Refrigerator with carbonated water distributor

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerator incorporating in its door a water dispenser, the water being withdrawn by the user at a compartment present on the outside of the door.

[0002] In traditional refrigerators, there is no provision for dispensing carbonated water in addition to still water.

[0003] The present invention relates to a refrigerator configured to dispense both carbonated water and still water.

[0004] Another embodiment of the present invention concerns a refrigerator that enables a given quantity of water to be carbonated in situ, i.e. within the door.

[0005] Furthermore, an additional embodiment of the present invention includes a refrigerator of the indicated type in which the water can be carbonated by technical processes and expedients which are simple and hence economical even though reliable.

[0006] These embodiments, in addition to others that will be apparent from the ensuing detailed description, are realized by a refrigerator according to the technical teachings of the accompanying claims.

[0009] FIG. 1 depicts a refrigerator door 1, shown partially in vertical section. In the door there is provided a conventional compartment 2 open towards the outside and usable by the user to fill any container, for example a glass, with ice via a conventional dispenser for that purpose, or with cooled water which, according to the invention can be carbonated or still.

[0010] The water is dispensed via a nozzle 4 intercepted by a valve 5 conventionally operated by the user who for this purpose acts on a dispensing handgrip operationally connected to the valve.

[0011] The nozzle 4, valve 5 and handgrip 6 form a dispenser and are situated at the lower end of a water container, of given capacity, 7 mounted in a tubular seat 8, which extends into the compartment 2 and forms part of the lining of this compartment 2.

[0012] A chamber 10 of the compartment 2 (compartment to which access can be gained from the outside or from the inside of the door and which is closed by a shutter, not shown) removably houses a CO₂ cylinder, indicated by 11 and connectable to the container 7 to carbonate the water quantity contained therein, as described hereinafter with particular reference to FIG. 2.

[0013] This latter figure shows a more detailed construction of that already described. In FIG. 2 equal or corresponding parts carry the same reference numerals as already used.

[0014] The CO₂ cylinder is screwed or tightly pressed into a port 20 forming part of a support piece 21 fixed to the roof 22 of the compartment 2. The cylinder 11 is closed by a seal 23 that is perforated by a needle valve 24 mounted in the support piece 21 and located at the entry to a conduit 25 that extends into the support piece 21 and to which a solenoid valve 26 is connected via a pipe 27. The exit of the solenoid valve 21 is connected via a pipe 28 to an inlet port 29 present in a cover 30 fixed in any known manner to the support piece 21.

[0015] The cover 30 forms the seal for the water container 7 (which defines the carbonation environment) that, in this example, is integral with the support piece 21. The cover presents a nozzle 31 that passes through the cover, and at one end is connected to a conduit 32 for feeding water, for example tap water. At its other end the nozzle 31 is provided with a controlled valve 32A. A pressure gauge 33 can also be connected to the cover. The cover 30 also carries: a conventional level sensor 34 which extends into the container 7, and a safety (overpressure) valve 35 which acts on an electrical microswitch controlling a carbonated water indicator lamp (not visible) indicating that carbonation has taken place. Although not shown, there is also provided a pushbutton, which by operating (in the sense of opening) the solenoid valve 26 connects the container 7 filled with water to the cylinder 11 for carbonating this water.

[0016] Initially the container is empty. The level sensor 34 senses this situation and causes water to enter the container through the electrically operated valve 32A or alternatively through a solenoid valve, not shown, positioned in the conduit 32. The cooled still water is hence fed into the container 7. When a predetermined water level is reached, the level sensor 34 halts the feed of water (by acting on the valve 32A or on the alternative valve) and lights an indicator lamp that warns the user that the desired water level has been attained. The still water can however be withdrawn continuously even if the desired level has not been reached and the relative indicator lamp is not lit. Withdrawal is achieved in conventional manner by acting on the nozzle 4, valve 5 and handgrip 6.

[0017] When the level indicator lamp is lit, the user can, if desired, initiate the carbonation phase by pressing a pushbutton (not shown) which activates the solenoid valve 26, enabling the CO₂ to flow from the cylinder 11 to the container 7 and to carbonate the water contained therein.

[0018] As already stated, the container 7 presents a safety and overpressure valve 35 provided with a electrical switch which when the required pressure has been attained in the container 7 closes the solenoid valve 26 and lights the indicator lamp to advise the user that the now carbonated water is ready to be drawn off.

[0019] In the case of operating anomalies, for example overpressure, the safety valve 35 opens to discharge the excess CO₂ into the atmosphere and at the same time closes the solenoid valve 26 to prevent the danger of explosion of the container 7.

[0020] The following advantages derive from the invention: the user no longer has to physically purchase large quantities of still or carbonated water, transport it and then store it in the home; this signifies a saving of time and fatigue; in addition empty bottles do not have to be retained for their recycling, there is less refuse and from an economical viewpoint there is a saving in the cost of the water, in addition to having it always available when required by the user.

[0021] The reference numeral 50 indicates a pressure sensor (pressure switch) that measures the pressure of the cylinder 11 and acts on an indicator lamp (not shown) to warn the user that the cylinder is empty.