Refrigerator with simultaneous cold and hot water dispensing capability, equipped with a float switch inside a wave breaker

Abstract

A refrigerator consisting of a main cabinet and at least one door for opening and closing, which is controlled by main PCB located in the refrigerator top part, as well as the display on the door and the top of the hot and cold-water dispenser apply temperature setting and inform about warnings. The hot water storage, which is installed under the cold- water storage and located inside a compartment, between the metal sheet and the ABS sheet of the door, is connected to the water dispenser which has two outlets, one for hot and one for cold water. A heater installed in the hot water storage is regulate the water temperature according to setting temperature. This refrigerator inhibits the hot water vapor pressure through refrigeration and converts it to cold water. A wave breaker is located surrounded the float switch and in the upper part of the cold-water storage, preventing the water waves from directly hitting he float switch. The wave breaker prevents water ripple while opening and closing the door. Consequently, the main PCB receives correct water level, and prevents the water storage from overflowing.

Description

Refrigerator with Simultaneous Cold and Hot Water Dispensing Capability, Equipped with a Float Switch Inside a Wave Breaker

[0001] Generally, the present invention relates to the refrigerator industry, featuring a simultaneous cold and hot water outlet (dispenser). More specifically, in this refrigerator, the presence of a wave breaker in the upper section of the cold water storage tank prevents the direct impact of water waves on the float switch and prevents water fluctuations during the opening and closing of the refrigerator door. Furthermore, in this refrigerator, the steam resulting from the heating of water in the hot tank is cooled by passing through the refrigerator [interior] and enters the cold water storage tank. This mechanism results in the containment of water steam pressure caused by the rise in the tank temperature.

[0002] US4871089: One exemplary embodiment of the prior art is disclosed inU.S. Patent No. 4871089 (issued in 1989),which describes a compact instant hot water dispenser. This apparatus is configured to dispense a selected volume of water at a predetermined temperature. The dispenser comprises a body defining a tank of a predetermined size, having an inlet for receiving cold water and an outlet for dispensing hot water. A heating mechanism is disposed within the body to heat the water contained within the tank. A manually operable timer switch is utilized to activate the heating mechanism and to select a time duration for its operation. This selected time interval determines the specific volume of heated water to be dispensed. Ultimately, a thermal mechanism facilitates the dispensing of water from the outlet at the desired temperature.

[0003] US20110203306A1: Another exemplary embodiment of the prior art is disclosed inU.S. Patent Publication No. 2011 / 0203306A1 (published in 2011),which describes a hot and cold water dispenser comprising cooling or heating means. The dispenser includes a supply pipe defining a flow path through which water flows. A temperature control pipe is disposed either inside or outside the supply pipe, extending along the longitudinal direction of said supply pipe. The temperature control pipe defines a space configured to receive the cooling or heating means, thereby cooling or heating the water flowing within the supply pipe.

[0004] US20130209078:Another exemplary embodiment of the prior art is disclosed in

[0005] U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013 / 0209078 (published in 2013),which describes a hot beverage dispensing system comprising a heat transfer tank. A potable water line is disposed within the heat transfer tank, said potable water line having an inlet and an outlet separate from the heat transfer tank. A heat transfer fluid is contained within the tank. A heat source is coupled to the tank to heat the heat transfer fluid. A beverage dispensing mechanism is connected to the outlet of the potable water line. The potable water line is fluidly isolated from the heat transfer tank, whereby water within the potable water line is indirectly heated to a predetermined temperature, thereby providing a hot water source for the beverage dispensing mechanism.

[0006] CN215777358:Another exemplary embodiment of the prior art is disclosed inChinese Utility Model No. CN215777358 (published in 2021),relating to the technical field of water dispensing devices, specifically a device equipped with a safe hot water valve. The device comprises a dispenser body, with hot and cold water buttons movably mounted on the upper end thereof. A safety lock button is movably disposed in the upper middle portion of the hot water button. The internal mechanism comprises a movable rod fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the safety lock button, with the other end thereof connected to a press plate. Furthermore, a limiting mechanism is disposed at the end of the press plate, wherein a movable component is accommodated therein, and a mounting base is connected to the bottom thereof. By incorporating this limiting mechanism and movable component within the hot water switch, hot water can only be discharged when the hot water button is pressed, provided that the safety lock button is also actuated. This feature prevents accidental hot water discharge caused by children touching the switch, thereby eliminating the risk of scalding.

[0007] US4871089:Another exemplary embodiment of the prior art is disclosed inU.S. Patent No. 4871089 (published in 1989),describing a hot water dispenser for dispensing a selected volume of water at a predetermined temperature. The dispenser comprises a body defining a tank of a predetermined size, having an inlet for receiving cold water and an outlet for dispensing hot water. A heating mechanism is disposed within the body for heating water contained within the tank. A manually operable timer switch is utilized to activate the heating mechanism and to select a time duration for maintaining said heating mechanism in an active state. This selected time duration determines the specific volume of hot water to be dispensed. A thermally responsive mechanism enables the dispensing of water from the outlet only upon the heated water attaining the predetermined temperature.

[0008] US5220807: Another exemplary embodiment of the prior art is disclosed inU.S. Patent No. 5220807 (published in 1993),describing a combined water heating and refrigerator system providing one or more insulated food storage compartments and an insulated water storage tank. The apparatus comprises a refrigeration system including a compressor, an evaporating heat exchanger

[0009] configured to cool the food storage compartment(s), a condenser configured to heat the water storage tank, and a flow restriction / expansion device. Piping interconnects the compressor, condenser, expansion device, and evaporator in a series flow loop. A resistive electric heating element is configured to heat the water storage tank. A control means is provided for activating the compressor in response to a cooling demand from the food storage compartment, and for activating the electric heating element in response to a heating demand from the water storage tank or a time-of-day signal, so as to bias resistive electric water heating operations toward off-peak electrical usage times.

[0010] US5678734:Another exemplary embodiment of the prior art is disclosed inU.S. Patent No. 5678734 (issued in 1997)describes an instant hot water dispenser apparatus comprising a hot water storage tank and heating means for maintaining the hot water at a predetermined temperature. The apparatus includes a selective discharge means having an outlet for connection to a remote discharge nozzle. The discharge means is configured such that, when operative, it conveys water from the tank through said outlet to the discharge nozzle. Furthermore, the discharge means is arranged to permit water to drain from the discharge nozzle back into the tank when the discharge means is not operating. Consequently, the water within the discharge means is maintained at the predetermined temperature during non-operating periods.

[0011] US20070251261A1: Another exemplary embodiment of the prior art disclosed in

[0012] U.S.PatentApplicationPublicationNo.20070251261A1(publishedin2007)describes a hot water supply refrigerator comprising a main body having a storage compartment, a door configured to open and close the storage compartment, and a dispenser provided on the door. The refrigerator includes a hot water tank for storing water supplied from an external source, a heater disposed within the hot water tank, a hot water pipe interconnecting the hot water tank and the dispenser, a circulation part configured to circulate water through the hot water pipe and the hot water tank, and a control section for controlling the heater. Accordingly, the cited invention provides a hot water supply refrigerator and a control method for supplying hot water at a constant temperature while preventing the waste of residual water remaining in the hot water pipe.

[0013] US7610849:Another exemplary embodiment of the prior art disclosed inU.S. Patent No. 7610849 (issued in 2009)describes a refrigerator comprising a cabinet enclosure that includes a refrigerator compartment and a water supply source. The water supply source is operatively connected to the cabinet door such that it remains accessible upon opening and closing of the refrigerator door. A water conduit is disposed within the door to convey water from the water supply source located within the cabinet to a water outlet. A heating element is installed within the door for heating the water. An inlet tank is provided within the door, configured to receive ground coffee beans and heated water produced by the heating element, thereby facilitating the brewing of coffee. A dispensing outlet is in fluid communication with the brewing tank to enable dispensing of brewed coffee through the refrigerator door. A control unit is provided for regulating the water heating process and the dispensing of brewed coffee.

[0014] US20090249821A1: Another exemplary embodiment of the prior art disclosed inU.S. Patent Application Publication No. US20090249821A1 (published in 2009)describes a refrigerator comprising a main body defining a storage space therein and a door for opening and closing the storage space. The refrigerator includes a water conduit for guiding water supplied from an external water source to the main body of the refrigerator. An inlet valve divides the water supplied from the water conduit into a hot water conduit and a cold water conduit. A cold water tank is installed in the main body and / or door of the refrigerator for storing chilled water introduced through the cold water conduit. A hot water tank is installed in the main body and / or door of the refrigerator for storing hot water introduced through the hot water conduit. The hot water conduit includes a heat generating element mounted inside the hot water conduit and in direct contact with the water therein. The heat generating element produces heat by application of electrical power thereto to heat the water within the hot water conduit to a predetermined temperature. The hot water conduit heats water on demand, thereby eliminating the need for a separate hot water tank for storing hot water therein. A dispenser is mounted on the door to dispense cold and hot water supplied from the hot water conduit and the cold water tank to the exterior of the refrigerator.

[0015] US8651330:Another exemplary embodiment of the prior art disclosed inU.S. Patent No. 8651330 (issued in 2014)describes a refrigerator with a hot water dispenser comprising a cabinet housing the refrigerator therein. The refrigerator includes a dispenser section, a water inlet in the refrigerator cabinet connectable to a municipal water supply, and a hot water storage tank. The tank comprises a tank body, a heating element disposed within the tank body, and an inlet for

[0016] introducing water into the tank body, said water being supplied through the water inlet into the cabinet. The inlet is configured such that, based on the Venturi principle, water is drawn toward the outlet by means of a pressure reduction generated within the hot water tank.

[0017] US20140270725 (published in 2014):Another exemplary embodiment of the prior art disclosed inU.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20140270725 (published in 2014)describes a refrigerator comprising a cabinet including the refrigerator and a door pivotally mounted on the cabinet. An exhaust conduit is disposed within the door defining a pathway in fluid communication with the external environment of the cabinet. A hot water generating device includes a heating element configured to heat water supplied from the refrigerator, wherein heat generated by the heating element can be vented through the exhaust outlet pathway to the external environment of the cabinet. A hot water dispenser is mounted on the door and configured to deliver hot water supplied from the water heater to a receiving vessel. A method for dispensing hot water is also provided, wherein the method utilizes at least two separate user-defined steps to permit hot water dispensing.

[0018] Considering the fundamental nature of a refrigerator as a cooling device, and in order to prevent energy waste, it is preferable to position the hot water storage tank on the refrigerator door. However, this arrangement causes turbulence in the cold water storage tank each time the door is opened and closed, resulting in erroneous water level measurement and consequent water overflow. Therefore, by installing a float switch within a wave dampener, this problem can be prevented. Furthermore, the discharge of hot water vapor during pressure increase is of significant importance, for which no solution has been devised in the aforementioned prior art technologies. Accordingly, by passing the hot water vapor through the interior of the refrigerator, the vapor is cooled and enters the cold water storage tank in liquid form.

[0019] A refrigerator consisting of a main body and at least one door for opening and closing, which is controlled through a board located in the refrigerator ceiling, as well as the display screen on the top of the hot and cold water output to perform temperature and warnings. The hot water storage chamber, which is installed under the cold water storage compartment and between the metal sheet and the ABS sheet inside the door, is connected to the distributor on the refrigerator door through the device, a cold water storage chamber that is installed on the inside of the door (on the ABS sheet) and is connected to the distributor on the refrigerator door through the device. An element that is lit in a hot water tank to regulate the water in the storage chamber to the desired temperature. This refrigerator inhibits the hot water vapor pressure through refrigeration and converts it to cold water, and also a wave breaker is located around the float switch and in the upper part of the cold water storage tank, preventing the water waves from directly hitting the float switch. Wave breakers cause water fluctuations when opening and closing the door do not disrupt the performance of the switch and overflow of water, and the water level is sent correctly to the control board.

[0020] Generally, refrigerators comprise a body that includes a cooling compartment for storing food and beverages.

[0021] The refrigeration cycle of refrigerators is a thermodynamic process used to transfer heat from a cold environment to a warm environment, which is described as follows:

[0022] It is a vapor-compression refrigeration cycle that includes a compressor to compress the refrigerant, a condenser to condense the refrigerant, an expansion device to expand the refrigerant through a pressure reduction process, and an evaporator to evaporate the refrigerant.

[0023] Many examples of hot water dispensers are currently available; however, adding these hot and cold water dispensers to refrigerator products presents us with many challenges, for all of which solutions must be devised.

[0024] Placing a hot water dispenser alongside a cold one on a refrigerator product increases the product’s functionality, but this also brings challenges. While several products of this type have been developed, none have succeeded in completely overcoming the existing limitations. The objective of the aforementioned invention is the integration of both hot and cold water dispensing capabilities into a single refrigerator to eliminate drawbacks such as water turbulence when opening and closing the refrigerator door, and to contain the water steam pressure in the water tank that has been heated by an element, and to convert this steam into cold water, so that the present design can be developed into a complete and mass-producible product.

[0025] Although specific versions of these products are equipped to dispense hot water, they suffer from specific drawbacks that negatively affect user experience, including:

[0026] In existing models, an increase in tank temperature results in elevated vapor pressure, causing steam to escape through the top of the appliance or via a safety valve. Given that the appliance is a refrigerator, such steam emission is considered anomalous and undesirable; yet, in many instances, no measures have been implemented to control this vapor.

[0027] To address this technical problem, the claimed invention utilizes the appliance’s refrigeration system. The generated vapor is routed through a passage within the refrigerator where it loses latent heat, condenses back into water, and returns to the primary tank.

[0028] However, the reentry of this condensate (derived from hot steam) poses a risk of raising the temperature of the cold water. To prevent this, a partition wall is installed within the tank to segregate the returning condensate from the stored cold water. Consequently, the incoming water does not directly mix with the cold reserve, thereby effectively resolving the thermal interference issue.

[0029] Furthermore, in certain prior art examples, a single tank is utilized solely for hot water generation. This configuration precludes simultaneous access to both hot and cold water and prevents effective temperature regulation. Consequently, in the present invention, two separate tanks are incorporated to ensure that both hot and cold water are continuously available in accordance with user demand.

[0030] In other conventional embodiments, the water tank is mounted on the door of the appliance. Due to the frequent opening and closing of the refrigerator door, the frequent movement of the refrigerator door (resulting inertial forces) induce fluid turbulence and surface undulations (sloshing) . In such existing designs, no measures are made to ensure accurate water level detection under these conditions.

[0031] Therefore, in the present invention, a wave breaker (baffle) is disposed around the float switch. This configuration effectively mitigates the impact of water turbulence during door actuation, ensuring reliable operation.

[0032] Due to the distinct operational configuration of the refrigerator, it cannot be analogized to hot water dispensers. In such dispensers, the tank is typically stationary, rendering the issue of fluid turbulence immaterial. Conversely, in the context of a refrigerator, even minimal actuation leads to measurement errors in water level sensing, subsequently causing overflow. The claimed invention effectively obviates all such cited drawbacks and operational failures through the technical measures disclosed herein.

[0033]

[0034] Referring to, the refrigerator comprises a cabinet body (1) having a cooling compartment (22) for storing fresh food at low temperature and a door

[0035] for opening and closing said compartment. The refrigerator further includes a freezing compartment (2) having a door (23) for opening and closing the freezing compartment. The refrigerator (1) is equipped with a control board (3) mounted on the ceiling of the refrigerator for controlling the refrigerator operation and the hot water system, and a display unit (4) positioned above the cold and hot water outlets. Additionally, the refrigerator (1) comprises a hot water dispensing devicedisposed adjacent to a cold water dispenser (5) for delivering hot and cold water outside the refrigerator for user consumption. The refrigeration system of the refrigerator comprises a compressor, a condenser, a capillary tube, and an evaporator, which collectively perform the cooling operation of the refrigerator. The refrigerant gas is converted to saturated vapor in the compressor and enters the condenser. In the condenser, heat is dissipated and the refrigerant is converted to saturated liquid state. In this state, the refrigerant enters the capillary tube and, through isenthalpic expansion, ultimately enters the evaporator. Heat is absorbed by the refrigerant in this section, thereby cooling the refrigerator.As the water vapor passes through the interior portion of the door (liner) (9), the cold temperature within the cabinet (interior body of the refrigerator) causes the water vapor to condense into liquid water and return to the tank.

[0036] According to, potable water enters an inlet hose (a polyethylene hose having a diameter of 6 millimeters that connects the municipal water supply to the inlet of the cold water storage tank (11)) and passes through a hinge groove

[0037] (24) positioned on the upper surface of the door (6) for hinge connection. Subsequently, the water enters the cold water storage tank (11) mounted on the door (6) through the inlet (21).

[0038] The hot water storage tank having a capacity of 800 cc (13), as shown in, comprises a very thin metallic tank for storing hot water, which is installed in the space between the metal sheet and the ABS sheet within the door (9). The ABS sheet within the door (9) constitutes the liner.

[0039] According to, municipal potable water enters the cold water storage tank

[0040] (11) through the inlet (21). The stored water and the incoming water within the cold water storage tank (11) are separated from each other by an internal partition wall (17) to prevent mixing of the cold water with the incoming water, thereby ensuring that cold water is always available to the user and preventing energy waste.

[0041] The hot water supply unit comprises an inlet conduit (15) for connecting the hot water storage tank (13) and the cold water storage tank (11) to each other.

[0042] The cold water storage tank (11) is positioned within the interior portion of the door (6) (on the ABS sheet), utilizing the cold temperature within the cabinet for water cooling.

[0043] According to, the hot water supply unit comprises a metallic body (34), a heating element (33) for heating the incoming water, two thermostats (30) and

[0044] (31) for temperature control, and a temperature sensor (32) for communicating the water temperature within the hot water storage tank (13) to the control board

[0045] (3). Additionally, a vapor outlet (25) is provided for pressure control within the hot water storage tank (13). A valve (36) for hot water discharge is positioned at the bottom of the metallic body to enable draining of hot water in case of malfunction. A silicone gasket (35) is installed around the body to prevent water leakage to the exterior.

[0046] According to Figures 1, 2, and 3, when water is positioned within the hot water storage tank (13), the quantity of water present in the hot water storage tank (13) is controlled by a float located within the same tank to ensure that the hot water storage tank (13) remains filled with water at all times. The heating element (33) within the hot water storage tank (13) is activated and heats the water to the desired temperature that has been set by the user on the display (4). Upon the water temperature reaching the user-specified value, an indicator light on the display (4) is illuminated.

[0047] Additionally, the water temperature is continuously monitored by two pressure thermostats (30) and (31). As the water temperature increases, the vapor pressure of the water within the hot water storage tank (13) increases, which, if not controlled, will cause an explosion. Therefore, for the purpose of controlling the water vapor pressure, a conduit (25) is provided through which the water vapor is directed and cooled along the path of passage through the refrigerator door (6), and enters the cold water storage tank (11) through the inlet (19).

[0048] The cold water storage tank (11) is mounted on the door (6). With each opening and closing of the door, turbulence is generated within the water in the tank, which causes water to splash outward or leads to erroneous operation of the float switch (20). Therefore, the float switch (20) is positioned within a wave dampener

[0049] (18). The wave dampener (18) is a cylinder made of ABS or crystal material that is positioned around the float switch (20) and in the upper portion of the cold water storage tank (11), preventing direct impact of water waves on the float switch. The wave dampener (18) ensures that water fluctuations during door opening and closing do not cause disruption in the float switch operation and water overflow, and that the water level is accurately transmitted to the control board (3).

[0050] An outlet (14) extends from the cold water storage tank (11) and is connected to the cold water dispenser (5), whereby upon each activation of the dispenser (5), the required cold water is supplied. An outlet (12) extends from the hot water storage tank (13) and is connected to the hot water dispenser (7), whereby upon each activation of the dispenser (7), the required hot water is supplied.

[0051] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the cold water storage tank (11) is positioned above the hot water storage tank (13) such that the water required by the consumer is supplied from the outlets (7) and (5) without requiring a pump and by means of pressure differential.

[0052] As shown in, the aforementioned invention comprises a display (4) whereby temperature values can be adjusted by two options (28) according to user requirements. Additionally, the duration of hot water requirement (27) can be set so that by means of the thermostats (30) and (31), the water within the hot water storage tank (13) remains at the required temperature.

[0053] The advantages of the aforementioned invention are as follows: Employment of a wave dampener around the float switch to reduce water level sensing errors caused by turbulence in the water during door opening and closing.

[0054] Utilization of a cooling system to transfer water vapor into the cold water tank and prevent water vapor from escaping the refrigerator.

[0055] Creation of pressure differential for water movement, eliminating the need for a pump.

[0056] Optimized energy consumption.

[0057] Improved space utilization.

[0058] Easy installation of the hot and cold water storage chambers.

[0059] Manufacturability of the aforementioned concept for mass production.

[0060] It consist a perspective view of a refrigerator having a hot and cold water dispenser and the internal view of the refrigerator having a hot and cold water dispenser. A cross-sectional view of the internal section of the hot and cold water dispensing system. also cross-sectional view of the internal section of the hot water dispensing system and cross-sectional view of the display.Fig.1

[0061] : A perspective view of a refrigerator having a hot and cold water dispenser.

[0062] : An internal view of the refrigerator having a hot and cold water dispenser.

[0063] : A cross-sectional view of the internal section of the hot and cold water dispensing system.

[0064] : A cross-sectional view of the internal section of the hot water dispensing system.

[0065] : A cross-sectional view of the display.

[0066] One embodiment of this invention may comprise the use of a cooling mechanism for cooling water vapor and converting it to cold water (wherein the coldness inside the cabinet is utilized for water cooling).

[0067] Another embodiment of the invention may comprise a refrigerator with a hot water supply unit including a metallic body, a heating element for heating incoming water, two thermostats for temperature control, and a temperature sensor for reporting the water temperature inside the hot water storage tank to the control board. A vapor outlet for pressure control inside the hot water storage tank is provided, and a drain valve for hot water discharge is located at the bottom of the metallic body so that hot water can be drained when necessary. A silicone gasket is provided around the body to prevent water leakage.

[0068] Another embodiment of the invention may include a wave dampener capable of controlling water fluctuations during door opening and closing, preventing water overflow, and ensuring accurate transmission of water level to the refrigerator control board. This is because the water tank is mounted on the refrigerator door.

[0069] This invention is applicable in various industries including refrigeration industries, heating and cooling systems, water coolers, refrigerators and freezers for residential applications, hospitality and restaurant industries, offices, and retail establishments.

Claims

A refrigerator comprising a main body and at least one door for opening and closing, including the following components:a control board on the refrigerator ceiling;a display above the cold and hot water outlets;a cold water tank inside the refrigerator door;a hot water tank below the cold water tank;a heating element inside the hot water tank;a vapor conduit directing hot water vapor from the hot water tank to the cold water tank;two float switches inside the cold water tank;a partition wall in the cold water tank;a wave dampener inside the cold water tank.The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein water vapor generated in the hot water tank is condensed along its passage path inside the refrigerator door through the vapor conduit and enters the cold water tank as liquid water.The refrigerator of claim 2, wherein a partition wall is provided in the cold water tank to prevent mixing of previously stored cold water with incoming municipal water and condensed vapor.The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein a wave dampener is utilized to control water turbulence inside the cold water tank caused by opening and closing of the refrigerator door, and wherein an upper float switch is positioned inside said wave dampener.The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the hot water tank comprises a drain tube whereby hot water can be drained in case of malfunction and repair of the apparatus.The refrigerator of claims 1 and 4, wherein control of the water quantity present in the hot water storage tank is accomplished by a float switch inside the cold water tank and an inlet solenoid valve operating by gravity, such that the hot water storage tank remains continuously filled with water.

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