TECHNICAL FIELD:
The present disclosure relates to a water dispenser configurable on the door of
refrigerator for dispensing water without opening the door of the refigerator. More
particularly, the present disclosure relates to an automatic filing of water in the water
dispenser assembly which comprises of a dual float system for controlling the
incoming water and providing an auto indication to the user/customer for float
resetting once first float fails.
BACKGROUND:
A refrigerator is an appliance used for keeping foods and beverage at low
temperature. Normally, it is preferable that water or beverage should be kept at about
4°C. When user opens the door of the refrigerator, the cool air in the refrigerator
escapes from the refrigerator. Then, the refrigerator needs to consume more electric
power to lower the inside temperature again. Therefore, in order to reduce the power
consumption of the refrigerator, the opening of its door need to be minimized. For
this purpose, refrigerator having a water dispenser configured in the door of the
refrigerator has recently been in use.
Some of the known water dispensers comprise of a system in which there is manual
filing of water in the storage tank. In these water dispensers, user have to manually
fill the water in the tank, which leads to customer discomfort and variable volume
of water stored in the tank. In case of manual filling, either there is an excess filing
of water in the tank which results in water spillage or there is a less filling of water
in the tank which results in lack of water in the storage tank as compared to its
capacity.
There are some water dispensers which uses microprocessor and electrically
controlled valves to control the flow of water in the storage tank. These water
dispensers are costly in nature, low in water storage volume and have higher
maintenance cost. Also, there is no mechanism present which guides the user about
failure of some of the components valves or any interruption in the working of the
water dispenser due to failure of such valves.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator (1) comprising a cabinet (2) having at
least one door (4) to provide access to one or more storage compartment. A liquid
dispenser unit (5) being placed in the door (4) wherein the liquid dispenser unit (5)
comprises an inlet tube (8) configured to receive liquid from an external source to a
storage tank (7). A dual float valve (1 1) being positioned in between the outlet of
the inlet tube (8b) and inlet of the storage tank (7a) configured to control the flow of
liquid and store a predetermined amount of liquid in the storage tank (7). The dual
float valve assembly (1 1) comprises a valve body (Vb) configured with a primary
outlet (19), an intermediate outlet (I) and a secondary outlet (20), a first float valve
(F 1) having a first float element (1 2) configured to open or close the secondary outlet
(20) of the valve body (Vb) and a second float valve (F2) having a second float
element (1 3) configured to open or close the intermediate outlet (I) of the valve body
(Vb).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the
descAption. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use,
further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to
the following description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by
way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like
reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
Figure 1 illustrates the perspective view of refrigerator.
Figure 2 illustrates the essential components of the refrigerator with water dispenser
assembly according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 3 and 4 illustrates water inlet which is located at the bottom of the refrigerator
near to a compressor.
Figures 5 and 6 illustrates the position of float valve system in the refrigerator in
accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 7 shows the schematic view of the float valve system and illustrates its
components according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 8 illustrates the sectional view along A-A of the dual float valve system
shown in Figure 7.
Figure 9 illustrates exaggerated view of detail E shown in Figure 8.
Figure 10 illustrates position of the float valve system when water reaches the
threshold level in the storage tank, i.e. storage tank is completely filled with water.
Figures 11 and 12 illustrates the sectional view along B-B of the dual float valve
system shown in Figure 10.
Figure 13 illustrates the position of float valve system when float 1 fails to operate.
Figure 14 illustrates the sectional view along D-D of dual float valve system shown
in Figure 13.
Figures 15 and 16 illustrate the sectional view along C-C of dual float valve system
shown in Figure 13
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
While the invention is subject to various modifications and alternative forms,
specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and
will be described below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to
limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the
invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the
scope of the invention.
It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art can be motivated from the present
invention and can perform various modifications. ow ever, such modifications
should be construed within the scope of the invention.
Accordingly, the drawings are showing only those specific details that are pertinent
to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the
disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art having benefit of the description herein.
The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended
to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an assembly, setup, system,
device that comprises a list of components does not include only those
components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent
to such system or device or setup. In other words, one or more elements in the
system or apparatus or device proceeded by "comprises a" does not, without more
constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the
assembly or system or apparatus. The following paragraphs explain present
invention.
Accordingly the present disclosure discloses a refrigerator (1) comprising: cabinet
(2) having at least one door (4) to provide access to one or more storage
compartment; a liquid dispenser unit (5) being placed in the door (4) wherein the
liquid dispenser unit (5) comprises an inlet tube (8) configured to receive liquid fiom
an external source to a storage tank (7); a dual float valve (1 1) being positioned in
between the outlet of the inlet tube (8b) and inlet of the storage tank (7a), configured
to control the flow of liquid and store a predetermined amount of liquid in the storage
tank (7); wherein the dual float valve assembly (1 1) comprises: a valve body (Vb)
configured with a primary outlet (19), an intermediate outlet (I) and a secondary
outlet (20) a first float valve (Fl) having a first float element (12) configured to open
or close the secondary outlet (20) of the valve body (Vb); a second float valve (F2)
having a second float element (13) configured to open or close the intermediate
outlet (I) of the valve body (Vb);
In another embodiment of the present disclosure the second float valve (F2) is
configured to retain the primary outlet (19) in open position to allow flow of liquid
through primary outlet (1 9).
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure a first lever (14) is having a
proximal end (1 5) connected with the first float element (12) and a distal end (16)
pivotally connected with a valve (21); wherein the valve (21) is movable in a
direction parallel to axis B-B and configured to open or close the secondary outlet
(20) of the valve body (Vb).
In a further embodiment of the present disclosure a first end of the valve (22) is
having a protrusion (P) to seal the secondary outlet (20) of the valve body(Vb) and
second end (23) is connected with the distal end of the first lever (16).
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure a second lever (L) is having a
proximal end (Ll) connected with an actuator (26) and a distal end (L2) connected
with the second float element (1 3) wherein the actuator (26) is movable in a direction
perpendicular to axis B-B and configured to open or close the intermediate outlet (I)
of the valve body (Vb).
In an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure a first end of the actuator (27)
is attached with the proximal end of the second lever (L2) and a second end (28)
connected with a spring (29).
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure the actuator (27) comprises of
a seal (0) which closes the intermediate water outlet (I) once the first float valve
(Fl) fails to operate.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure the second float element (13) is
configured with an indicator pin (1 8) which projects upward from an opening (3 1)
formed in the storage tank (7) due to accumulation of liquid and guides
user/customer signifying failure of the first float valve (Fl).
In a further embodiment of the present disclosure the indicator pin (18) holds its
position until the first float valve (Fl) is operated to perform its function.
In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure the outlet of the storage tank (7)
is connected to a faucet (6) enabling user to collect cold liquid without opening the
door (4) of the refrigerator (1).
In the present disclosure, the dual float system is connected to the Tap / RO (water
purifier) for supplying the water through a dual float valve system to the storage tank
of the water dispenser. When water level increases in the storage tank of dispenser,
first float element raises up due to buoyancy force and lever activates first float
controller (sealed rubber), which seals the secondary incoming water inlet hole (i.e.
secondary water outlet). During the working of water dispenser if first float fails to
operate then the incoming water restarts for getting accumulated in the water tank.
The accumulation of water causes second float to rise and second float actuator
activates the spring loaded second float controller (sealing rubber), which seals main
incoming water inlet hole (i.e. primary water outlet) of dual float valve system. This
also activates the indicator pin which projects out from a hole formed in the tank
cover to indicate users for resetting or service call.
The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to figures 1
to 16 according to an embodiment of the present description.
The present disclosure directed towards a dual float valve system incorporated in the
water dispenser in refrigerator which eliminates the requirement of manual filling of
water into the water dispenser.
Figure 1 illustrates the perspective view of refrigerator (1) which comprises of a
freezing compartment (FC) (2) and a refrigerating compartment (RC) (3). A door (4)
which is attached to the refrigerating compartment (3) is provided with a water
dispensing unit (5). The water dispensing unit (5) along with a faucet (6) is located
on a front surface of the RC door (4) and allows user to receive cold water without
opening the refrigerator (1).
Figure 2 illustrates the essential components of the refrigerator (1) with water
dispensing unit (5). The RC door (4) includes a storage tank (7) which is located on
the rear surface of the RC door (4) and stores incoming water. Figure 2 also shows
flow path (8a) of water from the water inlet (8) to the storage tank (7). The incoming
water flows within a conduit present inside the refrigerator (1) and reaches to a dual
float valve system (1 1) as shown in figure 2
Figures 3 and 4 illustrate water inlet (8) which is located at the bottom of the
refrigerator (1) near to a compressor (9). The storage tank (7) is filled with water by
connecting water inlet (8) with an external water source such as a tap connected with
a water supply or a water purifier.
Figures 5 and 6 illustrates position of dual float valve system (1 1) in the refrigerator
(1) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The dual float valve
system (1 1) comprises a valve body (Vb), a first float valve (Fl) and a second float
valve (F2). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the dual float valve system
(1 1) is configured to control the flow of water to the storage tank (7) and to stop the
flow of water once the water level reaches a threshold level. The outlet of storage
tank (7) connectable with the faucet (6) provided in the dispenser (5) which enables
the user to collect the cold water. As shown in Figure 6, the first float valve (Fl) and
the second float valve (F2) are disposed interior to the door (4) of the refrigerator (1)
towards top portion of the refrigerator (1). The storage tank (7) (not shown in figure
5) is also positioned near to the top portion of the door of the refrigerator (1). As can
be understood that circulation of air in the refrigerator (1) takes place from the top
portion to the bottom portion and then from bottom to top. The cold air from the
cooling coils of the evaporator are dense and flows downward and cools the item
present inside the cabin of the refrigerator (1). Hence positioning the storage tank
towards the top portion of the refrigerator may provide better cooling of water stored
in the storage tank.
Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the valve body of the dual float valve system is
configured with a primary outlet (19), a secondary outlet (20) and an intermediate
outlet (I). The first float valve (Fl) comprises a first float element (12) connected
with first lever (14) which is pivotally connected with the valve body (vb). The first
lever (14) has a provision such that pivotal movement of the lever closes or opens
the secondary outlet thereby regulating the flow of water through the secondary
outlet to the storage tank. As shown in Figure 6, the lever (14) has a proximal end
(1 5) and a distal end (1 6). The proximal end (1 5) is connected with the float element
(12) and the distal end (16) is pivoted (17) to the valve body (Vb).
The second float valve (F2) comprises a second float element (13) connected with
second lever (L) which is connected with a spring-loaded actuator (26). The springloaded
actuator (26) is having first end (27) connected with a proximal end of second
lever (Ll) and a distal end connected with the spring (29). The spring-loaded
actuator (26) is movable in direction perpendicular to axis B-B and configured to
open and close the intermediate outlet (I) of the valve body (Vb). The second float
valve (F2) is configured to retain the primary outlet (19) in open position thereby
allowing the flow of water through the primary outlet (19). Water after passing
through the primary outlet (19) passes through the intermediate outlet (I) and then
from the secondary outlet (20) reaches the storage tank (7). As soon, as the water
level in the storage tank reaches to a first predetermined level (shown with XX in
figure 1 O), the first float valve closes supply of water through the secondary outlet
to the storage tank.
In case of failure of the first float valve (Fl), the water level exceeds the first
predetermined level which lifts the secondary float element (13) of the second float
valve (F2) in the upward direction thereby actuating the spring-loaded actuator (26).
The spring-loaded actuator (26) comprises of an 0 seal (0) which seals the
intermediate water outlet once first float valve (Fl) fails.
Initially the spring (29) is in compressed position and allows flow of water fiom the
water inlet to water outlet. As soon as the water level in the storage tank (7) reaches
a second predetermined level (shown with YY in figure 13), the spring (29) expands
due to the movement of secondary float element (13. The expansion of spring (29)
moves the actuator upwards perpendicular to axis B-B. The upward movement of
actuator (26) also moves the 0 seal (0) upwards and seals the intermediate water
outlet (I) (thus stopping the flow of water through the intermediate outlet). In an
embodiment, the second float element has an indicator pin (1 8) which projects fiom
the storage (7) through an opening in the storage tank (7) when the second float valve
(F2) is actuated to close the primary outlet (19).
WORKING OF FLOAT VALVE SYSTEM
la) When the first float valve is in working condition
The following paragraphs explains the working of dual float valve system (1 1) of
automatic water dispenser with the help of Figures 7-1 6.
Figure 7 shows the position of dual float valve system (1 1) when there is no flow of
water inside the float valve system. The first float element (12) is inclined with
respect to axis B-B. As water flows through first float valve (Fl) and reaches the
storage tank (7) there is change in the position of first lever (12).
Figures 8 and 9 shows the path of water in the dual float valve system (1 1). In the
dual float valve system (1 1) water flows through primary (19) and secondary water
outlet (20) and reaches the storage tank. The primary water outlet (19) is the first
opening through which water travels from the water inlet (8) and moves inside the
dual float valve system (1 1). The secondary water outlet (20) is the second opening
through which water enters inside the first float valve (Fl) and reaches to storage
tank (7) as illustrated in figure 8. The intermediate water outlet (I) is the opening
which is in between the primary and secondary outlet and water from primary outlet
(1 9) travels through intermediate outlet (I) and reaches to secondary outlet (20).
As shown in figure 10-12 when water level increases in the storage tank (7), first
float element (12) raises up due to buoyancy force and first lever (14) activates valve
(21). Valve (21) has a first end (22) made of rubber having a protrusion (P) which is
used to seal the secondary water outlet (20) and a second end (23) connected to the
first lever (14). As discussed earlier, there is change in the position of first lever (14)
when water level increases in the storage tank. The first lever (14) activates the
second end of the valve (23). As the water level increases in the storage tank (7),
first end of the valve (22) moves longitudinally in the direction opposite to the flow
of water and towards the secondary water outlet (20). The water flows through the
gap (24) which is present in-between the valve (21) and water outlet tube (25). As
soon as water level reaches the first predetermined level, the first end of the valve
reaches to the secondary water outlet (20) and seals the secondary water outlet (20)
as shown in figure 11 and 12. The first end of the valve (22) completely seals the
water once the storage tank (7) is completely filled with water and does not allow
water to flow inside the water outlet tube thereby automatically controlling the flow
of water in the water dispenser.
(b) When the first float valve fails to operate
During the working of water dispenser there is possibility of the failure of first float
valve (Fl) due to non-functionality of any of the component of the first float valve
(Fl). When first float valve (Fl) fails to operate then the incoming water starts
getting accumulated in the dual float valve system (1 1). Figure 13 shows the position
of dual float valve system (1 1) when first float (12) fails to operate and there is
accumulation of water inside the float valve system. Figure 10 shows axis X-X
which illustrates the level of water inside the storage tank (7) when the water reaches
the first predetermined level. When first float valve (Fl) fails to operate, water level
increases in the storage tank (7) and reaches the level (Y-Y) as shown in figure 13.
When water is accumulated in the dual float valve system (1 1) it causes second float
element (13) to rise up. The second float element (13) is connected with the second
lever (L). First end (Ll) of the second lever is connected with the second float
element (1 3) and second end (L2) of the second lever is connected with the first end
(27) of the spring-loaded actuator (26). As the second float (13) rises up, there is
change in the position of second lever (L). The change in position of first end (Ll)
of the second lever (L) causes the movement of the second end (L2) of the second
lever. Since the second end (L2) of the second lever (L) is connected with the first
end (27) of the spring loaded actuator (26), it moves the spring loaded actuator (26)
in upward direction due to the expansion of spring (29), as second end (28) of the
spring loaded actuator (26) is connected with the spring (29). The expansion of
spring (29) moves the spring-loaded actuator (26) in upward direction perpendicular
to axis B-B. The upward movement of actuator moves the 0 seal (0) upwards and
seals the intermediate water outlet (thus stopping the flow of water through the
intermediate outlet).
Due to upward movement of the spring-loaded actuator (26), it seals the intermediate
water outlet (I) completely and does not allow water to flow inside the dual float
valve system (1 1) thereby controlling the flow water inside the dual float valve
system.
The indicator pin (1 8) on the second float element moves upward from an opening
(30) formed in the storage tank (7) due to accumulation of water and is visible to the
user/ customer. The visibility of the indication pin signifies failure of first float valve
(Fl) and it holds its position until first float valve (12) is operated to work back
normally. Indicator pin (1 8) guides user/customer to fix a service call for resetting
it.
The advantages of the present disclosure are such as it automatically shutoff of the
continuous flow of incoming water into the storage tank (7) thereby avoiding water
spillage. There is also dual protection in the water dispenser against water spillage.
There is provision of auto indication to the user for float resetting after first float
valve (Fl) fails. In the water dispenser of present disclosure there is always storage
of fixed amount of water in the storage tank (7) of the automatic water dispense
Equivalents:
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof
are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the description.
Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so
as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein
are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments
herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the
embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting
the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the
general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current
knowledge, readily modify andfor adapt for various applications such specific
embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such
adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within
the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be
understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose
of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have
been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will
recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the
spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as
"comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated
element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion
of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
The use of the expression "at least" or "at least one" suggests the use of one or more
elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the
disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like that has
been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context
for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters
form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field
relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this
application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or
quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higherllower
than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall
within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification
specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of
this disclosure, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and
that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing
from the principles of the disclosure. These and other modifications in the nature of
the disclosure or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the
art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the
foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the
disclosure and not as a limitation.
LIST OF REFERNCE NUMERALS
Refrigerator
Freezing Compartment (FC)
Refrigerating compartment (RC)
Door of Refrigerator
Water Dispensing Unit
Faucet
Storage Tank
Water Inlet
Water Flow
Compressor
Inlet of Storage tank
Dual Float Valve System
First Float Valve
Second Float Valve
Valve body
First Float Element
Second Float element
First lever
First End of First Lever
Second End of First Lever
Pivoted (Lever)
Second Lever
First End of Second lever
Second End of Second Lever
Indicator Pin
Primary water Outlet
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
8(a)
9
10
11
F1
F2
Vb
12
13
14
15
16
17
L
L1
L2
18
19
Secondary Water Outlet
Intermediate Outlet
Valve
First end of Valve
Second end of Valve
Gap
Water Outlet Tube
Actuator
First end of Actuator
Second end of Actuator
0 seal
Spring
Opening in Storage Tank

We claim: -
1. A refrigerator (1) comprising:
- a cabinet (2) having at least one door (4) to provide access to one or more
storage compartment;
- a liquid dispenser unit (5) being placed in the door (4) wherein the liquid
dispenser unit (5) comprises:
- an inlet tube (8) configured to receive liquid from an external
source to a storage tank (7);
- a dual float valve (1 1) being positioned in between the outlet of
the inlet tube (8b) and inlet of the storage tank (lo), configured
to control the flow of liquid and store a predetermined amount of
liquid in the storage tank (7);
wherein the dual float valve assembly (1 1) comprises
- a valve body (Vb) configured with a primary outlet (19), an
intermediate outlet (I) and a secondary outlet (20);
- a first float valve (Fl) having a first float element (12) configured
to open or close the secondary outlet (20) of the valve body (Vb);
- a second float valve (F2) having a second float element (13)
configured to open or close the intermediate outlet (I) of the valve
body (Vb);
2. The refrigerator as claimed in claim 1 wherein the second float valve (F2) is
configured to retain the primary outlet (19) in open position to allow flow of
liquid through primary outlet (1 9).
3. The refrigerator as claimed in claim 1 wherein a first lever (14) is having
- a proximal end (1 5) connected with the first float element (12) and
- a distal end (1 6) pivotally connected with a valve (21);
wherein the valve (21) is movable in a direction parallel to axis B-B and
configured to open or close the secondary outlet (20) of the valve body (Vb).
4. The refrigerator as claimed in claim 1 wherein a first end of the valve (22)
is having a protrusion (P) to seal the secondary outlet (20) of the valve
body(Vb) and second end (23) is connected with the distal end of the first
lever (1 6).
5. The refrigerator as claimed in claim 1 wherein a second lever (L) is having
- a proximal end (Ll) connected with an actuator (26) and
- a distal end (L2) connected with the second float element (13)
wherein the actuator (26) is movable in a direction perpendicular to axis BB
and configured to open or close the intermediate outlet (I) of the valve
body (Vb).
6. The refrigerator as claimed in claim 1 wherein first end of the actuator (27)
is attached with the proximal end of the second lever (L2) and a second end
(28) connected with a spring (29).
7. The refrigerator as claimed in claim 1 wherein the actuator (27) comprises
of a seal (0) which closes the intermediate water outlet (I) once the first float
valve (Fl) fails to operate.
8. The refrigerator as claimed in claim 1 wherein the second float element (1 3)
is configured with an indicator pin (18) which projects upward from an
opening (31) formed in the storage tank (7) due to accumulation of liquid
and guides user/customer signifying failure of the first float valve (Fl).
9. The refrigerator as claimed in claim 1 wherein the indicator pin (18) holds
its position until the first float valve (Fl) is operated to perform its function.
10. The refrigerator as claimed in claim 1 wherein outlet of the storage tank (7)
is connected to a faucet (6) enabling user to collect cold liquid without
opening the door (4) of the refrigerator(1).