EP1580503A1 - Temperature control apparatus for use in a carbonator of a refrigerator - Google Patents
Temperature control apparatus for use in a carbonator of a refrigerator Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1580503A1 EP1580503A1 EP05006582A EP05006582A EP1580503A1 EP 1580503 A1 EP1580503 A1 EP 1580503A1 EP 05006582 A EP05006582 A EP 05006582A EP 05006582 A EP05006582 A EP 05006582A EP 1580503 A1 EP1580503 A1 EP 1580503A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- refrigerator
- recessed portion
- carbonator
- cool air
- temperature
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
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Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D23/00—General constructional features
- F25D23/12—Arrangements of compartments additional to cooling compartments; Combinations of refrigerators with other equipment, e.g. stove
- F25D23/126—Water cooler
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
- B01F23/20—Mixing gases with liquids
- B01F23/23—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids
- B01F23/236—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids specially adapted for aerating or carbonating beverages
- B01F23/2362—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids specially adapted for aerating or carbonating beverages for aerating or carbonating within receptacles or tanks, e.g. distribution machines
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D23/00—General constructional features
- F25D23/02—Doors; Covers
- F25D23/04—Doors; Covers with special compartments, e.g. butter conditioners
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2331/00—Details or arrangements of other cooling or freezing apparatus not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2331/80—Type of cooled receptacles
- F25D2331/806—Dispensers
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a temperature control apparatus for use in a carbonator of a refrigerator; and, more particularly, a temperature control apparatus for use in a carbonator of a refrigerator, which is capable of controlling the temperature of the carbonator by using cool air inside the refrigerator and warm air outside the refrigerator.
- a conventional carbonated liquid supplying system for use in a refrigerator is disclosed in US Pat No. 4,866,949, entitled “CARBONATED LIQUID REFRIGERATION SYSTEM” and its front plan view is shown in Fig. 1 wherein the carbonator 3 is located in a freezer door 1 and supplies carbonated water to a liquid dispenser 2.
- a refrigeration system for cooling the carbonator which includes an evaporator disposed in the inside of or around the carbonator 3, and for absorbing heat from the inside of the carbonator 1, and a condenser disposed in the inside of the freezer compartment for dissipating the heat absorbed from the carbonator 1 to the freezer compartment.
- the evaporator and the condenser are formed of tubes and connected to each other, and a refrigerant circulates therein.
- an object of the present invention to provide a temperature control apparatus for use in a carbonator of a refrigerator, which has a simple construction and is operated without a refrigerant.
- a temperature control apparatus for use in a carbonator of a refrigerator, including: a cover overlaying the carbonator mounted in a recessed portion formed in an inner surface of a door of the refrigerator; a temperature sensor, installed in the carbonator, for detecting a temperature of the carbonator and generating a signal when the detected temperature is equal to or less than a predetermined temperature; a pair of valve devices, installed at an outlet opening of an outlet path and an inlet opening of an inlet path, respectively, that are formed in the recessed portion, the outlet path and the inlet path being formed in the door of the refrigerator to establish communication between the recessed portion and the outside of the refrigerator; and a controller for controlling the pair of the valve devices in response to the signal from the temperature sensor, wherein if the controller receives the signal from the temperature sensor, the controller controls the pair of the valve devices to open the outlet opening and the inlet opening, so that warm air outside the refrigerator is introduced into the recessed portion through the inlet path and the inlet
- a temperature control apparatus for use in a carbonator of a refrigerator, including: a cover overlaying the carbonator mounted in a recessed portion formed in an inner surface of a door of the refrigerator; a temperature sensor installed in the carbonator and for generating a signal if a temperature of the carbonator is equal to or less than a predetermined temperature; a pair of cooling valve devices which are installed at a cool air inlet channel and a cool air outlet channel, respectively that are formed in the door of the refrigerator, to establish communication between the recessed portion and an inside of the refrigerator; a controller for controlling the pair of the cooling valve devices in response to the signal of the temperature sensor, wherein if the controller receives the signal from the temperature sensor, the controller controls the pair of the cooling valve devices to block the cool air inlet channel and the cool air outlet channel, so that supply of cool air from the inside of the refrigerator to the recessed portion through the cooling inlet channel is shut off and that discharge of air from the recessed portion to the inside of the refrigerator
- FIG. 2 there is illustrated a schematic front plan view of a refrigerator having a temperature control apparatus installed therein for use in a carbonator of a refrigerator in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- the refrigerator includes a hinged freezer door 10 for closing or opening a freezer compartment 60; a carbonator 11 constituted by a box-shaped container and mounted on an inner surface of the freezer door 10; a dispenser 12 for selectively discharging a chilled water and a carbonated water; a water tank 13 for supplying water to the carbonator 11; and a carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) storage cylinder 15 for supplying carbon dioxide gas to the carbonator 11.
- CO 2 carbon dioxide
- Fig. 3 illustrates a partial cross-sectional diagram of the refrigerator shown in Fig. 2 taken along the lines 3-3 and illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- the carbonator 11 is mounted in a recessed portion 20 formed in the inner surface of the freezer door 10.
- a water supply tube 51 for transferring water from the water tank 13 to the carbonator 11
- a gas exhaust tube 16 for discharging the carbon dioxide gas in the carbonator 11 to the outside of the refrigerator.
- a gas supply tube 54 for transferring carbon dioxide gas from the CO 2 storage cylinder 15 to the carbonator 11 and a carbonated water outlet tube 53 for transferring a carbonated water from the carbonator 11 to a nozzle 12a of the dispenser 12.
- a temperature sensor 29 Installed on an outer surface of or in the inside of the carbonator 11 is a temperature sensor 29 which detects whether the temperature of the carbonator 11 is equal to or less than a predetermined temperature and then transmits a signal to a controller 55.
- the recessed portion 20 has a size slightly greater than that of the carbonator 11 so that the carbonator 11 can be housed therein. Between the carbonator 11 and inner surface of the recessed portion 20, a plurality of protrusion members 21 made of an insulating material are disposed in such a manner that the carbonator 11 is fixedly installed in the recessed portion 20 with five sides of the carbonator 11 spaced apart from the inner surface of the recessed portion 20 while forming gaps therebetween as deep as the height of the protrusion members 21.
- a cover 30 is provided to overlay the recessed portion 20 and the carbonator 11 mounted therein.
- the cover 30 is fixed to the inner surface of the freezer door 10 by screws (not shown) or the like.
- a plurality of the protrusion members 21 are disposed to form a gap as deep as the height of the protrusion members 21 between the inner surface of the cover 30 and the back side of the carbonator 11.
- an inlet channel 25 and an outlet channel 24 are formed, respectively.
- the inlet channel 25 and the outlet channel 24 are intended for establishing communication between the recessed portion 20 and the freezer compartment 60.
- solenoid valves 26a and 26b controlled by the controller 55 are installed at the inlet channel 25 and the outlet channel 24, respectively.
- an outlet opening 125 of an outlet path (not shown) and an inlet opening 124 of an inlet path (not shown) are formed, respectively, both paths being intended for establishing communication between the recessed portion 20 and the outside of the refrigerator.
- the inlet path serves to introduce warm air outside the refrigerator into the recessed portion 20, whereas the outlet path serves to discharge the air in the recessed portion 20 to the outside of the refrigerator.
- solenoid valves 126a and 126b controlled by the controller 55 are installed, respectively.
- a fan device 31 is installed at the outlet channel 24 to forcedly discharge the air in the recessed portion 20 to the inside of the refrigerator, i.e., the freezer compartment 60.
- a separate fan device may be installed at the inlet channel 25 without or in addition to the fan device 31 to forcedly blow the cool air in the freezer chamber 60 into the recessed portion 20.
- the controller 55 controls the solenoid valves 26a, 26b, 126a and 126b in response to the signal from the temperature sensor 29. If the controller 55 receives the signal from the temperature sensor 29, the controller 55 controls the solenoid valves 26a and 26b to block the inlet channel 25 and the outlet channel 24, and controls the fan device 31 to stop its operation. Then, the supply of the cool air of the freezer compartment 60 to the recessed portion 20 is shut off so that the temperature of the carbonator 11 does not lowered.
- the controller 55 controls the solenoid valves 126a and 126b to open the outlet opening 125 and the inlet opening 124, so that the warm air outside the refrigerator is introduced into the recessed portion 20 through the inlet path and the inlet opening 124 to flow into the gaps formed between the carbonator 11 and the inner surfaces of the recessed portion 20 and the cover 30 to raise the temperature of the carbonator 11. And, the air in the recessed portion 20 is discharged to the outside of the refrigerator through the outlet opening 125 and the outlet path.
- the controller 55 controls the solenoid valves 126b and 126a to block the inlet opening 124 and the outlet opening 125, respectively, and controls the solenoid valves 26a and 26b to open the inlet channel 25 and the outlet channel 24. So, the warm air is not supplied to the recessed portion 20 from the outside of the refrigerator and the cool air in the freezer compartment 60 is supplied to the recessed portion 20 and then flows through the gaps formed between the carbonator 11 and the inner surfaces of the recessed portion 20 and the cover 30 to cool down the carbonator 11. At this time, the controller 55 controls the fan device 31 to start its operation so that the supply of the cool air from the freezer compartment 60 to the recessed portion 20 is facilitated.
- Fig. 4 is a partial cross-sectional diagram of a modified embodiment of the preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 3, wherein like parts to those of the preferred embodiment of the present invention are represented by like reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted for simplicity.
- a cover 30a for overlaying the recessed portion 20 and the carbonator 11 mounted therein is provided, which is fixed to the inner surface of the freezer door 10 by screws (not shown) or the like.
- a plurality of the protrusion members 21 are disposed to form gaps therebetween as deep as the height of the protrusion members 21.
- the cover 30a has an empty inner space 37 formed therein. Further, as shown in Fig. 5, the cover 30a has an inlet through hole 32 and an outlet through hole 33 formed in an upper and lower portion of a base plate of the cover 30a, respectively.
- the inner space 37 communicates the recessed portion 20 through the inlet through hole 32 and the outlet through hole 33.
- the relatively warmer air in the recessed portion 20 flows into the inner space 37 through the inlet through hole 32 and then is cooled in the inner space 37 indirectly by the cool air of the freezer compartment 60.
- the air cooled in the inner space 37 descends to the lower portion of the inner space 37 and then flows into the recessed portion 20 through the outlet through hole.
- the carbonator 11 is then cooled down by help of the air circulation between the recessed portion 20 and the inner space 37 of the cover 30a.
- outlet opening 125 of the outlet path (not shown) and the inlet opening 124 of the inlet path (not shown) are formed at the upper and the lower portion of the recessed portion 20, respectively. As similar as in the preferred embodiment, both paths are intended for establishing communication between the recessed portion 20 and the outside of the refrigerator. And, at the outlet opening 125 and the inlet opening 124, solenoid valves 126a and 126b controlled by the controller 55a are installed, respectively.
- the controller 55a controls the solenoid valves 126a and 126b in response to the signal from the temperature sensor 29. If the controller 55a receives the signal indicating that the temperature of the carbonator 11 is equal to or less than a predetermined temperature from the temperature sensor 29, the controller 55a controls the solenoid valves 126a and 126b to open the outlet opening 125 and the inlet opening 124. Then, the warm air outside the refrigerator is introduced into the recessed portion 20 through the inlet path and the inlet opening 124. In addition, the air in the recessed portion 20 is discharged to the outside of the refrigerator through the outlet opening 125 and the outlet path. Thus, the temperature of the carbonator 11 mounted in the recessed portion 20 is raised by the warm air flowing through the gaps formed between the carbonator 11 and the inner surfaces of the recessed portion 20 and the cover 30a.
- the controller 55a controls the solenoid valves 126a and 126b to block the outlet opening 125 and the inlet opening 124, so that the carbonator 11 is cooled down by the air circulation between the recessed portion 20 and the inner space 37.
- the temperature control apparatus for use in a carbonator of a refrigerator in accordance with the present invention has a construction in which the temperature of the carbonator mounted in the recessed portion of the freezer door is controlled by the cool air inside the refrigerator and the warm air outside the refrigerator.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)
Abstract
A temperature control apparatus for use in a
carbonator (11) of a refrigerator includes a cover (30) overlaying the
carbonator (11) in a recessed portion (20) of a refrigerator door (10); a
temperature sensor (29) installed in the carbonator (11); a pair of
valve devices (126a,126b) installed at an outlet opening (125) of an outlet
path and an inlet opening (124) of an inlet path, respectively;
and a controller (55). The temperature sensor (29) transmits a signal
to the controller (55) when the temperature of the carbonator (11) is
equal to or less than a predetermined value. Then the
controls the pair of the valve devices (126a,126b) to open the outlet
opening (125) and the inlet opening (124), so that warm air outside the
refrigerator is introduced into the recessed portion (20) through
the inlet path and the inlet opening (124) while air in the
recessed portion (20) is discharged to the outside of the
refrigerator through the outlet opening (125) and the outlet path.
Description
The present invention relates to a temperature control
apparatus for use in a carbonator of a refrigerator; and,
more particularly, a temperature control apparatus for use
in a carbonator of a refrigerator, which is capable of
controlling the temperature of the carbonator by using cool
air inside the refrigerator and warm air outside the
refrigerator.
Recently, some of home refrigerators have been
designed to produce carbonated water by dissolving carbon
dioxide into chilled water and supply it to a user through a
dispenser installed in a refrigerator door.
For example, a conventional carbonated liquid
supplying system for use in a refrigerator is disclosed in
US Pat No. 4,866,949, entitled "CARBONATED LIQUID
REFRIGERATION SYSTEM" and its front plan view is shown in
Fig. 1 wherein the carbonator 3 is located in a freezer door
1 and supplies carbonated water to a liquid dispenser 2.
Further, in US Pat No. 4,866,949, there is also
disclosed a refrigeration system for cooling the carbonator,
which includes an evaporator disposed in the inside of or
around the carbonator 3, and for absorbing heat from the
inside of the carbonator 1, and a condenser disposed in the
inside of the freezer compartment for dissipating the heat
absorbed from the carbonator 1 to the freezer compartment.
The evaporator and the condenser are formed of tubes and
connected to each other, and a refrigerant circulates
therein.
However, the refrigeration system for cooling the
carbonator disclosed US Pat No. 4,866,949 has a problem that
its complicated construction and the refrigerant separately
used therein increase the manufacturing time and cost.
It is, therefore, an object of the present invention
to provide a temperature control apparatus for use in a
carbonator of a refrigerator, which has a simple
construction and is operated without a refrigerant.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention, there is provided a temperature control
apparatus for use in a carbonator of a refrigerator,
including: a cover overlaying the carbonator mounted in a
recessed portion formed in an inner surface of a door of the
refrigerator; a temperature sensor, installed in the
carbonator, for detecting a temperature of the carbonator
and generating a signal when the detected temperature is
equal to or less than a predetermined temperature; a pair of
valve devices, installed at an outlet opening of an outlet
path and an inlet opening of an inlet path, respectively,
that are formed in the recessed portion, the outlet path and
the inlet path being formed in the door of the refrigerator
to establish communication between the recessed portion and
the outside of the refrigerator; and a controller for
controlling the pair of the valve devices in response to the
signal from the temperature sensor, wherein if the
controller receives the signal from the temperature sensor,
the controller controls the pair of the valve devices to
open the outlet opening and the inlet opening, so that warm
air outside the refrigerator is introduced into the recessed
portion through the inlet path and the inlet opening to
raise the temperature of the carbonator.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention, there is provided a temperature control
apparatus for use in a carbonator of a refrigerator,
including: a cover overlaying the carbonator mounted in a
recessed portion formed in an inner surface of a door of the
refrigerator; a temperature sensor installed in the
carbonator and for generating a signal if a temperature of
the carbonator is equal to or less than a predetermined
temperature; a pair of cooling valve devices which are
installed at a cool air inlet channel and a cool air outlet
channel, respectively that are formed in the door of the
refrigerator, to establish communication between the
recessed portion and an inside of the refrigerator; a
controller for controlling the pair of the cooling valve
devices in response to the signal of the temperature sensor,
wherein if the controller receives the signal from the
temperature sensor, the controller controls the pair of the
cooling valve devices to block the cool air inlet channel
and the cool air outlet channel, so that supply of cool air
from the inside of the refrigerator to the recessed portion
through the cooling inlet channel is shut off and that
discharge of air from the recessed portion to the inside of
the refrigerator through the cool air outlet channel is shut
off.
The above and other objects and features of the
present invention will become apparent from the following
description of preferred embodiments given in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will
be described in detail with reference to accompanying
drawings.
Referring to Fig. 2, there is illustrated a schematic
front plan view of a refrigerator having a temperature
control apparatus installed therein for use in a carbonator
of a refrigerator in accordance with a preferred embodiment
of the present invention. The refrigerator includes a
hinged freezer door 10 for closing or opening a freezer
compartment 60; a carbonator 11 constituted by a box-shaped
container and mounted on an inner surface of the freezer
door 10; a dispenser 12 for selectively discharging a
chilled water and a carbonated water; a water tank 13 for
supplying water to the carbonator 11; and a carbon dioxide
(CO2) storage cylinder 15 for supplying carbon dioxide gas
to the carbonator 11.
Fig. 3 illustrates a partial cross-sectional diagram
of the refrigerator shown in Fig. 2 taken along the lines 3-3
and illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present
invention. As shown in Fig. 3, the carbonator 11 is mounted
in a recessed portion 20 formed in the inner surface of the
freezer door 10. Connected to an upper portion of the
carbonator 11 are a water supply tube 51 for transferring
water from the water tank 13 to the carbonator 11 and a gas
exhaust tube 16 for discharging the carbon dioxide gas in
the carbonator 11 to the outside of the refrigerator. And,
connected to a lower portion of the carbonator 11 are a gas
supply tube 54 for transferring carbon dioxide gas from the
CO2 storage cylinder 15 to the carbonator 11 and a
carbonated water outlet tube 53 for transferring a
carbonated water from the carbonator 11 to a nozzle 12a of
the dispenser 12. Installed on an outer surface of or in
the inside of the carbonator 11 is a temperature sensor 29
which detects whether the temperature of the carbonator 11
is equal to or less than a predetermined temperature and
then transmits a signal to a controller 55.
The recessed portion 20 has a size slightly greater
than that of the carbonator 11 so that the carbonator 11 can
be housed therein. Between the carbonator 11 and inner
surface of the recessed portion 20, a plurality of
protrusion members 21 made of an insulating material are
disposed in such a manner that the carbonator 11 is fixedly
installed in the recessed portion 20 with five sides of the
carbonator 11 spaced apart from the inner surface of the
recessed portion 20 while forming gaps therebetween as deep
as the height of the protrusion members 21.
At the front of the recessed portion 20, a cover 30 is
provided to overlay the recessed portion 20 and the
carbonator 11 mounted therein. The cover 30 is fixed to the
inner surface of the freezer door 10 by screws (not shown)
or the like. Between the inner surface of the cover 30 and
the carbonator 11, a plurality of the protrusion members 21
are disposed to form a gap as deep as the height of the
protrusion members 21 between the inner surface of the cover
30 and the back side of the carbonator 11.
In the freezer door 10 at upper and lower ends of the
cover 30, an inlet channel 25 and an outlet channel 24 are
formed, respectively. The inlet channel 25 and the outlet
channel 24 are intended for establishing communication
between the recessed portion 20 and the freezer compartment
60. And solenoid valves 26a and 26b controlled by the
controller 55 are installed at the inlet channel 25 and the
outlet channel 24, respectively.
In the inlet channel 25 and the outlet channel 24, an
outlet opening 125 of an outlet path (not shown) and an
inlet opening 124 of an inlet path (not shown) are formed,
respectively, both paths being intended for establishing
communication between the recessed portion 20 and the
outside of the refrigerator. The inlet path serves to
introduce warm air outside the refrigerator into the
recessed portion 20, whereas the outlet path serves to
discharge the air in the recessed portion 20 to the outside
of the refrigerator. Moreover, at the outlet opening 125
and the inlet opening 124, solenoid valves 126a and 126b
controlled by the controller 55 are installed, respectively.
Further, a fan device 31 is installed at the outlet
channel 24 to forcedly discharge the air in the recessed
portion 20 to the inside of the refrigerator, i.e., the
freezer compartment 60. Moreover, a separate fan device
(not shown) may be installed at the inlet channel 25 without
or in addition to the fan device 31 to forcedly blow the
cool air in the freezer chamber 60 into the recessed portion
20.
The controller 55 controls the solenoid valves 26a,
26b, 126a and 126b in response to the signal from the
temperature sensor 29. If the controller 55 receives the
signal from the temperature sensor 29, the controller 55
controls the solenoid valves 26a and 26b to block the inlet
channel 25 and the outlet channel 24, and controls the fan
device 31 to stop its operation. Then, the supply of the
cool air of the freezer compartment 60 to the recessed
portion 20 is shut off so that the temperature of the
carbonator 11 does not lowered. In addition, at this time,
the controller 55 controls the solenoid valves 126a and 126b
to open the outlet opening 125 and the inlet opening 124, so
that the warm air outside the refrigerator is introduced
into the recessed portion 20 through the inlet path and the
inlet opening 124 to flow into the gaps formed between the
carbonator 11 and the inner surfaces of the recessed portion
20 and the cover 30 to raise the temperature of the
carbonator 11. And, the air in the recessed portion 20 is
discharged to the outside of the refrigerator through the
outlet opening 125 and the outlet path.
In contrast, if the temperature of the carbonator 11
becomes higher than the predetermined temperature, for
example, because relatively warm water is supplied to the
carbonator 11 from the water tank 13, the controller 55
controls the solenoid valves 126b and 126a to block the
inlet opening 124 and the outlet opening 125, respectively,
and controls the solenoid valves 26a and 26b to open the
inlet channel 25 and the outlet channel 24. So, the warm
air is not supplied to the recessed portion 20 from the
outside of the refrigerator and the cool air in the freezer
compartment 60 is supplied to the recessed portion 20 and
then flows through the gaps formed between the carbonator 11
and the inner surfaces of the recessed portion 20 and the
cover 30 to cool down the carbonator 11. At this time, the
controller 55 controls the fan device 31 to start its
operation so that the supply of the cool air from the
freezer compartment 60 to the recessed portion 20 is
facilitated.
Fig. 4 is a partial cross-sectional diagram of a
modified embodiment of the preferred embodiment shown in Fig.
3, wherein like parts to those of the preferred embodiment
of the present invention are represented by like reference
numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted
for simplicity.
As shown in Fig. 4, at the front of the recessed
portion 20, a cover 30a for overlaying the recessed portion
20 and the carbonator 11 mounted therein is provided, which
is fixed to the inner surface of the freezer door 10 by
screws (not shown) or the like. Between the carbonator 11
and the inner surfaces of the recessed portion and the cover
30a, a plurality of the protrusion members 21 are disposed
to form gaps therebetween as deep as the height of the
protrusion members 21.
The cover 30a has an empty inner space 37 formed
therein. Further, as shown in Fig. 5, the cover 30a has an
inlet through hole 32 and an outlet through hole 33 formed
in an upper and lower portion of a base plate of the cover
30a, respectively. The inner space 37 communicates the
recessed portion 20 through the inlet through hole 32 and
the outlet through hole 33. The relatively warmer air in
the recessed portion 20 flows into the inner space 37
through the inlet through hole 32 and then is cooled in the
inner space 37 indirectly by the cool air of the freezer
compartment 60. The air cooled in the inner space 37
descends to the lower portion of the inner space 37 and then
flows into the recessed portion 20 through the outlet
through hole. The carbonator 11 is then cooled down by help
of the air circulation between the recessed portion 20 and
the inner space 37 of the cover 30a.
Further, the outlet opening 125 of the outlet path
(not shown) and the inlet opening 124 of the inlet path (not
shown) are formed at the upper and the lower portion of the
recessed portion 20, respectively. As similar as in the
preferred embodiment, both paths are intended for
establishing communication between the recessed portion 20
and the outside of the refrigerator. And, at the outlet
opening 125 and the inlet opening 124, solenoid valves 126a
and 126b controlled by the controller 55a are installed,
respectively.
The controller 55a controls the solenoid valves 126a
and 126b in response to the signal from the temperature
sensor 29. If the controller 55a receives the signal
indicating that the temperature of the carbonator 11 is
equal to or less than a predetermined temperature from the
temperature sensor 29, the controller 55a controls the
solenoid valves 126a and 126b to open the outlet opening 125
and the inlet opening 124. Then, the warm air outside the
refrigerator is introduced into the recessed portion 20
through the inlet path and the inlet opening 124. In
addition, the air in the recessed portion 20 is discharged
to the outside of the refrigerator through the outlet
opening 125 and the outlet path. Thus, the temperature of
the carbonator 11 mounted in the recessed portion 20 is
raised by the warm air flowing through the gaps formed
between the carbonator 11 and the inner surfaces of the
recessed portion 20 and the cover 30a.
On the other hand, if the temperature of the
carbonator 11 becomes higher than the predetermined
temperature, the controller 55a controls the solenoid valves
126a and 126b to block the outlet opening 125 and the inlet
opening 124, so that the carbonator 11 is cooled down by the
air circulation between the recessed portion 20 and the
inner space 37.
As described above, the temperature control apparatus
for use in a carbonator of a refrigerator in accordance with
the present invention has a construction in which the
temperature of the carbonator mounted in the recessed
portion of the freezer door is controlled by the cool air
inside the refrigerator and the warm air outside the
refrigerator.
While the invention has been shown and described with
respect to the preferred embodiments, it will be understood
by those skilled in the art that various changes and
modifications may be made without departing from the scope
of the invention as defined in the following claims.
Claims (7)
- A temperature control apparatus for use in a carbonator of a refrigerator, comprising:wherein if the controller receives the signal from the temperature sensor, the controller controls the pair of the valve devices to open the outlet opening and the inlet opening, so that warm air outside the refrigerator is introduced into the recessed portion through the inlet path and the inlet opening to raise the temperature of the carbonator.a cover overlaying the carbonator mounted in a recessed portion formed in an inner surface of a door of the refrigerator;a temperature sensor, installed in the carbonator, for detecting a temperature of the carbonator and generating a signal when the detected temperature is equal to or less than a predetermined temperature;a pair of valve devices, installed at an outlet opening of an outlet path and an inlet opening of an inlet path, respectively, that are formed in the recessed portion, the outlet path and the inlet path being formed in the door of the refrigerator to establish communication between the recessed portion and the outside of the refrigerator; anda controller for controlling the pair of the valve devices in response to the signal from the temperature sensor,
- The temperature control apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of protrusion members disposed between the carbonator and an inner surface of the recessed portion to form a gap therebetween?.
- The temperature control apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a pair of cooling valve devices which are installed at a cool air inlet channel and a cool air outlet channel, respectively, the cool air inlet channel and a cool air outlet channel being formed in the door of the refrigerator, to establish communication between the recessed portion and an inside of the refrigerator,
wherein if the controller receives the signal from the temperature sensor, the controller controls the pair of the cooling valve devices to block the cool air inlet channel and the cool air outlet channel, so that supply of cool air from the inside of the refrigerator to the recessed portion through the cooling inlet channel is shut off and that discharge of air from the recessed portion to the inside of the refrigerator through the cool air outlet channel is shut off. - The temperature control apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a fan device, installed at the cool air outlet channel, for forcedly discharging air in the recessed portion to the inside of the refrigerator,
wherein if the controller receives the signal from the temperature sensor, the controller controls the fan device to stop its operation. - The temperature control apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cover has an empty inner space formed therein, and an inlet through hole and an outlet through hole formed in an upper portion and a lower portion of a base plate thereof, respectively for establishing communication between the recessed portion and the inner space,
wherein air in the inner space is cooled down by cool air inside the refrigerator and then flows into the recessed portion through the outlet through hole. - A temperature control apparatus for use in a carbonator of a refrigerator, comprising:wherein if the controller receives the signal from the temperature sensor, the controller controls the pair of the cooling valve devices to block the cool air inlet channel and the cool air outlet channel, so that supply of cool air from the inside of the refrigerator to the recessed portion through the cooling inlet channel is shut off and that discharge of air from the recessed portion to the inside of the refrigerator through the cool air outlet channel is shut off.a cover overlaying the carbonator mounted in a recessed portion formed in an inner surface of a door of the refrigerator;a temperature sensor installed in the carbonator and for generating a signal if a temperature of the carbonator is equal to or less than a predetermined temperature;a pair of cooling valve devices which are installed at a cool air inlet channel and a cool air outlet channel, respectively that are formed in the door of the refrigerator, to establish communication between the recessed portion and an inside of the refrigerator;a controller for controlling the pair of the cooling valve devices in response to the signal of the temperature sensor,
- The temperature control apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a fan device installed at the cool air outlet channel and for forcedly discharging air in the recessed portion to the inside of the refrigerator,
wherein if the controller receives the signal from the temperature sensor, the controller controls the fan device to stop its operation.
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| KR1020040020708A KR100545424B1 (en) | 2004-03-26 | 2004-03-26 | Carbonated Water Maker Chiller for Refrigerator |
| KR1020040020711A KR20050095348A (en) | 2004-03-26 | 2004-03-26 | A refrigerator with an anti-freezing structure for a soda water producing apparatus |
| KR2004020708 | 2004-03-26 | ||
| KR1020040020706A KR20050095343A (en) | 2004-03-26 | 2004-03-26 | A cooling structure for a soda water producing apparatus of refrigerators |
| KR2004020711 | 2004-03-26 | ||
| KR2004020706 | 2004-03-26 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| EP1580503A1 true EP1580503A1 (en) | 2005-09-28 |
| EP1580503B1 EP1580503B1 (en) | 2008-09-03 |
Family
ID=34864973
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP05006582A Not-in-force EP1580503B1 (en) | 2004-03-26 | 2005-03-24 | Temperature control apparatus for use in a carbonator of a refrigerator |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP1580503B1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE602005009418D1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2016024730A1 (en) * | 2014-08-13 | 2016-02-18 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Refrigerator and controlling method thereof |
| WO2018106106A1 (en) * | 2016-12-06 | 2018-06-14 | Apiqe Holdings , Llc | Water dispensers for dispensing carbonized water and method |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2160847A (en) * | 1984-05-09 | 1986-01-02 | Coca Cola Gmbh | Tapping device for postmixed drinks |
| US4866949A (en) * | 1988-11-15 | 1989-09-19 | The Coca-Cola Company | Carbonated liquid refrigeration system |
| US5484538A (en) * | 1993-09-14 | 1996-01-16 | Texavia International, Inc. | Multiple service water purifier and dispenser and process of purifying water |
| JP2005024119A (en) * | 2003-06-30 | 2005-01-27 | Toshiba Corp | One-door refrigerator |
-
2005
- 2005-03-24 EP EP05006582A patent/EP1580503B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2005-03-24 DE DE602005009418T patent/DE602005009418D1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2160847A (en) * | 1984-05-09 | 1986-01-02 | Coca Cola Gmbh | Tapping device for postmixed drinks |
| US4866949A (en) * | 1988-11-15 | 1989-09-19 | The Coca-Cola Company | Carbonated liquid refrigeration system |
| US5484538A (en) * | 1993-09-14 | 1996-01-16 | Texavia International, Inc. | Multiple service water purifier and dispenser and process of purifying water |
| JP2005024119A (en) * | 2003-06-30 | 2005-01-27 | Toshiba Corp | One-door refrigerator |
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| Title |
|---|
| PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 2003, no. 12 5 December 2003 (2003-12-05) * |
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2016024730A1 (en) * | 2014-08-13 | 2016-02-18 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Refrigerator and controlling method thereof |
| US10473385B2 (en) | 2014-08-13 | 2019-11-12 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Refrigerator and controlling method thereof |
| WO2018106106A1 (en) * | 2016-12-06 | 2018-06-14 | Apiqe Holdings , Llc | Water dispensers for dispensing carbonized water and method |
| NL2017940B1 (en) * | 2016-12-06 | 2018-06-19 | Apiqe Holdings Llc | Water dispensers for dispensing carbonized water |
| US11413587B2 (en) | 2016-12-06 | 2022-08-16 | Apiqe Holdings, Llc | Water dispensers for dispensing carbonized water and method |
| US11938453B2 (en) | 2016-12-06 | 2024-03-26 | Apiqe Holdings, Llc | Water dispensers for dispensing carbonized water and method |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE602005009418D1 (en) | 2008-10-16 |
| EP1580503B1 (en) | 2008-09-03 |
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