초록 ▼

A refrigerator includes an automatic ice maker and a dispenser for dispensing water to the outside of the refrigerator. The ice maker and dispenser are supplied with water from a common reservoir by a common pump. A valve is actuated by a controller to communicate the reservoir with either the dispe

A refrigerator includes an automatic ice maker and a dispenser for dispensing water to the outside of the refrigerator. The ice maker and dispenser are supplied with water from a common reservoir by a common pump. A valve is actuated by a controller to communicate the reservoir with either the dispenser or the ice maker, but not with both simultaneously. The controller acts in response to water-needed signals from the dispenser and ice maker, but always gives precedent to the dispenser signal. If water is in the process of being supplied to the ice maker when a water-needed signal is received from the dispenser, the water supply will be temporarily diverted to the dispenser until the dispenser no longer needs water.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A refrigerator comprising:an automatic ice maker;a water dispenser for dispensing water to the outside of the refrigerator;a water reservoir tank;water supply conduits for supplying water respectively to the ice maker and the dispenser from the reservoir;a valve for selec

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A refrigerator comprising:an automatic ice maker;a water dispenser for dispensing water to the outside of the refrigerator;a water reservoir tank;water supply conduits for supplying water respectively to the ice maker and the dispenser from the reservoir;a valve for selectively connecting one of the water supply conduits with the reservoir;a pump disposed upstream of the valve for supplying water from the reservoir;a first sensor for determining when the ice maker needs water and transmitting a first water-needed signal;a second sensor for determining when the dispenser needs water, and transmitting a second water-needed signal; anda controller connected to the valve, the pump, and the first and second sensors for supplying water to the dispenser when a second water-needed signal is being received, regardless of whether a first water-needed signal is also being received, and for supplying water to the ice maker when a first water-needed signal is being received and no second water-needed signal is being received.