CN214141644U

CN214141644U - Expansion box for water purifier and water purifier comprising same

Info

Publication number: CN214141644U
Application number: CN202023213716.XU
Authority: CN
Inventors: 宋珖锡; 李东俊; 金度润; 金东旻; 金钟和
Original assignee: Yuanfeng Co ltd
Current assignee: Yuanfeng Co ltd
Priority date: 2020-11-30
Filing date: 2020-12-28
Publication date: 2021-09-07
Anticipated expiration: 2030-12-28
Also published as: KR20220075561A; KR102438606B1

Abstract

The utility model provides an extension case reaches water purifier including it for water purifier, the utility model discloses an extension case for water purifier includes: a case having a chamber filled with air therein and having a lower portion opened; and a lower cover which is provided with a cover main body which is combined with the lower end of the box body in a mode of covering the opened lower part of the box body, an inlet and an outlet which are formed on the cover main body in a mode of being connected with the chamber for the inlet and the outlet of the cold water, and a connecting flow path which is connected with the inlet and the outlet and extends from the inner side to the outer side of the cover main body, wherein the connecting flow path is connected with the inner space of the cold water tank through a connecting pipeline which is connected with the cold water tank for the flowing of the cold water, so that the cold water of the cold water tank compresses the air of the chamber and flows into the chamber when the inner pressure of the cold water tank is higher than the pressure of the chamber, and the inner space of the chamber and the inner space of the cold water tank can be in a pressure balance state.

Description

Expansion box for water purifier and water purifier comprising same

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an expansion tank for a water purifier, and more particularly, to an expansion tank for a water purifier, which can prevent excessive pressure increase of a cold water tank due to freezing in the cold water tank, and a water purifier including the same.

Background

A water purifier is a mechanism for removing impurities by physically and chemically filtering water, and is configured to receive water from the outside, purify the water through a water purification filter, and discharge the purified water so that a user can drink the water. According to the form, the water purifier can be classified into a direct connection type directly connected to a water pipe and a storage type in which water is filled in a container and passed through a filter. Currently, most water purifiers are provided with a device capable of heating or cooling water separately inside so that cold water and hot water can be supplied.

In general, a water purifier is connected to a water purification filter by a water supply unit provided with a water supply valve for controlling supply of raw water. The water purification filter performs a filtering process of removing components harmful to the human body including floating matters mixed in raw water, removing odor, and sterilizing bacteria causing water-borne diseases. As the water purification filter, a sediment filter, a pre-activated carbon filter, a hollow fiber membrane filter, a reverse osmosis filter, a post-activated carbon filter, and the like are mainly used. The purified water passing through the water purifying filter is supplied to the purified water tank through a connection pipe and distributed to the cold water tank and the hot water tank in the purified water tank. The cold water tank and the hot water tank are respectively connected with the water taking cock through water taking pipes. Purified water is always stored in the purified water tank, and when cold water or hot water is discharged through the water intake cock, purified water is additionally supplied from the purified water tank to the cold water tank or the hot water tank.

In addition, there is a water purifier in which the cold water tank also serves as a water purification tank. In such a water purifier, the purified water having passed through the water purifying filter flows into the cold water tank through the connection pipe, and is supplied from the cold water tank to the hot water tank. The cold water tank and the hot water tank are respectively connected with the water taking cock through water taking pipes. Such a water purifier is maintained in a state where purified water is always stored in the cold water tank by the cold water tank also functioning as a storage tank. Therefore, when the cold water or the hot water is discharged through the water intake cock, the hot water tank is replenished with clean water from the cold water tank, and at the same time, the cold water tank is replenished with water from the connection pipe.

In addition, there is also a direct-drinking type hot and cold water purifier which discharges water directly without a storage tank for storing water. In such a direct-drinking type cold and hot water purifier, the purified water passing through the water purifying filter can be discharged directly through the water intake cock. Hot water may be heated to an appropriate temperature by an instant heater (instant heater) that instantaneously heats water and then discharged through the water take-out cock, and cold water may be discharged through the water take-out cock via the cold water tank.

The cold water stored in the cold water tank is cooled by the cooling device and maintained in a cold state. The cooling device is generally configured such that a refrigerant pipe connected to the compressor surrounds the cold water tank. The purified water flowing into the cold water tank does not directly discharge water but stays in the cold water tank and then is discharged from the cold water tank, so that the phenomenon that cold water freezes frequently occurs in the cold water tank.

However, when cold water freezes inside the cold water tank, a problem occurs in that the internal pressure of the cold water tank rises. In this case, the cold water tank or a connection portion of the cold water tank and other parts may be damaged, and thus a method for preventing a pressure of the cold water tank from rising is required.

Conventionally, when the pressure of the cold water tank rises, a valve connected to the cold water tank is automatically opened to discharge cold water to a drain tray.

However, in such a conventional method, there is an inconvenience that the user needs to empty the tray at any time because water is accumulated in the tray. In addition, when the valve is not operated normally, there occurs a problem that the parts are damaged due to the pressure rise of the cold water tank.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: granted patent publication No. 1355946 (2014.02.12).

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an expansion tank for a water purifier and a water purifier including the same, which can temporarily hold cold water of a cold water tank when the internal pressure of the cold water tank rises, thereby preventing the pressure of the cold water tank from excessively rising.

The above-mentioned utility model can be realized through following technical scheme.

In order to solve the above-described object, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an expansion tank for a water purifier which is provided in a water purifier so as to be able to contain cold water discharged from a cold water tank of the water purifier in order to prevent an increase in internal pressure of the cold water tank, the expansion tank for a water purifier including: a case having a chamber filled with air therein and having a lower portion opened; and a lower cover which is provided with a cover main body which is combined with the lower end of the box body in a mode of covering the opened lower part of the box body, an inlet and an outlet which are formed on the cover main body in a mode of being connected with the chamber for the inlet and the outlet of the cold water, and a connecting flow path which is connected with the inlet and the outlet and extends from the inner side to the outer side of the cover main body, wherein the connecting flow path is connected with the inner space of the cold water tank through a connecting pipeline which is connected with the cold water tank for the flowing of the cold water, so that the cold water of the cold water tank compresses the air of the chamber and flows into the chamber when the inner pressure of the cold water tank is higher than the pressure of the chamber, and the inner space of the chamber and the inner space of the cold water tank can be in a pressure balance state.

Wherein the lower end of the case is provided with a lower edge having a circular ring shape in a protruding manner with a reduced width and thickness, the inner bottom surface of the lower cover is provided with a circular ring-shaped mounting groove into which the lower edge is inserted, the case and the lower cover are combined in such a manner that the lower cover partially surrounds the case, the lower edge is welded to the inner bottom surface of the lower cover, and the inner surface of the lower cover is pressed against the outer surface of the case.

The expansion box for water purifier includes: and a filter unit coupled to the lower cover so as to cover the inlet and the outlet in order to filter cold water flowing from the chamber to the cold water tank.

Wherein the inlet and outlet is provided in an inner bottom surface of the cover main body, the lower cover includes a cover boss protruding from the inner bottom surface of the cover main body in a manner of surrounding a periphery of the inlet and outlet, and the filter unit includes: a support body which is press-fitted and coupled to the cover boss and has an upper portion opened; and a filter coupled to the support so as to cover the opened upper portion of the support.

Wherein an upper portion of the case is openable and closable by an upper cover detachably coupled to an upper end of the case, and the filter unit is connected to the upper cover by a connection rod extending downward from a central portion of the upper cover.

Wherein a filter mounting groove having a shape in which a width is gradually reduced toward the inlet/outlet side is provided in an inner bottom surface of the cover main body, the filter unit includes a support body having a shape in which a width is gradually reduced from an upper side toward a lower side so as to be inserted into the filter mounting groove, the support body being coupled to the filter unit, a lower portion of the support body being open, and an opening covered with the filter being provided in an upper surface of the support body.

Wherein, the inner surface of the box body is provided with an antibacterial coating.

According to the utility model discloses an on the other hand provides a water purifier, include: a water purifier body provided with a water intake cock on one side thereof for discharging cold water; a cold water tank which stores cold water and is provided in the water purifier body so as to be connected to the water intake cock; an expansion tank provided in the water purifier body so as to be able to receive cold water discharged from the cold water tank in order to prevent an increase in internal pressure of the cold water tank; and a connection pipe connecting the cold water tank and the expansion tank, the expansion tank including: a case having a chamber filled with air therein and having a lower portion opened; and a lower cover including a cover main body coupled to a lower end of the tank so as to cover an opened lower portion of the tank, an inlet/outlet formed in the cover main body so as to be connected to the chamber for the entry and exit of the cold water, and a connection flow path provided in the cover main body so as to connect the connection pipe and the inlet/outlet, wherein the cold water of the cold water tank compresses air in the chamber and flows into the chamber when an internal pressure of the cold water tank becomes higher than a pressure of the chamber, and the cold water of the chamber flows into the cold water tank when the internal pressure of the cold water tank becomes lower than the pressure of the chamber, so that an internal space between the chamber and the cold water tank is maintained in a pressure balanced state.

Wherein a connection portion of the cold water tank and the connection pipe is located at a position higher than a full water level of cold water in the cold water tank.

The utility model has the following effects.

The utility model discloses an expansion tank is formed by simple structure, therefore can connect in the cold water storage cistern simply to, when the cold water of storage in the cold water storage cistern freezes and causes the pressure of the inside cold water storage cistern to rise, can hold cold water storage cistern cold water, prevent from this that the pressure of cold water storage cistern from excessively rising, and when the pressure of the inside cold water storage cistern declined normal level, can make cold water flow into the cold water storage cistern again.

Furthermore, in the water purifier of the present invention, when the pressure inside the cold water tank is increased due to freezing of the cold water stored in the cold water tank, a part of the cold water stored in the cold water tank flows to the expansion tank to be temporarily stored in the expansion tank, thereby preventing the pressure of the cold water tank from excessively increasing, and solving the problem that the connection portion between the cold water tank or the cold water tank and the other connection parts is damaged due to the excessive increase in the pressure of the cold water tank.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a side view showing a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 and 3 are perspective views showing an expansion tank for a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is an exploded cross-sectional view of an expansion tank for a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view showing an expansion tank for a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a plan view showing a lower cover of an expansion tank for a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a plan view showing an appearance that a filter unit is combined to a lower cover of an expansion tank for a water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a sectional view showing an extension box for a water purifier according to another embodiment of the present invention in an exploded manner.

Fig. 9 is a sectional view showing an expansion tank for a water purifier according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 10 is a plan view illustrating a filter unit of an expansion tank for a water purifier according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Reference numerals

100: water purifier, 110: water purifier body, 115: cold water tank, 120: water intake cock, 125: water supply valve, 130, 160: expansion box, 131, 161: case, 132, 162: chamber, 136: antimicrobial coating, 138, 167: lower cover, 139, 168: cover body, 142, 170: entrance, 143, 171: connection flow path, 145, 173: connecting pipe, 147, 175: filter setting portion, 148: cover boss, 150, 184: filter unit, 151, 185: support, 154, 189: a filter, 155: connecting pipe, 176: filter mounting groove, 180: upper cover, 191: a connecting rod.

Detailed Description

The expansion tank for a water purifier and the water purifier including the same according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As shown in the drawings, a water purifier 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a water purifier body 110, a cold water tank 115 provided inside the water purifier body 110 to store cold water, and an expansion tank 130 provided inside the water purifier body 110 to maintain a pressure balanced state with the cold water tank 115. In the water purifier 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the expansion tank 130 is connected to the cold water tank 115 through the connection pipe 155, so that the expansion tank 130 can receive cold water of the cold water tank 115 when the internal pressure of the cold water tank 115 is increased. This prevents the pressure of the cold water tank 115 from rising excessively, and prevents the cold water tank 115 or a connection portion between the cold water tank 115 and another component from being damaged.

Water purifier body 110 forms the external appearance of water purifier 100, and accommodates components such as cold water tank 115, expansion tank 130, and a cooling device (not shown) that cools cold water tank 115. A water intake cock 120 connected to the cold water tank 115 so as to be able to discharge cold water is provided on one side of the water purifier body 110.

The cold water tank 115 may store cold water and is connected to the water intake cock 120 to discharge the stored cold water through the water intake cock 120. In addition, the cold water tank 115 may be connected with the water supply valve 125 to receive water from the outside through the water supply valve 125. When cold water is discharged from the cold water tank 115, water is supplied to the cold water tank 115 through the water supply valve 125, and the water level inside the cold water tank 115 can be maintained at a predetermined level or higher. The water stored in the cold water tank 115 is cooled by the cooling device to be cold water having a predetermined temperature or lower.

The water purifier 100 may be operated such that the level of the cold water stored in the cold water tank 115 is maintained at a predetermined height. That is, the water supply valve 125 that supplies water to the cold water tank 115 is controlled to fill cold water to a level of the full water level H preset in the cold water tank 115. When the internal pressure of the cold water tank 115 rises due to the freezing of the inside of the cold water tank 115, a part of the cold water may be discharged to the expansion tank 130 through the connection pipe 155.

The connection pipe 155 enables cold water to fluidly connect the cold water tank 115 and the expansion tank 130. One end of the connection pipe 155 is connected to the cold water tank 115, and the other end of the connection pipe 155 is connected to the expansion tank 130. It is preferable that the connection portion 156 of the cold water tank 115 and the connection pipe 155 is located at a position higher than the full water level H of the cold water tank 115. In this manner, when the connection pipe 155 is connected to a position in the cold water tank 115 higher than the full water level H of the cold water tank 115, cold water can be filled to the full water level H of the inside of the cold water tank 115 to be stored. In addition, the cold water may be discharged to the expansion tank 130 through the connection pipe 155 only when the pressure inside the cold water tank 115 is increased due to the occurrence of ice formation inside the cold water tank 115.

Referring to fig. 2 to 7, the expansion tank 130 includes a tank 131 having a chamber 132 capable of accommodating cold water therein, a lower cover 138 coupled to a lower end of the tank 131, and a filter unit 150 disposed on the lower cover 138.

The case 131 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a lower portion opened. The lower end of the case 131 has a lower edge 133 having a shape with a reduced width and thickness. The lower edge 133 is formed in a circular ring shape whose thickness gradually decreases from the upper side toward the lower side. A plurality of body grooves 134 are provided on the upper surface of the case 131. The plurality of body grooves 134 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction around the center of the case 131. In the process of assembling case 131 and lower cover 138, a jig or tool coupled to case 131 is partially inserted into body groove 134, so that a stable coupled state with case 131 can be maintained. On the inner surface of the case 131, an antibacterial coating 136 is provided. The antimicrobial coating 136 prevents bacteria or microorganisms from multiplying inside the expansion tank 130. The antibacterial coating 136 may be made of various materials having an antibacterial function.

The lower cover 138 includes a cover main body 139 coupled to a lower end of the case 131 so as to cover the opened lower portion of the case, a connection pipe 145 connected to one side of the cover main body 139 so as to be able to guide cold water to the inside of the cover main body 139, and a filter installation portion 147 provided inside the cover main body 139 so as to be able to install the filter unit 150.

Cover body 139 is formed in a cylindrical shape with an open upper portion so as to accommodate the lower end of case 131 and surround the outer periphery of case 131. Inside the cover main body 139, a mounting groove 140 is provided to be inserted into the lower edge 133 of the case 131. The cover body 139 may be coupled to the case 131 in various ways such as spin welding in a state where the lower edge 133 is inserted into the seating groove 140. That is, the case 131 and the lower cover 138 are coupled such that the lower edge 133 is welded to the inner bottom surface of the lower cover 138, and the inner surface of the lower cover 138 is pressed against the outer surface of the case 131, so that the lower cover 138 partially surrounds the case 131. Thus, the case 131 and the lower cover 138 can be strongly bonded while maintaining good airtightness.

The lid body 139 has a plurality of lid grooves 141 on its lower surface. The plurality of cover grooves 141 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction around the center of the cover main body 139. In the process of assembling the case 131 and the lower cover 138, a jig or a tool coupled to the lower cover 138 is partially inserted into the cover groove 141, so that a stable coupled state with the lower cover 138 can be maintained.

An inlet and outlet 142 connected to the chamber 132 for the inlet and outlet of cold water is provided inside the cover main body 139. The inlet and outlet 142 may be formed at the center of the inner bottom surface of the cover main body 139 so that cold water discharged from the cold water tank 115 flows into the chamber 132 or cold water of the chamber 132 is discharged to the cold water tank 115 side. The inlet and outlet 142 is connected to a connection flow path 143 formed inside the cap body 139 so as to extend from the inside toward the outer edge of the cap body 139. The connection channel 143 is connected to the connection pipe 145.

The connection pipe 145 is connected to the connection flow path 143 and protrudes outward from one side of the cover main body 139. The connection pipe 145 may be connected to the connection pipe 155 to guide cold water discharged from the cold water tank 115 to the inlet and outlet 142 side or to flow cold water discharged from the chamber 132 to the connection pipe 155. The connection pipe 145 and the connection pipe 155 may be connected by various pipe connection members.

The filter installation portion 147 includes a cover boss 148 disposed at the center of the inner bottom surface of the cover main body 139 so that the filter unit 150 can be attached. The cover boss 148 protrudes from the inner bottom surface of the cover main body 139 in such a manner as to surround the periphery of the access opening 142. Cold water flowing from the cold water tank 115 to the inlet and outlet 142 may flow into the chamber 132 through the space inside the cover boss 148. In addition, the cold water of the chamber 132 may pass through the inner space of the cover boss 148 and flow toward the inlet and outlet 142.

The filter unit 150 may be disposed at the filter installation portion 147 so as to cover the inlet and outlet 142, and may filter cold water flowing from the chamber 132 to the cold water tank 115. The filter unit 150 prevents the sediment or the like generated in the chamber 132 from flowing into the cold water tank 115. The filter unit 150 includes a support 151 coupled to the cover boss 148, and a filter 154 coupled to the support 151. The support 151 is formed in a hollow structure having an open upper and lower portion, and is press-fitted to the cover boss 148 so as to surround the cover boss 148. A supporter groove 152 is provided at one side of the supporter 151. When the support 151 is fitted to the cover boss 148, a portion protruding from the bottom surface of the cover main body 139 is inserted into the support groove 152, whereby the support 151 and the cover boss 148 can maintain a stable coupled state. The filter 154 is coupled to the support 151 so as to cover the opened upper portion of the support 151. As the filter 154, various filters capable of filtering out foreign substances, harmful substances, and the like contained in water by the water may be used.

In the water purifier 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the pressure inside the cold water tank 115 is increased due to freezing of the cold water stored in the cold water tank 115, a part of the cold water stored in the cold water tank 115 flows into the expansion tank 130 through the connection pipe 155. At this time, the cold water flowing along the connection pipe 155 passes through the connection pipe 145, the connection flow path 143, and the inlet/outlet 142 in this order, and flows into the space inside the lower cover 138. Then, the cold water flowing into the inner space of the lower cover 138 passes through the filter 154 and flows into the chamber 132. As such, the cold water flows into the chamber 132 so that the air contained in the chamber 132 is compressed, and the pressure inside the expansion tank 130 rises. The cold water contained in the cold water tank 115 flows toward the expansion tank 130 until the internal pressure of the cold water tank 115 and the internal pressure of the expansion tank 130 become the same. Thus, the inner space of the cold water tank 115 maintains a pressure equilibrium state with the chamber 132.

On the other hand, when the internal pressure of the cold water tank 115 becomes lower than the internal pressure of the expansion tank 130 due to the cold water stored in the cold water tank 115 being discharged through the intake cock 120, etc., the cold water stored in the expansion tank 130 flows toward the cold water tank 115 through the connection pipe 155. At this time, the cold water stored in the expansion tank 130 is filtered by the filter 154 and flows into the cold water tank 115. Thus, the inner space of the cold water tank 115 maintains a pressure equilibrium state with the chamber 132.

As described above, in the water purifier 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the pressure inside the cold water tank 115 is increased due to freezing of the cold water stored in the cold water tank 115, a part of the cold water stored in the cold water tank 115 is temporarily stored in the expansion tank 130 toward the expansion tank 130, thereby preventing the pressure of the cold water tank 115 from being excessively increased and solving a problem that the cold water tank 115 or a connection portion between the cold water tank 115 and another connection part is damaged due to the excessive increase in the pressure of the cold water tank 115.

In addition, since the water purifier 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention does not need to discharge water from the cold water tank to the tray as in the related art, it is possible to reduce the trouble of use caused by the drainage of the tray, and to improve the convenience of use.

On the other hand, fig. 8 is an exploded sectional view showing an expansion tank for a water purifier according to another embodiment of the present invention, fig. 9 is a sectional view showing an expansion tank for a water purifier according to another embodiment of the present invention, and fig. 10 is a plan view showing a filter unit of an expansion tank for a water purifier according to another embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the drawings, an expansion tank 160 according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a tank body 161 having a chamber 162 capable of accommodating cold water therein, a lower cover 167 coupled to a lower end of the tank body 161, an upper cover 180 coupled to an upper end of the tank body 161, and a filter unit 184 disposed on the lower cover 167.

The case 161 is formed in a cylindrical shape with the upper and lower portions opened. A lower edge 163 having a shape with a reduced width and thickness is provided at the lower end of the case 161, and an upper edge 164 having a shape with a reduced width and thickness is provided at the upper end of the case 161. The lower edge 163 is formed in a circular ring shape whose thickness gradually decreases from the upper side toward the lower side, and the upper edge 164 is formed in a circular ring shape whose thickness gradually decreases from the lower side toward the upper side. A case screw thread 165 for coupling with the upper cover 180 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the case 161 below the upper edge 164 on the upper end side of the case 161.

The lower cover 167 includes a cover main body 168 coupled to a lower end of the case 161 so as to cover the opened lower portion of the case, a connection pipe 173 connected to one side of the cover main body 168 so as to be able to draw cold water to the inside of the cover main body 168, and a filter installation portion 175 provided inside the cover main body 168 so as to be able to install the filter unit 184.

The cover main body 168 is formed in a cylindrical shape with an open upper portion so as to be able to house the lower end of the case 161 and surround the outer periphery of the case 161. Inside the cover main body 168, a mounting groove 169 is provided to be inserted into the lower edge 163 of the case 161. The cover main body 168 may be coupled to the case 161 in various manners of spin welding in a state where the lower edge 163 is inserted into the seating groove 169.

An inlet and outlet 170 connected to the chamber 162 for the inlet and outlet of cold water is provided inside the cover main body 168. The inlet and outlet 170 may be formed at the center of the cover main body 168 to allow cold water discharged from the cold water tank 115 (see fig. 1) to flow into the chamber 162 or to discharge cold water of the chamber 162 to the cold water tank 115 side. The inlet and outlet 17 is connected to a connection flow path 171 formed inside the cover main body 168 so as to extend from the inside of the cover main body 168 to the outer edge side at 0. The connection flow path 171 is connected to the connection pipe 173.

The connection pipe 173 is connected to the connection flow path 171 and protrudes outward from one side of the cover main body 168. The connection pipe 173 is connected to the connection pipe 155, and can guide cold water discharged from the cold water tank 115 toward the inlet and outlet 170, or can flow cold water discharged from the chamber 162 to the connection pipe 155.

The filter installation part 175 includes a filter installation groove 176 disposed at the center of the bottom surface of the cover main body 168 so as to be able to allow the filter unit 184. A filter mount slot 176 connects the chamber 162 and the access opening 170. The filter installation groove 176 is formed in a cylindrical shape whose width is gradually reduced from the inner bottom surface of the cover main body 168 toward the inlet and outlet 170 side. An inner inclined surface 177 inclined downward toward the doorway 170 is provided around the filter mounting groove 176.

The upper cover 180 is formed in a cylindrical shape with an open lower portion so as to be able to accommodate the upper end of the case 161 and surround the outer periphery of the case 161. Inside the upper cover 180, a receiving groove 181 is provided to be inserted into the upper edge 164 of the case 161. An upper cover screw portion 182 corresponding to the case screw portion 165 of the case 161 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the upper cover 180. The upper cover 180 is detachably coupled to the lower cover 167 so that the upper cover screw portion 182 engages with the case screw portion 165.

The filter unit 184 may be disposed at the filter installation portion 175 so as to cover the inlet and outlet 170, and filter the cold water flowing from the chamber 162 to the cold water tank 115. The filter unit 184 includes a support body 185 inserted into the filter installation groove 176, and a filter 189 coupled to the support body 185. The support body 185 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a width gradually decreasing from the upper side toward the lower side so as to be inserted into the filter installation groove 176. The lower portion of the support body 185 is opened, and a plurality of openings 186 are provided on the upper surface of the support body 185. The outer inclined surface 187 is provided around the outer periphery of the support 185 and can be brought into close contact with the inner inclined surface 177 of the lower cover 167. The filter 189 is combined with the support 185 in such a manner as to cover the plurality of openings 186.

The filter unit 184 is connected to the upper cover 180 by a connection rod 191. The connection rod 191 extends downward from the central portion of the upper cover 180, and the lower end thereof is connected to the center of the support 185. Therefore, the filter unit 184 may be coupled to the lower cover 167 when the upper cover 180 is coupled to the case 161, and may be separated from the lower cover 167 when the upper cover 180 is separated from the case 161.

When the user brings the upper cover 180 into contact with the upper end of the case body 161 and rotates, the case body screw thread portion 165 is engaged with the upper cover screw thread portion 182, so that the upper cover 180 is fixed to the case body 161. At this time, the filter unit 184 coupled to the upper cover 180 by the coupling rod 191 enters the filter mounting groove 176 of the lower cover 167, so that the outer inclined surface 187 of the filter unit 184 is compressed to the inner inclined surface 177 of the lower cover 167.

Therefore, the filter unit 184 can maintain a stable state of covering the gateway 170. Further, cold water flowing from the cold water tank 115 to the inlet and outlet 170 may flow into the chamber 162 after passing through the filter 189. The cold water in the chamber 162 may be filtered by the filter 189 and then flow to the cold water tank 115 through the inlet and outlet 170.

On the other hand, when it is necessary to clean the filter 189, the user can easily separate the filter 189 from the lower cover 167 by separating the upper cover 180 from the case 161.

The expansion tank 160 of the present embodiment facilitates the setting and disassembly of the filter unit 184, and enables the filter 189 to be separated from the case 161 for cleaning.

In the present embodiment, the shapes of the support body 185 supporting the filter 189 and the filter installation groove 176 accommodating the support body 185 may be variously changed. Further, the structure of the connection rod 191 connecting the upper cover 180 and the filter unit 184 may be variously changed.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the filter unit 184 may be detachably coupled to the upper cover 180. For example, the filter unit may be removably coupled to the connection rod. Such a filter unit can be replaced with a new one when the filtration efficiency is reduced. The connecting rod may be detachably coupled to the upper cover.

Although the present invention has been described above by way of preferred examples, the scope of the invention is not limited to the forms described and illustrated in the foregoing.

For example, although the case of the expansion box is shown as being formed in a cylindrical shape, the shapes of the case and the lower cover or the upper cover coupled to the case may be variously changed.

While the invention has been illustrated and described above with reference to the preferred embodiments for illustrating the principles of the invention, the invention is not limited to the arrangements and acts as illustrated and described. On the contrary, it is to be clearly understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An expansion tank for a water purifier, which is provided in a water purifier so as to be able to receive cold water discharged from a cold water tank provided in the water purifier in order to prevent an increase in internal pressure of the cold water tank, the expansion tank for a water purifier comprising:

a case having a chamber filled with air therein and having a lower portion opened; and

a lower cover including a cover main body coupled to a lower end of the box body so as to cover the opened lower portion of the box body, an inlet/outlet formed in the cover main body so as to be connected to the chamber for the entry and exit of cold water, and a connection flow path connected to the inlet/outlet and extending from an inner side of the cover main body to an outer side thereof,

and the connection flow path is connected to an inner space of the cold water tank through a connection pipe connected to the cold water tank for flowing cold water, so that when an internal pressure of the cold water tank becomes greater than a pressure of the chamber, the cold water of the cold water tank compresses air of the chamber and flows into the chamber, and the chamber and the inner space of the cold water tank can be in a pressure equilibrium state.

2. The expansion tank for a water purifier as recited in claim 1,

a lower end of the box body is convexly provided with a circular lower edge with a reduced width and thickness,

a circular ring-shaped placing groove inserted into the lower edge is arranged on the inner bottom surface of the lower cover,

the case and the lower cover are combined in such a manner that the lower cover partially surrounds the case, and the lower edge is welded to the inner bottom surface of the lower cover,

the inner surface of the lower cover is pressed on the outer surface of the box body.

3. The expansion tank for a water purifier as recited in claim 1, comprising:

and a filter unit coupled to the lower cover so as to cover the inlet and the outlet in order to filter cold water flowing from the chamber to the cold water tank.

4. The expansion tank for a water purifier as recited in claim 3,

the inlet and outlet are arranged on the inner bottom surface of the cover main body,

the lower cover includes a cover boss protruding from an inner bottom surface of the cover main body in a manner of surrounding a periphery of the inlet and outlet,

the filter unit includes:

a support body which is press-fitted and coupled to the cover boss and has an upper portion opened; and

and a filter coupled to the support so as to cover the opened upper portion of the support.

5. The expansion tank for a water purifier as recited in claim 3,

the upper part of the box body can be opened and closed through an upper cover which can be separately combined with the upper end of the box body,

the filter unit is connected to the upper cover by a connection rod extending downward from a central portion of the upper cover.

6. The expansion tank for a water purifier as recited in claim 5,

a filter installation groove having a shape in which a width is gradually reduced toward the inlet and outlet side is formed in an inner bottom surface of the cover main body,

the filter unit comprises a support body combined with the connecting rod and having a shape that the width gradually decreases from the upper side to the lower side in a manner of being inserted into the filter mounting groove, and a filter combined with the support body, and

the lower part of the support body is opened, and an opening covered by the filter is provided on the upper surface.

7. The expansion tank for a water purifier as recited in claim 1,

and an antibacterial coating is arranged on the inner surface of the box body.

8. A water purifier, characterized by comprising:

a water purifier body provided with a water intake cock on one side thereof for discharging cold water;

a cold water tank which stores cold water and is provided in the water purifier body so as to be connected to the water intake cock;

an expansion tank provided in the water purifier body so as to be able to receive cold water discharged from the cold water tank in order to prevent an increase in internal pressure of the cold water tank; and

a connection pipe connecting the cold water tank and the expansion tank,

the expansion box includes:

a lower cover including a cover main body coupled to a lower end of the tank body so as to cover the opened lower portion of the tank body, an inlet/outlet formed in the cover main body so as to be connected to the chamber for the entry and exit of cold water, and a connection flow path provided in the cover main body so as to connect the connection duct and the inlet/outlet,

when the internal pressure of the cold water tank becomes greater than the pressure of the chamber, the cold water of the cold water tank compresses the air of the chamber and flows into the chamber, and when the internal pressure of the cold water tank becomes lower than the pressure of the chamber, the cold water of the chamber flows into the inside of the cold water tank, so that the chamber and the internal space of the cold water tank are maintained in a pressure balanced state.

9. The water purifier according to claim 8,

the connection part of the cold water tank and the connection pipeline is positioned at a position higher than the full water level of cold water in the cold water tank.