Water dispenser abstract
A variable flow rate water dispenser mounted on a refrigerator
door is provided that can dispense water at user selected flow rates.
The water dispenser includes a nozzle for dispensing water from
a dispenser housing on a refrigerator door and a user adjustable
flow control. The user adjustable flow control can include a variable
flow rate water valve or a plurality of water valves that can have
different flow rates and can be operated separately or in combination
to provide different flow rates. The user adjustable flow control
can alternately include a variable flow pump for controlling flow
of water to the nozzle at a user selected flow rate. The refrigerator
can include a reservoir inside or outside the refrigerator. The
reservoir can be connected to a source of water and automatically
filled or can be manually filled. The nozzle can include a flow
straightener or aerator to minimize splashing.
Water dispenser claims
We claim:
1. A variable flow rate water dispenser for a refrigerator comprising:
a source of water; a dispenser housing mounted on a refrigerator
door; a nozzle for dispensing water from the dispenser housing;
a user adjustable variable flow control controlling flow of water
to the nozzle from the source of water; and an actuator, wherein
operation of the actuator causes the user adjustable flow control
to dispense water at a flow rate selected by the user.
2. The variable flow rate water dispenser of claim 1 wherein the
user adjustable flow control includes at least one water valve controlling
flow of water to the nozzle.
3. The variable flow rate water dispenser of claim 2 wherein the
at least one water valve includes a first water valve having a first
flow rate and a second water valve having a second flow rate, and
wherein operation of the actuator causes the user adjustable flow
control to operate the first water valve, the second water valve
or both of the first and second water valves depending on the flow
rate selected by the user.
4. The variable flow rate water dispenser of claim 1 wherein the
source of water includes a reservoir.
5. The variable flow rate water dispenser of claim 4 wherein the
user adjustable flow control includes a pump connected to the reservoir
and to the nozzle.
6. The variable flow rate water dispenser of claim 5 wherein the
user adjustable flow control operates the pump to pump water from
the reservoir to the nozzle at a flow rate selected by the user.
7. The variable flow rate water dispenser of claim 1 further including
a user interface having a flow rate selector, wherein adjustment
of the flow rate selector determines the flow rate.
8. The variable flow rate water dispenser of claim 7 wherein the
flow rate selector is a manually adjustable control for selecting
flow rates from slow fill to fast fill.
9. The variable flow rate water dispenser of claim 8 wherein the
manually adjustable control includes a potentiometer for selecting
flow rates.
10. The variable flow rate water dispenser of claim 8 wherein the
manually adjustable control includes a plurality of switches for
selecting flow rates.
11. The variable flow rate water dispenser of claim 8 wherein the
flow rate selector includes a touch control for selecting flow rates
that includes an increase button, a decrease button and a display
to display the selected flow rate.
12. The variable flow rate water dispenser of claim 1 wherein the
actuator is a paddle positioned in the dispenser housing adjacent
the nozzle, and further including a potentiometer connected to the
user adjustable flow control and operated by the paddle, wherein
when the paddle is displaced the dispenser is energized and the
flow rate is determined by the amount of paddle displacement.
13. The variable flow rate water dispenser of claim 1 wherein the
actuator comprises a paddle positioned in the dispenser housing
adjacent the nozzle and wherein operation of the paddle a first
amount causes the user adjustable flow control to dispense water
at a first flow rate and operation of the paddle a second amount
causes the user adjustable flow control to dispense water at a second
flow rate.
14. The variable flow rate water dispenser of claim 12 wherein
the paddle operates a first switch upon operation of the paddle
the first amount and the paddle operates a second switch upon operation
of the paddle actuator the second amount.
15. The variable flow rate water dispenser of claim 1 wherein the
nozzle includes flow straightening vanes adjacent the outlet on
the nozzle.
16. The variable flow rate water dispenser of claim I wherein the
nozzle includes an aerator.
17. The variable flow rate water dispenser of claim 1 wherein the
nozzle includes a screen.
18. The variable flow rate water dispenser of claim 1 further including
a spigot body supporting the nozzle and the nozzle is enlarged relative
to the spigot body wherein the outlet velocity of the water from
the nozzle is slowed.
19. The variable flow rate water dispenser of claim 1 further including
one or more water lines and connections connecting the source of
water and nozzle, wherein the one or more water lines and connections
are sized to allow water flow rates from the nozzle up to 1.5 gallons
per minute.
20. A variable flow rate water dispenser for a refrigerator comprising:
a source of water; a dispenser housing mounted on a refrigerator
door; a nozzle for dispensing water from the dispenser housing;
a user adjustable variable flow control controlling flow of water
to the nozzle from the source of water comprising at least a first
water valve having a first flow rate and a second water valve having
a second flow rate; and an actuator, wherein operation of the actuator
causes the user adjustable flow control to operate the first water
valve, the second water valve or both of the first and second water
valves depending on flow rate selected by the user.
21. The variable flow rate water dispenser of claim 20 further
including a user interface having a flow rate selector, wherein
adjustment of the flow rate selector causes the user adjustable
flow control operate the first water valve, the second water valve
or both of the first and second water valves when the actuator is
operated.
22. The variable flow rate water dispenser of claim 20 further
including a reservoir connected to the source of water.
23. The variable flow rate water dispenser of claim 22 wherein
the reservoir is expandable in response to the water pressure of
the source of water, and the first and second valves are connected
between the reservoir and the nozzle.
24. The variable flow rate water dispenser of claim 23 further
including a spring arranged to compress the reservoir, wherein the
force of the spring can provide a greater water flow rate to the
nozzle than the water flow rate into the reservoir
25. The variable flow rate water dispenser of claim 20 further
including a inlet chamber and a water dispenser outlet chamber wherein
the first water valve and second water valve are connected between
the inlet chamber and water dispenser outlet chamber.
26. The variable flow rate water dispenser of claim 22 wherein
the reservoir is a tank located in a refrigerated space.
27. The variable flow rate water dispenser of claim 22 wherein
the reservoir is a coil of tubing located in a refrigerated space.
28. A variable flow rate water dispenser for a refrigerator comprising:
a source of water including a reservoir; a dispenser housing mounted
on a refrigerator door; a nozzle for dispensing water from the dispenser
housing; a variable flow pump controlling the flow rate of water
to the nozzle from the source of water; a user adjustable variable
flow control connected to control operation of the pump; and an
actuator, wherein operation of the actuator causes the user adjustable
flow control to operate the variable flow pump at a flow rate depending
on flow rate selected by the user.
29. The variable flow rate water dispenser of claim 28 further
including a user interface having a flow rate selector, wherein
adjustment of the flow rate selector causes the user adjustable
flow control operate the pump at flow rate depending on the flow
rate selected by the user when the actuator is operated.
30. The variable flow rate water dispenser of claim 29 wherein
the flow rate selector includes a manually adjustable potentiometer
for selecting flow rates from slow fill to fast fill.
31. The variable flow rate water dispenser of claim 28 wherein
the actuator is a paddle positioned in the dispenser housing adjacent
the nozzle and wherein the flow rate selector includes a potentiometer
operated by the paddle, and wherein when the paddle is displaced
the dispenser is activated and the flow rate is determined by the
amount of paddle displacement.
32. The variable flow rate water dispenser of claim 28 further
including a refrigerator control and wherein the reservoir comprises:
a container having an expandable bladder positioned inside the container
and connected to the source of water and to the variable flow pump;
a sensor; an inlet valve; and wherein the sensor and inlet valve
are connected to the refrigerator control to add water to the reservoir
when the bladder is not in contact with the sensor.
33. The variable flow rate water dispenser of claim 32 further
including an outlet valve connected to the reservoir and the variable
flow rate pump, and wherein the outlet valve is connected to the
variable flow control to open the outlet valve to supply water to
the variable flow pump when the dispenser is activated at the user
selected rate regardless of the inlet flow rate.
34. The variable flow rate water dispenser of claim 28 further
including a refrigerator control and wherein the reservoir comprises:
a manually fillable container connected to the variable flow pump;
a sensor; and wherein the sensor is connected to the refrigerator
control to provide a signal to add water to the reservoir when the
water level in the container falls to a predetermined level.
35. The variable flow rate water dispenser of claim 34 further
including an outlet valve connected to the reservoir and the variable
flow rate pump, and wherein the outlet valve is connected to the
variable flow control to open the outlet valve to supply water to
the variable flow pump when the dispenser is activated at the user
selected rate regardless of the inlet flow rate
36. The variable flow rate water dispenser of claim 28 further
including a refrigerator control and wherein the reservoir comprises:
a container connected to the source of water and to the variable
flow pump and including an atmospheric vent; a sensor; an inlet
valve; and wherein the sensor and inlet valve are connected to the
refrigerator control to operate the inlet valve to add water to
the reservoir when the water level in the container falls to a predetermined
level.
37. The variable flow rate water dispenser of claim 36 further
including an outlet valve connected to the reservoir and the variable
flow rate pump, and wherein the outlet valve is connected to the
variable flow control to open the outlet valve to supply water to
the variable flow pump when the dispenser is activated at the user
selected rate regardless of the inlet flow rate
38. The variable flow rate water dispenser of claim 28 wherein
the reservoir is expandable and includes a spring arranged to compress
the reservoir.
39. The variable flow rate water dispenser of claim 38 further
including an outlet valve connected to the reservoir and the variable
flow pump, wherein the outlet valve is connected to the variable
flow control to open the outlet valve to supply water to the variable
flow pump when the dispenser is activated at the user selected rate
regardless of the inlet flow rate.
40. An ice and water dispenser for a refrigerator freezer comprising:
an ice maker and ice dispenser; a reservoir connected to a source
of water; a dispenser housing mounted on the freezer compartment
door; a nozzle for dispensing water from the dispenser housing connected
to the reservoir; an outlet for dispensing ice from the dispenser
housing connected to the ice dispenser; a control for dispensing
water from the nozzle and for filling the ice maker including: a
user adjustable flow control for varying the flow rate of water
supplied to the nozzle and for supplying water to the ice maker;
and an actuator for activating the control for dispensing water
from the reservoir.
41. The ice and water dispenser for a refrigerator freezer of claim
40 wherein the control for dispensing water from the nozzle and
for filling the ice maker supplies water to the ice maker at a first
flow rate to avoid splashing water out of the ice maker cavity.
42. The ice and water dispenser for a refrigerator freezer of claim
41 wherein the control for dispensing water from the nozzle and
for filling the ice maker supplies water to the nozzle at a second
user selectable flow rate.
43. The ice and water dispenser for a refrigerator freezer of claim
40 further including a plurality of water valves, wherein the control
for dispensing water from the nozzle and for filling the ice maker
activates a first valve having a first flow rate to fill the ice
maker cavity and activates at least a second valve to supply water
to the nozzle.
44. The ice and water dispenser for a refrigerator freezer of claim
43 wherein the second valve is a variable flow rate valve.
45. The ice and water dispenser for a refrigerator freezer of claim
43 wherein the plurality of valves includes a second water valve
having a second flow rate and a third valve having a third flow
rate connected to supply water to the nozzle, and wherein operation
of the actuator dispenses water from the nozzle by causing the user
adjustable flow control to operate the second water valve, the third
water valve or both the second and third water valves depending
on the flow rate selected by the user.
46. The ice and water dispenser for a refrigerator freezer of claim
40 further including a pump for pumping water from the reservoir
to the nozzle, wherein the user adjustable flow control operates
the pump to pump water from the reservoir to the nozzle at a flow
rate selected by the user.
Water dispenser description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to water dispensers that can
be located on the outer surface of a refrigerator door.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Ice and water dispensers are known for use in household
refrigerator freezers. Variable flow liquid dispensers are also
known.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention is directed to a variable flow rate
water dispenser mounted on a refrigerator door. The dispenser can
include a dispenser nozzle and a user adjustable flow control and
an actuator to allow the user to dispense water at a flow rate selected
by the user.
[0006] The adjustable flow control can include one or more water
valves having variable or different flow rates that can be operated
alone or in combination to provide plural flow rates from the dispenser
nozzle.
[0007] Alternately, the adjustable flow control can include a pump
connected to a reservoir to dispense water from the dispenser nozzle
at a flow rate selected by the user.
[0008] Alternately, the adjustable flow control can include a variable
flow pump to dispense water from the dispenser nozzle at a flow
rate selected by the user.
[0009] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a
variable flow rate water dispenser including a source of water and
a dispenser housing mounted on a refrigerator door. The dispenser
can include a nozzle for dispensing water from the dispenser housing
and a user adjustable variable flow control controlling flow of
water to the nozzle from the source of water. The user adjustable
flow control can include a first water valve with a first flow rate
and a second water valve having a second flow rate and an actuator.
Operation of the actuator can cause the user adjustable flow control
to operate the first water valve, the second water valve or both
the first and second water valves depending on the flow rate selected
by the user.
[0010] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a
variable flow rate water dispenser including a source of water and
a dispenser housing mounted on a refrigerator door. The dispenser
can include a nozzle for dispensing water from the dispenser housing,
a variable flow pump controlling flow of water to the nozzle from
the source of water and a user adjustable variable flow control.
The user adjustable variable flow control can control operation
of the variable flow pump and can include an actuator to cause the
user adjustable flow control to operate the variable flow pump at
a flow rate selected by the user.
[0011] The source of water can include a reservoir connected to
a source of water to be automatically filled or can include a manually
filled reservoir. The reservoir can be connected to the variable
flow pump. The reservoir can also be expandable and can include
a spring arranged to compress the reservoir.
[0012] The variable flow rate dispenser can include a user interface
having a flow rate selector connected to the user adjustable variable
flow control to allow a user to select a flow rate for the dispenser.
The flow rate selector can include a touch pad control, plural switches
or a potentiometer.
[0013] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a
dispenser housing mounted on a refrigerator door including a variable
flow rate water dispenser and an ice dispenser. The variable flow
rate water dispenser can include a reservoir connected to a source
of water and a nozzle for dispensing water from the dispenser housing.
The dispenser can include a control for dispensing water from the
nozzle and for filling the ice maker including a user adjustable
flow control. The user adjustable flow control can vary the flow
rate of water supplied to the nozzle and can supply water to fill
the ice maker.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a refrigerator having
a variable flow rate water dispenser according to the invention
showing the location of certain components.
[0015] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a water dispenser
housing according to the invention removed from the refrigerator.
[0016] FIG. 3 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the water
spout assembly shown in FIG. 2.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the water spout assembly
removed from the dispenser housing shown in FIG. 2.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of a water valve and valve
control assembly according to the invention removed from the refrigerator.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the water valve and
valve control assembly of FIG. 5.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a partial front view of another embodiment of
water dispenser according to the invention.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a partial front view of another embodiment of
water dispenser according to the invention.
[0022] FIG. 9A is a partial sectional view of another embodiment
of the water spigot assembly.
[0023] FIG. 9B is a partial perspective view of the nozzle of the
water spigot embodiment of FIG. 9A.
[0024] FIG. 9C is a partial sectional view of the nozzle of the
water spigot embodiment of FIG. 9A.
[0025] FIG. 9D is a partial exploded view of the water spigot assembly
of FIG. 9A.
[0026] FIG. 9E is partial bottom perspective view of the water
spigot assembly of FIG. 9A with the spigot in the home position.
[0027] FIG. 9F is a partial bottom perspective view of the water
spigot assembly of FIG. 9A with the spigot in the extended position.
[0028] FIG. 10 is a partial schematic drawing of another embodiment
of a valve assembly for providing variable fill rates.
[0029] FIG. 11A is a partial schematic drawing of an alternate
embodiment of a reservoir and pump for providing variable fill rates.
[0030] FIG. 11B is a partial schematic drawing of the alternate
embodiment of FIG. 11A showing the reservoir full of water.
[0031] FIG. 12 is a partial schematic drawing of an alternate embodiment
of a reservoir and pump for providing variable fill rates.
[0032] FIG. 13A is a partial schematic drawing of an alternate
embodiment of a reservoir for providing variable fill rates showing
the reservoir expanded.
[0033] FIG. 13B is a partial schematic drawing of an alternate
embodiment of a reservoir for providing variable fill rates showing
the reservoir contracted.
[0034] FIG. 14 is a partial schematic drawing of an alternate embodiment
of a reservoir that can be used with the variable flow rate dispenser
according to the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0035] The use of refrigerator water dispensers has changed with
the advent of the addition of water filters to refrigerators for
filtering the chilled water dispensed through an ice and water dispenser.
Such water filters are known to improve the taste and appearance
of water for user consumption. Consumers are now using filtered
water from the refrigerator water dispenser instead of using sink
mounted or countertop water filtration systems. Accordingly, consumers
are requiring more flexibility and features from their refrigerator
water dispenser. Uses for water dispensers now include filling of
large containers for cooking and consumption. One result of the
new uses for refrigerator water dispensers is the need for new ways
to fill larger containers. This can be accomplished by providing
a variable flow rate water dispenser to provide high flow rates
for filling larger containers and slower flow rates for filling
smaller containers or for filling an automatic ice maker. This can
also be accomplished by providing a refrigerator freezer water system
with minimal internal flow restrictions and with flow straightening
features for the spigot. While the water dispenser according to
the invention is disclosed as part of an ice and water dispenser
for a refrigerator freezer, those skilled in the art should understand
that the water dispenser according to the invention can be used
as a water dispenser only, and not combined with an ice dispenser.
Accordingly, the water dispenser according to the invention will
be referred to as a water dispenser with the understanding that
water dispenser is to be understood as referring to both a water
dispenser and an ice and water dispenser. The water dispenser according
to the invention can be used with a measured fill water dispenser
as disclosed in co-pending patent application US20030018 filed
concurrently with this application, which patent application is
incorporated by reference. The water dispenser according to the
invention can also be used with a water dispenser having a movable
spigot as disclosed in co-pending patent application US20030308
filed concurrently with this application, which patent application
is incorporated by reference.
[0036] Turning to FIG. 1 a refrigerator freezer 8 can be seen
in a schematic side view to show the relative position of certain
water dispenser components. Refrigerator freezer 8 can have a freezer
door 11 that can include a water dispenser 15 on the face of the
freezer door 11. While water dispenser 15 is shown on a side by
side refrigerator freezer those skilled in the art will understand
that the water dispenser can be used in conjunction with any refrigerator
configuration, all refrigerator, top freezer, bottom freezer, or
side by side configuration as shown in FIG. 1. Similarly, those
skilled in the art with understand that the water dispenser 15 can
be located on the face of the refrigerator door, not shown.
[0037] A water filter 14 can be positioned at the bottom of the
refrigerator freezer 8 and can be accessible from the front of
the refrigerator freezer for servicing. Those skilled in the art
will understand that the water filter 14 can be located outside
the refrigerated space accessible from the front of the refrigerator
through a grill customarily provided to cover the space below the
refrigerator and freezer compartment doors. Water filter 14 can
also be located in an above freezing refrigerated space, if desired,
such as in the refrigerator compartment, or in insulation for the
refrigerator compartment, freezer compartment or in the insulation
for the refrigerator or freezer compartment doors (collectively
referred to as a "refrigerated space"), again as well
known to those skilled in the art. An icemaker 37 can be located
in the refrigerator freezer and arranged to freeze water to form
ice pieces as is well known to those skilled in the art. In the
embodiment of FIG. 1 water reservoir 38 can be positioned in refrigerator
freezer 8 in a refrigerated space for cooling a quantity of water
prior to dispensing through water dispenser 15 under control of
valve assembly 39. The refrigerator freezer water system can be
connected to a household water supply at connection end 50 via a
compression fitting or other known connection arrangement to a household
water system, not shown. Water line 51 can lead from connection
end 50 to the inlet of water filter 14. Water line 52 can lead from
water filter 14 to valve assembly 39 and water line 52' can lead
from valve assembly 39 to reservoir 38. Water lines 51 52 52',
53 and 58 can be {fraction (5/16)}" diameter tubing to reduce
flow restrictions and provide higher flow rates to the water dispenser
15 than 1/4" tubing commonly used in household refrigerator
freezers. Those skilled in the art will understand that 1/4"
tubing can be used for one or more of the supply lines schematically
shown in FIG. 1 when desired flow rates can be achieved with the
smaller tubing. Water line 53 can lead from reservoir 38 to fitting
57 at the bottom of refrigerator freezer 8 adjacent freezer door
11. Fitting 57 can include a suitable check valve to prevent back
flow of water into reservoir 38. Water line 58 can lead from fitting
57 to water dispenser 15 and can pass through a hollow hinge pin
supporting freezer door 11. Water line 54 can lead from valve assembly
39 to fitting 55 on the back wall of refrigerator freezer 8. Water
line 56 can lead from fitting 55 to icemaker 37. Those skilled in
the art will recognize that water lines 56 and 58 can be carried
in a conduit through the insulation normally provided between the
refrigerator freezer liner and cabinet and in the freezer door 11.
While filter 14 is shown connected to the inlet of reservoir 38
in the embodiment of FIG. 1 those skilled in the art will understand
that filter 14 can be connected to the outlet of reservoir 38 or
elsewhere in the refrigerator freezer water system if desired.
[0038] Turning to FIG. 2 through FIG. 4 water dispenser 15 can
include a dispenser housing 16 mounted in the face of freezer door
11. Dispenser housing 16 can include a dispenser enclosure 14 arranged
to be mounted in freezer door 11 and a bezel 17. Bezel 17 can accommodate
a user interface, not shown, that can be located at 17' and can
be a user interface as described in co-pending U.S. patent application
US20030018 referred to above. Bezel 17 can include a dispensing
cavity 18 arranged to accommodate glasses and the like on a tray
9. According to the invention, a fixed spigot or a movable spigot
19 can be provided for the water dispenser that can be a movable
spigot as described in co-pending patent application US20030308
filed concurrently with this application, which application is incorporated
by reference. Dispenser housing 16 can include one or two dispenser
paddles for actuating the ice dispenser or water dispenser as disclosed
in co-pending patent application US20030018 referred to above. Alternately
the user interface 17' can include an actuator for the ice dispenser
and/or water dispenser again as disclosed in co-pending patent application
US20030018 referred to above.
[0039] Spigot 19 is shown in the inner or home position in FIG.
4 and in an extended position in FIG. 2. A movable tray 9 can be
movably mounted to dispenser housing 16 for movement between an
inner dispensing position in the dispensing cavity and an outer
dispensing position in front of the dispensing cavity. As shown
in FIG. 2 tray 9 can be slidably mounted on a track 10 that can
be mounted to housing 16 or bezel 17. Alternately, those skilled
in the art will understand that a fixed tray can be used instead
of a movable tray. Spigot 19 can be movably mounted to bezel 17
for movement between an inner position (FIG. 4) and an extended
position (FIG. 2). Spigot 19 can include a spigot body 20 that can
include an enlarged channel 31 leading from a pivot end 29 to flow
straightening vanes 28. Spigot shroud 21 can include a semi-cylindrical
wall 32 that can enclose flow straightening vanes 28 to form a fluid
enclosure that can form a nozzle 24. Spigot body 20 and a spigot
shroud 21 can be held together and supported on bezel 17 by upper
bracket 22 and lower bracket 23. Spigot body 20 can include a mounting
pin 30 that can be received in an opening 33 in lower bracket 23.
Pivot end 29 of spigot body 20 can pass through an opening 35 in
spigot shroud 21 and an opening 34 in upper bracket 22. Thus, spigot
19 can be held together by upper bracket 22 and lower bracket 23
when the brackets are mounted in bezel 17 with fasteners, not shown,
that can pass through mounting holes 36. Pivot end 29 can be connected
to the water system in the refrigerator, described below, via conduit
assembly 25. Conduit assembly 25 can include a swivel interface
arranged to be positioned on pivot end 29 to make a rotatable watertight
connection with spigot body 20. Conduit assembly 25 can also include
a check valve, not shown, in body 27 to prevent drips of water from
nozzle 24 by preventing small forward and backward oscillations
of water in the direction of water flow when the valve controlling
water flow is closed. It is to be understood that while tray 9 can
be drawn out to its extended position when spigot 19 is rotated
to its extended position, tray 9 can be left retracted in dispensing
cavity 18 when the user desires to fill a container too large to
be positioned between nozzle 24 and tray 9 when they are both positioned
in the extended position. While spigot 19 is shown in two positions
in the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 2 through FIG.
4 spigot 19 can be provided with one or more detent stops between
the inner and extended positions. Similarly, while spigot 19 can
be manually movable between the inner and outer positions in the
embodiment of FIG. 2 through FIG. 4 those skilled in the art that
spigot 19 can be provided with a drive mechanism, not shown, that
can include a stepper motor to drive the spigot between its inner
and extended positions, and any intermediate positions. Likewise,
tray 9 can be provided with a drive mechanism, not shown, to drive
tray 9 between its inner and extended positions in conjunction with,
or independently of, spigot 19.
[0040] Turning to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 valve assembly 39 and valve
control 40 can be seen removed from refrigerator freezer 8. Valve
assembly 39 can include a first valve 43 having a solenoid 44 to
actuate valve 43 and a second valve 46 with a solenoid 47 to actuate
valve 46. Valve assembly 39 can also include a flow sensor 41 that
can be positioned at the inlet to valve assembly 39 to measure flow
of water through both valves 43 and 46. Flow sensor 41 can be a
Hall Effect sensor well known in the art for sensing flow of water
through a passage, and can be connected to valve control 40 by cable
48. The function of valve control 40 and flow sensor 41 in connection
with measured fill dispensing of water is described in detail in
co-pending patent application US20030018 referred to above. While
two valves are shown in the embodiment of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 those
skilled in the art will understand that one or three or more valves
can be provided in the valve assembly 39 in order to provide variable
water dispenser flow rates as described below.
[0041] Valve 43 can be connected to water line 54 to supply water
to icemaker 37 to commence an ice making cycle as is well known
in the art. Valve 43 can be arranged to dispense a predetermined
quantity of water into the ice maker mold, not shown, using the
measured fill capability described above. A normal fill amount for
an ice maker can be approximately 130 cubic centimeters ("cc")
of water, although those skilled in the art will understand that
the amount of water dispensed can be selected based on the capacity
of the ice maker. Those skilled in the art will understand that
the flow rate for valve 43 can be set to allow a water flow rate
the icemaker can accommodate without splashing of water into the
freezer compartment. The flow rate for valve 43 can be set to dispense
130 cc of water in 7.5 seconds at normal household water pressures.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the measured fill
control can allow dispensing of a predetermined amount of water
into the ice maker mold regardless of household water supply pressure.
As a backup, control 40 can be arranged to operate valve 43 for
7.5 seconds in the event valve control 40 detects abnormal operation
of flow sensor 41. Valve 46 can be connected to water line 52' to
supply water to reservoir 38 that in turn will cause water to flow
from reservoir 38 to water dispenser 15. Valve 46 can be arranged
to have a fill rate of 0.45 to 1.0 gallons per minute ("gpm")
in the normal range of household water system pressures of 20-120
pounds per square inch ("psi"). Those skilled in the art
will understand that water flow through a valve will vary depending
on the supply pressure. For example, valve 46 can be arranged to
deliver 0.85 gpm at 60 psi. Those skilled in the art will understand
that valve 46 flow rates can be increased or decreased as desired.
Likewise those skilled in the art will understand that valve 46
can be a variable flow valve with a flow rate controlled by a valve
control 40 or can be a user manually adjusted flow rate valve as
are well known in the art.
[0042] Turning to FIG. 10 a plurality of valves can be connected
to the ice and water dispenser to provide variable flow rates for
the water dispenser. Water line 152 can lead from a water inlet
or from a water filter, not shown, to an inlet chamber 155. In the
embodiment of FIG. 10 three valves 143 146 and 148 can be connected
to inlet chamber 155 to receive water from water line 152. While
inlet chamber 155 is shown to provide water to a plurality of valves
those skilled in the art will understand that other arrangements
can be made to provide water to the plural valves including but
not limited to a manifold connecting water line 152 with the plural
valves 143 146 and 148. Those skilled in the art will also understand
that a flow sensor can be provided at the inlet to inlet chamber
155 or at the inlet of one or more of valves 143 146 and/or 148
as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. First valve 143 can be connected
to ice maker outlet chamber 156 that can be connected to water line
154 that can lead to an ice maker, not shown. Those skilled in the
art will understand that water line 154 can be connected directly
to first valve 143. Second valve 146 and third valve 148 can be
connected to water dispenser outlet chamber 157. Water dispenser
outlet chamber 157 can be connected to a water line 152' leading
to a water dispenser, not shown. Those skilled in the art will understand
that other arrangements can be made to gather water from valves
146 and 148 including but not limited to a manifold connecting water
line 152' with valves 146 and 148. First valve 143 can have a flow
rate suitable for filling an ice maker cavity without splashing
water into the freezer compartment. The flow rate for first valve
143 can be in the range 0.24 to 0.30 gpm at 60 psi to provide approximately
130 cc of water in 7.5 seconds as described above. Alternately,
first valve 143 can be operated by a valve control including a flow
sensor as described above to dispense a predetermined amount of
water to fill the ice maker cavity as described above. Second valve
146 can have a flow rate selected to provide for a "slow"
fill rate for the water dispenser. Third valve 148 can have a flow
rate selected to provide a "medium" fill rate. Second
valve 146 and third valve 148 can be operated together to provide
a "high" fill rate. The "slow" fill rate can
be as low as 0.25 gpm at 60 psi and the "high" fill rate
can be as high as 1.5 gpm at 60 psi. Typically flow rates to the
water dispenser can be selected to range from 0.45 gpm to 1.0 gpm
for water supply pressures ranging from 20 to 120 psi. In one embodiment,
the "slow" fill rate can be 0.35 gpm at 60 psi, the "medium"
fill rate can be 0.5 gpm at 60 psi and the "high" fill
rate can be 0.85 gpm at 60 psi. Those skilled in the art will understand
that the actual flow rates may vary slightly depending on flow restrictions
in the dispenser system such as a filter or a reservoir. Valves
143 146 and 148 can be connected to a valve control and control
system as disclosed in co-pending patent application US20030018
incorporated herein by reference in order to deliver water to the
water dispenser at a flow rate selected by the consumer. Those skilled
in the art will also understand that more than three valves can
be provided in the valve arrangement of FIG. 10 when more than three
fill rates are desired.
[0043] A variable flow rate for the water dispenser can also be
achieved by using a water pump to supply water to a water dispenser
from a reservoir. Turning to FIG. 11A, FIG. 11B and FIG. 12 two
variable flow embodiments utilizing a pump can be seen. The embodiment
of FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B can have a reservoir 138 that can be located
in a refrigerated space to provide a supply of cold water for the
water dispenser. Reservoir 138 can include a container 135 having
a flexible bladder 140 positioned in the container that can expand
as it is filled with water to substantially fill container 135 as
shown in FIG. 11B. Bladder 140 can be formed of a NSF approved material
with elastic properties. Bladder 140 can be connected to an inlet
line 136 that can be connected to water line 51 (FIG. 1) that can
be connected to the household water system, not shown. Valve 137
can be connected between water line 136 and bladder 140 to control
flow of water into bladder 140. A sensor 139 can be provided to
detect when bladder 140 is full as shown in FIG. 11B. Those skilled
in the art will understand that sensor 139 can be a mechanically
operated switch or other well known sensor arranged to detect when
bladder 140 has expanded to fill container 135. Those skilled in
the art will understand that container 135 can be substantially
closed enclosure having at least a vent to allow bladder to freely
expand and contract within the container 135. Alternately, container
135 can be foraminous to provide support for bladder 140 when the
bladder material is sufficiently rugged to not require enclosure
for protection.
[0044] Flow of water out of reservoir 138 can be controlled by
a valve 141 and/or a variable flow pump 142. Those skilled in the
art will understand that valve 141 can be omitted, or can be used
alone without variable flow pump 142. For example, when reservoir
138 is located below the water dispenser on the face of a refrigerator
door and a variable flow pump 142 is used a valve 141 may not be
necessary. However, when reservoir 138 is located above the water
dispenser on the face of a refrigerator door, or when local codes
require such a valve, a valve 141 can be used in conjunction with
variable flow pump 142. Likewise, variable flow pump 142 can be
eliminated and valve 141 can be a variable flow valve controlled
by a valve control such as valve control 40 to provide a user selected
flow rate, or can be a manually user adjusted valve. Variable flow
pump 142 can be arranged to deliver water to a water dispenser at
predetermined rates. For example, variable flow pump can be arranged
to deliver water at rates from 0.25 gpm to 1.5 gpm as in the case
of the embodiment of FIG. 10. Those skilled in the art will recognize
that variable delivery pumps are well known in the art and that
such pumps can be arranged to deliver water over a wide range of
flow rates as desired. Those skilled in the art will also understand
that variable flow pump 142 can be connected to deliver water to
an ice maker as well as to a water dispenser by provision of a two
way valve connecting the pump to one or the other of the ice maker
or water dispenser. Variable flow pump 142 can be arranged to provide
continuously variable flow rates over a selected range, or can be
arranged to deliver discrete flow rates such as 0.35 gpm, 0.5 gpm
and 0.85 gpm as in the FIG. 10 embodiment. As mentioned above, valve
141 can be a variable flow valve and can be arranged to deliver
similar flow rates. Those skilled in the art will understand that
variable flow pump 142 can be replaced by a single flow rate pump
combined with a variable flow valve 141 as described above to provide
user selected discrete or continuously variable flow rates. Valves
137 and 141 sensor 139 and pump 142 can be connected to a control
system as disclosed in co-pending patent application US20030018
incorporated herein by reference in order to maintain bladder 140
full and to cause valve 141 and/or variable flow pump 142 to deliver
water to the water dispenser at a flow rate selected by the consumer.
One advantage of the embodiment of FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B is the
ability to deliver flow rates greater than the incoming water supply
flow rate since the capacity of bladder 140 can be arranged to be
larger than amounts of water expected to be dispensed in a single
operation.
[0045] Another embodiment of a variable flow rate dispenser reservoir
can be seen in schematic form by referring to FIG. 12. The embodiment
of FIG. 12 can include a reservoir 238 that can be located in a
refrigerated space to provide cold water to a water dispenser. Those
skilled in the art will understand that, alternately, reservoir
238 can be located outside of a refrigerator if desired. Locating
reservoir 238 outside a refrigerator can be advantageous when the
reservoir is arranged to be manually filled as described below.
Reservoir 238 can include an opening 239 to the atmosphere to allow
water to flow into and out of reservoir 238 at different rates.
While opening 239 is shown in FIG. 12 as a round hole, those skilled
in the art will understand that opening 239 can take the form of
a vent or siphon break to allow reservoir 238 to fill or empty freely.
Reservoir 238 can be provided with a water line 252' leading from
a water valve 243 that can be connected to a water line 252 leading
to the household water supply, not shown. Reservoir 238 can be provided
with a level sensor 244 to determine the level of water in the reservoir
238. While level sensor 244 is shown as a float sensor in FIG. 12
those skilled in the art will understand that other level sensors
such as a pressure switch, a capacitive sensor or field effect sensor
as are well known in the art can be used in place of sensor 244
as desired. Reservoir 238 can also be arranged to be manually filled
in lieu of connecting the reservoir to the household water supply.
Opening 239 can take the form of a removable cover or cap to facilitate
manual filling of reservoir 238. Manual filling might be desired
in locations where the household water supply is unsatisfactory
for any number of reasons including taste, mineral content, odor
and/or appearance making bottled water a desirable choice. Those
skilled in the art will understand that reservoir 238 can be provided
with a filter, not shown, that can be a gravity filter positioned
to filter water as it is added to reservoir 238 at opening 239.
Those skilled in the art will also understand that a filter, not
shown, can be connected in the water circuit with reservoir 238
and the water dispenser on the refrigerator door, not shown. Those
skilled in the art will understand that when reservoir 238 is arranged
for manual filling, reservoir 238 can be positioned in refrigerator
8 to facilitate manual filling of the reservoir, or can be positioned
outside the refrigerator if desired. Reservoir 238 could take the
form of a bottled water dispenser well known in the art and located
adjacent the refrigerator as will be readily understood by those
skilled in the art. Valve 243 if provided, and a sensor, 244 can
be connected to a control system as disclosed in co-pending patent
application US20030018 incorporated herein by reference in order
to maintain reservoir 238 filled, or if arranged for manual filling
to indicate that the reservoir should be refilled. As with the embodiment
of FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B, reservoir 238 can be provided with a valve
246 and/or a variable flow pump 247 as desired, to provide water
to the water dispenser at a flow rate selected by the user. Likewise,
valve 246 and/or variable flow pump 247 can be arranged to deliver
water to an ice maker as well as to a water dispenser.
[0046] Another embodiment of a reservoir for a water dispenser
can be seen in schematic form by referring to FIG. 13A and FIG.
13B. Reservoir 338 can be an expandable tank, that when connected
to inlet and outlet water lines is closed to the atmosphere as with
the case of reservoir 38 in FIG. 1. Reservoir 338 can expand and
contract as water is added and removed from the tank at different
rates. Reservoir 338 can be provided with a spring 339 arranged
to compress the tank toward the position shown in FIG. 13B. Water
supplied to the tank can expand the tank toward the position shown
in FIG. 13A overcoming the spring 339 tending to compress the tank.
Providing reservoir 338 with a spring 339 can be an advantage for
use in home water systems with adequate pressure but low flow rates.
The pressure in the home water system may be adequate to expand
and fill reservoir 338 over time. The system pressure combined with
pressure from the spring can be sufficient to dispense water at
a selected flow rate, as described above, that can be greater than
the available household water system flow rate, when a valve or
valves controlling flow to the water dispenser is/are opened. Those
skilled in the art will understand that the inlet diameter can be
smaller than the outlet diameter to allow higher flow rates of water
out of the reservoir. Use of a larger outlet than inlet can provide
an initial period of high flow rate, although, depending on the
size of the reservoir, the high flow rate may drop to a flow rate
corresponding to the available household water supply. While the
embodiment of FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B shows a spring 339 those skilled
in the art will understand that reservoir 338 need not include a
spring 339 when reservoir 338 is formed of a resilient material
having a "memory" tending to compress reservoir 338 to
the compressed position in FIG. 13B obviating the need for spring
339; when low flow rate water systems are not a concern; or when
reservoir 338 is intended to be used with a variable flow pump as
in the embodiments of FIG. 11A, FIG. 11B and FIG. 12.
[0047] Those skilled in the art will understand that a tank reservoir
as shown in FIG. 1 can be replaced with a coiled tubing reservoir
438 as shown in FIG. 14. The tubing 439 forming reservoir 438 can
be formed of material that does not have good conductive properties
such as polyethylene or can be formed of conductive material such
as copper tubing. Those skilled in the art will understand that
the reservoir can be placed in the refrigerator 8 in a refrigerated
space where efficient heat exchange can take place to cool the water
in the coiled tubing. Likewise, those skilled in the art will understand
the diameter and number of coils of tubing can be selected to provide
a reservoir holding the desired amount of water. Those skilled in
the art will understand that use of a conductive material such as
copper can enable a substantially endless supply of cold water provided
the coil is arranged for adequate heat exchange, while an non-conductive
coil serves as a chilled water holding tank that can be depleted.
When a non-conductive holding tank is used warm water can be dispensed
until sufficient time has passed for water in the holding tank to
cool down.
[0048] Turning to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 alternate embodiments of user
interfaces for variable flow water dispensers can be seen. In FIG.
7 bezel 117 can include user interface 117' that can include a flow
rate selector 120. Flow rate selector 120 can be a slider to position
a multiple contact switch or to adjust a potentiometer connected
in a control circuit, not shown, for a variable flow pump as disclosed
in the embodiments of FIG. 11A, FIG. 11B and FIG. 12. Use of multiple
position switches or a potentiometer in a control circuit to control
the speed of a variable speed pump are well known in the art. As
a user selects a container size/fill rate by moving flow rate selector
120 a control circuit, not shown, can cause the water dispenser
to dispense water from spigot 119 at the selected flow rate. In
FIG. 8 bezel 217 can include user interface 217' that can include
a flow rate selector 220. Flow rate selector 220 can be a touch
pad controller having "+" and "-" pads to adjust
the flow rate. User interface 217' can include a user display 221
to display the selected flow rate. The user interface 217' of FIG.
8 can be used with a variable flow rate valve arrangement such as
disclosed in the embodiment of FIG. 10 or the variable flow pump
embodiments of FIG. 11A, FIG. 11B and FIG. 12. Instead of flow rate
selector 120 as in FIG. 7 a paddle, not shown, in dispenser cavity
118 can be arranged to actuate a plurality of switches or a potentiometer
as the user presses against the paddle to cause the dispenser control
to dispense water. Pressing the paddle further into the dispenser
cavity can cause the dispenser control to increase flow rate in
the same manner as sliding flow rate selector 120 or can cause the
dispenser control to increase the flow rate in discrete steps as
in the embodiment of FIG. 10.
[0049] Turning to FIG. 9A through 9F another embodiment of a spigot
can be seen. Referring to FIG. 9A and FIG. 9D, spigot 319 can include
a spigot body 320 leading from pivot end 329 to nozzle 324. As shown
in FIG. 9C spigot body 320 can include flow straightening vanes
328 adjacent nozzle 324. Nozzle 324 can include screen 332 adjacent
the outlet of nozzle 324. Nozzle 324 can also include one or more
air intakes 333 adjacent and above screen 332 and below flow straightening
vanes to inject air into the stream of water flowing out of nozzle
324 to a minimize splashing as water is dispensed into a container.
Those skilled in the art will understand that a suitable flow restrictor,
not shown, can be included in nozzle 324 or if desired elsewhere
in the system such as a flow washer in a water valve, for use in
jurisdictions having water flow control regulations requiring such
flow restrictors. Referring to FIG. 9E and FIG. 9F, spigot 319 including
spigot body 320 and spigot shroud 321 can mounted in bezel 317 by
lower bracket 323 and an upper bracket, not shown, similar to spigot
19 in FIG. 1. Also shown in FIG. 9E and FIG. 9F is an ice dispenser
chute 335 that can be provided in bezel 317 when an ice dispenser
is included with a water dispenser.
[0050] Returning to FIG. 9A, a check valve 327 can be provided
in spigot body 320 to prevent drips from the spigot by preventing
small forward and backward oscillations of water in the direction
of flow when the valve is shut. Check valve 327 can be held against
a seat formed in spigot body 320 by a check valve spring 331. When
the water dispenser is activated the flow of water through pivot
end 329 into spigot body 320 is sufficient to open check valve 327
to allow water to flow into and out of nozzle 324. When water dispensing
is complete and flow of water stops check valve 327 again closes
as is well known in the art. Spigot 319 can be provided with a swivel
interface, not shown, like that in the embodiment shown in FIG.
2 to allow spigot 319 to be rotated between the inner or home position
(FIG. 9E) and the extended position (FIG. 9F). As described in connection
with the embodiment of FIG. 2 spigot 319 can be manually movable
between the inner and extended positions, or can be provided with
a drive mechanism to move the spigot between the inner and extended,
and if desired one or more intermediate positions.
[0051] While the invention has been specifically described in connection
with certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood
that this is by way of illustration and not of limitation, and the
scope of the appended claims should be construed as broadly as the
prior art will permit.
|