communication with the chilled water tank for dispensing ice or water. The water delivery system may include a peristaltic metering pump in fluid communication between the chilled water tank and the dispenser assembly. The peristaltic metering pump may include a housing, a dispensing tube, and a rotor assembly. The housing may define a dosing chamber. The dispensing tube may be disposed within the dosing chamber between the rotor assembly and an inner wall of the housing.

[0007] In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a water delivery system for a refrigerator appliance is provided. The refrigerator appliance may include a cabinet. The cabinet may define one or more chilled chambers. The water delivery system may include a chilled water tank provided within the one or more chilled chambers. The chilled water tank may include an outer wall. The outer wall may define a water compartment for containing a volume of water. The water delivery system may include a dispenser assembly in downstream fluid communication with the chilled water tank for dispensing ice or water. The water delivery system may include a peristaltic metering pump in fluid communication between the chilled water tank and the dispenser assembly. The peristaltic metering pump may include a housing, a dispensing tube, and a rotor assembly. The housing may define a dosing chamber. The dispensing tube may be disposed within the dosing chamber between the rotor assembly and an inner wall of the housing.

[0008] 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.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] 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.

[0010] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a refrigerator appliance according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter.

[0011] FIG. 2 provides a front view of the exemplary refrigerator appliance of FIG. 1, with the doors of the fresh food chamber and freezer chamber shown in an open position.

[0012] FIG. 3 provides a schematic diagram of a water delivery system that may be incorporated into the exemplary refrigerator appliance of FIG. 1 according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter.

[0013] FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of a peristaltic metering pump of the water delivery system of FIG. 3.

[0014] FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of a peristaltic metering pump of the water delivery system of FIG. 3.

[0015] FIG. 6 provides a top-down view of the peristaltic metering pump of FIG. 5.

[0016] 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.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] 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 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.

[0018] 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”). In addition, here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined 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.

[0019] 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 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, such as, clockwise or counterclockwise, with the vertical direction V).

[0020] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” In addition, reference 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.

[0021] Except as explicitly indicated otherwise, recitation of a singular processing element (e.g., “a controller,”“a processor,”“a microprocessor,” etc.) is understood to include more than one processing element. In other words, “a processing element” is generally understood as “one or more processing element.” Furthermore, barring a specific statement to the contrary, any steps or functions recited as being performed by “the processing element” or “said processing element” are generally understood to be capable of being performed by “any one of the one or more processing elements.” Thus, a first step or function performed by “the processing element” may be performed by “any one of the one or more processing elements,” and a second step or function performed by “the processing element” may be performed by “any one of the one or more processing elements and not necessarily by the same one of the one or more processing elements by which the first step or function is performed.” Moreover, it is understood that recitation of “the processing element” or “said processing element” performing a plurality of steps or functions does not require that at least one discrete processing element be capable of performing each one of the plurality of steps or functions.

[0022] Refrigerator appliances can include a dispenser assembly. The dispenser assembly may be provided to dispense ice or liquid water. For example, the dispenser assembly may be disposed at an exterior door of the refrigerator appliance such that a user may access the dispenser assembly. Some existing dispenser assemblies for refrigerator appliances include features for measuring an amount of liquid dispensed or delivered from the dispensing assembly. For example, these systems can deliver specific quantities of liquid water to an ice maker or a water dispenser of the dispenser assembly.

[0023] However, these systems include numerous drawbacks. For example, these systems are unable to accurately dispense or deliver small volumes of water, for instance, to an ice mold of the ice maker. In this regard, these systems may not reliably deliver the correct amount of water to an ice maker. As another example, many consumers prefer a high flow rate of water when utilizing the water dispenser. Existing systems can only deliver or dispense water at relatively low flow rates as these systems are designed to dispense or deliver water to both the ice maker and the water dispenser. In particular, when dispensing water to the ice maker a relatively low flow rate can prevent splashing within the ice maker.

[0024] Notably, embodiments of the present subject matter provide a water delivery system for a refrigerator appliance that advantageously utilizes a peristaltic metering pump to deliver accurate volumes of water to a dispenser assembly of the refrigerator appliance. Moreover, the peristaltic metering pump can supply water at a variety of flow rates to meet appliance and user needs. For example, the peristaltic metering pump can deliver accurate volumes of water to an ice maker of the dispenser assembly. As another example, the peristaltic metering pump can deliver water to a water dispenser at a relatively high flow rate (e.g., when compared to the flow rate that the peristaltic metering pump may deliver water to the ice mold at).

[0025] Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a refrigerator appliance 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Refrigerator appliance 100 includes a cabinet 102 that extends between a top 104 and a bottom 106 along a vertical direction V, between a first side 108 and a second side 110 along a lateral direction L, and between a front side 112 and a rear side 114 along a transverse direction T. Each of the vertical direction V, lateral direction L, and transverse direction T are mutually perpendicular to one another.

[0026] Cabinet 102 defines one or more chilled chambers for receipt of food items for storage. In particular, cabinet 102 includes a fresh food liner 121 and freezer liner 123 (e.g., FIG. 2). The fresh food liner 121 may define a fresh food chamber 122 positioned at or adjacent second side 110 of cabinet 102. The freezer liner 123 may define a freezer chamber 124 arranged at or adjacent first side 108 of cabinet 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.

[0027] A refrigerator door 128 is rotatably hinged to an edge of cabinet 102 for selectively accessing fresh food chamber 122. In addition, a freezer door 130 is rotatably hinged to an edge of cabinet 102 for selectively accessing freezer chamber 124. Refrigerator door 128 and freezer door 130 are shown in the closed configuration in FIG. 1. One skilled in the art will appreciate that other chamber and door configurations are possible and within the scope of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 2 provides a front view of refrigerator appliance 100 shown with refrigerator door 128 and freezer door 130 in the open position. As shown in FIG. 2, various storage components are mounted within fresh food chamber 122 to facilitate storage of food items therein as will be understood by those skilled in the art. In particular, the storage components may include bins 134 and shelves 136. Each of these storage components are configured for receipt of food items (e.g., beverages or solid food items) and may assist with organizing such food items. As illustrated, bins 134 may be mounted on refrigerator door 128 and freezer door 130 or may slide into a receiving space in fresh food chamber 122 or freezer chamber 124. It should be appreciated that the illustrated storage components are used only for the purpose of explanation and that other storage components may be used and may have different sizes, shapes, and configurations.

[0029] Referring now generally to FIG. 1, a dispensing assembly 140 will be described according to exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter. Dispensing assembly 140 is generally configured for dispensing liquid water or ice. Although an exemplary dispensing assembly 140 is illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made to dispensing assembly 140 while remaining within the present subject matter.

[0030] 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.

[0031] Dispensing assembly 140 includes a dispenser 144 including a discharging outlet 146 for discharging water or ice from dispensing assembly 140. An actuating mechanism 148, shown as a paddle, is mounted below discharging outlet 146 for operating dispenser 144. In alternative exemplary embodiments, any suitable actuating mechanism may be used to operate dispenser 144. For example, 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 dispenser 144 and are mounted in dispenser recess 142.

[0032] Dispensing assembly 140 may include a water dispenser 158 (e.g., FIG. 3) at or in fluid communication with the discharging outlet 146. The water dispenser 158 may include a nozzle or a spout that water may be delivered from. For example, a user may place a container within the dispenser recess 142 to contain water that may be delivered from the nozzle or the spout of the water dispenser 158. Referring again to FIG. 2, inside refrigerator appliance 100, freezer door 130 may include an ice maker assembly 150 that generally includes one or more ice trays and ice storage bins 152 that are configured to form, harvest, and store ice. In this regard, for example, ice maker assembly 150 may define an ice making chamber 154 for housing ice maker assembly 150 and components thereof. According to the illustrated embodiment, ice maker assembly 150 may be a part of dispensing assembly 140 and may have a main icemaker 156. In additional or alternative embodiments, the ice maker assembly 150 may include an ice tray for forming “craft ice” that is commonly large, clear cubes or spheres of ice for alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks. For example, a user may access this craft ice by opening freezer door 130 and accessing storage bin 152 directly.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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 or data that when executed by the processing device, cause the processing device to perform operations.

[0035] Referring now to FIG. 3, a schematic view of a water delivery system 200 of the refrigerator appliance 100 is provided. As mentioned above, the cabinet 102 of the refrigerator appliance 100 may define one or more chilled chambers. For instance, the cabinet 102 may include a fresh food liner 121 and a freezer liner 123. The fresh food liner 121 may define the fresh food chamber 122 for receipt of food items that require refrigeration. The freezer liner 123 may define the freezer chamber 124 for receipt of food items that require freezing. The water delivery system 200 may be provided within one or more of the chilled chambers of the refrigerator appliance 100. In some embodiments, the water delivery system 200 may be provided within the fresh food chamber 122 or the freezer chamber 124. For example, a portion of the water delivery system 200 may be provided within the fresh food chamber 122 or the freezer chamber 124 of the refrigerator appliance 100.

[0036] The water delivery system 200 may generally include a chilled water tank 202, the dispensing assembly 140, and a peristaltic metering pump 204. The chilled water tank 202 may be provided within the fresh food chamber 122. The chilled water tank 202 may include an outer wall 206. The outer wall 206 may define a water compartment 208 for containing a volume of water 210. The volume of water 210 contained within the water compartment 208 may be chilled by the fresh food chamber 122.

[0037] In some embodiments, the water delivery system 200 includes a water source 212 in upstream fluid communication with chilled water tank 202. The water source 212 may supply water to the chilled water tank 202. For example, the water source 212 may be a municipal water network, a well, or the like. The water source 212 may include a supply valve 214 for regulating a flow of liquid water delivered from the water source 212. For example, the supply valve 214 may be transitionable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, a flow path between the water source 212 and the chilled water tank 202 may be open such that water may be delivered from the water source 212 to the chilled water tank 202. In the closed position, the flow path between the water source 212 and the chilled water tank 202 may be closed such that water may not be delivered from the water source 212 to the chilled water tank 202.

[0038] In some embodiments, the chilled water tank 202 defines an air vent 216. In particular, the outer wall 206 of the chilled water tank 202 may define the air vent 216 therethrough. The air vent 216 may be defined at the top portion of the outer wall 206. The air vent 216 may advantageously allow water to be delivered to the chilled water tank 202. For example, the air vent 216 may allow air to escape from the water compartment 208 when the water is being delivered to the chilled water tank 202 from the water source 212. As another example, the air vent 216 may allow air to enter the water compartment 208 when water is being dispensed from the chilled water tank 204 to the dispensing assembly 140.

[0039] In some other embodiments, the air vent 216 may be include or may be configured as suitable device or mechanism that may allow air to escape from the water compartment 208 when the water is being delivered to the chilled water tank 204 and may allow air to enter the water compartment 208 when water is being dispensed from the chilled water tank 204.

[0040] In some embodiments, the water delivery system 200 includes a sensor 218 provided within the water compartment 208 of the chilled water tank 202. The sensor 218 may be operable to detect a water level of the volume of water 210 contained within the water compartment 208. The sensor 218 may be operable to detect when the volume of water 210 within the water compartment 208 has reached a predetermined level or volume. For example, the sensor 218 may detect when the volume of water 210 within the water compartment 208 has reached a maximum fill level. As another example, the sensor 218 may detect when the volume of water 210 within the water compartment 208 is below the maximum fill level. In some embodiments, the chilled water tank is constantly maintained at a maximum fill level.

[0041] The sensor 218 may be any suitable type of sensor that is capable of detecting a water level of the volume of water 210. For example, the sensor 218 may be a float switch as shown in FIG. 3, an ultrasonic sensor, or the like.

[0042] In some embodiments, the sensor 218 is communicatively coupled with the controller 164 or the supply valve 214 (e.g., via a suitable wired or wireless communication link). In particular, the controller 164 may direct the supply valve 214 to remain in the open position (e.g., such that water may be delivered to the chilled water tank 202) until the water level of the volume of water 210 reaches or is at the maximum fill level (e.g., as sensed by the sensor 218).

[0043] In some embodiments, the dispensing assembly 140 is in downstream fluid communication with the chilled water tank 202. The dispensing assembly 140 may include the water dispenser 158 and the ice maker assembly 150. For example, the water dispenser 158 may be provided at a door of the refrigerator appliance 100 to dispense liquid water. The water dispenser 158 may be a nozzle, a spout, or the like, disposed at the dispenser recess 142 of the dispensing assembly 140. As another example, the ice maker assembly 150 may be provided to form, harvest, and dispense ice pieces. The ice maker assembly 150 may be disposed within the freezer chamber 124 of the refrigerator appliance 100.

[0044] In some embodiments, the water delivery system 200 includes a liquid valve 220 and an ice valve 222. The liquid valve 220 may be in fluid communication between the peristaltic metering pump 204 and the water dispenser 158. The ice valve 222 may be in fluid communication between the peristaltic metering pump 204 and the ice maker assembly 150 in fluid parallel to the liquid valve 220. In some embodiments, the liquid valve 220 may include a first solenoid valve. The first solenoid valve may be in operative communication with the controller 164. The first solenoid valve may be transitionable between an open position and a closed position to selectively permit a flow of water from the peristaltic metering pump 204 to the water dispenser 158.

[0045] In some embodiments, the ice valve 222 may include a second solenoid valve. The second solenoid valve may be in operative communication with the controller 164. The second solenoid valve may be transitionable between an open position and a closed position to selectively permit a flow of water from the peristaltic metering pump 204 to the ice maker assembly 150.

[0046] The peristaltic metering pump 204 may be in fluid communication between the chilled water tank 202 and the dispensing assembly 140. Notably, the peristaltic metering pump 204 can advantageously provide a precise and accurate volume of liquid to the dispensing assembly 140 (e.g., when compared to existing pumps or dosing devices utilized in existing refrigerator appliances). Moreover, the peristaltic metering pump 204 can advantageously deliver liquid water to the dispensing assembly 140 at a variety of flow rates. The peristaltic metering pump 204 can modulate a flow rate of water delivered from the chilled water tank 202 to the dispensing assembly 140 (e.g., the ice maker assembly 150 or the water dispenser 158). As will be appreciated in more detail below, the flow rate of water may be determined by a rotational speed of a rotor assembly 230 of the peristaltic metering pump 204 or the size of a dispensing tube 234 of the peristaltic metering pump 204.

[0047] In additional or alternative embodiments, the dispensing assembly 140 includes only the ice maker assembly 150. In such embodiments, the peristaltic metering pump 204 may be in fluid communication between the chilled water tank 202 and the ice maker assembly 150. Moreover, in such embodiments, the ice valve 222 may not be included and the flow of water delivered to the ice maker assembly 150 may be selectively permitted via peristaltic metering pump 204. In this regard, the peristaltic metering pump 204 may be in direct upstream fluid communication with the ice maker assembly 150.

[0048] Referring now to FIGS. 4 through 6, embodiments of the peristaltic metering pump 204 are provided. In some embodiments, the peristaltic metering pump 204 generally includes a housing 232, a dispensing tube 234, and a rotor assembly 230. The housing 232 may define a dosing chamber 236 for containing or housing 232 a segment of the dispensing tube 234. A segment of the dispensing tube 234 may be disposed within the dosing chamber 236 between the rotor assembly 230 and an inner wall 246 (e.g., FIG. 6) of the housing 232. The dispensing tube 234 may include an inlet portion 238 and an outlet portion 240. The outlet portion 240 may be positioned downstream of the inlet portion 238. The inlet portion 238 may be in direct fluid communication with the chilled water tank 202 (e.g., FIG. 3). The outlet portion 240 may be in direct fluid communication with the dispensing assembly 140 (e.g., FIG. 3).

[0049] The peristaltic metering pump 204 may further include a motor 242 which is operable to rotate the rotor assembly 230 within the housing 232. For example, the motor 242 may be coupled to the rotor assembly 230 to drive rotation of the rotor assembly 230. The motor 242 may be configured to precisely and consistently control rotation of the rotor assembly such that the dispensing of liquid within the dispensing tube 234 is precisely and consistently controlled. In this regard, the motor 242 may include characteristics that allow it to precisely and consistently control rotation of the rotor assembly 230. For example, the motor 242 may include or be configured as a stepper motor, a brushless DC motor, or the like. In some embodiments, the rotor assembly 230 includes a plurality of rollers 244 disposed within the housing 232. Each roller of the plurality of rollers 244 may be extended into the dosing chamber 236. Each roller of the plurality of rollers 244 may be positioned such that the rollers 244 are capable of compressing a portion of the dispensing tube 234 against the inner wall 246 of the housing 232. For example, the portion of the dispensing tube 234 may be disposed between a respective roller of the plurality of rollers 244 and an inner wall 246 of the housing 232. For example, the motor 242 may drive rotation of the plurality of rollers 244 (e.g., via a rotation plate 245) such that the plurality of rollers 244 may progressively and sequentially compress portions of the dispensing tube 234. In this regard, water from the chilled water tank 202 may be urged into the inlet portion 238 of the dispensing tube 234 directed to or toward the outlet portion 240 of the dispensing tube 234, and ultimately to the dispensing assembly 140.

[0050] In some embodiments, the controller 164 of the refrigerator appliance 100 is in operative communication with the peristaltic metering pump 204. The controller 164 may control operation of the peristaltic metering pump 204, and more broadly, the water delivery system 200. For example, the controller 164 may transmit a signal to the peristaltic metering pump 204 to deliver a first volume of water from the volume of water 210 at a predetermined flow rate. The controller 164 may also transmit a signal to the peristaltic metering pump 204 to deliver the specified volume at the required flow rate.

[0051] In some instances, a fill signal may be received from the ice maker assembly 150 indicating that an ice mold of the ice maker can be filled with water. In response to the fill signal, the peristaltic metering pump 204 and ice valve 222 may be energized to allow a flow of liquid water to be delivered to the ice maker assembly 150. In some other instances, a liquid signal may be received from water dispenser 158 indicating that the water dispenser 158 is activated. In response to the liquid signal being received, the peristaltic metering pump 204 and the liquid valve 220 may be energized to allow a flow of liquid water to be delivered to the water dispenser 158.

[0052] The volume of water delivered from the chilled water tank 202 to the dispenser assembly 140 can correspond to an amount of rotation of the rotor assembly 230. For instance, the degrees or angle of rotation of the rotor assembly 230 may correspond to a volume of water that may be flowed through the dispensing tube 234. The rotation speed of the rotor assembly 230 may dictate the flow rate of the water being delivered to the ice maker assembly 150 or the water dispenser 158. For example, when delivering water to the ice maker assembly 150, the motor 242 may drive rotation of the rotor assembly 230 at a lower rate than it may when delivering water to the water dispenser 158.

[0053] 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.

Claims

1. A refrigerator appliance comprising:a cabinet defining one or more chilled chambers; anda water delivery system comprising:a chilled water tank provided within the one or more chilled chambers, the chilled water tank comprising an outer wall, the outer wall defining a water compartment for containing a volume of water,a dispenser assembly in downstream fluid communication with the chilled water tank for dispensing ice or water, anda peristaltic metering pump in fluid communication between the chilled water tank and the dispenser assembly, the peristaltic metering pump comprising a housing, a dispensing tube, and a rotor assembly, the housing defining a dosing chamber, the dispensing tube being disposed within the dosing chamber between the rotor assembly and an inner wall of the housing.

2. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the peristaltic metering pump comprises a motor coupled to the rotor assembly, and wherein the motor comprises a stepper motor.

3. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the dispensing tube comprises an inlet portion and an outlet portion,wherein the outlet portion is positioned downstream of the inlet,wherein the inlet portion is in direct fluid communication with the chilled water tank, andwherein the outlet is in direct fluid communication with the dispenser assembly.

4. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the dispenser assembly comprises a water dispenser and an ice maker assembly,wherein water delivery system further comprises a liquid valve and an ice valve,wherein the liquid valve is in fluid communication between the peristaltic metering pump and the water dispenser, andwherein the ice valve is in fluid communication between the peristaltic metering pump and the ice maker assembly and in fluid parallel with the liquid valve.

5. The refrigerator appliance of claim 4, wherein the liquid valve comprises a first solenoid valve,wherein the ice valve comprises a second solenoid valve,wherein the first solenoid valve is in operative communication with a controller associated with the water delivery system,wherein the first solenoid valve is transitionable between an open position and a closed position to selectively permit a flow of water from the peristaltic metering pump to the water dispenser,wherein the second solenoid valve in operative communication with the controller associated with the water delivery system, andwherein the second solenoid valve is transitionable between an open position and a closed position to selectively permit a flow of water from the peristaltic metering pump to the ice maker assembly.

6. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the water delivery system comprises a water source in upstream fluid communication with chilled water tank,wherein the water source comprises a supply valve, andwherein the supply valve is transitionable between an open position and a closed position to selectively permit a flow of water from the water source to the chilled water tank.

7. The refrigerator appliance of claim 6, wherein the water delivery system further comprises a sensor provided within the water compartment,wherein a water level of a volume of water within the water compartment is measured via the sensor, andwherein the sensor is in operative communication with the supply valve of the water source.

8. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the outer wall of the chilled water tank defines an air vent therethrough.

9. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the rotor assembly comprises a plurality of rollers disposed within the housing, andwherein a segment of the dispensing tube is provided between the plurality of rollers and an inner wall of the housing.

10. The refrigerator appliance of claim 1, wherein the cabinet comprises a freezer liner and a fresh food liner,wherein the freezer liner defines a freezer chamber of the one or more chilled chambers,wherein the fresh food liner defines a fresh food chamber of the one or more chilled chambers, andwherein the chilled water tank is provided within the fresh food chamber.

11. A water delivery system for a refrigerator appliance comprising a cabinet, the cabinet defining one or more chilled chambers, the water delivery system comprising:a chilled water tank provided within the one or more chilled chambers, the chilled water tank comprising an outer wall, the outer wall defining a water compartment for containing a volume of water;a dispenser assembly in downstream fluid communication with the chilled water tank for dispensing ice or water; anda peristaltic metering pump in fluid communication between the chilled water tank and the dispenser assembly, the peristaltic metering pump comprising a housing, a dispensing tube, and a rotor assembly, the housing defining a dosing chamber, the dispensing tube being disposed within the dosing chamber between the rotor assembly and an inner wall of the housing.

12. The water delivery system of claim 11, wherein the peristaltic metering pump comprises a motor coupled to the rotor assembly, and wherein the motor comprises a stepper motor.

13. The water delivery system of claim 11, wherein the dispensing tube comprises an inlet portion and an outlet portion,wherein the outlet portion is positioned downstream of the inlet,wherein the inlet portion is in direct fluid communication with the chilled water tank, andwherein the outlet is in direct fluid communication with the dispenser assembly.

14. The water delivery system of claim 11, wherein the dispenser assembly comprises a water dispenser and an ice maker assembly,wherein water delivery system further comprises a liquid valve and an ice valve,wherein the liquid valve is in fluid communication between the peristaltic metering pump and the water dispenser, andwherein the ice valve is in fluid communication between the peristaltic metering pump and the ice maker assembly and in fluid parallel with the liquid valve.

15. The water delivery system of claim 14, wherein the liquid valve comprises a first solenoid valve,wherein the ice valve comprises a second solenoid valve,wherein the first solenoid valve is in operative communication with a controller associated with the water delivery system,wherein the first solenoid valve is transitionable between an open position and a closed position to selectively permit a flow of water from the peristaltic metering pump to the water dispenser,wherein the second solenoid valve in operative communication with the controller associated with the water delivery system, andwherein the second solenoid valve is transitionable between an open position and a closed position to selectively permit a flow of water from the peristaltic metering pump to the ice maker assembly.

16. The water delivery system of claim 11, further comprising:a water source in upstream fluid communication with chilled water tank,wherein the water source comprises a supply valve, andwherein the supply valve is transitionable between an open position and a closed position to selectively permit a flow of water from the water source to the chilled water tank.

17. The water delivery system of claim 16, further comprising:a sensor provided within the water compartment,wherein a water level of a volume of water within the water compartment is measured via the sensor, andwherein the sensor is in operative communication with the supply valve of the water source.

18. The water delivery system of claim 17, wherein the sensor comprises a float switch.

19. The water delivery system of claim 11, wherein the outer wall of the chilled water tank defines an air vent therethrough.

20. The water delivery system of claim 11, wherein the rotor assembly comprises a plurality of rollers disposed within the housing, andwherein a segment of the dispensing tube is provided between the plurality of rollers and an inner wall of the housing.

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