Water filter abstract
A refrigerator having a water filtration and dispensing system
including a first control valve for unfiltered water, a household
water supply line for fluidly connecting the first control valve
to a source of household water, a water filter assembly disposed
within a refrigeration compartment, an unfiltered water supply line
fluidly connecting the first control valve to the water filter assembly,
a second control valve having first and second outlets, a filtered
water supply line fluidly connecting the filter assembly to the
second control valve, a filtered water dispenser fluidly connected
to the first outlet of second control valve, and an ice maker disposed
within a freezer compartment and fluidly connected to the second
outlet of the second control valve. The system also includes a water
dispenser switch for opening the first and second control valves
to permit unfiltered water to flow into the water filter assembly
and to permit filtered water to flow out of the water dispenser,
and an ice maker switch connected for opening the first and second
control valves to permit unfiltered water to flow into the water
filter assembly and to permit filtered water to flow into the ice
maker. A pressure-relief switch connects the water dispenser switch
and the first control valve so that the first control valve can
be selectively disconnected. With the first control valve disconnected,
the water dispenser switch only opens the second control valve to
thereby prevent unfiltered water from flowing into the water filter
assembly and permit filtered water to flow out of the water dispenser.
The system is thereby relieved or bled of water pressure prior to
replacing the filter cartridge.
Water filter claims
What is claimed is:
1. A water filtration and dispensing system for a refrigerator,
said filtration and dispensing system comprising:
a first control valve for unfiltered water;
a first water supply line for fluidly connecting said first control
valve to a source of household water;
a water filter assembly;
a second water supply line fluidly connecting said first control
valve and said water filter assembly;
a second control valve for filtered water;
a third water supply line fluidly connecting said water filter
assembly and said second control valve;
a filtered water dispenser fluidly connected to said second control
valve;
a water dispenser switch connected to said first and second control
valves; and
a pressure-relief switch connecting said water dispenser switch
and said first control valve and having closed and open positions,
whereby actuation of said water dispenser switch opens said first
and second control valves when said pressure-relief switch is in
said closed position to permit unfiltered water to flow into said
water filter assembly and to permit filtered water to flow out of
said water dispenser, and whereby actuation of said water dispenser
switch opens said second control valve but not said first control
valve when said pressure-relief switch is in said open position
to prevent unfiltered water from flowing into said water filter
assembly and permit filtered water to flow out of said water dispenser.
2. The water filtration and dispensing system according to claim
1 wherein said pressure-relief switch is located at said water
dispenser.
3. The water filtration and dispensing system according to claim
1 wherein said first and second control valves each include a solenoid.
4. The water filtration and dispensing system according to claim
3 wherein closing said water dispenser switch, with said pressure-relief
switch in said closed position, energizes said solenoid of said
first control valve and said solenoid of said second control valve
to open said first and second control valves, and closing said water
dispenser switch, with said pressure-relief switch in said open
position, energizes said solenoid of said second control valve but
not said solenoid of said first control valve to open said second
control valve but not said first control valve.
5. The water filtration and dispensing system according to claim
3 wherein said solenoids of said first and second control valves
are electrically connected in parallel, and wherein said pressure-relief
switch electrically connects said solenoid of said first control
valve and said solenoid of said second control valve.
6. The water filtration and dispensing system according to claim
1 wherein said pressure-relief switch is manually actuatable between
said closed and open positions.
7. A water filtration and dispensing system for a refrigerator,
said filtration and dispensing system comprising:
a first control valve for unfiltered water;
a first water supply line for fluidly connecting said first control
valve to a source of household water;
a water filter assembly having an inlet and an outlet;
a second water supply line fluidly connecting said first control
valve to said inlet of said water filter assembly;
a second control valve having an inlet and first and second outlets;
a third water supply line fluidly connecting said outlet of said
water filter assembly to said inlet of said second control valve;
a filtered water dispenser fluidly connected to said first outlet
of second control valve;
an ice maker fluidly connected to said second outlet of said second
control valve;
a water dispenser switch connected to said first and second control
valves;
an ice maker switch connected to said first and second control
valves for opening said first control valve and said second outlet
of said second control valve to permit unfiltered water to flow
into said water filter assembly and to permit filtered water to
flow into said ice maker; and
a pressure-relief switch connecting said water dispenser switch
and said first control valve and having closed and open positions,
whereby actuation of said water dispenser switch opens said first
and second control valves when said pressure-relief switch is in
said closed position to permit unfiltered water to flow into said
water filter assembly and to permit filtered water to flow out of
said water dispenser, and whereby actuation of said water dispenser
switch opens said second control valve but not said first control
valve when said pressure-relief switch is in said open position
to prevent unfiltered water from flowing into said water filter
assembly and permit filtered water to flow out of said water dispenser.
8. The water filtration and dispensing system according to claim
7 wherein said pressure-relief switch is located at said water
dispenser.
9. The filtration and dispensing system according to claim 7 wherein
said first control valve has an inlet and first and second outlets,
and wherein said first and second control valves each include first
and second solenoids which respectively control opening of said
first and second outlets of said first and second control valves.
10. The water filtration and dispensing system according to claim
9 wherein said first solenoids of said first and second control
valves are electrically connected in parallel, and wherein said
pressure-relief switch electrically connects said first solenoid
of said first control valve and said first solenoid of said second
control valve.
11. The filtration and dispensing system according to claim 9
wherein closing said water dispenser switch, with said pressure-relief
switch in said closed position, energizes said first solenoid of
said first control valve and said first solenoid of said second
control valve to open said first outlets of said first and second
control valves, and closing said water dispenser switch, with said
pressure-relief switch in said open position, energizes said first
solenoid of said second control valve but not said first solenoid
of said first control valve to open said first outlet of said second
control valve but not said first outlet of said first control valve.
12. The water filtration and dispensing system according to claim
7 wherein said first control valve has an outlet which is opened
and closed by a solenoid and said second control valve has first
and second solenoids which respectively control opening of said
first and second outlets of said second control valve.
13. The water filtration and dispensing system according to claim
12 wherein said water dispenser and ice maker switches are double-throw
switches, wherein closing said water dispenser switch, with said
pressure-relief switch in said closed position, energizes said first
control valve solenoid and said first solenoid of said second control
valve to open said outlet of said first control valve and said first
outlet of said second control valve, wherein closing said water
dispenser switch, with said pressure-relief switch in said open
position, energizes only said first solenoid of said second control
valve to open said first outlet of said second control valve, and
wherein closing said ice maker switch energizes said first control
valve solenoid and said second solenoid of said second control valve
to open said outlet of said first control valve and said second
outlet of said second control valve.
14. The filtration and dispensing system according to claim 12
wherein said pressure-relief switch electrically connects said water
dispensing switch and said first control valve solenoid.
15. The water filtration and dispensing system according to claim
12 further comprising a relay having a first coil electrically
connected in parallel with said first solenoid of said second solenoid
and a second coil electrically connected in parallel with said second
solenoid of said second control valve, and wherein said first coil
is operable to energize said solenoid of said first control valve
upon closing of said water dispenser switch and the second coil
is operable to energize said solenoid of said first control valve
upon closing of the ice maker switch.
16. The filtration and dispensing system according to claim 15
wherein said pressure-relief switch electrically connects said first
solenoid of said second control valve and said first coil of said
relay.
17. The water filtration and dispensing system according to claim
7 wherein said pressure-relief switch is manually actuatable between
said closed and open positions.
18. A refrigerator comprising:
a cabinet having a plurality of insulated walls;
a refrigerator door pivotally mounted to said cabinet and cooperating
to form a refrigeration compartment;
a freezer door pivotally mounted to said cabinet and cooperating
to form a freezer compartment; and
a filtration and dispensing system including, a first control valve
for unfiltered water, a first water supply line for fluidly connecting
said first control valve to a source of household water, a water
filter assembly disposed within said refrigeration compartment and
having an inlet and an outlet, a second water supply line fluidly
connecting said first control valve to said inlet of said water
filter assembly, a second control valve having an inlet and first
and second outlets, a third water supply line fluidly connecting
said outlet of said water filter assembly to said inlet of said
second control valve, a filtered water dispenser fluidly connected
to said first outlet of second control valve, an ice maker disposed
within said freezer compartment and fluidly connected to said second
outlet of said second control valve, a water dispenser switch connected
to said first and second control valves, an ice maker switch connected
to said first and second control valves for opening said first control
valve and said second outlet of said second control valve to permit
unfiltered water to flow into said water filter assembly and to
permit filtered water to flow into said ice maker, and a pressure-relief
switch connecting said water dispenser switch and said first control
valve and having closed and open positions, whereby actuation of
said water dispenser switch opens said first and second control
valves when said pressure-relief switch is in said closed position
to permit unfiltered water to flow into said water filter assembly
and to permit filtered water to flow out of said water dispenser,
and whereby actuation of said water dispenser switch opens said
second control valve but not said first control valve when said
pressure-relief switch is in said open position to prevent unfiltered
water from flowing into said water filter assembly and permit filtered
water to flow out of said water dispenser.
19. The refrigerator according to claim 18 wherein said pressure-relief
switch is located at said water dispenser.
20. The refrigerator according to claim 19 wherein said water
dispenser is located in said freezer door.
21. The refrigerator according to claim 18 wherein said first
control valve has an inlet and first and second outlets, and wherein
said first and second control valves each include first and second
solenoids which respectively control opening of said first and second
outlets of said first and second control valves.
22. The refrigerator according to claim 21 wherein said first
solenoids of said first and second control valves are electrically
connected in parallel, and wherein said pressure-relief switch electrically
connects said first solenoid of said first control valve and said
first solenoid of said second control valve.
23. The refrigerator according to claim 18 wherein said pressure-relief
switch is manually actuatable between said closed and open positions.
Water filter description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to water filters for household
refrigerators, and more specifically, to such water filters having
a pressure relief circuit.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years there has been a great increase in the sale and
availability of household water filtration devices as the public
has begun to realize the benefits derived from drinking highly pure
water. Concurrently, refrigerator mounted water dispensers and automatic
ice makers have become more affordable and more commonplace. In
response to this fact, there have been attempts to incorporate water
filters into household refrigerators to provide a filtered water
supply for direct dispensing via the refrigerator water dispenser,
or for use in making ice cubes via an automatic ice maker.
U.S. Pat. No. 5135645 discloses one attempt to incorporate a
water filter into a refrigerator. The '645 patent teaches mounting
the water filter within a compartment accessible via a door from
the inside of the refrigerator compartment. The filter is formed
of a replaceable cartridge having a cylindrical body from which
inlet and outlet lines extend. In one embodiment, a first pair of
valves are disposed outside the refrigerator and couple the water
filter to a source of water. A second pair of valves couple the
water filter to a water dispenser and an ice maker. A water dispenser
switch controls a first one of the first pair of valves and a first
one of the second pair of valves to permit flow of water from the
source to the water dispenser via the filter. An ice maker switch
controls a second one of the first pair of valves and a second one
of the second pair of valves to permit flow of water from the source
to the ice maker via the filter. Therefore, water does not flow
into the refrigerator unless the water dispenser switch or the ice
maker dispenser switch is activated. This arrangement may be desirable
because conduit carrying water inside the refrigerator is susceptible
to freezing which may cause the conduit to break and water to spill
out. Because water flows into the refrigerator only when the ice
maker or water dispenser are in use, the extent of potential flooding
is limited to water remaining within the system. However, the water
remaining within the system is pressurized and can cause spills
or difficulty in removing the filter for replacement.
U.S. patent application No. 08/587635 filed on Jan, 17 1996
now U.S. Pat. No. 5707528 discloses a refrigerator having a water
filtration and dispensing system. The '635 application teaches mounting
a water filter assembly on the wall of the refrigeration compartment.
The water filter assembly includes a replaceable cartridge disposed
within a separable two-piece housing. Once again, a first pair of
valves couple the water filter assembly to a source of water and
a second pair of valves couple the water filter assembly to a water
dispenser and an ice maker so that water flows into the refrigerator
only when the ice maker or water dispenser are in use. The first
valves are closed prior to the second valves to reduce the water
pressure on the water filter assembly and thereby make disassembly
of the filter housing easier by reducing the water-pressure induced
tension on the filter assembly. The system required for the delayed
closure of the second valves introduce manufacturing costs to the
resulting refrigerator which may render it cost prohibitive, except
on the most expensive refrigerators.
Despite progress in the art, exemplified by the forgoing patents,
there exists a need in the art for a water filtration system for
a household refrigerator which includes a cartridge that is easily
replaceable and is not cost prohibitive.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an improved water filtration and
dispensing system for a refrigerator which overcomes at least some
of the above-noted problems of the related art. The filtration and
dispensing system includes a water filter assembly which includes
an easily accessed and replaced water cartridge.
In accordance with the present invention, a filtration and dispensing
system includes a first control valve for unfiltered water, a household
water supply line for fluidly connecting the first control valve
to a source of household water, a water filter assembly, an unfiltered
water supply line fluidly connecting the first control valve to
the water filter assembly, a second control valve for filtered water,
a filtered water supply line fluidly connecting the water filter
assembly and the second control valve, and a filtered water dispenser
fluidly connected to the second control valve. The system also includes
a water dispenser switch connected to the first and second control
valves for opening the first and second control valves to permit
unfiltered water to flow into the water filter assembly and to permit
filtered water to flow out of the water dispenser, and a pressure-relief
switch connecting the water dispenser switch and the first control
valve for selectively disconnecting the first control valve to open
the second control valve but not the first control valve in response
to the water dispenser switch and to thereby prevent unfiltered
water from flowing into the water filter assembly and permit filtered
water to flow out of the water dispenser.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and further features of the present invention will be apparent
with reference to the following description and drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a household refrigerator incorporating
a water filtering and dispensing system according to the present
invention;
FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a water supply circuit for
the refrigerator of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a water filter assembly of the
household refrigerator of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the water filter assembly
of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a top elevational view of the water filter assembly of
FIG. 4 secured to the refrigerator;
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the water filter assembly
of the refrigerator of FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the water filter assembly of
the refrigerator of FIG. 1;
FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a control and pressure relief
circuit according to the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of a first alternative control
and pressure relief circuit according to the present invention;
and
FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of a second alternative control
and pressure relief circuit according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
FIG. 1 illustrates a refrigerator 20 incorporating a water filtering
and dispensing system 22 according to the present invention. The
refrigerator includes a cabinet 24 having a plurality of insulated
walls and a front opening. A freezer door 26 and a refrigerator
door 28 are pivotally mounted to the cabinet 24 to selectively close
and open the front opening to provide access into the cabinet 24.
The doors 26 28 cooperate with the cabinet 24 to define a refrigeration
compartment 30 and a freezer compartment (not shown) beside the
refrigeration compartment 30. The illustrated refrigerator 20 is
commonly known in the art as a "side-by-side" refrigerator.
The refrigeration compartment 30 is generally rectangular in configuration,
and has a series of shelves 32 mounted therein for storage of foodstuffs.
At an upper, rear portion of the refrigeration compartment a shield
34 is provided to which various controls for regulating operating
conditions of the refrigerator 20 are mounted.
As schematically shown in FIG. 2 the water filtering and dispensing
system 22 includes first and second control valves 36 38 a water
filter assembly 40 a filtered water storage tank 42 an automatic
ice maker 44 and a combination ice/water dispenser 46. The first
control valve 36 is upstream, in a direction of water flow, from
the water filter assembly 40 and controls delivery of unfiltered
water to the water filter assembly 40. The first control valve 36
has an inlet 48 and first and second outlets 50 52 which are opened
and closed by solenoids 126a, 127a (FIG. 8) respectively.
The inlet 48 of the first control valve 36 is connected to source
of household tap water by a household water supply line 54. The
first and second outlets 50 52 of the first control valve 36 are
connected to the water filter assembly 40 via an unfiltered water
supply line 56.
As best shown in FIGS. 3-5 the filter assembly 40 is partially
concealed and surrounded by the shield 34 as best shown in FIG.
3. The shield 34 includes a front wall 34a, a lateral wall 34b,
a partition wall 34c, and a bottom wall 34d which cooperate with
a rear wall 58 of the cabinet 24 to define a filter compartment
60 which receives a portion of the filter assembly 40. The unfiltered
water supply line 56 lies within the insulated rear wall 58 of the
cabinet 24 and extends or projects into the filter compartment
60 a short distance to the filter assembly 40. The bottom wall 34d
defines an opening 62 through which the filter assembly 40 downwardly
extends.
Due to the location of the water filter assembly 40 at a top rear
portion of the refrigeration compartment 30 which tends to be the
warmest portion of the refrigeration compartment 30 the water pressure
at the water filter assembly 40 and the short lengths of associated
water lines exposed within the refrigeration compartment 30 the
water within the water filter assembly 40 and associated water lines
does not tend to freeze. However, in the illustrated and preferred
embodiment, a thin film or strip-type electrical resistance heater
64 is provided to more completely eliminate the risk of freezing.
The electrical resistance heater 64 is secured to inner surfaces
of the front, lateral, and partition walls 34a, 34b, 34c, and serves
to heat the shield 34 air within the filter compartment 60 the
filter assembly 40 and water lines disposed within the filter compartment
60. Thus the heater 64 prevents freezing of water within the filter
assembly 40 and associated water lines. The heater 41 is preferably
wired to the refrigerator compressor (not shown) so that the heater
41 is activated when the refrigerator compressor is operating to
supply cold air to the refrigeration compartment 30. Therefore,
the heater 41 operates at the same time cold air is being introduced
into the refrigeration compartment 30 and thereby warms the water
within the filter assembly 40 and the associated water lines. The
heater 41 may, alternatively, be activated automatically on an as
needed basis via a thermostat or other controls, may be activated
periodically, or may be activated concurrent with other cycles of
the refrigerator 20 such as the defrost cycle.
As best shown in FIG. 6 the filter assembly 40 includes a filter
housing 66 and a replaceable filter cartridge 68. The filter housing
66 includes a first housing part 70 within the filter compartment
60 and projecting downwardly through the opening 62 in the shield
34 and a second housing part 72 secured to the bottom of the first
housing part 70. The first housing part 70 includes a main body
74 from which a mounting bracket 76 an inlet port connector 78
and an outlet port connector 80 integrally extend. The main body
74 of the first housing part is generally cup-shaped having an endwall
82 and a cylindrical sidewall 84 forming an open lower end and a
closed upper end.
At the lower end of the main body 74 the sidewall 84 includes
a reduced-thickness, externally threaded portion 86 a circumferential
groove 88 and a downwardly facing annular surface 90. The circumferential
grove 88 is provided with an o-ring 92. The externally threaded
portion 86 and the o-ring 92 cooperate with the second housing part
72 to provide a fluid-tight connection between the first housing
part 70 and the second housing part 72 as will be described more
fully hereafter. The end wall 82 of the main body 74 has a mounting
ring 94 projecting downwardly from an inner surface thereof. The
mounting ring 94 is coaxial with the central axis of the filter
housing 66.
The mounting bracket 76 is integrally connected to the upper end
of the main body 74 by a series of connecting webs 96. A pair of
apertures 98 are formed in the mounting bracket 76 to facilitate
attachment of the bracket 76 to the rear wall 58 of the cabinet
24. The inlet port connector 78 projects from the endwall 82 of
the main body 74 and is radially spaced from the central axis of
the filter housing 68. The outlet port connector 80 also projects
from the endwall 82 of the main body 74 but is generally coaxial
with the central axis of the filter housing 66.
The second housing part 72 has a bowl-shaped lower portion 100
and an upstanding cylindrical sidewall portion 102 which are interconnected
by a short frustoconical portion 104. The lower portion 100 has
a series of ribs 106 formed on an internal surface thereof to aid
in locating and supporting the filter cartridge 68. The sidewall
portion 102 includes an internally threaded surface 108 an upwardly
facing annular surface 110 and an annular sealing surface 112.
The threaded surface 108 is received by the externally threaded
portion 86 of the first housing part 70. The upwardly facing annular
surface 110 is of the second housing part 72 is adjacent the downwardly
facing annular surface 90 of the first housing part. The annular
sealing surface 112 engages the o-ring 92 of the first housing part
70 to provide a fluid-tight seal therebetween. A series of ribs
114 are formed on the second housing part 72 to enhance gripping
of the second housing part 72 by the user, as is necessary for the
user to turn the second housing part 72 relative to the first housing
part 70 during assembly and disassembly.
The filter cartridge 68 includes a cylindrical filter body 116
and upper and lower end caps 118 120. The filter body 116 preferably
has a multi-material construction, including an inner cylinder of
compressed or extruded carbon 116a, an intermediate layer of fiber
floss 116b, and an outer mesh wrap 116c. The upper end cap 118 has
an outlet connector 122 projecting upwardly therefrom which provides
fluid communication between a central bore 124 which longitudinally
extends the length of the filter body 116 and the outlet port connector
80 of the first housing part 70. The outlet connector 122 cooperates
with the mounting ring 94 of the first housing part 70 to seal the
filter cartridge 68 to the first housing part 70 and prevent unfiltered
water from bypassing the filter cartridge 68 as will be apparent
from the discussion to follow.
The outlet connector 122 is coaxial with the filter body 116 and
extends into the mounting ring 94 of the first housing part end
wall 82. Preferably, the outlet connector 122 has a circumferential
groove which receives an o-ring 126 to seal the upper end cap 118
of the filter cartridge 68 to the first housing part 70 and thereby
prevent unfiltered water from bypassing the filter cartridge 68.
The lower end cap 120 is engaged and supported by the ribs 106 upwardly
extending from the inner surface of the second housing part lower
portion 100. The ribs 106 serve to properly position and align the
filter cartridge 68 such that the outlet connector 122 is inserted
into and held within the mounting ring 94.
During assembly, the first housing part 70 is secured to the rear
wall 58 of the cabinet 24 the filter cartridge 68 is inserted into
the first housing part 70 such that the outlet connector 122 extends
into the mounting ring 94 of the first housing part endwall 82 and
the o-ring 126 sealingly engages an inner surface of the mounting
ring 94 in a fluid-tight manner. Thereafter, the second housing
part 72 is threaded onto the first housing part 70.
As the second housing part 72 is completely threaded onto the first
housing part 70 the inner ribs 106 of the second housing part 72
engage the filter cartridge lower end cap 120 to longitudinally
and radially support the filter cartridge 68 and force the filter
cartridge outlet connecter 122 further into the mounting ring 94.
Also, the annular sealing surface 112 of the second housing part
72 is brought into sealing engagement with the o-ring 92 provided
by the first housing part 70.
Alternatively, the filter cartridge 68 may be first inserted into
the second housing part 72 such that the lower end cap 120 is radially
and longitudinally supported by the inner ribs 106 of the second
housing part 72. The ribs 106 serve to vertically and radially align
the filter cartridge 68 such that, upon subsequent threaded attachment
of the first and second housing parts 70 72 the outlet connector
122 of the filter cartridge 68 is coaxially aligned with, and inserted
into, the mounting ring 94 of the first housing part 94 and the
o-ring 126 on the outlet connector 122 sealingly engages the inner
surface of the mounting ring 94 in a fluid-tight manner.
Unfiltered water from the supply line 56 is introduced through
the inlet port connector 78 into the chamber defined by the first
and second housing parts 70 72 radially outward of the filter cartridge
68. The unfiltered water is filtered as it radially inwardly flows
through the filter body 116 and into the central bore 124. The filtered
water thereafter upwardly flows through the bore 124 through the
outlet connector 122 and out the outlet port connector 80.
As best shown in FIG. 2 a filtered water supply line 128 extends
from the outlet port connector 80 of the water filter assembly 40
to an inlet 130 of the second control valve 38. Like the unfiltered
water supply line 56 the filtered water supply line 128 lies within
the insulated rear wall 58 of the cabinet 24 and extends or projects
into the filter compartment 60 a short distance (best shown in FIG.
5).
The second control valve 38 has first and second outlets 132 134
which are opened and closed by solenoids 132a, 134a respectively
(FIG. 8). The first outlet 132 is fluidly connected to an inlet
of the water storage tank 42 via a first conduit 136 and the second
output 134 to the ice maker 44 via a second conduit 138. Preferably,
the second outlet 134 of the second control valve 38 includes a
"flow washer" to regulate the flow of water into the ice
maker 44 to provide a controlled filling thereof, as is known in
the art.
An outlet of the water storage tank 42 is connected to the ice/water
dispenser 46 by a third conduit 140. The ice maker 44 delivers ice
to the ice to the ice/water dispenser 46 via a chute 142 as is known
in the art. The ice/water dispenser 46 includes a water dispenser
switch 34a. The ice maker 32 includes a switch 32a.
FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a control and pressure relief
circuit which includes the solenoids 40a, 50a, 132a, 134a, an ice
dispenser switch 44a, a water dispenser switch 46a, and a pressure
relief or bleed-off switch 142. The second ice solenoid 134a, which
operates the second outlet 134 of the second control valve 38 and
the first ice solenoid 50a, which operates the second outlet 50
of the first control valve 36 are connected in parallel such that
the first ice solenoid 50a is energized when the second ice solenoid
134a is energized. The ice dispenser switch 44a is provided to selectively
provide power to the second ice solenoid 134a in response to a signal
from the ice maker 44.
The second water solenoid 132a, which operates the first outlet
132 of the second control valve 38 and the first water solenoid
48a, which operates the first outlet of the first control valve
36 are connected in parallel such that the first water solenoid
48a is energized when the second water solenoid 132a is energized.
The water dispenser switch 46a is provided to selectively provide
power the second water solenoid 132a in response to actuation of
the water dispenser 46.
The bleed-off switch 142 connects the second water solenoid 132a
to the first water solenoid 48a allowing the second water solenoid
132a to be selectively energized while the first water solenoid
48a remains open, that is, unenergized. The bleed-off switch 142
is preferably a manually operated toggle switch having a first or
normal position and a second or bleed position . When the bleed-off
switch 142 is in the normal position, the first water solenoid 48a
is energized when the second solenoid is energized 132a. When the
bleed-off switch 142 is in the bleed position (as shown in FIG.
8), the first water solenoid 48a is not energized when the second
water solenoid 132a is energized. The bleed-off switch 142 is preferably
located at the top of the cavity of the water/ice dispenser 46 so
that it is conveniently located near the water dispenser actuator
(best shown in FIG. 1). Alternatively, the bleed-off switch 142
can be located at the shield 34 within the refrigeration compartment
30 conveniently near the filter assembly 40.
During operation, the bleed-off switch 142 is set to the normal
position. When the ice/water dispenser 46 is actuated to dispense
water, the water dispenser switch 46a is closed which in turn, provides
power to the first water solenoid 48a and to the second water solenoid
132a. The energized solenoids 48a and 132a open the first outlet
48 of the first control valve 36 and the first outlet 132 of the
second control valve 38 respectively. Opening the first outlets
48 132 permits the flow of unfiltered water into the filter assembly
40 and the flow of filtered water into the cold water storage tank
42 and out of the ice/water dispenser 46.
Similarly, when the automatic ice maker 44 needs water to make
more ice, the ice maker switch 44a is closed which, in turn, provides
power to the first ice solenoid 50a and to the second ice solenoid
134a. The energized solenoids 50a and 134a open the second outlet
50 of the first control valve 36 and the second outlet 134 of the
second control valve 38 respectively. Opening the second outlets
50 134 permits the flow of unfiltered water into the filter assembly
40 and the flow of filtered water into the ice maker 44.
To replace the filter cartridge 68 the bleed-off switch 142 is
set to the bleed position (as shown in FIG. 8) and the ice/water
dispenser 46 is actuated to dispense water. The ice/water dispenser
46 closes the water dispenser switch 46a which in turn, provide
power to the second water solenoid 132a. The second water solenoid
132a opens the first outlet 132 of the second control valve 38 and
permits the flow of filtered water from the filter assembly 40 into
the cold water storage tank 42 and out of the ice/water dispenser
46. Because the bleed-off switch 142 is in the bleed position, however,
the first water solenoid 48a is not energized to open the first
outlet 48 of the first control valve 36 so that unfiltered water
does not flow into the filter assembly 40. Thus, water located between
the control valves, and any pressure created thereby, is bled off
through the second control valve 38.
As should be apparent from the foregoing, access to the filter
cartridge for replacement is gained by simply twisting or turning
the second housing part 72 to unthread the second housing part 72
off the first housing part 70. The reduced pressure in the line
resulting from bleeding off water trapped between the control valves
36 38 reduces the friction between the threads of the first and
second housing parts 70 72 making it easier to remove the second
housing part 72. The second housing part 72 defines a receptacle
of sufficient size to receive the filter cartridge 68 any water
remaining in the filter assembly 40 as well as any water remaining
in the unfiltered water supply line 56 and the filtered water supply
line 128. Thus leakage or spillage of water into the refrigeration
compartment 30 during filter cartridge replacement is eliminated
or minimized. Once the spent filter cartridge 68 is removed, a new
filter cartridge 68 is installed in the manner described hereinbefore
and the bleed-off switch 142 is reset to the normal position.
A first alternative control and pressure relief circuit is shown
in FIG. 9 which is adapted for use with an alternative first control
valve (not shown). The alternative first control valve differs from
the previously described first control valve 36 in that it has only
a single outlet controlled by a single solenoid 144. The first alternative
circuit includes a double-throw ice maker switch 44b having first
and second contacts 44b', 44b" and a double-throw water dispenser
switch 46b having first and second contacts 46b', 46b", in
addition to the alternative first control valve solenoid 144 the
second water and ice solenoids 132a, 134a, and the bleed-off switch
142.
Closing the water dispenser switch 46b closes the first and second
contacts 46b', 46b"and provides power to the second water solenoid
132a and to the alternative first control valve solenoid 144 when
the bleed-off switch 142 is in the normal position. The solenoids
132a, 144 thereby open the first outlet 132 of the second control
valve 38 and the outlet of the alternative first control valve to
permit the flow of water as described above to dispense water. When
the bleed off-switch 142 is in the bleed position, closing the water
dispenser switch 46b closes the first and second contacts 46b',
46b"and provides power only to the second water solenoid 132a
and thereby open only the first outlet 132 of the second control
valve 38 to permit the flow of water as described above to bleed
the filter assembly 40.
Similarly, closing the ice maker switch 44b closes the first and
second contacts 44b', 44b" and provides power to the second
ice solenoid 134a and to the alternative first control valve solenoid
144. The solenoids 134a, 144 thereby open the second outlet 134
of the second control valve 38 and the outlet of the alternative
first control valve to permit the flow of water as described above
to supply the ice maker 44 with water.
A second alternative control and pressure relief circuit is shown
in FIG. 10. The second alternative circuit includes a single-throw
ice maker switch 44c, a single-throw water dispenser switch 46c,
and a relay 146 in addition to the alternative first control valve
solenoid 144 the second water and ice solenoids 132a, 134a, and
the bleed-off switch 142. The relay 146 has a first relay coil 148
controlling a first relay contact 148a and a second relay coil 150
controlling a second relay contact 150a. The bleed-off switch 142
preferably connects the second water solenoid 132a to the first
relay coil 148 but alternatively can connect the first relay coil
148 to the alternative first control valve solenoid 144.
When the water dispenser switch 46c is closed, the second water
solenoid 132a is energized to open the first outlet 132 of the second
control valve 38. When the bleed-off switch 142 is in the normal
position, the first relay coil 148 is energized to close the first
contact 148a and supply power to the alternative first control valve
solenoid 144 thus permitting the flow of water as described above
to dispense water. When the bleed-off switch 142 is in the bleed
position, the first relay coil 148 is not energized and power is
not supplied to the alternative first control valve solenoid 144
thus permitting the flow of water as described above to bleed the
filter assembly 40.
Similarly, closing the ice maker switch 44c provides power to the
second ice solenoid 134a and opens the second outlet 134 of the
second control valve 38. The second relay coil 150 is energized
to close the second contact 150a and supply power to the alternative
first control valve solenoid 144 and thereby open the outlet of
the alternative first control valve to permit the flow of water
as described above to supply the ice maker 44 with water.
While the preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown
and described in detail herein, it is apparent that numerous modifications,
rearrangements, alterations, and substitutions of parts may be resorted
to without departing from the scope and spirit of the claims appended
hereto. For example, it is contemplated that the parts of the first
and second parts 70 72 of filter housing 66 can be removably secured
together by other suitable methods such as, for example, a clamp
or a latch.
It is also contemplated, though not preferred due to spacial constraints
within the refrigeration compartment 30 that the second housing
part 72 could be attached to the cabinet 24 and the first housing
part 70 removably secured to the second housing part 72 to more
completely eliminate the chance for spillage of water during filter
cartridge 68 replacement.
Naturally, it is contemplated that the water filtering and dispensing
system 22 of the present invention is useful in other types of refrigerators
such as, for example, ones wherein the freezer and refrigeration
compartments are vertically offset relative to one another. Additionally,
refrigerators that do not include an automatic ice maker, and refrigerators
wherein the ice and/or water dispenser is not accessible from the
exterior of the refrigerator. Therefore, the scope of the present
invention is not limited solely to the preferred embodiment shown
and described herein but includes numerous other devices that fall
within the meaning of the following claims.
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