DISPENSER STRUCTURE FOR A REFRIGERATOR, APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN OPERATION THEREOF

A dispenser structure for a refrigerator comprising a main body of the dispenser, an ice guide coupled at the tip of an ice discharge port disposed at the main body of the dispenser, an ice discharge lever configured to operate the activator of the ice discharge at the ice discharge port, a water discharge lever installed at the front side of the ice guide and configured to operate the activator of the water discharge, a detachable system which is inserted with a free separation into a casing formed in the main body of the dispenser and is extendable to the outside through a flexible tubing, the detachable system comprising a water discharge port formed therein, and an opening and closing member installed in the detachable system and configured to open and close for supplying water to the water discharge port.

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Description
RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on and claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2015-0084858, filed on Jun. 16, 2015 for inventor Dong Sun Kim. The disclosure of this application is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments according to the present invention relate to a dispenser for a refrigerator, and more particularly to a dispenser structure for a refrigerator, and an apparatus and a method for controlling the operation thereof.

BACKGROUND

As is well known, a refrigerator for home use is equipped with a certain accommodating space for holding foods in a low temperature of above or below zero, which may be divided into a refrigerating compartment which keeps the interior of the accommodating space in above zero and a freezing compartment which keeps the interior of the accommodating space in below zero, according to a low temperature range.

Recently, with the increase in demand for purified water and ice in the home, the demand for a refrigerator in which a water purifier and an ice maker are integrated with each other gradually has increased. The ice maker may be installed on any one of the freezing compartment, the refrigerating compartment, or the door, depending on the design of the refrigerator.

In general, in the refrigerator comprising the water purifier and the ice maker that are integerated with each other, a dispenser is installed at the exterior of the front side portion of the door of the refrigerator for taking out water or ice. FIG. 1 shows an example of a typical dispenser structure.

FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a typical dispenser provided in a refrigerator.

Referring to FIG. 1, a main body 102 of a dispenser is provided at the exterior of the front side portion of the door of the refrigerator and includes a cavity with a shape entering into the inside of the door formed therein. In this cavity, an ice discharge port 104, an ice guide 106, a water discharge port 108, a water discharge lever 110, and an ice discharge lever 112 may be installed.

The ice discharge port 104 may be formed in one side (e.g., inside the cavity) of the main body 102 of the dispenser, and the ice guide 106 may be coupled to the tip of the ice discharge port 104, and the water discharge port 108 may be formed in the other side (e.g., outside the cavity) of the main body 102 of the dispenser. The ice discharge port 104 and the water discharge port 108 have a structure to be installed at the side of the cavity of the dispenser at a fixed type.

In one side (e.g., outward side) of the ice guide 106, the water discharge lever 110 includes a switch (not shown) on the back side thereof. By pressing the water discharge lever 110, the user may capture water being discharged to the outside through the water discharge port 108 into a vessel such as a cup.

Similarly, in one side of the inner wall surface of the cavity, the ice discharge lever 112 includes a switch (not shown) on the back side thereof. By pressing the ice discharge lever 112, the user may capture ice being discharged to the outside through the ice guide 106 into a vessel such as a cup.

However, in the case of a typical dispenser in which the water discharge port is affixed to the dispenser, there lies a problem in that if the user wants to use a vessel comprising a relatively larger size than the size (S) in the vertical direction or the size in the width direction of the cavity, or to use a vessel which cannot be accommodated in the cavity, it will be difficult to capture water in said vessel.

SUMMARY

In view of the above, embodiments of the present invention provide a dispenser structure for a refrigerator, an apparatus and a method for controlling an operation thereof, which enable the use of a vessel for capturing water regardless of the size and shape of the vessel, by applying a water discharge port for discharging water to the outside as a detachable type with free separation from the dispenser.

The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned technical scope, and other technical scope not mentioned above will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description.

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide a dispenser structure for a refrigerator, comprising a main body of the dispenser, an ice guide coupled at the tip of an ice discharge port disposed at the main body of the dispenser, an ice discharge lever configured to operate the activator of the ice discharge at the ice discharge port, a water discharge lever installed at the front side of the ice guide and configured to operate the activator of the water discharge, a detachable system which is inserted with a free separation into a casing formed in the main body of the dispenser and is extendable to the outside through a flexible tubing, the detachable system comprising a water discharge port formed therein, and an opening and closing member installed in the detachable system and configured to open and close for supplying water to the water discharge port.

The opening and closing member may include an operation button configured to operate the activator of the water discharge; and an electronic activator switch configured to open the water discharge port on the basis of a power source supplied from a battery built in the detachable system when the operation button is turned on.

The opening and closing member may include an operation button configured to operate the activator of the water discharge, and an electronic activator switch configured to open the water discharge port on the basis of a power source supplied through an electric signal line connected to the power source of the refrigerator along the flexible tubing when the operation button is turned on.

The opening and closing member may include an operation button configured to operate the activator for water discharge, and a mechanical activator switch configured to open mechanically the water discharge port when the operation button is turned on.

The dispenser structure for a refrigerator may further include a rolling accommodating space formed in the main body of the dispenser and configured to accommodate the flexible tubing by winding.

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure also provide an apparatus for controlling an operation of a dispenser for a refrigerator, comprising a main body of the dispenser, an ice guide coupled at the tip of an ice discharge port disposed at the main body of the dispenser, an ice discharge lever configured to operate the activator of the ice discharge at the ice discharge port, a water discharge lever installed at the front side of the ice guide and configured to operate the activator of the water discharge, a detachable system which is inserted with a free separation into a casing formed in the main body of the dispenser and is extendable to the outside through a flexible tubing, the detachable system comprising a water discharge port formed therein; an opening and closing member installed in the detachable system and configured to open and close for supplying water to the water discharge port; an operation button mounted on the detachable system and configured to operate the activator of the water discharge, and a control unit configured to control an opening of the ice discharge port according to an operation signal for the ice discharge, control an opening of the water discharge port according to an operation signal from the water discharge lever when the detachable system is in the state that is inserted into the casing, and control an opening of the water discharge port according to the operation signal from an operation button when the detachable system is separated from the casing.

The dispenser structure for a refrigerator may further include a sensing unit configured to sense whether the detachable system is inserted into the casing and transmits the sensing signal to the control unit.

The detachable system may include an electronic activator switch configured to open the water discharge port on the basis of the power source supplied from a battery built in the detachable system when an opening command is transmitted from the control unit.

The detachable system may include an electronic activator switch configured to open the water discharge port on the basis of a power source supplied through an electric signal line connected to the power source of the refrigerator along the flexible tubing when an opening command is transmitted from the control unit.

Further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for controlling an operation of a dispenser for a refrigerator, comprising monitoring whether an operation signal for the ice discharge or the water discharge is generated; when an operation signal for the ice discharge is generated, discharging ice by opening an ice discharge port of a main body of the dispenser; when an operation signal for the water discharge is generated, checking whether a detachable system comprising a built-in water discharge port is inserted into a casing of the main body of the dispenser, wherein the detachable system is extendable by a predetermined length from the main body of the dispenser to the outside while maintaining a physical connection through a flexible tubing; when a first condition indicating that the detachable system is inserted into the casing, an operation signal for the water discharge is generated from a water discharge lever of the main body of the dispenser is satisfied, discharging water by opening the water discharge port of the detachable system; when a second condition indicating that the detachable system is separated from the casing, an operation signal for the water discharge is generated from an operation button mounted on the detachable system is satisfied, discharging water by opening the water discharge port of the detachable system; and when the first condition and the second condition are not satisfied, maintaining the water discharge port of the detachable system in the closed state.

According to embodiments of the present invention, by applying a water discharge port for discharging water as a detachable type with free separation from the dispenser, it is possible to effectively solve the problem that a vessel cannot be used for receiving water because of a limitation in the height or width of the dispenser.

Further, it is possible to easily receive water from the water discharge port of the dispenser in a vessel the structure of which cannot be accommodated in the cavity of the dispenser.

Moreover, it is possible to easily provide water from the water discharge port of the dispenser to a certain object which is located at a remote location away from the dispenser.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a typical dispenser provided in a refrigerator.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a dispenser structure for a refrigerator, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a partially cut-away structural view showing a rolling accommodating space in which a flexible tubing is accommodated by winding, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a partially cut-away structural view showing a detachable system inserted into a casing of a dispenser, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a detachable system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a circuit device to operate a dispenser structure for a refrigerator, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram showing main procedures for controlling the operation of a dispenser for a refrigerator, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The advantages and features of exemplary embodiments according to the present invention and methods of accomplishing them will be clearly understood from the following description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to those embodiments and may be implemented in various forms. It should be noted that the embodiments are provided to make a full disclosure and also to allow those skilled in the art to know the full scope of the present invention. Therefore, embodiments are to be defined only by the scope of the appended claims.

In the following description, well-known functions or constructions will not be described in detail if doing so would unnecessarily obscure the features of the present invention. Further, the terms to be described below are defined in consideration of their functions in the embodiments of the present invention and may vary depending on a user's or operator's intention or practice. Accordingly, the definition may be made on a basis of the content throughout the disclosure.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an exemplary dispenser structure for a refrigerator, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a partially cut-away structural view showing a rolling accommodating space in which a flexible tubing is accommodated by winding, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a partially cut-away structural view showing a state that a detachable system is inserted into a casing of a dispenser, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, installed at the exterior of the front side portion of the door of the refrigerator (not shown) is a dispenser which is configured to discharge water or ice contained in a water purifier and an ice maker provided in the refrigerator to the outside when the door of the refrigerator is closed. In a main body 202 of the dispenser, a cavity with a shape entering into the inner side of the door is formed. In the cavity, an ice guide 204, an ice discharge lever 206, a casing 208, a detachable system 212, and a water discharge lever 214 may be installed. In this configuration, an ice maker may, for example, be disposed inside the door of the refrigerator.

The ice guide 204 which is formed at one side of the main body 202 of the dispenser may be attached as a structure extending by a predetermined length from the tip of an ice discharge port (not shown) which is opened and closed for discharging ice to the outside.

The ice discharge lever 206 is disposed at one side of an inner wall of the dispenser forming the cavity and functions as a press switch for operating the activator of the ice discharge. Disposed at the back side of the ice discharge lever 206 respectively is a switch (not shown) which generates a sensing signal of “pressing to open the ice discharge port”, when pressing of the ice discharge lever 206 is sensed. The restoring member (e.g., spring structure) restores automatically the position of the ice discharge lever 206 to the original position after pressing, e.g. when the ice discharge lever 206 is released.

The casing 208 comprising an accommodating space of a predetermined size extending in the inner direction is formed at one side of the upper front side portion of the main body 202 of the dispenser. The detachable system 212 may be inserted with a free separation into the accommodating space of the casing 208. In other words, the detachable system 212, which is extendable by a predetermined length from the main body 202 of the dispenser to the outside while maintaining a physical connection with the main body 202 of the dispenser through the flexible tubing 210, may be inserted into the accommodating space of the casing 208. In this configuration, a sensing unit (e.g., light emitting and receiving sensing unit or the like) senses whether the detachable system 212 is inserted into the casing or separated from the casing and transmits the sensing signal to a control unit 608 of FIG. 6, and may be installed in the predetermined position inside the casing 208.

As shown in FIG. 3, a rolling accommodating space 2081 is formed at one side inside the main body 202 of the dispenser, the rolling accommodating space 2081 being configured to accommodate by winding the flexible tubing 210 when the detachable system 212 is inserted into the casing 208. In the center of the rolling accommodating space 2081, a roller 2083 is installed to accommodate the detachable system 212 by winding the flexible tubing 210. Accordingly, when the detachable system 212 goes away after being separated from the casing 208, the flexible tubing 210 wound on the roller 2083 is released and unwinds. When the detachable system 212 (separated) is inserted into the casing again, the flexible tubing 210 is wound on the roller 2083 in the roller accommodating space 2081.

An operation button 2123 is mounted on one side of the detachable system 212 to operate the activator of the water discharge, and a water discharge port 2125 is disposed at the inner side of the detachable system 212. An activator switch such as an electronic activator switch (e.g., solenoid valve) or a mechanical activator switch is installed between the flexible tubing 210 and the water discharge port 2125.

As described above, and as shown in FIG. 4 as an example, the detachable system 212 may be inserted with free separation into the casing 208 formed at one side of the main body 202 of the dispenser, or may be separated from the casing 208 of the main body 202 of the dispenser depending on need.

Accordingly, the user may be able to separate the detachable system 212 from the casing 208 and pull out the flexible tubing 210 as a desired length, and then press the operation button 2123 in order to discharge water through the water discharge port 2125 to the outside. In this way, it is possible to supply water smoothly as much as desired to any vessel or object which does not correspond to the size of the cavity (due to limitations in the height direction and width direction etc.).

In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, as an example, the detachable system 212 may be configured to have a structure in which a board of substrate 506 and a battery 508 are mounted between an upper cover 502 comprising the operation button 2123 on the upper portion thereof and a lower cover 504. Reference numeral 5061 in FIG. 5 shows a PCB substrate on which circuit elements are mounted in order to operate the activator of the electronic activator switch built in the detachable system 212 on the basis of the activator signal of the water discharge port transmitted from a second opening and closing execution unit 612 of FIG. 6 (described later).

The battery 508 is mounted inside the detachable system 212. This means that an electronic on-off valve (e.g., solenoid valve, etc.) can be mounted on the detachable system 212, and also the electronic activator switch can be opened and closed by a power supply from the battery 508.

Also, when the electronic activator switch is used, the detachable system is not necessarily limited to the built-in battery type; it may be possible to design the activator operation of the electronic activator switch to be executed without the built-in battery on the basis of a power source which is supplied through an electric signal line connected to the power source of the refrigerator along the flexible tubing.

On the other hand, the detachable system 212 of the present invention may be that of a mechanical activator switch, rather than of an electronic activator switch, e.g. a mechanical activator switch which opens the water discharge port 2125 mechanically when the operation button 2123 is turned on may be used.

As a final description on FIG. 5, the water discharge lever 214 which functions as a press switch for operating the activator of the water discharge is located in the front side of the ice guide 204 which is coupled as a structure extending by a predetermined length from the tip of the ice discharge port (not shown). A switch, (not shown) generates a sensing signal of “pressing to open the water discharge port” when pressing of the water discharge lever 214 is sensed. A restoring member (e.g., spring structure) restores the position of the water discharge lever 214 to the original position prior to the pressing when the water discharge lever 214 is released, are disposed on the back side of the water discharge port 214.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram for a circuit device for operating a dispenser structure for a refrigerator, in accordance with the present invention, wherein the circuit device may include a first sensing unit 602, a second sensing unit 604, a third sensing unit 606, a control unit 608, a fourth sensing unit 610, a first opening and closing execution unit 612, and a second opening and closing execution unit 614.

The first sensing unit 602 may refer to, for example, a switch (not shown) installed on the back side of the ice discharge lever 206 as shown in FIG. 2. The first sensing unit 602 may function so that when pressing of the ice discharge lever 206 is sensed, a sensing signal to open the ice discharge port is generated and transmitted to the control unit 608. And when release of the ice discharge lever 206 is sensed, a corresponding release signal is generated and transmitted to the control unit 608.

The second sensing unit 604 may refer to, for example, a switch (not shown) installed on the back side of the water discharge lever 214 as shown in FIG. 2. The second sensing unit 604 may function so that when pressing of the water discharge lever 214 is sensed, a signal to open the water discharge port 2125 formed in the detachable system 212 and is transmitted to the control unit 608. When release of the water discharge lever 214 is sensed, a corresponding release signal is generated and transmitted to the control unit 608.

The third sensing unit 606 may refer to, for example, a sensor switch which senses the activator operation of the operation button 2123 mounted at one side of the detachable system 212 as shown in FIG. 2. The third sensing unit 606 may function so that when pressing of the operation button 2123 is sensed, a signal to open the water discharge port 2125 formed in the detachable system 212 is generated and transmitted to the control unit 608. When release of the operation button 2123 is sensed, a corresponding release signal is generated and transmitted to the control unit 608.

The control unit 608 may refer to, for example, a microprocessor executing an overall control of operations for the refrigerator. The control unit 608 may function so that when a sensing signal of pressing is received from the first sensing unit 602, a command to open the ice discharge port is generated and transmitted to the first opening and closing execution unit 612. When a release signal is received from the first sensing unit 602, a command to close the ice discharge port is generated and transmitted to the first opening and closing execution unit 612.

Further, in case where the detachable system 212 is inserted into the casing 208, the control unit 608 may function to take only the operation signal transmitted from the water discharge lever 214 as valid, a command to open the water discharge port 2125 installed in the detachable system 212 is generated and transmitted to the second opening and closing execution unit 614. When a release signal is received from the second sensing unit 604, a command to close the water discharge port 2125 is generated and transmitted to the second opening and closing execution unit 614.

Similarly, when the detachable system 212 is detached from the casing 208, the control unit 608 may function to take only the operation signal transmitted from the operation button 2123 as a valid signal, a command to open the water discharge port 2125 installed in the detachable system 212 is generated and transmitted to the second opening and closing execution unit 614. When a release signal is received from the third sensing unit 606, a command to close the water discharge port 2125 is generated and transmitted to the second opening and closing execution unit 614.

Accordingly, when the detachable system 212 is inserted in the casing 208, only the water discharge lever 214 functions as a press switch for discharging water. And when the detachable system 212 is separated from the casing 208, only the operation button 2123 functions as a press switch for discharging water.

To this end, the operation control embodiment in accordance with the present invention may include the fourth sensing unit 610 which senses whether the detachable system 212 is inserted into the casing 206 of the main body 202 of the dispenser and whether it is transmitting the sensing signal to the control unit 608. The fourth sensing unit 610 may refer to, for example, a light emitting and receiving sensing unit which is installed at a predetermined location inside the casing 208.

The first opening and closing execution unit 612, which may include e.g. a component such as a driving circuit for driving like, for example, a solenoid valve, may function to open the ice discharge port when the opening command is transmitted from the control unit 608, and close the ice discharge port when the closing command is transmitted from the control unit 608.

The second opening and closing execution unit 614, which may include e.g. a component such as a driving circuit for driving like, for example, a solenoid valve may function to open the water discharge port formed in the detachable system 212 when the opening command is transmitted from the control unit 608, and close the water discharge port when the closing command is transmitted from the control unit 608.

Hereinafter, a process for controlling an operation of the dispenser will be described in detail with reference to the dispenser structure and the apparatus of operation control for a refrigerator comprising the configuration as described above, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram showing exemplary procedures for controlling an operation of a dispenser for a refrigerator, in accordance with the invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, at operation 702, the control unit 608 assesses whether an operation signal is from the ice discharge lever 206 or from either the water discharge lever 214 or the operation button 2123.

To this end, when pressing of the ice discharge lever 206 is sensed, a signal to open the ice discharge port is generated by the switch provided at the back side of the ice discharge lever 206 and transmitted to the control unit 608; when pressing of the water discharge lever 214 is sensed, a signal to open the water discharge port is generated by the switch provided at the back side of the water discharge lever 214 and transmitted to the control unit 608; and when pressing of the operation button 2123 mounted on one side of the detachable system 212 is sensed, a signal to open the water discharge port is generated by the relevant sensing unit and transmitted to the control unit 608.

If it is determined that the received signal is from the ice discharge lever 206, at operation 704, the control unit 608 generates a command to discharge ice and transmits it to the first opening and closing execution unit 612. Consequently, the ice discharge port is opened according to the opening functionality at the first opening and closing execution unit 612, and ice is discharged to the outside, at operation 708.

At that time, at operation 710, the control unit 608 checks whether a sensing signal of releasing of the ice discharge lever 206 is received from the switch installed at the back side of the ice discharge lever 206. When the sensing signal of releasing is confirmed, the control unit 608 generates a closing command to stop discharging ice and transmits this command to the first opening and closing execution unit 612. Consequently, the ice discharge port is closed according to the closing functionality at the first opening and closing execution unit 612, and ice is no longer discharged to the outside, and the position of the ice discharge lever 206 is restored automatically to the original position at operation 712. In other words, the ice discharge port is opened to allow ice to be discharged to the outside, only while the ice discharge lever 206 is pressed.

As a result of the check at operation 706, if it is determined that the operation signal for the water discharge is sensed, the control unit 608 checks whether the detachable system 212 is inserted in the casing 208 or separated from the casing 208, at operation 714. Checking the state of the detachable system 212 may be executed by the sensing signal from the fourth sensing unit 610.

Next, the control unit 608 checks whether the first condition that the operation signal for the water discharge is generated from the water discharge lever 214 installed at one side of the main body 202 of the dispenser in the state that the detachable system 212 is inserted into the casing 208 of the main body 202 of the dispenser is satisfied, at operation 716, and also checks whether the second condition that the operation signal for the water discharge is generated from the operation button 2123 mounted at one side of the detachable system 212 in the state that the detachable system 212 is separated from the casing 208 of the main body 202 of the dispenser is satisfied, at operation 718,

When the first condition or the second condition is satisfied, the control unit 608 generates a command to discharge water and transmits it to the second opening and closing execution unit 614. Consequently, the water discharge port 2125 installed in the detachable system 212 is opened according to the opening functionality at the second opening and closing execution unit 614, and water is allowed to be discharged to the outside, at operation 720.

At that time, the control unit 608 checks whether a release of the water discharge lever 214 or the operation button 2123 is sensed, at operation 722. As a result of this check, when the release of the water discharge lever 214 or the operation button 2123 is sensed, the control unit 608 generates a command to stop discharging water and transmits it to the second opening and closing execution unit 614. Consequently, the water discharge port 2125 is closed according to the closing functionality at the second opening and closing execution unit 614, and water is no longer discharged, at operation 724. In other words, the water discharge port 2125 is opened to allow water to be discharged to the outside only while the water discharge lever 214 or the operation button 2123 is pressed.

In the case where any one of the first condition and the second condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to operation 726. In this operation, the control unit 608 will maintain the closed position of the water discharge port 2125.

The description as set forth above describe exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the essential characteristics of the embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are not used to limit the technical idea of the present invention, but to explain the present invention, and the scope of the technical idea of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be construed as defined in the following claims, and changes, modifications and equivalents that fall within the technical idea of the present invention are intended to be embraced by the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A dispenser structure for a refrigerator, the structure comprising:

a main body;
an ice guide coupled at a tip of an ice discharge port disposed at the main body;
an ice discharge lever configured to operate an ice activator at the ice discharge port;
a water discharge lever installed at a front side of the ice guide and configured to operate the water's activator;
a detachable system inserted with free separation into a casing formed in the main body and extendable to the outside through a flexible tubing, the detachable system comprising a water discharge port formed therein; and
an opening and closing member installed in the detachable system and configured to open and close for supplying water to the water discharge port.

2. The dispenser structure of claim 1, wherein the opening and closing member comprises:

an operation button configured to operate the water activator; and
an electronic activator switch configured to open the water discharge port on the basis of a power source supplied from a battery built in the detachable system when the operation button is engaged.

3. The dispenser structure of claim 1, wherein the opening and closing member comprises:

an operation button configured to operate the water activator; and
an electronic activator switch configured to open the water discharge port on the basis of a power source supplied through an electric signal line coupled to a power source of the refrigerator along the flexible tubing when the operation button is engaged.

4. The dispenser structure of claim 1, wherein the opening and closing member comprises:

an operation button configured to operate the water activator; and
a mechanical activator switch configured to open mechanically the water discharge port when the operation button is engaged.

5. The dispenser structure of claim 1, further comprising:

a rolling accommodating space formed in the main body and configured to accommodate the flexible tubing by winding.

6. An apparatus for controlling an operation of a dispenser for a refrigerator, the apparatus comprising:

a main body;
an ice guide coupled at a tip of an ice discharge port disposed at the main body;
an ice discharge lever configured to operate an ice activator at the ice discharge port;
a water discharge lever installed at the front side of the ice guide and configured to operate a water activator;
a detachable system inserted with free separation into a casing formed in the main body and extendable to the outside through a flexible tubing, the detachable system comprising a water discharge port formed therein;
an opening and closing member installed in the detachable system and configured to open and close to supply water to the water discharge port;
an operation button mounted on the detachable system and configured to operate the water activator; and
a control unit configured to: control an opening of ice discharge port according to an operation signal for the ice discharge; control an opening of the water discharge port according to an operation signal from the water discharge lever when the detachable system is inserted into the casing; and control an opening of the water discharge port according to an operation signal from an operation button when the detachable system is separated from the casing.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising:

a sensing unit configured to sense whether the detachable system is inserted into the casing and to transmit the sensing signal to the control unit.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the detachable system comprises an electronic activator switch configured to open the water discharge port on the basis of a power source supplied from a battery built in the detachable system when an opening command is transmitted from the control unit.

9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the detachable system comprises an electronic activator switch configured to open the water discharge port on the basis of a power source supplied through an electric signal line connected to the power source of the refrigerator along the flexible tubing when an opening command is transmitted from the control unit.

10. A method for controlling an operation of a dispenser for a refrigerator, the method comprising:

monitoring whether an operation signal for ice discharge or water discharge is generated;
responsive to an operation signal for the ice discharge, discharging ice by opening an ice discharge port of a main body of the dispenser;
responsive to an operation signal for the water discharge, checking whether a detachable system comprising a built-in water discharge port is inserted into a casing of the main body, wherein the detachable system is extendable by a predetermined length from the main body to the outside while maintaining a physical connection through a flexible tubing;
responsive to a first condition that the detachable system is inserted into the casing, generating an operation signal for the water discharge based on a water discharge lever of the main body and discharging water by opening the water discharge port of the detachable system;
responsive to a second condition that the detachable system is separated from the casing, generating an operation signal for the water discharge from an operation button mounted on the detachable system and discharging water by opening the water discharge port of the detachable system; and
when the first condition and the second condition are not satisfied, maintaining the water discharge port of the detachable system in the closed state.
Patent History
Publication number: 20160370100
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 28, 2015
Publication Date: Dec 22, 2016
Inventor: Dong Sun KIM (Seoul)
Application Number: 14/838,970
Classifications
International Classification: F25D 23/02 (20060101); F25D 23/12 (20060101); F25C 5/00 (20060101);