Patent ID: 7805956
Filing Date: 2010-10-05
Classification: F25D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An additive-storing tank assembly, comprising: a tank body having an additive-storing space defined in the tank body, wherein the additive-storing space is configured to store an additive; a plunger-holding tube provided at one side of the tank body configured to connect the additive-storing space with a water supply pipe that supplies water to a dispenser of a refrigerator; an opening and closing device comprising a fluid channel formed in a plunger that selectively connects the additive-storing space with the water supply pipe through the fluid channel so that the additive stored in the additive-storing space is dissolved in the water that flows through the water supply pipe; and a mounting bracket comprising a hollow cylinder that includes one open end, wherein the mounting bracket is configured to be connected to the water supply pipe; wherein the plunger-holding tube comprises a hollow cylinder having an outer diameter and a length corresponding to an inner diameter and a length of the mounting bracket; wherein both ends of the plunger-holding tube are open and the plunger-holding tube is inserted into the mounting bracket, so that the additive stored in the additive-storing space is dissolved in the water when the water flowing through the water supply pipe passes through the plunger-holding tube; wherein the dissolved additive-containing water is then transferred to the dispenser; wherein the mounting bracket further includes an inlet port that introduces the water from the water supply pipe and an outlet port that discharges the water to the water supply pipe; wherein the plunger-holding tube includes an inlet port and an outlet port connected with the inlet port and the outlet port of the mounting bracket, respectively; and wherein the opening and closing device comprises: