KR101648613B1 - Water purifier - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a water purifier. The water purifier according to one aspect comprises: at least one filter for purifying water; A purified water passage through which the purified water flows by the at least one filter; A water discharge pipe connected to the purified water passage for discharging water to the outside of the water purifier; And a sterilizing device installed in the water discharge pipe for sterilizing water in the water discharge pipe, wherein the sterilizing device includes a sterilizing unit installed outside the water discharge pipe and having at least one light emitting portion for irradiating ultraviolet light, And the water discharge pipe includes a light transmitting portion through which the light of the at least one light emitting portion is transmitted.

Description

Water purifier

The present specification relates to a water purifier.

Generally, a water purifier refers to a device for purifying raw water such as tap water to be suitable for drinking. The water purifier may be divided into a water purifier that stores the purified water after storing the purified water in the water tank, and a water purifier that discharges the purified water without storing the purified water.

Korean Patent No. 0465119, which is a prior art document, discloses a water purifier using a short-wave sterilizing lamp.

The water purifier is equipped with a short-wave sterilizing lamp for sterilizing light having a wavelength of ultraviolet rays. It is also disclosed that a UV LED is provided inside the outlet.

According to such a conventional water purifier, since the short-wave sterilizing lamp is manufactured by an incandescent lamp or a fluorescent lamp manufacturing method, mercury may be contained in the lamp. In this case, when the lamp breaks, toxic substances such as mercury are released together with water, which is unsafe.

In addition, since the short-wave disinfection lamp emits light in a wavelength band (300 to 600 nm) which is not sterilized in addition to an optical wavelength band (200 to 300 nm) required for sterilization, the sterilization efficiency is lowered and power consumption is increased due to unnecessary energy consumption .

In addition, when the UV LED is used together with the outlet, power consumption by the additional device is increased, and there is a complicated structure for sealing and power supply due to the installation of the UV LED inside the outlet, there is a problem.

An object of the present invention is to provide a water purifier in which effective sterilization of water can be performed with a small electric power and water leakage is prevented.

The water purifier according to one aspect comprises: at least one filter for purifying water; A purified water passage through which the purified water flows by the at least one filter; A water discharge pipe connected to the purified water passage for discharging water to the outside of the water purifier; And a sterilizing device installed in the water discharge pipe for sterilizing water in the water discharge pipe, wherein the sterilizing device includes a sterilizing unit installed outside the water discharge pipe and having at least one light emitting portion for irradiating ultraviolet light, And the water discharge pipe includes a light transmitting portion through which the light of the at least one light emitting portion is transmitted.

In the present invention, the permeable portion is a hole, and the sterilizing device further includes a sealing member for preventing leakage of water passing through the hole.

In the present invention, the sterilizing unit may further include a printed circuit board on which the at least one light emitting portion is provided, wherein the water drain pipe includes a seating groove on which the sealing member is seated, and the sealing member is seated in the seating groove The sealing member contacts the printed circuit board.

In the present invention, a plurality of light emitting units are provided on the printed circuit board, and a plurality of holes corresponding to the plurality of light emitting units are formed on the water discharge pipe, and the mounting grooves surround the plurality of holes.

In the present invention, the sterilizing unit may further include a printed circuit board on which the one or more light emitting units are installed, the sealing member may include at least one light emitting unit, one surface of which is attached to the water discharge pipe, Sided tape adhered to a substrate.

In the present invention, the printed circuit board is provided with a plurality of light-emitting portions, and the sealing member is formed with a plurality of holes through which the plurality of light-emitting portions pass.

In the present invention, the apparatus further includes a bracket coupled to the water discharge pipe to fix the position of the sterilizing unit.

In the present invention, the bracket includes a pressurizing rib for pressing the printed circuit board.

In the present invention, the bracket includes a heat dissipating hole for discharging heat of the printed circuit board.

In the present invention, the sterilizing unit further includes a printed circuit board on which the at least one light emitting portion is provided, and the sealing member covers the outside of the printed circuit board.

In the present invention, the sealing member is a urethane molding part formed by covering a urethane liquid on the outside of the printed circuit board.

In the present invention, the sterilizing unit includes a plurality of light emitting portions, and the plurality of light emitting portions are arranged in a direction parallel to the flow direction of water in the water discharge pipe.

In the present invention, the sterilizing unit includes a plurality of light emitting units, and the plurality of light emitting units are spaced apart along the circumference of the water discharge pipe.

In the present invention, a valve assembly for regulating the flow of water is provided upstream of the water discharge pipe.

In the present invention, it further includes an illumination unit for irradiating light to the water discharge pipe side.

In the present invention, it may further comprise a sterilizing button for operating the one or more light emitting units.

In the present invention, further comprising a sterilizing button for selecting a sterilization mode, and a takeout lever for operating to take out water from the water discharge pipe. When the takeout lever is operated with the sterilization mode selected by the sterilization button, The at least one light emitting portion is activated to sterilize the water in the water discharge pipe.

The present invention may further comprise at least one function button for selecting a function of the water purifier and an extraction lever for operating to extract water from the water discharge pipe, wherein when the function button is selected, the at least one light- The operation of the at least one light emitting unit is stopped when the ejection lever is not operated until a predetermined time elapses after the selection of the function button, and when at least one of the at least one light emitting unit is operated and the ejection lever is operated, Lt; / RTI >

According to the proposed invention, since the water in the water discharge pipe through which the water is finally discharged is sterilized, even if the bacteria exist in the pipe or the water storage tank for flowing water to the water discharge pipe, it is possible to sterilize the water finally in the water discharge pipe, The user becomes able to drink sterilized water.

In addition, in the case of this embodiment, the disinfection device is installed outside the water discharge pipe, and the installation work of the disinfection device is facilitated as the sealing member contacts the printed circuit board, and leakage of water is prevented in a state where the disinfection device is installed.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, since the plurality of light emitting portions are disposed apart along the periphery of the water discharge pipe, the area of the water contacting the ultraviolet light is increased, thereby improving the sterilizing effect.

According to the present embodiment, as the plurality of light emitting units provided in the water discharge pipe are arranged in the direction parallel to the flow direction of the water in the water discharge pipe, the contact time of the ultraviolet wavelength light and the water is increased to improve the sterilization effect.

1 is a perspective view of a water purifier according to a first embodiment;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a water purifier with the filter cover removed in FIG. 1; FIG.
3 is a water pipe view of a water purifier according to the first embodiment;
4 is a perspective view of the sterilizing apparatus according to the first embodiment;
5 is an exploded perspective view of the sterilizing apparatus according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 4 according to the first embodiment; FIG.
7 is an exploded perspective view of the sterilizing apparatus according to the second embodiment;
8 is a cross-sectional view taken along AA of FIG. 4 according to a second embodiment;
9 is a sectional view cut along AA of FIG. 4 according to a third embodiment;
10 is a cross-sectional view cut along AA of FIG. 4 according to a fourth embodiment;

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

In describing the components of the embodiment of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are intended to distinguish the constituent elements from other constituent elements, and the terms do not limit the nature, order or order of the constituent elements. When a component is described as being "connected", "coupled", or "connected" to another component, the component may be directly connected or connected to the other component, Quot; may be "connected," "coupled," or "connected. &Quot;

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a water purifier according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a water purifier with a filter cover removed in FIG.

1 and 2, the water purifier 1 of the present embodiment includes a main body 10 to which at least one filter is mounted, a filter cover 13 which is coupled to the main body 10 and covers the filter, And a water receiver 70 detachably coupled to the main body 10 for storing water to be dropped when water is discharged.

A control panel 11 is provided in front of the main body 10. The control panel 11 is provided with an operation unit 110 for selecting functions. In addition, an operation lever 12 is provided in front of the main body 10 to operate to extract water.

The filter cover (13) is detachably coupled to the front of the main body (10). Since the filter cover 13 is detachably coupled to the front of the main body 10, the filter cover 13 can be easily separated from the front of the main body 10, The above-mentioned filter can be easily attached or detached.

In this embodiment, for example, the water purifier 1 includes three filters. The water purifier 1 may include a first filter 21, a second filter 22 and a third filter 23. It is to be noted that there is no limitation on the type and number of filters employed in the water purifier 1 in the present embodiment.

The water purifier 1 further includes a first filter holder 24 on which the first filter 21 is mounted, a second filter holder 25 on which the second filter 22 is mounted, And a third filter holder 26 on which the filter 23 is mounted. The filters 21, 22 and 23 are connected to the filter holders 24, 25 and 26 in a state where the filters 21, 22 and 23 are mounted on the filter holders 24, Can be rotated.

The operation unit 110 may include a plurality of buttons. The plurality of buttons may include a hot water button 112 for selecting a hot water discharge function, an integer button 113 for selecting a purified water discharge function, and a cold water button 114 for selecting a cold water discharge function have.

In this embodiment, the hot water mode can be selected or released by pressing the hot water button 112 for a predetermined time. The hot water mode is associated with the operation of a heater (not shown). When the hot water mode is selected, the heater is operated, and when the hot water mode is released, the heater is stopped. The hot water discharge function means a function of discharging the hot water stored in the hot water tank.

In this embodiment, the cold water mode can be selected or released by pressing the cold water button 114 for a predetermined time. The cold water mode is associated with the operation of a cooler (not shown). When the cold water mode is selected, the cooler is operated. When the cold water mode is released, the cooler is stopped. The cold water discharge function means a function of discharging the cold water stored in the cold water tank.

When the hot water mode is selected and the hot water button 112 is pressed and the operation lever 12 is pressed, hot water can be discharged. When the cold water button 114 is pressed while the operation lever 12 is pressed with the cold water mode selected, the cold water can be discharged. Alternatively, if the operating lever 12 is pressed while the cold water mode is selected, cold water may be discharged. In this case, the cold water discharge function should be set as the basic discharge function. The purified water can be discharged when the operator presses the water purification button 113 and presses the operation lever 12.

The plurality of buttons may further include a lock button 111 for locking the hot water discharge function and a continuous button 115 for continuously discharging cold water or purified water for a predetermined time or a predetermined amount. The lock button 111 can not release the hot water mode and can lock the hot water discharge function. Therefore, when the lock function is selected using the lock button 111, hot water can not be discharged even if the hot water button 112 is pressed and the operation lever 12 is pressed. When the lock function is canceled by using the lock button 111, hot water can be discharged.

In addition, the plurality of buttons may further include a sterilization button 116 for selecting a sterilization mode. When the sterilization mode is selected, sterilization of the water is performed by operating the sterilization apparatus to be described later.

Hereinafter, the structure of the water purifier of this embodiment will be described in detail.

3 is a water pipe view of the water purifier according to the first embodiment.

3, the water purifier 1 includes a purified water pipe 42 through which the purified water filtered by the plurality of filters 21, 22, and 23 flows, A water tank 31, a cold water tank 32 for storing cold water, and a hot water tank 33 for storing hot water.

The water purifier 1 may include a plurality of valves 27 and 28 provided in a pipe 41 connecting the first filter 21 and the second filter 22. The plurality of valves 27 and 28 may be operated based on the water level sensed by the water level sensor 40 provided in the water tank 31.

The purified water pipe (42) may be connected to the lower side of the water tank (31). The purified water pipe 42 may be provided with a check valve 55 for preventing the water in the water tank 31 from flowing toward the third filter 23.

The water tank 31 and the cold water tank 32 may be integrally formed. The cold water tank 32 may be positioned below the water tank 31. Therefore, the purified water introduced into the water tank 31 can be supplied to the cold water tank 32. The purified water supplied to the cold water tank 32 can be cooled by the cooler. Of course, the water tank 31 and the cold water tank 32 may be manufactured as separate articles.

A first connection pipe 51 through which the water to be supplied to the hot water tank 33 flows is connected to the lower side of the water tank 31. The first connection pipe (51) is connected to the drain connector (52). The first connection pipe 51 may be provided with a check valve 54 for allowing the purified water 31 to flow only to the water drain connector 52 side.

The drain connector (52) is connected to the hot water tank (33) by a second connection pipe (53). The drain connector 52 is formed with a drain hole (not shown), and the drain hole can be opened and closed by a check valve (not shown). The check valve opens the drain hole when the drain hose (not shown) is inserted from the outside into the drain connector 52. Accordingly, when the drain hole is closed, the constant of the water tank 31 is connected to the hot water tank 33 through the first connection pipe 51, the drain connection connector 52 and the second connection pipe 53 Flow. The purified water flowing into the hot water tank 33 can be heated by the heater.

On the other hand, when the drain hose is connected to the drain connector 52, the drain hole is opened and the water of the hot water tank 33 is drained to the drain hose through the drain hole through the second connection pipe 53 .

The water purifier 1 includes a purified water discharge pipe 43 through which the purified water of the water purification tank 31 is discharged, a cold water discharge pipe 44 through which cold water is discharged from the cold water tank 32, A cold water valve 92 provided in the cold water pipe 44 and a hot water discharge pipe 45 provided in the purified water discharge pipe 43. The hot water discharge pipe 45 discharges hot water, And a hot water valve (93) provided in the water tank.

The water valve 91 regulates the flow of purified water in the purified water discharge pipe 43 and the cold water valve 92 regulates the flow of cold water in the cold water discharge pipe 44, And controls the hot water flow in the hot water discharge pipe (45).

The purified water discharge pipe 43 may be connected to the lower side of the water tank 31 for example. The cold water discharge pipe 44 may be connected to the lower side of the cold water tank 32, for example. The hot water discharge pipe (45) may be connected to the upper side of the hot water tank (33).

The purified water discharge pipe 43, the cold water discharge pipe 44 and the hot water discharge pipe 45 may be connected to a common discharge pipe 60. The outlet 50 is connected to the common outlet pipe 60. That is, in the present embodiment, purified water, cold water, or hot water can be selectively taken out by using the single operation lever 12 and the air outlet 50. Accordingly, the structure of the water purifier is simplified, and the appearance is clean. At this time, in the present embodiment, the common discharge pipe (60) and the blow-out port (50) are collectively referred to as a water discharge pipe.

Meanwhile, the second filter holder 25 to which the second filter 22 is connected may be connected to a water pipe 56 for domestic use through which the domestic water is discharged.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the sterilizing apparatus according to the first embodiment, FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the sterilizing apparatus according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a sectional view cut along AA of FIG. 4 according to the first embodiment .

4 to 6, the valve assembly 90 of the present embodiment includes the water purification valve 91, the cold water valve 92, and the hot water valve 93. That is, in the present embodiment, the water purification valve 91, the cold water valve 92 and the hot water valve 93 are modularized and installed in the water purifier.

The valve assembly 90 is connected to the purified water discharge pipe 43, the cold water discharge pipe 44 and the hot water discharge pipe 45. Further, the valve assembly 90 is connected to a common discharge pipe 60 constituting the water discharge pipe.

The water purifier 1 of the present embodiment may further include a sterilizing device 70 for sterilizing water flowing in the water discharge pipe.

The sterilizing device may be provided in at least one of the common discharge pipe (60) and the outlet (50) constituting the water discharge pipe. In FIG. 4, the sterilizing device 70 is installed in the common discharge pipe 60 and the outlet 50 as an example.

The sterilization apparatus 70 includes one or more sterilization units 710 and 720 installed outside the water discharge pipe, sealing members 740 and 750 for preventing water from leaking out of the water discharge pipe, And brackets 810 and 820 for fixing the positions of the arms 710 and 720.

Specifically, the sterilizing units 710 and 720 include a first sterilizing unit 711 and a first sterilizing unit 721 installed in the common discharge pipe 60, 2 upper sterilizing unit 712 and a second lower sterilizing unit 722.

Each of the sterilizing units 711, 712, 721 and 722 includes a printed circuit board 713, 715, 723 and 725 and a plurality of light emitting units (not shown) provided on the printed circuit boards 713, 715, 723 and 725 714, 716, 724, 726).

The plurality of light emitting portions 714, 716, 724, and 726 may be ultraviolet light emitting diodes (UV LEDs) emitting ultraviolet light.

The patterns of the printed circuit boards 713, 715, 723, and 725 may be waterproof. For example, the printed circuit boards 713, 715, 723, and 725 may be formed of aluminum. The printed circuit boards 713, 715, 723, and 725 are waterproofed so that the printed circuit boards 713, 715, 723, and 725 are in contact with water even if the printed circuit boards 713, 725 can operate normally.

In addition, since the printed circuit boards 713, 715, 723, and 725 are formed of aluminum, heat dissipation performance can be improved.

Each of the printed circuit boards 713, 715, 723, and 725 is provided with a connector 730 through which electric wires for power supply are connected.

The first sterilizing unit 711 and the first sterilizing unit 721 may be arranged to face the common discharge pipe 60 as an example. That is, the first sterilizing unit 711 and the first sterilizing unit 721 may be disposed around the common discharge pipe 60 at intervals of 180 degrees.

In this embodiment, it is also possible to dispose three or more disinfecting sections in the common discharge pipe, in which case the plurality of disinfecting sections can be arranged at the same angle. For example, if the three sterilizing portions are installed in a common discharge pipe, the three sterilizing portions may be spaced apart at intervals of 120 degrees.

According to the present embodiment, since the plurality of light emitting portions are disposed apart from each other along the circumference of the common discharge pipe 60, the area of water in contact with the light having the ultraviolet wavelength is increased, thereby improving the sterilizing effect.

The plurality of light emitting portions 714 provided on the printed circuit board 713 in the state in which the first upper sterilizing portion 711 is installed in the common discharge pipe 60 are arranged in a direction in which the common discharge pipe 60 extends The direction of flow of the water in the discharge pipe 60).

The plurality of light emitting units 724 provided on the printed circuit board 723 in a state where the first lower sterilizing unit 721 is installed in the common discharge pipe 60 is extended in the extending direction of the common discharge pipe 60 And the flow direction of water in the common discharge pipe 60).

According to this embodiment, as the plurality of light emitting portions 714 and 724 provided in the common discharge pipe 60 are arranged in the direction parallel to the flow direction of the water in the common discharge pipe 60, the contact time of the light with the ultraviolet wavelength And the sterilizing effect is improved.

The second upper sterilizing unit 712 and the second lower sterilizing unit 722 may be arranged to face the outlet 50 as an example. That is, the second upper sterilizing unit 712 and the second lower sterilizing unit 722 may be disposed around the air outlet 50 at intervals of 180 degrees.

In this embodiment, it is also possible to dispose three or more disinfecting sections in the dispensing opening 50, and in this case, the plurality of disinfecting sections may be arranged at the same angle. For example, when three sterilizing portions are installed at the outlet, the three sterilizing portions may be spaced apart at intervals of 120 degrees.

According to this embodiment, since the plurality of light emitting portions are disposed apart from each other along the periphery of the air outlet, the area of the water contacting the ultraviolet light is increased, thereby improving the sterilizing effect.

The plurality of light emitting portions 716 provided on the printed circuit board 715 in the state in which the second upper sterilizing portion 712 is installed in the outlet 50 may be extended in the extending direction of the outlet 50 In the direction parallel to the direction of the flow of the water in the discharge space).

The plurality of light emitting portions 726 provided on the printed circuit board 725 in a state where the first lower sterilizing portion 722 is installed in the outlet 50 may be arranged in a direction in which the outlet 50 is extended (I.e., the direction of flow of the water in the water tank 50).

According to this embodiment, as the plurality of light emitting portions 716 and 726 provided in the air outlet 50 are arranged in a direction parallel to the flow direction of the water in the air outlet 50, the contact time of the ultraviolet light with water is increased There is an advantage that the sterilizing effect is improved.

5, a plurality of light emitting units 714, 716, 724 and 726 are arranged in one row on each of the printed circuit boards 713, 715, 723 and 725. Alternatively, each of the printed circuit boards 713 and 715 , 723, and 725 may be disposed in two or more rows of light emitting units 714, 716, 724, and 726.

The common discharge pipe 60 may be provided with installation guides 611 and 612 for guiding the installation positions of the first sterilizing unit 711 and the first sterilizing unit 721.

The common discharge pipe 60 is provided with a plurality of first holes 621 through which light from each of the plurality of light emitting units 714 of the first upper sterilizing unit 711 is transmitted, A plurality of second holes 622 through which the light of each of the plurality of light emitting portions 724 of the light emitting portion 721 pass is formed. In this case, the holes 621 and 622 may have the same size as the light emitting portions 714 and 724, or may be smaller.

In this embodiment, the holes 621 and 622 may be made of transparent glass or acrylic or Teflon for preventing the passage of water. At this time, the glass, acrylic, or Teflon may be referred to as a cover portion. In the present embodiment, the hole or the cover portion covering the hole may be referred to as a transmitting portion.

Or the holes 621 and 622 are not formed in the common discharge pipe 60 and a portion of the common discharge pipe 60 facing at least the light emitting portions 714 and 724 is formed to be transparent, .

The outlet 50 may be provided with installation guides 511 and 512 for guiding the installation positions of the second sterilizing unit 712 and the second sterilizing unit 722.

The outlet 50 is provided with a plurality of third holes 513 through which light from each of the plurality of light emitting portions 716 of the second upper sterilizer 712 pass, A plurality of fourth holes 514 for passing light of each of the plurality of light emitting portions 726 are formed. In this case, the holes 513 and 514 may have the same size as the light emitting portions 716 and 726, or may be smaller.

In the present embodiment, the holes 513 and 514 may be formed of transparent glass or acryl or Teflon for preventing the passage of water. At this time, the glass, acrylic, or Teflon may be referred to as a cover portion. In the present embodiment, the hole or the cover portion covering the hole may be referred to as a transmitting portion.

The holes 513 and 514 are not formed in the outlet 50 and at least a portion of the outlet 50 facing the light emitting portions 716 and 726 is formed to be transparent to serve as a transmitting portion, .

The common discharge pipe 60 is formed with a first seating groove 630 on which the first sealing member 740 is seated and a second seating groove 530 on which the second sealing member 750 is seated, Is formed. The first and second sealing members 740 and 750 may be formed in a closed loop shape, for example. Each of the sealing members 740 and 750 may be formed of a rubber material, for example.

When the sterilizing portions 711, 712, 721, and 722 are installed in the common discharge pipe 60 or the dispensing opening 50 while the sealing members 740 and 750 are seated in the seating grooves 530 and 630, The sealing members 740 and 750 are in contact with the respective printed circuit boards 713, 715, 723 and 725.

The sealing members 740 and 750 surround a plurality of light emitting units provided on the printed circuit boards 713, 715, 723, and 725 in contact with the printed circuit boards 713, 715, 723, and 725 . Accordingly, the seating grooves 530 and 630 are also formed to surround the plurality of holes 513, 514, 621, and 622.

Therefore, even if water passes through the holes 513, 514, 621 and 622, the water can no longer flow by the sealing members 740 and 750, so that water can be discharged to the outside of the common discharge pipe 60 or the outlet 50 Leakage can be prevented.

The brackets 810 and 820 may include a first bracket 810 and a second bracket 820. The first bracket 810 may simultaneously cover the first upper sterilizer 711 installed in the common discharge pipe 60 and the second upper sterilizer 712 installed in the outlet 50.

The second bracket 820 may cover the first lower sterilizer 721 installed in the common discharge pipe 60 and the second lower sterilizer 722 installed at the outlet 50 at the same time.

Each of the brackets 810 and 820 may include fastening portions 812 and 822 for fastening to the installation guides 611, 612, 511, and 512.

The brackets 810 and 820 may include pressure ribs 814 and 824 for pressing the sterilizing portions 711, 712, 721, and 722. As each of the pressurizing ribs 814 and 824 presses the sterilizing portions 711, 712, 721 and 722, the respective printed circuit boards 713, 715, 723 and 725 and the sealing members 740 and 750 The contact state can be stably maintained.

In addition, each of the brackets 810 and 820 may include heat dissipation holes 816 and 826 for emitting heat of the printed circuit board. Further, though not shown, the bracket or the printed circuit board may be provided with a radiating fin for radiating heat.

On the other hand, if the sterilization button 116 is selected, the sterilization mode can be selected. When the blowout lever 12 is operated with the sterilizing button 116 selected, the plurality of light emitting units 714, 716, 724, and 726 operate to sterilize the water to be taken out. When the discharge of water is completed, the operation of the plurality of light emitting units 714, 716, 724 and 726 can be stopped. At this time, the operation of the light emitting units 714, 716, 724, and 726 is stopped at the same point of time as the completion of the water discharge, and the light emitting units 714, 716, 724, and 726 may stop operating.

If the operation of the light emitting units 714, 716, 724, and 726 is stopped after the completion of the discharge of the water and the lapse of a predetermined time since the water may remain in the water discharge pipe even after the water discharge is completed, It is also possible to sterilize residual water.

As another example, when the sterilization button 116 is selected, the plurality of light emitting units 714, 716, 724, and 726 may operate to sterilize water. That is, the plurality of light emitting units 714, 716, 724, and 726 may operate once to sterilize the water in the water discharge pipe irrespective of whether the water is taken out or not. In this case, it becomes possible to sterilize the water remaining in the water discharge pipe.

As another example, the sterilizing button 116 may be omitted. In this case, when the extraction lever 12 is operated, the plurality of light emitting portions 714, 716, 724, and 726 are operated to sterilize The operation of the plurality of light emitting units 714, 716, 724, and 726 may be stopped when the discharge of water is completed, or after a predetermined time has elapsed after the discharge of water is completed.

As another example, when one of the plurality of function buttons, such as a cold water button, a hot water button, or an integer button, is selected, the plurality of light emitting units 714, 716, 724, and 726 may operate. The operation of the light emitting units 714, 716, 724, and 726 may be stopped unless the ejection lever 12 is operated until any of the buttons is selected and a predetermined time elapses. On the other hand, when the ejection lever 12 is operated before any one of the buttons is selected and a predetermined time elapses, the plurality of light emitting units 714, 716, 724, and 726 are continuously operated, Can be sterilized. The operation of the light emitting units 714, 716, 724, and 726 may be stopped when the discharge of water is completed, or after a predetermined time has elapsed after the discharge of water is completed.

According to this embodiment, as the water in the water discharge pipe through which the water is eventually discharged is sterilized, even if the bacteria exist in the pipe for allowing water to flow to the water discharge pipe or the water storage tank, The user becomes able to drink sterilized water.

In addition, in the case of this embodiment, the disinfection device is installed outside the water discharge pipe, and the installation work of the disinfection device is facilitated as the sealing member contacts the printed circuit board, and leakage of water is prevented in a state where the disinfection device is installed.

In the above embodiment, the portion where the printed circuit board is in contact with each of the common discharge pipe and the blow-out port may be formed as a flat surface.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the sterilizing apparatus according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along the line A-A in FIG. 4 according to the second embodiment.

The present embodiment is the same as the first embodiment in other portions, but differs in the structure for sealing. Hereinafter, only characteristic portions of the present embodiment will be described, and the same configuration as that of the first embodiment will be used as the first embodiment.

7 and 8, in this embodiment, the first sealing member 760 and the second sealing member 770 may be double-sided tape, for example. Therefore, the seating grooves 530 and 630 for seating the sealing member in the first embodiment can be omitted.

Each of the sealing members 760 and 770 includes a plurality of holes 762 and 772 through which the plurality of light emitting units 714, 716, 724 and 726 pass. That is, a plurality of light-emitting units provided on one printed circuit board pass through the sealing members 760 and 770 at the same time.

One surface of the first sealing member 760 may be attached to the common discharge pipe 60 and the other surface may be attached to the printed circuit boards 713 and 723. [ One surface of the second sealing member 770 may be attached to the outlet 50 and the other surface may be attached to the printed circuit boards 715 and 725.

According to the present embodiment, there is no need to form a seating groove in the common discharge pipe 60 and the dispensing opening 50, which is advantageous in that it is easy to manufacture.

9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 4 according to a third embodiment.

The present embodiment is the same as the first embodiment or the second embodiment in other portions, but differs in the structure for sealing. Hereinafter, only characteristic portions of the present embodiment will be described, and the same configurations as those of the first embodiment or the second embodiment will be used for the first embodiment or the second embodiment.

9, brackets 810 and 820 are omitted in the first embodiment or the second embodiment, and the outside of the printed circuit boards 713, 715, 723, And sealing members 830 and 840 for performing sealing.

The sealing members 830 and 840 may be, for example, a urethane molding part. That is, the urethane liquid is supplied to the outside of the printed circuit boards 713, 715, 723, and 725 while the printed circuit boards 713, 715, 723, and 725 are installed in the common outlet pipe 60 and the outlet 50 By covering and drying, the sealing members 830 and 840 can be completed.

When the sealing members 830 and 840 of this embodiment are used, the sealing members 740 and 750 may be omitted in the first embodiment or the sealing members 760 and 770 may be omitted in the second embodiment.

As another example, it is also possible to use a urethane seal member by injecting a urethane liquid into the seat groove without using a sealing member made of a rubber material in the first embodiment.

10 is a sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 4 according to the fourth embodiment.

The present embodiment is the same as any one of the first to third embodiments, except that it further includes a light emitting portion that emits light to the air outlet side. Therefore, only the characteristic parts of the present embodiment will be described below.

In Fig. 10, for example, the light emitting portion is added in Fig. 4 of the first embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10, the water purifier of this embodiment may further include an illumination unit 123 for irradiating light toward the air outlet 50 side. The illuminating unit 123 may interlock with the plurality of light emitting units 714, 716, 724, and 726 constituting the sterilizing apparatus. That is, the illumination unit 123 can be turned on during the sterilization of water.

For example, the bracket 820 may include a support 121 for supporting the printed circuit board 122 on which the illumination unit 123 is installed. The lighting unit 123 may be spaced apart from the outlet 50. Alternatively, the support portion 121 may be provided on the air outlet 50.

At least the portion of the illumination unit 123 irradiated with light from the air outlet 50 may be formed of a transparent material or a reflector may be provided.

According to the present embodiment, when the water is sterilized, the illumination unit 123 is turned on and irradiates the light toward the air outlet 50, so that the user can easily recognize that the water is sterilized.

As another example, the illuminating unit 123 may be provided on the control panel to inform that it is sterilizing.

In the above embodiment, the water purifier includes the hot water tank, the cold water tank, and the water tank. Alternatively, the water purifier may include at least one of a hot water tank, a cold water tank and a water tank, It is also possible that it is not provided. The number or type of the buttons constituting the operation unit may be changed according to the number or type of the water reservoirs provided in the water purifier.

Therefore, in the present specification, the flow path of the water purified by the filter to the valve assembly side may be collectively referred to as an integral flow path. And the water discharge pipe communicates with the purified water passage, and the valve assembly is disposed upstream of the water discharge pipe.

10: main body 50: outlet
60: common discharge pipe 70: sterilizing device

Claims (18)

One or more filters to purify water;
A purified water passage through which the purified water flows by the at least one filter;
A water discharge pipe connected to the purified water passage and discharging water to the outside of the water purifier and having a transmission portion for transmitting light; And
And a sterilizing unit provided outside the water discharge pipe for sterilizing water in the water discharge pipe,
Wherein the sterilizing unit comprises at least one light emitting unit for emitting ultraviolet light to the transmitting unit;
A printed circuit board on which the one or more light emitting units are installed; And
And a first sealing member disposed between one side of the printed circuit board and the outside of the water discharge pipe,
Wherein the first sealing member is a double-sided tape through which the at least one light emitting portion passes, one surface is attached to the water discharge pipe, and the other surface is attached to the printed circuit board. delete delete The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the transparent portion is a plurality of holes corresponding to the at least one light emitting portion. delete The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the first sealing member is formed with a plurality of holes through which the at least one light emitting unit passes. delete One or more filters to purify water;
A purified water passage through which the purified water flows by the at least one filter;
A water discharge pipe connected to the purified water passage and discharging water to the outside of the water purifier and having a transmission portion for transmitting light;
A sterilizing unit installed outside the water discharge pipe for sterilizing water in the water discharge pipe; And
And a bracket coupled to the water discharge pipe to fix a position of the sterilizing unit,
Wherein the sterilizing unit includes at least one light emitting part for emitting ultraviolet light to the transmitting part; And
Further comprising a sealing member for preventing leakage of water passing through the permeable portion,
Wherein the bracket includes a pressurizing rib for pressing the printed circuit board. 9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the bracket includes a heat dissipating hole for discharging heat of the printed circuit board. The method according to claim 1,
The sterilization unit includes:
And a second sealing member covering the other surface of the printed circuit board. 11. The method of claim 10,
Wherein the second sealing member is a urethane molding part formed by covering a urethane liquid on the other surface of the printed circuit board. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the at least one light emitting portion is arranged in a direction parallel to a flow direction of water in the water discharge pipe. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the at least one light emitting portion is disposed at a predetermined interval along the circumference of the water discharge pipe. The method according to claim 1,
And a valve assembly disposed above the water discharge pipe to regulate the flow of water. The method according to claim 1,
And a lighting unit for irradiating light to the water discharge pipe side. The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising a sterilizing button for operating said at least one light emitting portion. The method according to claim 1,
A sterilizing button for selecting a sterilization mode,
Further comprising a take-out lever for operating to take out water from the water discharge pipe,
And the at least one light emitting unit is operated to sterilize the water in the water discharge pipe when the extraction lever is operated with the sterilization mode selected by the sterilization button. The method according to claim 1,
One or more function buttons for selecting functions of the water purifier,
Further comprising a take-out lever for operating to take out water from the water discharge pipe,
The operation of the one or more light emitting units is stopped if the operation lever is not operated until a predetermined time has elapsed after the selection of the function button,
Wherein at least one of the at least one light emitting portion is continuously operated when the at least one light emitting portion is operated and the extraction lever is operated.

Images