초록 ▼

A water filtering system for a refrigerator determines a need for a filter change by timing the period of actuation of at least one valve used to regulate the flow of filtered water to both a water dispenser and an ice maker. Based on a known flow rate, a volume of filtered water associated with the

A water filtering system for a refrigerator determines a need for a filter change by timing the period of actuation of at least one valve used to regulate the flow of filtered water to both a water dispenser and an ice maker. Based on a known flow rate, a volume of filtered water associated with the duration of valve actuation is calculated. A summing device determines an accumulated, filtered water volume. When the accumulated, filtered water volume reaches or exceeds a threshold value, an indicator is used to signal that the water filter needs to be replaced. As water filtering system of the invention is capable of being operated without a water filter in place, a switch assembly is incorporated to sense the presence of the water filter and the system only senses the valve actuation time when the filter is in place. In addition, provisions are made to reset the accumulated, filtered water volume upon replacement of the water filter.

대표청구항 ▼

1. In a refrigerator including a water dispenser and an ice maker, a system for determining and indicating a need to replace a water filter comprising:a mounting head including a water inlet connected to a fresh water supply, a water outlet, and a connection port, fluidly interposed between the wate

1. In a refrigerator including a water dispenser and an ice maker, a system for determining and indicating a need to replace a water filter comprising:a mounting head including a water inlet connected to a fresh water supply, a water outlet, and a connection port, fluidly interposed between the water inlet and the water outlet, adapted to receive a replaceable water filter, said water outlet being fluidly interconnected to each of the water dispenser and the ice maker; a water filter removably attached to the connection port of the mounting head; at least one valve, fluidly interposed between the water outlet of the mounting head and each of the water dispenser and the ice maker, which can be actuated to provide a controlled flow of filtered water to a select one of the water dispenser and the ice maker; a control unit for actuating the at least one valve in order to direct the controlled flow of filtered water to the select one of the water dispenser and the ice maker, said control unit including a timing device for measuring a duration of actuation of the at least one valve, a volume calculating device for determining a volume of filtered water associated with the duration of actuation, and a summing device for maintaining an accumulated, filtered water volume; and an indicator, linked to the control unit, for signaling when the accumulated, filtered water volume reaches a threshold value and the water filter needs to be replaced.