KR102056635B1 - Water purifier - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a water purifier that is made to be able to supply the cooling water without opening the cold water tank cover, it is possible to determine whether the water supply of the cooling water to the reference level without the water level sensor. The water purifier of the present invention comprises: a filter unit formed to filter the raw water supplied from the raw water supply unit to generate purified water; And a coolant accommodating part formed to receive the coolant consisting of the raw water or the purified water, and having a cold water generating flow path immersed in the coolant, and cooling the purified water passing through the cold water generating flow path with the coolant filled in the coolant receiving part. A cold water tank assembly configured to produce cold water; A refrigeration cycle device including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator installed inside the cold water tank assembly, the refrigeration cycle device configured to keep the cooling water filled in the cooling water receiving portion at a low temperature; A cooling water flow passage connected to the cold water tank assembly to supply the raw water or the purified water to the cooling water receiving portion; A flow rate sensor installed in the cooling water flow path to measure a flow rate of raw water or purified water supplied to the cooling water receiving portion through the cooling water flow path; A stirrer installed to protrude from an inner upper wall of the cold water tank assembly, the stirrer rotatably formed to stir the cooling water filled in the cooling water receiving portion; And a control unit configured to stop supply of raw water or purified water to the cooling water receiving unit based on the amount of water measured by the flow rate sensor, and determine whether the cooling water is filled up to a reference level based on the rotational speed per unit time of the stirrer. do.

Description

Water Purifier {WATER PURIFIER}

The present invention relates to a cooling water supply structure and a normal water supply confirmation structure of a water purifier that generates cold water using cooling water.

In general, the water purifier is a device that converts the safe and sanitary beverages by filtering various harmful components harmful to the human body contained in raw water such as tap water or ground water by the filter of various stages installed inside the main body.

The water purifier is a device for forming a cold water flow path, a hot water flow path and a purified water flow path such that the purified water that has passed through the filter can be supplied to the water outlet according to a user's selection, and controls the flow of water with a mechanical or electronic valve. .

The water purifier may be divided into a water storage tank type and a direct water type according to whether the water purifier includes a water storage tank. The reservoir water purifier is configured to store the purified water in the reservoir and to provide the purified water stored in the reservoir when the user manipulates the outlet. In contrast, the direct type water purifier does not have a water tank, and when the user manipulates the water outlet, the raw water is immediately filtered to provide purified water to the user. Direct type water purifiers have been recognized to be hygienic and water-saving compared to reservoir type water purifiers, and in recent years, users' preference for direct type water purifiers has increased.

In addition to room temperature, water purifiers also provide hot and cold water. The water purifier for providing hot water and cold water has a heating device and a cooling device therein. The heating device is adapted to heat the purified water to produce hot water, and the cooling device is adapted to cool the purified water to produce cold water.

There may be a number of ways in which the chiller produces cold water. One of them is to use coolant at a lower temperature than the integer. When the coolant at a temperature lower than the purified water receives heat from the purified water, the purified water is cooled to become cold water. Cooling water using coolant can generate cold water quickly, and therefore, a cooling method using coolant may be adopted, especially in a direct type water purifier.

To produce cold water, the coolant tank should always be filled with coolant. However, because the coolant is not flowing but stagnant, it needs to be replaced periodically for hygiene. In addition, if the coolant is insufficient, the coolant tank should be replenished. In the case of replacing or replenishing the cooling water in this way, water must be supplied to the standard water level in the cooling water tank.

The conventional water purifier is formed so that an operator or a user directly opens a cover such as a cooling water tank to supply water, and determines whether water is supplied to a reference level using a water level sensor.

Professional service personnel or users open the cover of the cold water tank, such as water supply is inconvenient to open the cover of the cold water tank every time. It's also possible that this method doesn't supply water normally, depending on who works. Unlike professional service personnel, ordinary users also have the potential to complete tasks incompletely.

In the method of determining whether water is supplied to the reference water level using the water level sensor, it is inevitable to add the water level sensor and components related to the water level sensor. There is also the possibility of a water level sensor failure.

Therefore, a new water supply method can be considered to solve the problem of water purifier malfunction due to the inconvenience of opening the cover, the possibility of incomplete work, the failure of components such as the water level sensor.

The first object of the present invention is to solve the problem of the background art can improve the water supply to the reference water level for the normal operation of the water purifier in the cooling water tank and the like in an improved manner, it is possible to measure the amount of cooling water supplied in an improved manner It is to propose a water purifier.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a water purifier that is capable of supplying cooling water to a space to be filled with cooling water without opening a cover such as a cooling water tank.

It is a third object of the present invention to provide a water purifier configured to determine whether water supply is made up to a reference level for the normal operation of the water purifier by using only components basically provided in the water purifier without a water level sensor.

A fourth object of the present invention is to propose a water purifier formed so as to solve a problem in which work is completed incompletely according to an operator.

In order to achieve the object of the present invention, the water purifier according to an embodiment of the present invention, the filter unit is formed to filter the raw water supplied from the raw water supply unit to generate purified water; And a coolant accommodating part formed to receive the coolant consisting of the raw water or the purified water, and having a cold water generating flow path immersed in the coolant, and cooling the purified water passing through the cold water generating flow path with the coolant filled in the coolant receiving part. A cold water tank assembly configured to produce cold water; A refrigeration cycle device including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator installed inside the cold water tank assembly, the refrigeration cycle device configured to keep the cooling water filled in the cooling water receiving portion at a low temperature; A cooling water flow passage connected to the cold water tank assembly to supply the raw water or the purified water to the cooling water receiving portion; A flow rate sensor installed in the cooling water flow path to measure a flow rate of raw water or purified water supplied to the cooling water receiving portion through the cooling water flow path; A stirrer installed to protrude from an inner upper wall of the cold water tank assembly, the stirrer rotatably formed to stir the cooling water filled in the cooling water receiving portion; And a control unit configured to stop supply of raw water or purified water to the cooling water receiving unit based on the amount of water measured by the flow rate sensor, and determine whether the cooling water is filled up to a reference level based on the rotational speed per unit time of the stirrer. do.

According to an embodiment related to the present invention, the water purifier may include: a drain valve installed at the cold water tank assembly to form an access flow path of the coolant filled in the coolant accommodating part and exposed to the outside of the water purifier body; And a water outlet portion exposed to the outside of the water purifier body to discharge purified water or cold water supplied from the cold water tank assembly to the outside, wherein at least a portion of the cooling water flow path is formed by a hose exposed to the outside of the water purifier body, The hose is connected at one end to the outlet and the other end to the drain valve to supply purified water discharged through the outlet to the cooling water receiver.

According to another example related to the present invention, the hose is detachably coupled to the water outlet and the drain valve.

According to another example related to the present invention, the water purifier includes an input unit configured to receive a control command of a user, and when the control command is applied through the input unit after the hose is coupled to the water outlet and the drain valve, The supply of purified water to the cooling water accommodating part is started through the water outlet part and the hose.

According to another example related to the present invention, the drain valve is formed to be opened and closed by a pressing operation applied from the outside of the water purifier.

According to another example related to the present disclosure, the drain valve may include a housing having a hollow portion and having a first catching jaw formed in the hollow portion and a second catching jaw formed upstream of the first catching jaw. ; A push operation unit disposed in the hollow portion of the housing and having a first portion formed to be caught by the first catching jaw and a second portion exposed to the outside and receiving a push operation for opening and closing the drain valve; And an elastic member installed at a position supported by the second catching jaw and providing an elastic force to closely contact the first catching jaw to the first catching jaw.

According to another example related to the present invention, the hose is formed in the hollow portion of the hose, when the hose is coupled to the drain valve presses the pressing operation portion; And connecting parts formed radially about the pressing part to connect the pressing part to the inner circumferential surface of the hose.

According to another example related to the present invention, at least a part of the cooling water flow path is formed by a pipe installed inside the water purifier, and the pipe is a raw water supplied from the raw water supply unit or purified water generated in the filter unit. One end is connected to the raw water supply part or the filter part and the other end is connected to the cold water tank assembly so as to supply the cooling water receiving part.

According to another embodiment related to the present invention, the water purifier supplies raw water or purified water to the cooling water receiving unit based on a replacement cycle of the cooling water, a pollution degree of the cooling water filled in the cooling water receiving unit, or a rotational speed per unit time of the stirrer. It is made to start.

According to another example related to the present invention, the water purifier includes an output unit configured to display state information of the water purifier, and the output unit is configured to supply raw water or purified water to the cooling water receiver based on a rotational speed per unit time of the stirrer. It may indicate that watering should be initiated.

According to the present invention having the above configuration, the cooling water can be filled in the cooling water accommodating portion through the drain valve basically provided in the direct type water purifier without opening the cold water tank cover. Therefore, according to the present invention can solve the problem of the inconvenience of having to open the cold water tank cover every time to replace the cooling water.

In addition, according to the present invention it is possible to determine whether the water supply of the cooling water to the reference level through the stirrer basically provided in the direct type water purifier. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the water is supplied to the reference level for the normal operation of the water purifier without the water level sensor of the cold water tank assembly. Therefore, the water purifier does not have to include a water level sensor, and the present invention can fundamentally solve the problem of water purifier malfunction due to the failure of the water level sensor.

In addition, according to the present invention can achieve the same result even if the working water to coolant, it is possible to solve the problem that the work is completed incompletely depending on the operator.

1 is a perspective view showing a water purifier of the present invention.
2 is an exploded perspective view showing the internal configuration of the water purifier shown in FIG.
3 is an exploded perspective view of the cold water tank assembly shown in FIG. 2.
4 is a cross-sectional view showing a cold water tank assembly and a rear cover of a water purifier according to Embodiment 1-1 of the present invention.
Fig. 5 is a detailed sectional view showing the drain valve of the water purifier according to the first-first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a conceptual view in which a water outlet and a drain valve are connected by a hose to supply cooling water to a cooling water receiving unit of the water purifier according to the first-first embodiment.
7 is a conceptual diagram of a hose connected to the drain valve of the water purifier according to the first-first embodiment.
8 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration in which the drain valve and the hose of the water purifier according to the first-first embodiment are connected to each other.
9 is a conceptual diagram in which a water outlet and a drain valve are connected by a hose to supply the coolant to the coolant receiving part of the water purifier according to the embodiment 1-2 of the present invention.
10 is a conceptual diagram showing the water purifier of the first-first embodiment and the first-second embodiment.
11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a water purifier of the embodiment 2-1.
12 is a conceptual diagram showing the water purifier of the second embodiment.

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, the water purifier which concerns on this invention is demonstrated in detail with reference to drawings. In the present specification, different embodiments are given the same or similar reference numerals for the same or similar components, and description thereof is replaced with the first description. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In addition, the suffixes "module" and "unit" for the components used in the following description are given or mixed in consideration of ease of specification, and do not have distinct meanings or roles from each other.

The present invention is divided into the first embodiment and the second embodiment according to the configuration for supplying cold water to the cooling water accommodating portion for ease of preparation of the specification. The first embodiment has a configuration in which water is supplied to the cooling water by manually connecting a hose to the outside of the water purifier body. The second embodiment has a configuration of automatically supplying cooling water by using a pipe installed inside the water purifier body. Further, the first embodiment is divided into the first-first embodiment and the first-second embodiment according to the configuration of the drain valve and the hose. Since the second embodiment has different configurations depending on whether the coolant is made of purified water or raw water, the second embodiment is divided into 2-1 and 2-2.

1 is a perspective view showing a water purifier 1000 of the present invention.

The water purifier 1000 includes a cover 1010, a water extraction unit 1020, a base 1030, and a tray 1040.

The cover 1010 forms the exterior of the water purifier 1000. The appearance of the water purifier 1000 formed by the cover 1010 may be referred to as a main body of the water purifier 1000. Most parts for filtering raw water are installed inside the cover 1010. Cover 1010 wraps the components to protect them. The name of the cover 1010 may be renamed to a case or a housing. In any case, the cover 1010 described in the present invention corresponds to forming the exterior of the water purifier 1000 and surrounding components filtering the raw water.

The cover 1010 may be formed of a single part, but may be formed by combining several parts. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the cover 1010 may include a front cover 1011, a rear cover 1014, a side panel 1013a, an upper cover 1012, and a top cover 1015.

The front cover 1011 is disposed in front of the water purifier 1000. The rear cover 1014 is disposed behind the water purifier 1000. Here, the front and rear of the water purifier 1000 are set based on the direction of looking at the water outlet 1020 in front of the user's eyes, respectively. However, since the concept of the front and rear of the water purifier 1000 is not absolute, it may vary depending on the manner in which the water purifier 1000 is described.

The side panels 1013a are disposed on the left and right sides of the water purifier 1000, respectively. The side panel 1013a is disposed between the front cover 1011 and the rear cover 1014. The side panel 1013a may be coupled to the front cover 1011 and the rear cover 1014, respectively. The side panel 1013a substantially forms the side of the water purifier 1000.

The upper cover 1012 is disposed in front of the water purifier 1000. The upper cover 1012 is installed at a position higher than the front cover 1011. The water outlet 1020 is exposed to a space between the upper cover 1012 and the front cover 1011. The upper cover 1012 together with the front cover 1011 forms an exterior of the front of the water purifier 1000.

The top cover 1015 forms an upper surface of the water purifier 1000. An input / output unit 1016 may be formed in front of the top cover 1015. The input / output unit 1016 is a concept including an input unit and an output unit. The input unit is configured to receive a user's control command. The manner in which the input unit receives the user's control command may include all of the touch input, the physical pressing, or the like. The output unit is provided to visually provide the state information of the water purifier 1000 to the user.

The water extraction unit (outtake unit or coke assembly 1020) serves to provide an integer to the user according to the user's control command. At least a portion of the water outlet 1020 is exposed to the outside of the water purifier 1000 body to supply water. Particularly, in the water purifier 1000 configured to provide room temperature purified water, cold water colder than room temperature, and hot water hotter than room temperature, at least one of room temperature purified water, cold water, and hot water is discharged through the water extraction unit 1020 according to a control command authorized by the user. Can be.

The water extraction unit 1020 may be configured to be rotatable according to a user's manipulation. The front cover 1011 and the upper cover 1012 form a rotation region of the water extraction portion 1020 therebetween, and the water extraction portion 1020 may be rotated left and right in the rotation region. Rotation of the water extraction unit 1020 may be made by a force physically applied to the water extraction unit 1020. In addition, the water extraction unit 1020 may be rotated based on a control command applied by the user to the input / output unit 1016. The configuration for implementing the rotation of the water extraction unit 1020 may be installed in the water purifier 1000, specifically, may be installed in the area covered by the upper cover 1012. In addition, the input / output unit 1016 may be implemented to rotate together with the water extraction unit 1020 when the water extraction unit 1020 is rotated.

The base 1030 forms the bottom of the water purifier 1000. Internal parts of the water purifier 1000 are supported by the base 1030. When the water purifier 1000 is placed on the floor or a shelf, the base 1030 faces the floor or the shelf. Therefore, when the water purifier 1000 is placed on a floor or a shelf, the structure of the base 1030 is not exposed to the outside.

The tray 1040 is disposed to face the water outlet 1020. Based on the case where the water purifier 1000 is installed as shown in FIG. 1, the tray 1040 faces the water outlet 1020 in the vertical direction. The tray 1040 is formed to support a container or the like for containing purified water discharged through the water extraction unit 1020. In addition, the tray 1040 is formed to accommodate the remaining water falling from the water outlet 1020. When the tray 1040 receives and receives the remaining water falling from the water outlet 1020, the tray 1040 may prevent contamination of the remaining water around the water purifier 1000.

Since the tray 1040 needs to receive the remaining water falling from the water extraction unit 1020, the tray 1040 may also be implemented to rotate together with the water extraction unit 1020. The input / output unit 1016 and the tray 1040 may be implemented to rotate in the same direction as the water extraction unit 1020.

2 is an exploded perspective view showing the internal configuration of the water purifier 1000 shown in FIG.

The filter unit 1060 is installed inside the front cover 1011. The filter unit 1060 is configured to filter the raw water supplied from the raw water supply unit to generate purified water. Since only one filter may be difficult to generate an integer suitable for a user to drink, the filter unit 1060 may include a plurality of unit filters 1061 and 1062. The unit filters 1061 and 1062 may be, for example, a prefilter such as a carbon block, an adsorption filter, a HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air filter), an UF filter (Ultra Filteration or Ultra Filteration filter), or the like. We include high-performance filter of. Although two unit filters 1061 and 1062 are installed in FIG. 2, the number of unit filters 1061 and 1062 may be expanded or reduced as necessary.

The plurality of unit filters 1061 and 1062 are connected in a predetermined order. The predetermined order means a suitable order for the filter unit 1060 to filter the water. Raw water may contain various foreign objects. Since large particles such as hair and dust cause deterioration of the filtration performance of high performance filters such as HEPA filters and UF filters, the high performance filters should be protected from large particles such as hair and dust. Therefore, in order to protect the high performance filters, a pre filter must be installed upstream of the high performance filters.

The prefilter is adapted to remove large particles from the water. If the pre-filter is disposed upstream of the high performance filters to remove the large particles contained in the raw water first, the high performance filters can be protected since the raw water that does not contain the large particles is supplied to the high performance filter. The raw water passing through the prefilter is then filtered by a HEPA filter, an UF filter, or the like.

The integer generated by the filter unit 1060 may be directly provided to the user through the water extraction unit 1020. In this case, the temperature of the purified water provided to the user corresponds to room temperature. Alternatively, the purified water generated by the filter unit 1060 may be heated by the heating device 1100 or cooled by the cold water tank assembly 1200.

The flow sensor 1063 is made to measure the flow rate of raw water or purified water according to the installation position. When a sensor for measuring the flow rate of raw water is referred to as a first flow rate sensor, the first flow rate sensor is provided on the downstream side of the raw water supply part and on the upstream side of the filter part 1060. If the sensor for measuring the flow rate of purified water is called a second flow rate sensor, the second flow rate sensor is provided downstream of the filter portion 1060. The water purifier 1000 may include both the first flow sensor and the second flow sensor, but may include only one of them.

The flow sensor 1063 may be configured to measure the flow rate of the coolant filled inside the cold water tank assembly 1200. In the present invention, since the cooling water is composed of raw water or purified water, the flow rate of the raw water or purified water measured by the flow sensor 1063 corresponds to the flow rate of the cooling water. The water purifier 1000 of the present invention uses the flow sensor 1063 to fill the inside of the cold water tank assembly 1200 with a predetermined amount of cooling water. A more detailed configuration thereof will be described later.

The filter bracket assembly 1070 is a structure for fixing the unit filters 1061 and 1062 of the filter unit 1060 and fixing components such as water discharge passages, valves, and sensors such as purified water and cold water.

The bottom 1071 of the filter bracket assembly 1070 is coupled with the tray 1040. The bottom 1071 of the filter bracket assembly 1070 is formed to receive the protruding engagement portion 1041 of the tray 1040. As the protruding coupling portion 1041 of the tray 1040 is inserted into the lower portion 1071 of the filter bracket assembly 1070, the filter bracket assembly 1070 and the tray 1040 are engaged.

The bottom 1071 of the filter bracket assembly 1070 and the tray 1040 have curved surfaces corresponding to each other. The bottom 1071 of the filter bracket assembly 1070 can be rotated independently of the rest of the filter bracket assembly 1070.

The upper portion 1072 of the filter bracket assembly 1070 is made to support the water outlet 1020. The upper portion 1072 of the filter bracket assembly 1070 defines the rotation path of the outlet portion 1020. The water extraction unit 1020 may be divided into a first portion 1021 protruding to the outside of the water purifier 1000 and a second portion 1022 disposed inside the water purifier 1000. The second portion 1022 may be formed in a circular shape for rotation as shown in FIG. 2. The second portion 1022 is mounted to the top 1072 of the filter bracket assembly 1070. The top 1072 of the filter bracket assembly 1070 can be rotated independently of the rest of the filter bracket assembly 1070.

The bottom 1071 and the top 1072 of the filter bracket assembly 1070 may be connected to each other by the vertical connection 1073. The lower portion 1071 and the upper portion 1072 of the filter bracket assembly 1070 connected to each other by the vertical connecting portion 1073 may be rotated in the same direction. If the user rotates the water outlet 1020, the upper portion 1072, the upper and lower connecting portions 1073, the lower portion 1071, and the tray 1040 of the filter bracket assembly 1070 connected to the water extraction portion 1020 are discharged portions. Can be rotated with 1020.

A filter installation region 1074 is formed between the lower 1071 and the upper 1072 of the filter bracket assembly 1070 to receive the unit filters 1061 and 1062 of the filter unit 1060. The filter installation area 1074 provides an installation space for the unit filters 1061 and 1062.

On the opposite side of the filter installation region 1074, a support 1075 protruding toward the rear of the water purifier 1000 is formed. The support 1075 is configured to support the controller 1080 and the heating device 1100. The controller 1080 and the heating device 1100 are mounted on the support 1075. The support 1075 is disposed between the heating device 1100 and the compressor 1051 to block heat generated in the heating device 1100 from being conducted to the compressor 1051 or the like.

The controller 1080 is configured to implement overall control of the water purifier 1000. The controller 1080 may include various printed circuit boards for controlling the operation of the water purifier 1000.

The heating device 1100 is formed to heat the purified water generated by the filter unit 1060 to generate hot water. The heating device 1100 includes components configured to heat purified water, such as an induction heating module. The heating device 1100 receives purified water from the filter unit 1060, and the hot water generated by the heating device 1100 is discharged through the water extraction unit 1020.

The refrigeration cycle apparatus is configured to produce cold water. A refrigeration cycle device refers to a set of devices in which the compression-condensation-expansion-evaporation process of the refrigerant occurs continuously. In order to generate cold water in the cold water tank assembly 1200, a refrigeration cycle apparatus must first operate to bring the coolant filled in the cold water tank assembly 1200 to a low temperature.

The refrigeration cycle apparatus includes a compressor 1051, a condenser 1052, an expansion device 1053, an evaporator 1054 (see FIG. 3), and a refrigerant flow path connecting them to each other. The refrigerant passage may be formed by a pipe or the like, and the refrigerant passage connects the compressor 1051, the condenser 1052, the expansion device 1053, and the evaporator to form a circulation passage of the refrigerant.

The compressor 1051 is made to compress the refrigerant. The compressor 1051 is connected to the condenser 1052 by a refrigerant passage, and the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 1051 flows to the condenser 1052 through the refrigerant passage. The compressor 1051 may be disposed under the support 1075 and installed to be supported by the base 1030.

Condenser 1052 is made to condense the refrigerant. The refrigerant compressed by the compressor 1051 flows into the condenser 1052 through the refrigerant passage, and is condensed by the condenser 1052. The refrigerant condensed in the condenser 1052 flows to the expansion device 1053 through the refrigerant passage.

Expansion of the refrigerant is implemented by expansion device 1053. The expansion device 1053 is configured to expand the refrigerant, and a capillary tube or a throttling valve may configure the expansion device 1053 according to a design. The capillary can be rolled up into coils to ensure sufficient length in tight spaces.

The evaporator 1054 (see FIG. 3) is made to evaporate the refrigerant and is installed inside the cold water tank assembly 1200. The evaporator will be described later with reference to other drawings in which the evaporator is shown.

The base 1030 supports the compressor 1051, the front cover 1011, the rear cover 1014, both side panels 1013a and 1013b, the filter bracket assembly 1070, the condenser 1052 and the fan 1033, and the like. It is formed to. The base 1030 preferably has a high stiffness to support these components.

The condenser 1052 and the fan 1033 may be installed at the rear side of the water purifier 1000, and the continuous circulation of air is required for the heat dissipation of the condenser 1052. An inlet 1034 may be formed at the bottom of the base 1030 to circulate air. The air sucked through the inlet port 1034 is caused to flow by the fan 1033. Air flows toward the condenser 1052 to achieve air cooled cooling. In the base 1030, a duct structure surrounding the fan 1033 and the condenser 1052 may be fixed to increase the heat radiation efficiency of the condenser 1052. An upper portion of the condenser 1052 may be provided with a pedestal 1031 configured to support the cold water tank assembly 1200.

The pedestal 1031 has a first hole 1031a at the rear side, and the rear cover 1014 has a second hole 1014a. The first hole 1031a and the second hole 1014a are formed at positions corresponding to each other. The first hole 1031a and the second hole 1014a are for disposing a drain valve for draining the coolant filled in the cold water tank assembly 1200. The drain valve will be described later.

The cold water tank assembly 1200 is formed to receive the coolant therein. The cold water tank assembly 1200 is supplied with purified water generated by the filter unit 1060. In particular, in the case of the direct type water purifier 1000 having no separate water tank, the cold water tank assembly 1200 may be supplied with purified water directly from the filter unit 1060.

The temperature of the coolant filled in the cold water tank assembly 1200 is lowered by the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus. The cold water tank assembly 1200 is configured to cool the purified water with the coolant to form cold water.

Since the cooling water is stored in the cold water tank assembly 1200 and does not circulate, the contamination of the cooling water increases after a long time. For hygiene, the coolant stored in the cold water cold assembly is periodically discharged to the outside, and the new coolant needs to be filled in the cold water tank assembly 1200.

3 is an exploded perspective view of the cold water tank assembly 1200 shown in FIG. 2.

The cold water tank assembly 1200 has a coolant accommodating part 1220 formed to receive the coolant. The coolant accommodating part 1220 is formed in the shape of a reservoir, and the coolant is filled therein. Although the coolant accommodating part 1220 is formed in the shape of a water tank, the water purifier is still divided into a direct type water purifier. This is because the coolant receiving unit 1220 stores coolant for generating cold water instead of purified water to be provided to the user.

An upper end of the coolant accommodating part 1220 is opened, and an edge of the upper end is formed to be coupled to the cold water tank cover 1201. As the cold water tank cover 1201 is coupled to the coolant accommodating part 1220, an inner space of the coolant accommodating part 1220 may be sealed.

The heat insulating material 1210 of the cold water tank assembly 1200 is formed through a foaming jig formed in a foam jig, and a barrier 1221 is formed on an upper portion of the cooling water accommodating part 1220 to prevent overflow of the foamed liquid during the foaming process. do. The barrier 1221 may protrude along the outer circumferential surface of the upper portion of the coolant receiving part 1220. The barrier 1221 is made to contact the inner circumferential surface of the foam jig to prevent the overflow of the foam liquid injected into the foam jig.

The heat insulator 1210 is formed to surround the coolant accommodating part 1220. Specifically, the heat insulator 1210 is formed to surround the outer circumferential surface and the bottom surface of the coolant receiving portion 1220. The heat insulating material 1210 is formed by performing a foaming process in a state in which the cooling water accommodating part 1220 and the foaming liquid are added to the foaming jig. Accordingly, the coolant accommodating part 1220 has a structure inserted into the heat insulator 1210, and the insulator 1210 has a structure accommodating the coolant accommodating part 1220.

The heat insulator 1210 is configured to suppress heat transfer between the coolant filled in the coolant accommodating part 1220 and the outside air. When the heat insulator 1210 suppresses heat transfer between the coolant and the outside air, there is an effect of saving power consumption and preventing dew condensation.

First, the coolant must be kept at a low temperature to generate cold water, but the temperature of the coolant may gradually increase if the coolant is continuously heat exchanged with the outside air. When the temperature of the cooling water rises, the refrigeration cycle apparatus needs additional operation to keep the cooling water at a low temperature, and further operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus consumes power. Therefore, if the heat insulating material 1210 has sufficient heat insulating performance, it is possible to save power consumed in the refrigeration cycle apparatus.

In addition, the heat insulator 1210 prevents dew from forming on the outer circumferential surface of the coolant accommodating part 1220. Dew is formed by condensation of water vapor in the air at a temperature below the dew point. Therefore, it is necessary to suppress the surrounding air from being lower than the dew point by the cooling water to prevent dew condensation. The heat insulating material 1210 suppresses heat transfer between the coolant and the ambient air to prevent dew from forming on the coolant accommodating part 1220, the cold water tank assembly 1200, and a drain valve to be described later.

The cold water tank cover 1201 is formed to cover the heat insulator 1210 and the coolant accommodating part 1220 inserted into the heat insulator 1210. Cold water tank cover 1201 is coupled to the top of cold water tank assembly 1200. The conventional water purifier has had the trouble of having to open the cold water tank cover 1201 every time in order to fill the cooling water with the cold water tank or the coolant accommodating part 1220. However, the water purifier according to the present invention is formed to fill the cooling water in the cooling water accommodating part 1220 without opening the cold water tank cover 1201 as described below, and is formed to confirm whether the cooling water is filled up to a reference level.

The cold water tank cover 1201 is formed with a hole 1201 ′ configured to receive the inlet 1241 and the outlet 1242 of the cold water generation flow path 1240. An inlet 1241 and an outlet 1242 of the cold water generation flow path 1240 are disposed in the hole 1201 '. The inlet 1241 is formed at one end of the cold water generation passage 1240 and is connected to the filter unit 1060 (see FIG. 2). The outlet 1242 is formed at the other end of the cold water generation passage 1240 and is connected to the water outlet 1020 (see FIG. 2).

The cold water generation flow path 1240 is formed to pass the purified water supplied from the filter part. The cold water generating passage 1240 extends from the inlet to form a coil. The form of the coil refers to a form in which the cold water generating passage 1240 is stacked while drawing concentric circles. The reason why the cold water generation channel 1240 is formed in the shape of a coil or a spring is to secure a sufficient heat exchange area.

The evaporator 1054 may have a form, such as a coil or a spring, in part, similarly to the cold water generation passage 1240. The form of the coil refers to the form in which the evaporator 1054 is stacked while drawing concentric circles. The evaporator 1054 has a coil-like shape in order to secure a sufficient heat exchange area as in the cold water generation flow path 1240.

Evaporator 1054 is made to evaporate the refrigerant. Evaporation of the refrigerant takes place through heat exchange with cooling water. Heat is transferred from the coolant to the refrigerant. The refrigerant receiving heat from the cooling water is evaporated, and the cooling water transferring heat to the refrigerant may be kept at a low temperature. The refrigerant evaporated by heat exchange with the cooling water flows back into the compressor through the refrigerant passage, and circulates through the refrigeration cycle apparatus.

Since the cold water generating flow path 1240 and the evaporator 1054 are formed in a coil-like shape, a hollow part is formed therein. The hollow part is provided with an agitator which will be described later. The stirrer is rotated by a motor. The cold water tank assembly 1200 includes a motor protector 1250 formed to surround the motor and a motor cover 1255 formed to cover the motor. The motor cover 1255 is coupled to an upper side of the motor protector 1250.

A plate 1202 may be disposed between the cold water generation flow path 1240 and the evaporator 1054. A plurality of supports 1204 are installed between the plate 1202 and the motor protection unit 1250. The plurality of supports 1204 are made to support the motor protection unit 1250, and the plurality of supports 1204 themselves are supported by the plate 1202. The plurality of supports 1204 are spaced apart from each other to allow the cooling water to pass therebetween. Both sides of the plate 1202 may be provided with a position fixing portion 1203a configured to fix the positions of the cold water generating passage 1240 and the evaporator 1054. The position fixing portion 1203a includes a groove, and the cold water generating passage 1240 and the evaporator 1054 may be disposed in the groove of the position fixing portion, respectively. The position fixing part 1203a also serves to support the motor protection part 1250.

Thermistor 1260 is installed inside the cold water tank assembly 1200. The thermistor 1260 is configured to measure the temperature of the measurement object by using a characteristic in which a resistance value changes with temperature. Thermistor 1260 measures the temperature of the cooling water, and the temperature of the cooling water measured by the thermistor 1260 is the basis for determining the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus.

The cold water tank assembly 1200 is formed to cool the purified water passing through the cold water generation passage 1240 with the coolant filled in the coolant accommodating part 1220 to generate cold water. The purified water supplied from the filter part is cooled while passing through the cold water generation flow path 1240. Since the cold water generation flow path 1240 is immersed in the cooling water filled in the coolant accommodating part 1220, the purified water flowing through the cold water generation flow path 1240 is continuously cooled by exchanging heat with the cooling water to form cold water.

4 is a cross-sectional view showing the cold water tank assembly 1200 and the rear cover 1014 of the water purifier according to the first-first embodiment of the present invention. 4 corresponds to a cross-sectional view of the cold water tank assembly 1200 and the rear cover 1014 along the line A-A of FIG. 2.

The temperature of the cooling water must be kept low for cold water generation, which can be described as between the first reference temperature and the second reference temperature.

If the temperature of the coolant is high, it is difficult to generate cold water. Therefore, whenever the temperature of the coolant is high, the refrigeration cycle unit should be operated to lower the coolant temperature to the cold water generation temperature range. At this time, the temperature at which the refrigeration cycle apparatus operates is set to the first reference temperature.

On the contrary, the lower the temperature of the cooling water is, the more favorable it is to generate cold water, but excessive operation of the refrigeration cycle device causes waste water consumption of the water purifier. Therefore, the temperature of the cooling water only needs to be lowered to a low temperature sufficient to generate cold water, and lowering below that is undesirable from the viewpoint of power consumption saving. At this time, the temperature of the cooling water sufficient to generate the cold water is set to the second reference temperature.

If the temperature of the cooling water measured by the thermistor 1260 is equal to or greater than the first reference temperature, the refrigeration cycle device of the water purifier 1000 operates to lower the temperature of the cooling water. The compressor 1051 and the condenser 1052 described in FIG. 2 operate to compress and condense the refrigerant, and the expansion of the refrigerant is performed in the expansion device 1053. The expanded refrigerant passes through an evaporator 1054 installed inside the cold water tank assembly 1200. The coolant stored in the coolant accommodating part 1220 is cooled by heat exchange with a refrigerant passing through the evaporator 1054. Therefore, the cooling water can be kept at a low temperature by the interaction of the thermistor 1260 and the refrigeration cycle device.

The stirrer 1270 is installed to protrude from the inner upper wall of the cold water tank assembly 1200. The stirrer 1270 is immersed in the cooling water and is rotatably formed about an axis to stir the cooling water filled in the cooling water receiving unit 1220. Agitator 1270 is a device that promotes heat exchange between fluids in cold water tank assembly 1200. Since the fluid in the cold water tank assembly 1200 corresponds to the refrigerant, the cooling water, and the purified water, the stirrer 1270 promotes heat exchange between the cooling water and the refrigerant, and heat exchange between the cooling water and the purified water.

The motor 1271 is installed on the inner upper wall of the cold water tank assembly 1200, and the cold water tank cover 1201 covers the motor 1271. The motor 1271 includes a rotating rotor 1271a and a stator 1271b fixed thereto, and the rotor 1271a and the stator 1271b are accommodated in the motor protection unit 1250. The stirrer 1270 is connected to the rotor 1271a by the shaft 1272, and when the rotor 1271 rotates, the stirrer 1270 also rotates.

Thermistor 1260 continuously measures the temperature of the cooling water. If the temperature of the cooling water measured by the thermistor 1260 is less than or equal to the second reference temperature, the refrigeration cycle apparatus stops operating. The second reference temperature is lower than the first reference temperature. The first reference temperature and the second reference temperature respectively set the reference for the operation and stop of the refrigeration cycle apparatus. The temperature of the cooling water stored in the cold water tank assembly 1200 may be maintained between the first reference temperature and the second reference temperature by the temperature measurement by the thermistor 1260 and the operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus.

The rotational speed per unit time of the stirrer 1270 depends on the level of the coolant filled in the coolant receiver 1220. If the level of the coolant corresponds to h1, the stirrer 1270 is not immersed in the coolant, so the rotation of the stirrer 1270 is not subjected to resistance by the coolant. Therefore, if the level of the cooling water corresponds to h1, the stirrer 1270 may be rotated fastest.

If the level of the coolant corresponds to h2, the stirrer 1270 is immersed in the coolant, and the rotation of the stirrer 1270 is subjected to resistance by the coolant. Therefore, the rotational speed per unit time of the stirrer 1270 is slower than when the level of the cooling water is h1. However, the level of the coolant corresponding to h2 corresponds to a level not sufficient for cold water generation because the evaporator 1054 is not immersed in the coolant.

If the level of the coolant corresponds to h3, the stirrer 1270 is immersed in the coolant deeper than h2, and the rotation of the stirrer 1270 is subjected to greater resistance by the coolant than h2. Therefore, the rotational speed per unit time of the stirrer 1270 is slower than when the cooling water level is h2. In addition, the water level of the cooling water corresponding to h3 corresponds to a sufficient water level for generating cold water because the evaporator 1054 is a water level immersed in the cooling water.

As such, it may be determined whether the coolant is filled to the reference level based on the rotational speed per unit time of the stirrer 1270. By reference level is meant a sufficient level for cold water generation. In addition, the sufficient water level for generating cold water means a level at which the cold water generating passage 1240, the evaporator 1054, and the agitator 1270 are all immersed in the cooling water.

In FIG. 4, all of the flow paths from the end face of the flow path indicated by reference numeral 1240 to the bottom surface 1207 correspond to the cold water generation flow path 1240. The purified water passing through the cold water generation flow path 1240 may exchange heat with the cooling water. Heat is transferred from the purified water to the cooling water, and the purified water becomes cold water within a short time by heat exchange with the cooling water. The stirrer 1270 rotates about an axis to promote heat exchange between purified water and cooling water.

Plate 1202 is located at the boundary between evaporator 1054 and cold water generation flow path 1240. An inner circumferential surface of the coolant accommodating part 1220 is formed with a step 1222 along an edge thereof, and the plate 1202 is supported by the step 1222. Position fixing portions 1203a and 1203b are formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the plate 1202, respectively, and the evaporator 1054 and the cold water generating flow passage 1240 are disposed in the grooves of the fixing portion.

The cold water generation flow path support part 1207a is formed to support the lower portion of the cold water generation flow path 1240. The cold water generation flow path support 1207a protrudes from the inner bottom surface 1207 of the cold water tank assembly 1200 toward the cold water generation flow path 1240. The cold water generation flow path support part 1207a is formed with a groove having a size corresponding to the outer circumferential surface of the cold water generation flow path 1240. The cold water generation flow path 1240 is mounted on the groove of the cold water generation flow path support part 1207a and is supported by the cold water generation flow path support part 1207a.

Cooling water stored in cold water tank assembly 1200 must be replaced periodically for hygiene. Drainage of the cooling water is through the drain valve 1280 to form a drain flow path.

The drain valve 1280 is connected to the cold water tank assembly 1200. The drain valve 1280 is installed in the cold water tank assembly 1200 to form a discharge flow path of the coolant filled in the cold water tank assembly 1200. At least a portion of the drain valve 1280 is exposed to the outside of the water purifier 1000 body.

Cold water tank assembly 1200 includes a protruding drain passage 1206. The protruding drain flow passage 1206 protrudes from the lower portion of the coolant accommodating portion 1206 and is connected to the drain valve 1280. The protruding drain flow path 1206 is inserted into the drain valve 1280. Since the drain valve 1280 is configured to discharge the coolant to the outside of the water purifier 1000, when the protruding drain flow path 1206 is inserted into the drain valve 1280, a flow path capable of draining the coolant stored in the cold water tank assembly 1200. Is formed.

The drain valve 1280 is fixed by the fixing part 1205. Detailed description of the drain valve 1280 and the fixing part 1205 will be described later.

The inner bottom surface 1207 of the cold water tank assembly 1200 may be inclined for smooth drainage. Since the coolant is drained by natural forces, if the inner bottom 1207 of the cold water tank assembly 1200 is flat, coolant may accumulate in some areas. It is not hygienically desirable if the coolant accumulates in some area of the inner bottom surface 1207. However, as shown in FIG. 4, when the inner bottom surface 1207 of the cold water tank assembly 1200 is formed to be inclined toward the drain passage, it is possible to prevent the cooling water from pooling.

Cold water tank assembly 1200 may also include anti-sump drain 1208. The anti-sump drain 1208 forms a drain flow path with the drain valve 1280. Anti-sump drain 1208 is formed by indentation (or depression) of the inner bottom surface 1207 of the cold water tank assembly 1200. The anti-sump drain 1208 defines a bottom surface lower than the inner bottom surface 1207 of the cold water tank assembly 1200, and may have a slope at least in some areas.

The anti-sump drain 1208 is configured to collect the coolant filled in the cold water tank assembly 1200 and to drain it to the drain valve 1280. The anti-sump drain 1208 forms a bottom surface that is lower than the inner bottom surface 1207 and is inclined so that the coolant does not accumulate on the inner bottom surface 1207. Cooling water is collected in the anti-sump drain 1208 and discharged through the drain valve 1280.

The reason why the heat insulator 1210 surrounds the coolant accommodating part 1220 is to cool the coolant accommodating part 1220. Without the heat insulator 1210, the temperature of the coolant filled in the coolant accommodating part 1220 by natural heat transfer gradually approaches the room temperature. The heat insulator 1210 suppresses the transfer of heat from the cooling water to the air, thereby reducing the speed at which the temperature of the cooling water approaches room temperature.

The heat insulator 1210 surrounds the drain valve 1280 to prevent dew from forming on the drain valve 1280. The reason that the heat insulator 1210 surrounds the drain valve 1280 is to block contact between the drain valve 1280 and air. Dew is formed by the condensation of water vapor in the air, and blocking contact with air can prevent dew condensation. The heat insulator 1210 blocks contact between the drain valve 1280 and air, thereby preventing dew from forming on the outer circumferential surface of the drain valve 1280.

The heat insulator 1210 covers not only the coolant receiving part 1220 but also the drain valve 1280. Therefore, the heat insulator 1210 may cool the coolant accommodating part 1220 and prevent dew from forming on the drain valve 1280. Therefore, an additional effect of preventing the occurrence of dew condensation on the drain valve 1280 may be obtained by using the heat insulating material 1210 for insulating the coolant accommodating part 1220.

Insulation material 1210 may be made of PU (polyurethane, Polyurethane), it is formed by a foaming process. Thus, insulation 1210 may be referred to as foamed PU foam. Insulating material 1210 called EPS (Expandable Polystrene) has been used for cooling of water purifiers. However, since the gap exists in the EPS, the EPS cannot block the contact between the drain valve 1280 and the air. On the other hand, since there is no gap in the heat insulating material 1210 made of PU and formed by the foaming process, the contact between the drain valve 1280 and the air can be blocked.

Foaming process may be made in a foam jig, the heat insulating material 1210 of the present invention may be formed through a process called nude foaming. The foaming process is performed in the following order.

The coolant accommodating part 1220 and the drain valve 1280 are assembled, and the assembled coolant accommodating part 1220 and the drain valve 1280 are put into the foam jig. Subsequently, the stock solution of the heat insulating material 1210 (for example, a foam liquid composed of a mixture of polyurethane and a foaming agent) is introduced into the foam jig and the foaming process is performed. When the foaming process is completed, a heat insulating material 1210 surrounding the outer circumferential surface of the coolant accommodating part 1220 is formed. The heat insulating material 1210 formed by the foaming process not only covers the coolant accommodating part 1220 but also the drain valve 1280.

The coolant accommodating part 1220 includes a barrier 1221 for preventing the overflow of the foam liquid during the foaming process. The barrier 1221 protrudes along the outer circumferential surface of the upper portion of the cold water tank assembly 1200. The barrier 1221 protruding from the cold water tank assembly 1200 may contact the inner circumferential surface of the foaming jig to prevent overflow of the foaming liquid introduced into the foaming jig.

When the foaming process is completed, the coolant accommodating part 1220, the drain valve 1280, and the heat insulating material 1210 are integrally formed. The heat insulator 1210 is disposed at a position spaced apart from the cover 1010. The cover 1010 may be at least one of the front cover 1011, the side panel 1013a, and the rear cover 1014 according to the installation position of the cold water tank assembly 1200. Based on the position of the cold water tank assembly 1200 described with reference to FIG. 2, the cover 1010 here corresponds to the rear cover 1014. However, it is not necessarily limited thereto.

Since the heat insulating material 1210 and the rear cover 1014 are spaced apart from each other, an air gap 1230 is formed between the outer circumferential surface of the heat insulating material 1210 and the inner circumferential surface of the rear cover 1014. The air gap 1230 is for additional cold storage of the cold water tank assembly 1200. A structure in which the air gap 1230 separates the heat insulating material 1210 and the rear cover 1014 from the heat insulating material 1210 in contact with the rear cover 1014 is advantageous for cold storage of the cold water tank assembly 1200. This is because the air gap 1230 limits heat conduction.

The air gap 1230 may further cool the cold water tank assembly 1200, but may not prevent dew from forming on the drain valve 1280 when the drain valve 1280 is exposed to the air gap 1230. In order to prevent dew from forming on the drain valve 1280, the outer circumferential surface of the drain valve 1280 is continuously wrapped by the heat insulating material 1210 and the rear cover 1014. Since the drain valve 1280 is continuously wrapped by the heat insulator 1210 and the rear cover 1014, even if an air gap 1230 is present between the rear cover 1014 and the heat insulator 1210, the drain valve 1280 is air. It is not exposed to the gap 1230.

Referring to FIG. 4, the water purifier 1000 may include a pedestal 1031 formed to surround a lower portion of the cold water tank assembly 1200. The pedestal 1031 spaces the heat insulating material 1210 and the rear cover 1014 from each other to form an air gap 1230. In addition, in order to prevent dew from forming on the drain valve 1280, the outer circumferential surface of the drain valve 1280 may be continuously wrapped by the heat insulating material 1210, the pedestal 1031, and the cover 1010.

Even if the air gap 1230 is present, (1) the drain valve 1280 is continuously surrounded by the heat insulating material 1210 and the cover 1010, or (2) the drain valve 1280 is the heat insulating material 1210 The drain valve 1280 may not be exposed to the air gap 1230 through the structure that is continuously wrapped by the pedestal 1031 and the cover 1010. Therefore, the present invention can prevent dew from forming on the outer circumferential surface of the drain valve 1280 even with the air gap 1230.

5 is a detailed cross-sectional view showing the drain valve 1280 of the water purifier according to the first-first embodiment.

The coolant accommodating part 1220 includes a protruding drain passage 1206 connected to the drain valve 1280. The protruding drain flow path 1206 protrudes from the lower portion of the coolant receiving part 1220. A direction in which the protruding drain passage 1206 protrudes is a direction toward the outside of the coolant accommodating part 1220.

On the basis of the flow of the coolant drainage, the anti-sump drain 1208, the protruding drain passage 1206, and the drain valve 1280 form a continuous flow passage of the coolant. When the coolant is drained, the coolant is discharged to the outside through the anti-sump drain 1208, the protruding drain flow path 1206, and the drain valve 1280 in order.

The drain valve 1280 includes housings 1281a and 1281b, a press operating portion 1282, an elastic member 1283, a first O-ring 1284, and a second O-ring 1285.

The housings 1281a and 1281b form the exterior of the drain valve 1280. 5 shows the appearance of the housings 1281a and 1281b in the form of a cylinder having a step on its outer circumferential surface. However, in the present invention, the appearance of the housings 1281a and 1281b is not necessarily limited thereto.

The housings 1281a and 1281b have hollow portions. The hollow part corresponds to a drain flow path for draining the cooling water and also corresponds to a space for receiving the pressing operation part 1282, the elastic member 1283, and the like.

As described above, the housings 1281a and 1281b are surrounded by the heat insulator 1210. Since the heat insulating material 1210 surrounds the housing, contact between the housings 1281a and 1281b and air may be blocked. Thus, even though cold coolant is drained through the hollows, the housings 1281a and 1281b are not in contact with air. Through such a structure, dew condensation on the drain valve 1280 may be prevented.

The housings 1281a and 1281b are formed by the combination of the first housing 1281a and the second housing 1281b. When one of the first housing 1281a and the second housing 1281b is inserted into the other, the first housing 1281a and the second housing 1281b are combined. In FIG. 5, the second housing 1281b is inserted into the first housing 1281a.

The first housing 1281a corresponds to the outlet through which the coolant is discharged from the drain valve 1280. In contrast, the second housing 1281b corresponds to an inlet for receiving cooling water from the cooling water receiving unit 1220. Accordingly, the first housing 1281a is disposed downstream from the second housing 1281b based on the flow of the cooling water from the cooling water receiving unit 1220.

The push operation unit 1282 is disposed inside the housings 1281a and 1281b. The inner side of the housings 1281a and 1281b means a hollow part. The push operation unit 1282 receives a push operation from a user or the like. The pressing operation of the user or the like is for opening and closing the drain flow path of the drain valve 1280.

The first o-ring 1284 seals between the pressing operation unit 1282 and the first housing 1281a. The first o-ring 1284 is coupled to the push operation unit 1282, and is in close contact with the housing by an elastic force provided by the elastic member 1283. The first o-ring 1284 is made of a material having elasticity. Since the first O-ring 1284 seals between the pressing operation unit 1282 and the first housing 1281a, the closing of the drain passage may be realized.

The elastic member 1283 provides an elastic force for tightly pressing the pressing manipulation unit 1282 to the first housing 1281a. The elastic member 1283 is disposed upstream of the pressing operation part 1282 and is supported by the second housing 1281b.

The second o-ring 1285 is formed in an annular shape. The second o-ring 1285 seals a connection portion between the first housing 1281a and the second housing 1281b. The second o-ring 1285 is made of a material having elasticity.

An end portion of the protruding drain passage 1206 is formed to have a size that can be inserted into the hollow portion of the second housing 1281b. Steps exist on the outer circumferential surface of the protruding drain passage 1206. The second housing 1281b is formed to receive an end of the protruding drain passage 1206 and surrounds an outer circumferential surface of the protruding drain passage 1206. The second housing 1281b is restricted in movement by the step of the protruding drain flow path 1206. Therefore, the step of the protruding drain flow path 1206 serves to set the position of the second housing 1281b.

Referring to FIG. 5, the fixing part 1205 is formed not to cover all of the protruding drain flow path 1206 and the drain valve 1280, but to partially cover the outer circumferential surface of the drain valve 1280. Accordingly, the drain valve 1280 is visually exposed at the bottom of the cold water tank assembly 1200.

In detail, the outer bottom surface 1207 ′ of the coolant receiving part 1220 partially surrounds the protrusion drain flow path 1206 at a position spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface of the protrusion drain flow path 1206. The outer bottom surface 1207 ′ of the coolant accommodating part 1220 refers to an opposite surface of the inner bottom surface 1207 denoted by reference numeral 1207 in FIG. 5.

Looking at the cold water tank assembly 1200 in the direction in which the drain valve 1280 is coupled to the protruding drain flow passage 1206, the outer bottom 1207 ′ of the coolant receiving portion 1220 partially deflects the protruding drain flow passage 1206. It may have a partially arcuate cross section to enclose it. The outer bottom surface 1207 'is spaced apart from the protruding drain passage 1206 to form a space for disposing the drain valve 1280 and the sealing member 1290 therebetween. In addition, the outer bottom surface 1207 ′ partially wrapping the protruding drain flow passage 1206, not the whole, is for exposing the protruding drain flow passage 1206 through the remaining portion not covered by the outer bottom surface.

Fixing portion 1205 protrudes from the outer bottom surface of cold water tank assembly 1200 to partially wrap drain valve 1280. The fixing part 1205 is formed in an arc shape, and the outer bottom surface 1207 ′ of the cooling water receiving part 1220 and the fixing part 1205 form an edge of a hole.

The fixing part 1205 surrounds the drain valve 1280 at a position not covering the connection portion between the protruding drain flow passage 1206 and the drain valve 1280. Since the protruding drain flow path 1206 and the drain valve 1280 may be wrapped by the sealing member 1290, the fixing part 1205 is understood to surround the drain valve 1280 at a position not covering the sealing member 1290. Can be. A hole formed by the outer bottom surface 1207 ′ of the coolant receiving portion 1220 and the arcuate fixing portion 1205 faces the outlet of the protruding drain flow passage 1206.

The structure exposing the connection portion of the protruding drain flow path 1206 and the drain valve 1280 is connected to the protruding drain flow path 1206 and the drain valve 1280 and the sealing member 1290 is properly sealed before the foaming process. To visually identify After the foaming process is completed, the sealing member 1290 is covered by the heat insulating material 1210.

The first housing 1281a and the second housing 1281b may be coupled to each other by screwing, interference fitting, hooking, or the like. An outer circumferential surface of the other may be wrapped in one of the first housing 1281a and the second housing 1281b. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the first housing 1281a surrounds the outer circumferential surface of the second housing 1281b.

The second housing 1281b has an inclined surface at a portion engaged with the first housing 1281a. A gap is formed between the first housing 1281a by the inclined surface of the second housing 1281b. The second O-ring 1285 is inserted into the gap to seal the connection portion between the first housing 1281a and the second housing 1281b. The second o-ring 1285 prevents the coolant from leaking through the connection portion between the first housing 1281a and the second housing 1281b.

The first housing 1281a has a first catching jaw 1281a '. The second housing 1281b has a second catching jaw 1281b '. Since the first housing 1281a is disposed downstream of the second housing 1281b based on the drainage flow of the cooling water, the first locking jaw 1281a 'is named as a downstream locking jaw 1281a', The locking step 1281b 'may be referred to as an upstream locking step 1281b'.

The first catching jaw 1281a 'protrudes from an inner circumferential surface of the first housing 1281a. The first catching jaw 1281a 'protrudes along the inner circumferential surface and is substantially annular.

The pressing manipulation unit 1282 has a first portion 1282a and a second portion 1282b. Since the flow of the coolant is blocked at the first catching jaw when the drain valve 1280 is closed, the inside and the outside of the drain valve 1280 may be distinguished based on the first catching jaw 1281a '. Under this division, the first portion 1282a of the pressing manipulation unit 1282 means a portion disposed inside the drain valve 1280, and the second portion 1282b is a portion exposed to the outside of the drain valve 1280. Means.

The first portion 1282a is formed to be caught by the first catching jaw 1281a '. The first portion 1282a may be formed substantially in the form of a plate. However, any shape of the first portion 1282a may be selected. For example, the first portion 1282a may be formed of a disc or a polygonal plate.

The first portion 1282a is formed larger than the cooling water discharge hole defined by the first catching jaw 1281a '. Accordingly, the first portion 1282a may be caught by the first catching jaw 1281a '. Even if an elastic force is provided from the elastic member 1283 to the pressing operating portion 1282, the movement of the pressing operating portion 1282 is limited by the first catching jaw 1281a '. Therefore, the pressing manipulation unit 1282 may not be separated from the inside of the housing by the first catching jaw 1281a '.

The second portion 1282b is exposed to the outside to receive the pressing operation. Push operation means physical pressurization for opening and closing of the drain valve 1280. The second portion 1282b protrudes from the first portion 1282a toward the outside of the drain valve 1280. The second portion 1282b is visually exposed to the outside. The second portion 1282b is surrounded by the first catching jaw 1281a '. The second portion 1282b may or may not be in contact with the first locking jaw 1261a '.

A first O-ring 1284 is installed between the first catching jaw 1281a 'and the pressing manipulation unit 1282. The first O-ring 1284 is coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the push manipulation unit 1282. The pressing operation unit 1282 has a circular groove 1282c formed along an outer circumferential surface between the first portion 1282a and the second portion 1282b. The first o-ring 1284 is fitted into the circular groove 1282c.

The first portion 1282a receives an elastic force from the elastic member 1283. The first O-ring 1284 is pressed by the first portion 1282a to be in close contact with the first catching jaw 1281a '. When the first o-ring 1284 is in close contact with the first catching jaw 1281a ', the drain valve 1280 is closed. If the user applies the external force to the second portion 1282b and presses the operation unit 1282 toward the elastic member 1283, the first o-ring 1284 that is in close contact with the first catching jaw 1281a 'has a first catch. The drain valve 1280 is opened from the jaw 1281a '. The opening of the drain valve 1280 is implemented by an external force applied to the push operation unit 1282, and the closing of the drain valve 1280 is implemented by an elastic force provided by the elastic member 1283.

The second locking jaw 1281b 'is formed in the hollow portion of the second housing 1281b. The size of the inner circumference of the second housing 1281b is not constant, and there are regions where the size of the circumference is relatively large and the region is relatively small. The hollow part of the second housing 1281b has a different size based on the second locking jaw 1281b '. The second locking jaw 1281b 'is formed by the difference in size of the circumference.

The elastic member 1283 is installed at a position supported by the second catching jaw 1281b 'of the second housing 1281b. The push manipulation unit 1282 may include a boss portion 1282d protruding from the first portion 1282a toward the elastic member 1283. The elastic member 1283 may be formed to surround the outer circumferential surface of the boss portion 1282d. Since the movement of the elastic member 1283 is limited by the boss portion 1282d, the boss portion 1282d can prevent the elastic member 1283 from being displaced from the correct position.

The first portion 1282a of the pressing operating portion 1282 has a first surface and a second surface. The first and second surfaces face substantially opposite directions. The elastic member 1283 is in close contact with the first surface, and the first O-ring 1284 is coupled with the second surface. When the elastic member 1283 presses the first surface, the first O-ring 1284 is pressed by the second surface to be in close contact with the first catching jaw 1281a '.

The mechanical drain valve 1280 is a concept distinguished from the electronic valve. Electronic valves, for example solenoid valves, operate by the input of electrical signals. In contrast, the mechanical drain valve 1280 operates by applying a physical force.

The solenoid valve may operate abnormally or fail when exposed to water. In order to apply an electronic valve to a water purifier, the electronic valve should be placed as far as possible from the water. However, when the electronic valve is disposed away from the water, dew forms on the surfaces of the electronic valve and the pipe connected to the electronic valve.

In contrast, the mechanical drain valve 1280 does not require an electrical signal to operate. Therefore, the mechanical drain valve 1280 is not vulnerable to water and has an advantage of being disposed adjacent to water. In FIG. 5, the mechanical drain valve 1280 may be directly connected to the cold water tank assembly 1200.

In order to surround both the cold water tank assembly 1200 and the drain valve 1280 with the insulation 1210, the cold water tank assembly 1200 and the drain valve 1280 should not be far from each other. If the electronic valve is applied to the water purifier, it is inevitable that the cold water tank assembly 1200 and the electronic valve are separated from each other, so that the cold water tank assembly 1200 and the electronic valve cannot be wrapped with the heat insulator 1210.

However, the cold water tank assembly 1200 and the drain valve 1280 may be disposed adjacent to each other by applying the mechanical drain valve 1280, and the cold water tank assembly 1200 and the drain valve 1280 may be disposed by the heat insulator 1210. You can wrap it. Wrapping the drain valve 1280 with the heat insulator 1210 means that the contact with air can be blocked and ultimately prevent condensation.

Since the cold water tank assembly 1200 and the drain valve 1280 are directly connected to each other, the water purifier does not require piping for connecting the cold water tank assembly 1200 and the drain valve 1280. Dew condensation may occur in the piping through which the coolant flows, and the absence of the conduit means that the cause of dew condensation can be essentially eliminated.

6 is a hose 1300 for supplying the outlet water 1020 and the drain valve 1280 to supply the coolant to the coolant receiving part 1220 (see FIGS. 3 to 5) of the water purifier 1000 according to the first-first embodiment. This is a conceptual diagram connected by).

The water purifier 1000 includes a coolant flow path connected to the cold water tank assembly 1200 (refer to FIGS. 3 to 4) to supply raw water or purified water to the coolant receiver 1220. In the present invention, the embodiment is divided according to how to supply the cooling water, and the configuration of the cooling water flow path may vary according to the embodiment.

The water purifier shown in FIG. 6 is divided into the first-first embodiment. In the first-first embodiment, at least part of the cooling water flow path is formed by the hose 1300 exposed to the outside of the water purifier 1000 body.

The hose 1300 is configured to supply the purified water discharged through the water extraction unit 1020 to the cooling water receiving unit 1220 (see FIG. 4). One end 1310 of the hose 1300 is connected to the outlet water 1020, the other end 1320 of the hose 1300 is connected to the drain valve 1280. The hose 1300 is detachably coupled to the water outlet 1020 and the drain valve 1280. Accordingly, the purified water discharged from the outlet water 1020 may flow into the coolant accommodating part 1220 through the hose 1300 and the drain valve 1280.

The input unit 1016a provided in the water purifier 1000 is formed to receive a control command. The control command includes a command for withdrawing cold water or hot water from the water purifier 1000 or supplying the cooling water to the cooling water accommodating part 1220.

For example, when a user presses a predetermined amount button of cold / hot water, a control command is input to the water purifier 1000 to output a predetermined amount of cold / hot water, and the water purifier 1000 outputs a predetermined amount of cold / hot water. Similarly, when the user presses the continuous button of cold water / hot water, a control command for continuously outputting cold water / hot water is input to the water purifier 1000, and the water purifier 1000 presses the continuous water / cold water button again or a separate control command. Cold / hot water will continue to flow out until you enter.

In addition, when the user presses a button for supplying the coolant, a control command is input to the water purifier 1000 to output a predetermined amount of coolant, and the water purifier 1000 receives a predetermined amount of purified water (normal temperature purified water, cold water or hot water). ) Is withdrawn. In the present invention, the coolant may be composed of raw water or purified water. However, since the coolant is supplied through the outlet water 1020 in the first-first embodiment, the coolant in the first-first embodiment is made by purified water. In particular, considering that the cooling water is for cooling the purified water, the cooling water in the embodiment 1-1 is formed by cold water and cold water in hot water.

The control command for cold water / hot water discharge and the control command for cooling water supply should be distinguished from each other. This is because the amount of cold / hot water for drinking is different from the amount of purified water for filling the cooling water. In order to distinguish the control command, the input unit 1016a may include an input button configured to receive control commands distinguished from each other as shown in FIG. 6.

In normal operation of the water purifier, the hose 1300 is unnecessary. However, when the cooling water is to be replaced, in the water purifier of the first-first embodiment, an operation of first connecting the hose 1300 to the outlet water 1020 and the drain valve 1280 should be preceded. This is because the coolant water supply requires a coolant flow path, and at least a portion of the coolant flow path is formed by the hose 1300. Furthermore, since the existing coolant filled in the coolant receiver 1220 should be discharged before supplying the coolant, the connection of the hose 1300 should be made after discharging the existing coolant.

Although the coolant is made of purified water (more specifically, cold water), it is not preferable that the coolant supply button is pushed out when the coolant supply button is pressed while the hose 1300 is not connected. This is because the amount of cold water / hot water that is discharged when a certain amount of cold / hot water button is pressed differs from the amount of purified water that is discharged when the cooling water supply button is pressed (normal temperature, cold water or hot water). Therefore, it is preferable that the coolant supply button is deactivated when the hose 1300 is not connected.

When the coolant supply button is deactivated, the coolant is not discharged even if the user unknowingly presses the coolant supply button. For example, the water purifier 1000 may be configured to recognize the connection of the hose 1300. In this case, even if the user presses the cooling water supply button in the state in which the hose 1300 is not connected, the coolant is not discharged. Alternatively, after the coolant supply button is activated, the coolant supply button may be pressed so that the water purifier 1000 may discharge the coolant. Even in this case, the coolant is not discharged unless the user sequentially executes the operation of connecting the hose 1300> activating the coolant supply button> pressing the coolant supply button.

7 is a conceptual view illustrating the other end 1320 of the hose 1300 connected to the drain valve 1280 of the water purifier according to the first-first embodiment.

On the outer circumferential surface of the other end 1320 of the hose, a coupling portion 1321 such as a thread or a protrusion may be formed. When a thread is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the other end 1330 of the hose, the drain valve 1280 also includes a screw valley corresponding to the thread. Accordingly, the hose 1300 and the drain valve 1280 may be screwed. When protrusions are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the other end 1320 of the hose 1300, the hose 1300 may be prevented from being arbitrarily separated from the drain valve 1280 after engagement with the drain valve 1280 by the frictional force of the protrusion. .

The drain valve 1280 described with reference to FIG. 5 is configured to physically pressurize the press operation unit 1282 (see FIG. 5). When the hose 1300 is connected to the drain valve 1280, the press operation unit is connected to the hose 1300. Since it is concealed by the user, the user cannot press the pressing operation part arbitrarily. Accordingly, in order to open the drain valve 1280 of this type, a hose 1300 having a structure capable of pressing the pressing operation part should be provided.

The hose 1300 having a structure capable of pressing the pressing manipulation part includes a pressing part 1322 and connecting parts 1323.

The pressing portion 1322 is formed in the hollow portion of the hose 1300. The pressing unit 1322 is configured to press the pressing operation unit when the hose 1300 is coupled to the drain valve 1280. Pressing the pressing operation part means moving the pressing operation part to the inside of the drain valve 1280 to open the drain valve 1280.

The connecting parts 1323 are radially formed about the pressing part 1322 to connect the pressing part 1322 to the inner circumferential surface of the hose 1300. Since the connecting parts 1323 are radially formed, a gap exists between the inner circumferential surface of the hose 1300 and the pressing part, and cooling water may be supplied through the gap.

8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration in which the drain valve 1280 and the hose 1300 of the water purifier according to the first-first embodiment are connected to each other.

When the hose 1300 is connected to the drain valve 1280, the pressing part 1322 of the hose 1300 moves the pressing operation part 1282 in a position facing the pressing operation part 1282 of the drain valve 1280. Inward 1280. Since the external force applied by the pressing unit 1322 is greater than the restoring force of the elastic member 1283 that elastically supports the pressing operating unit 1828, the pressing operating unit 1282 moves in the direction of compressing the elastic member 1283. do.

When the press manipulation unit 1282 moves and is spaced apart from the first catching jaw 1281a ', a gap is formed between the press manipulation part 1282 and the first catching jaw 1281a', and through this gap, the coolant is supplied with the coolant. Ready to be supplied to 1220.

In the structure of the first-first embodiment described above, the cooling water supply preparation is completed by the operation of coupling the hose 1300 to the drain valve 1280 after discharging the cooling water from the cooling water accommodating part 1220.

FIG. 9 is a conceptual view of connecting the outlet water 1020 'and the drain valve 1280' with a hose 1300 'to supply the coolant to the coolant receiving part of the water purifier according to the embodiment 1-2 of the present invention.

Unlike the drain valve 1280 described in the first-first embodiment, the drain valve 1280 'of the embodiment 1-2 is exposed to the outside of the body of the water purifier 1000'. The drain valve 1280 exposed to the outside of the water purifier 1000 ′ is opened by an external force applied by a user. For example, the drain valve 1280 'may include a gate valve or a cock valve that is manually opened and closed. In the first and second embodiments, structures of the drain valve 1280 'and the hose 1300' described with reference to FIGS. 4 through 5 and 7 through 8 are unnecessary.

The structures of the drain valve 1280 'and the hose 1300' in the 1-2 embodiments are different from those in the 1-1 embodiment. Therefore, unlike the first-first embodiment, after the operation of connecting the hose 1300 'to the drain valve 1280' in the first-second embodiment, the drain valve 1280 'is additionally operated by operating the drain valve 1280'. An opening action must be added before the coolant supply is ready.

10 is a conceptual diagram showing the water purifier 1000 of the first-first embodiment and the first-second embodiment. The water purifier 1000 of the first-first embodiment and the water purifier 1000 of the first-second embodiment differ only from each other in structure of the drain valve 1280 and the hose 1300, and the rest thereof are the same. Can be.

(1) cold and hot water extraction

The water purifier 1000 receives the raw water to be filtered from the raw water supply unit 10. The raw water supplied from the raw water supply unit 10 is made of tap water or ground water. The water before being filtered by the water purifier 1000 may be called raw water regardless of the type. If raw water is supplied, all of them may be referred to as raw water supply unit 10.

At the most upstream side of the filter unit 1060, a pre-filter 1064 may be installed to remove contaminants from raw water supplied from the raw water supply unit 10 in advance. The concept of upstream or downstream is based on the flow of water. For example, since the raw water is supplied from the raw water supply unit 10 to the prefilter 1064 based on FIG. 10, the prefilter 1064 corresponds to the downstream side of the raw water supply unit 10. Similarly, since the prefilter 1064 is arranged to receive raw water for the first time among the filter units 1060, the prefilter 1064 may be described as being installed at the most upstream side of the filter unit 1060.

Large particles contained in the raw water may reduce the efficiency of the unit filters 1061 and 1062. However, if the pre-filter 1064 is disposed upstream of the unit filters 1061 and 1062 to remove the large particles contained in the raw water first, the raw water not containing the large particles is supplied to the unit filters 1061 and 1062. Therefore, the unit filters 1061 and 1062 may be protected.

A raw water valve 1065 may be provided upstream or downstream of the prefilter 1064. In FIG. 10, the raw water valve 1065 is installed downstream of the prefilter 1064, but the raw water valve 1065 may be provided upstream of the prefilter 1064 according to the design of the water purifier 1000. .

The raw water valve 1065 is made to control the supply of raw water. The raw water valve 1065 may be made of a gate valve or a cock valve which is manually opened or closed, or may be made of a solenoid valve that is automatically opened or closed.

On the downstream side of the raw water valve 1065 and downstream of the unit filters 1061 and 1062, flow rate sensors 1063a and 1063b which measure the flow rate of the raw water are provided. A flow sensor installed upstream of the unit filters 1061 and 1062 to distinguish the two flow sensors 1063a and 1063b from each other is called the first flow sensor 1063a, and the unit filters 1061 and 1062 The flow rate sensor installed on the downstream side may be referred to as the second flow rate sensor 1063b.

Unit filters 1061 and 1062 are configured to filter contaminants from raw water to produce purified water. Water flowing upstream of the unit filters 1061 and 1062 based on the unit filters 1061 and 1062 may be classified into raw water and water flowing downstream of the unit filters 1061 and 1062 may be divided into integers.

The second flow sensor 1063b is configured to measure the flow rate of the purified water supplied from the unit filters 1061 and 1062. Only one of the first flow sensor 1063a and the second flow sensor 1063b may be provided. This is because the flow rate of the raw water measured by the first flow rate sensor 1063a and the constant flow rate measured by the second flow rate sensor 1063b are theoretically the same in the flow path configuration of FIG. 10. Therefore, if it is simply the flow rate sensors 1061a and 1063b without being classified as the first flow rate sensor 1063a or the second flow rate sensor 1063b, it refers to either the first flow rate sensor 1063a or the second flow rate sensor 1063b. Can be understood. The first flow sensor 1063a and / or the second flow sensor 1063b are used to measure the amount of coolant filled in the coolant receiver 1220.

The water purifier 1000 may be formed to withdraw the purified water generated by the filter unit 1060 at a room temperature. For example, the outlet of the filter unit 1060 and the outlet water 1020 may be connected to the pipe so that the purified water generated in the filter unit 1060 may be discharged through the outlet water 1020 at a room temperature. Alternatively, if the refrigerating cycle device 1050 or the induction heating module 1110 does not operate while the purified water generated by the filter unit 1060 passes through the cold water generating passage 1240 or the heating device 1100, the purified water may be at a room temperature. Can be withdrawn.

In addition, the water purifier 1000 may be formed to generate hot water by heating the purified water generated in the filter unit 1060 or to generate cold water by cooling the purified water.

The heating device 1100 is provided downstream of the filter part 1060. The heating device 1100 includes equipment capable of heating the purified water, such as the induction heating module 1110. The heating device 1100 is formed to heat the purified water to produce hot water. The purified water is heated to high temperature for a short time passing through the heating device 1100.

On the downstream side of the heating device 1100, the outlet water 1020 is provided. The outlet water 1020 includes a valve 1024, and the valve 1024 may be opened or closed based on a hot / cold water discharge control command applied through the input unit 1016a. When the user applies the hot water discharge control command to the input unit 1016a, the valve 1024 is opened and hot water is discharged.

Similarly, the cold water tank assembly 1200 is installed downstream of the filter portion 1060. The cold water tank assembly 1200 has a coolant accommodating part 1220 formed to receive the coolant. Cooling water is filled in the coolant accommodating part 1220.

An evaporator 1054, an agitator 1270, and a cold water generation flow path 1240 are installed inside the cold water tank assembly 1200. The evaporator 1054, the stirrer 1270, and the cold water generation flow path 1240 are all immersed in the cooling water. The compressor 1051, the condenser 1052, the expansion device 1053, and the evaporator 1054 of the refrigeration cycle device 1050 are sequentially connected to each other to circulate the refrigerant to keep the cooling water at a low temperature.

The coolant cooled by the coolant cools the purified water passing through the cold water generating flow path 1240, and the purified water is cooled in a short time while passing through the cold water generating flow path 1240. The purified water cooled by the cooling water becomes cold water. The stirrer 1270 is rotated in the state of being immersed in the coolant to facilitate heat exchange between the refrigerant and the coolant, and heat exchange between the coolant and the purified water.

The cold water generated in the cold water tank assembly 1200 is discharged to the outside through the outlet water 1020 installed downstream of the cold water tank assembly 1200.

(2) Determination of cooling water supply and normal water supply

As described above, in order to replace the coolant filled in the coolant accommodating part 1220, the coolant already filled in the coolant accommodating part 1220 must be drained. When a professional service person or a user (hereinafter, referred to as a user) opens the drain valve 1280, the water is drained through the coolant drain valve 1280 filled in the coolant receiver 1220.

When the hose 1300 is connected to the outlet water 1020 and the drain valve 1280 by the user after completing the drainage of the coolant, the purified water or cold water discharged through the outlet water 1020 is cooled through the drain valve 1280. Ready to flow into the receiving portion 1220 is complete.

Subsequently, when a coolant supply control command is applied to the input unit 1016a, purified water or cold water is supplied to the coolant accommodating part 1220 through the coolant flow path. In FIG. 10, the cooling water flow path is formed by a flow path extending from the raw water supply unit 10 to the filter unit 1060, the cold water generation flow path 1240, the outlet water 1020, the hose 1300, and the drain valve 1280.

Cold water is generated when the refrigeration cycle device 1050 is operated in the course of passing the purified water discharged from the filter unit 1060 through the cold water generation flow path 1240, so that the cold water is supplied to the coolant receiving unit 1220 through the hose 1300. Supplied. On the contrary, if the refrigeration cycle apparatus 1050 does not operate while the purified water discharged from the filter unit 1060 passes through the cold water generation flow path 1240, the purified water at room temperature passes through the hose 1300 and receives the coolant accommodating unit 1220. Is supplied. Therefore, the cooling water filled in the cooling water accommodating part 1220 is made of purified water or cold water at room temperature. Unless specifically classified as an integer at room temperature, the concept of "integer" includes both room temperature purified water, cold water and hot water.

The flow rate of the coolant filled in the coolant accommodating part 1220 is assigned to the first flow rate sensor 1063a and / or the second flow rate sensor 1063b as a pulse value. Based on FIG. 10, the flow rate of the cooling water is assigned to the second flow sensor 1063b as a pulse value. When the flow rate corresponding to the designated pulse value passes through the second flow rate sensor 1063b, the supply of purified water is stopped. The controller 1080 controls the flow sensor and stops the supply of purified water based on the water supply amount measured by the flow sensor. Accordingly, the coolant at a predetermined flow rate may be supplied to the coolant accommodating part 1220.

The preset flow rate refers to a flow rate corresponding to a level at which the cold water generating flow path 1240, the stirrer 1270, and the evaporator 1054 may be immersed in the cold water tank assembly 1200. The supply of purified water to the coolant accommodating part 1220 is stopped based on the water supply amount measured by the flow rate sensor. The operation of the water purifier 1000 may be controlled by the controller 1080.

The controller 1080 is configured to determine whether the coolant is filled up to the reference level based on the rotational speed per unit time of the stirrer 1270. The reference level corresponds to a level at which the cold water generating flow path 1240, the stirrer 1270, and the evaporator 1054 may be immersed in the cold water tank assembly 1200.

As described above, the rotation speed per unit time of the stirrer 1270 depends on the level of the coolant accommodating part 1220. Since the agitator 1270 is connected to the motor 1271 by a shaft, the rotation speed per unit time of the agitator 1270 is the same as the rotation speed per unit time of the motor 1271. Therefore, the controller 1080 may measure the rotation speed per unit time of the stirrer 1270 from the rotation speed per unit time of the motor 1271.

At a level lower than the level at which the stirrer 1270 is immersed in the cooling water, the stirrer 1270 rotates fastest. The rotational speed per unit time of the stirrer 1270 is lowered due to the resistance formed by the cooling water from the moment the stirrer 1270 is immersed in the cooling water, and as the level of the cooling water increases, the rotational speed per unit time of the stirrer 1270 becomes Slower Therefore, the rotational speed of the stirrer 1270 corresponding to the reference water level (water level that can be immersed up to the cold water generating flow passage 1240, the stirrer 1270, and the evaporator 1054) is set to the reference speed, and the control unit 1080 When the rotation speed of the stirrer 1270 is lowered to the reference speed, it may be determined whether the coolant is filled up to the reference level.

When the coolant consisting of purified water is supplied to the coolant receiver 1220 through the drain valve 1280, the coolant receiver 1220 may be filled with the coolant without opening the cold water tank cover 1201 of the cold water tank assembly 1200. have. In addition, if it is determined whether the coolant is filled to the reference level based on the rotation per unit time of the stirrer 1270, it is possible to determine whether the normal water supply without the water level sensor.

When it is determined that the coolant is filled to the reference level based on the rotational speed per unit time of the stirrer 1270, the normal water supply of the coolant may be displayed through the output unit 1016b. The water purifier 1000 then completes the cooling water supply and resumes normal operation for generating cold water and / or hot water.

If it is determined that the coolant is not filled up to the reference water level, the coolant may be additionally supplied through the output unit 1016b. The pulse value corresponding to the flow rate to be additionally supplied is inputted again to the first flow rate sensor 1063a and / or the second flow rate sensor 1063b to generate additional water supply, and the controller 1080 is a unit time of the stirrer 1270. It is again determined whether the coolant is filled to the reference level based on the rotation speed. This process can be repeated until the coolant is filled to the reference level.

The output unit 1016b may be configured to indicate that water supply of raw or purified water should be started to the coolant receiving unit 1220 based on the rotational speed per unit time of the stirrer 1270. This is because when the rotational speed per unit time of the stirrer 1270 exceeds the reference speed, the level of the cooling water is lowered.

11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the water purifier 2000 of the embodiment 2-1.

Cold water and hot water supply operation of the water purifier 2000 is overlapped with that described in FIG. 10, so only the water supply of the cooling water will be described below.

At least a portion of the cooling water flow path is formed by a pipe 2300 installed inside the water purifier 2000. The pipe 2300 has one end connected to the filter unit 2060 and the other end connected to the cold water tank assembly 2200 so as to supply purified water generated by the filter unit 2060 to the cooling water receiving unit 2220. The pipe 2300 may branch between the filter unit 2060 and the cold water generation passage 2240. A branch valve (not shown) may be installed at the branch position.

Referring to FIG. 11, the cooling water flow path is formed by a flow path extending from the raw water supply unit 20 to the filter unit 2060 and the pipe 2300. Unlike in FIG. 10, the cold water generation passage 2240 or the drain valve 2280 is not included in the cooling water passage. From this, it can be seen that in the embodiment 2-1, the coolant is formed of an integer of room temperature.

Cooling water is preferably made of purified water for hygiene. In the embodiment 1-1 and the embodiment 1-2, the hoses 1300 and 1300 'are connected to the outlet water 1020 and 1020' and the drain valves 1280 and 1280 'by an active operation of the user. While supply of can be made, there is a difference in the embodiment 2-1 that such active operation is not necessary.

In order to supply the coolant, first, the coolant already filled in the coolant receiver 2220 needs to be drained. The drainage of the coolant may be performed by a user directly operating the drain valve 2280 or by applying a control command for opening the drain valve 2280 to the input unit 2016a.

Subsequently, when a user or the like applies a coolant supply control command through the input unit 2016a, the raw water valve 2065 is opened, and the raw water flows along the coolant flow path to become an integer in the filter unit 2060 to the coolant receiving unit 2220. Supplied. Therefore, in the embodiment 2-1, the cooling water is an integer of room temperature.

The flow rate of the cooling water (integer at room temperature) filled in the cooling water accommodating portion 2220 is specified as a pulse value to the first flow rate sensor 2063a and / or the second flow rate sensor 2063b. When the flow rate corresponding to the designated pulse value passes through the first flow rate sensor 2063a and / or the second flow rate sensor 2063b, the supply of purified water is stopped. The controller 2080 controls the first flow rate sensor 2063a or the second flow rate sensor 2063b, and supplies the purified water based on the amount of water supplied by the first flow rate sensor 2063a or the second flow rate sensor 2063b. To stop. Accordingly, the coolant having a predetermined flow rate may be supplied to the coolant accommodation unit 2220.

Draining and supplying the cooling water may be automatic. For example, the water purifier 2000 may include a coolant that can be known from (1) a replacement cycle of a predetermined coolant, (2) contamination of the coolant measured through a sensor, or (3) a rotation speed per unit time of the stirrer 2270. According to the water level of the cooling water is made to drain and supply water.

In order to automatically drain the cooling water, the drain valve 280 is preferably formed electronically to be opened and closed by an electrical signal or the like rather than a mechanical type. For example, the solenoid valve can be opened and closed by an electrical signal. In addition, in order for the drainage of the cooling water to be automatically performed, it is preferable that a separate flow path is configured on the downstream side of the drain valve 2280 so that the cooling water drained from the drain valve 2280 is discarded to the sewer.

When the drain valve 2280 is opened by the electrical signal and the drainage of the coolant is completed, the water supply of the coolant described above is then performed. After the completion of the water supply, it is determined whether normal water supply of cooling water is performed from the rotational speed per unit time of the stirrer 2270 to the reference level.

11, reference numeral 2016b denotes an output, 2061 and 2062 unit filters, 2064 a prefilter, 2065 a raw water valve, 2100 a heating device, 2110 an induction heating module, 2020 a water outlet, 2024 a valve, 2270 An agitator, 2271 is a motor, 2050 is a refrigeration cycle device, 2051 is a compressor, 2052 is a condenser, 2053 is an expansion device, 2054 is an evaporator, and 2280 is a drain valve.

12 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the water purifier 3000 of the second embodiment.

Cold water and hot water supply operation of the water purifier 3000 is overlapped with that described in FIG. 10, so only the water supply of the cooling water will be described below.

The configuration of Embodiment 2-2 shown in Fig. 12 is similar to that of Embodiment 2-1. The difference is only in the coolant flow path.

At least a portion of the cooling water flow path is formed by a pipe 3300 installed inside the water purifier 3000. The pipe 3300 has one end connected to the raw water supply unit 30 and the other end connected to the cold water tank assembly 3200 to supply the raw water supplied from the raw water supply unit 30 to the cooling water receiving unit 3220. However, one end of the pipe 3300 is not directly connected to the raw water supply unit 30, but branched downstream of the first flow sensor 3063a, and indirectly connected to the raw water supply unit 30. A branch valve (not shown) may be installed at the branch position.

Referring to FIG. 12, the cooling water flow path is formed by a flow path extending from the raw water supply unit 30 to the pipe 3300. Unlike FIG. 11, the unit filters 3061 and 3062 are not included in the cooling water flow path. Therefore, in the embodiment 2-2, it can be seen that the cooling water is composed of raw water at room temperature.

The embodiment 2-2 is distinguished from the embodiment 2-1 by the fact that the coolant consists of raw water. The cooling water is preferably made of purified water for hygiene, but is not necessarily mixed with purified water or cold water, and thus it is not necessarily made of purified water. 12 shows a configuration in which the raw water forms the cooling water.

In order to supply the coolant, first, the coolant already filled in the coolant accommodating part 3220 must be drained. Drainage of the coolant may be performed by a user directly operating the drain valve 3280 or applying a control command for opening the drain valve 3280 to the input unit 3016a.

When a user or the like applies a cooling water supply control command through the input unit 3016a, the raw water valve 3065 is opened, and the raw water flows along the cooling water flow path and is supplied to the cooling water receiving unit 3220. Therefore, in the embodiment 2-2, the cooling water consists of raw water at room temperature.

The flow rate of the cooling water (raw water at normal temperature) filled in the cooling water accommodating part 3220 is specified by the first flow sensor 3063a as a pulse value. When the flow rate corresponding to the designated pulse value passes through the first flow rate sensor 3063a, the supply of raw water is stopped. The controller 3080 controls the first flow rate sensor 3063a and stops the supply of raw water based on the water supply amount measured by the first flow rate sensor 3063a. Accordingly, the coolant at a predetermined flow rate may be supplied to the coolant accommodating part 3220.

As described in FIG. 11, drainage and water supply of the cooling water may be automatically performed.

In FIG. 12, reference numeral 3016b denotes an output, 3061 and 3062 unit filters, 3064 a prefilter, 3065 a raw water valve, 3100 a heating device, 3110 an induction heating module, 3020 a water outlet, 3024 a valve, 3270 The stirrer, 3271 is a motor, 3050 is a refrigeration cycle device, 3051 is a compressor, 3052 is a condenser, 3053 is an expansion device, 3054 is an evaporator, and 3280 is a drain valve.

The water purifier described above is not limited to the configuration and method of the above-described embodiments, but the embodiments may be configured by selectively combining all or some of the embodiments so that various modifications can be made.

Claims (15)

A filter unit formed to filter raw water to generate purified water; And
And a cold water tank assembly configured to cool the purified water passing through the filter unit to generate cold water.
The cold water tank assembly,
Cooling water receiving portion formed to receive the cooling water;
A drain valve coupled to the coolant receiver to discharge the coolant received in the coolant receiver; And
The drain valve and the cold water including a housing, an elastic member, and an O-ring at a portion in which a drain passage formed in the drain portion extends outward from the cooling water receiving portion to prevent dew condensation on the surfaces of the cold water tank assembly and the drain valve. A water purifier comprising foam insulation surrounding the tank assembly. The method of claim 1,
The outer bottom surface of the coolant receiving portion has an arcuate cross section to partially surround the drain valve at a position spaced apart from the outer circumferential surface of the drain valve,
The foam insulation is filled with a space between the outer bottom surface of the cooling water receiving portion and the outer peripheral surface of the drain valve. The method of claim 1,
The cold water tank assembly further includes a protruding drain passage protruding outward from the lower portion of the cooling water receiving portion,
And one of the drain valve and the protruding drain flow path is inserted into the other to couple the drain valve and the protruding drain flow path. The method of claim 3,
The outer bottom surface of the cooling water receiving portion has an arcuate cross section to partially surround the protruding drain passage at a position spaced apart from an outer circumferential surface of the protruding drain passage,
The foam insulation is formed so as to surround the engaging portion of the protruding drain passage and the drain valve, the water purifier, characterized in that filled in the space between the outer bottom surface of the cooling water receiving portion and the engaging portion. The method of claim 4, wherein
The cold water tank assembly further includes a cylindrical sealing member formed to surround the coupling portion of the protruding drain flow path and the drain valve,
The foam insulation is filled with a space between the outer bottom surface of the cooling water receiving portion and the sealing member. The method of claim 4, wherein
The outer bottom surface of the cooling water receiving portion,
First portion;
A second portion forming a step with the first portion, the second portion having an arcuate cross section,
And the protruding drain passage protrudes from a portion connecting the first portion and the second portion. The method of claim 1,
The cold water tank assembly further includes a fixing portion formed to partially surround the outer circumferential surface of the drain valve,
The fixing portion protrudes arcuately from the outer bottom surface of the cooling water receiving portion to surround the drain valve with the outer bottom surface of the cooling water receiving portion,
Water purifier, characterized in that the outer bottom surface of the cooling water receiving portion and the fixing portion forms an annular edge. The method of claim 7, wherein
The coupling portion of the coolant receiving portion and the drain valve is formed in a position that is not visually covered by the fixing portion. The method of claim 7, wherein
The cold water tank assembly further comprises a cylindrical sealing member formed to surround the coupling portion of the cooling water receiving portion and the drain valve,
And the fixing part and the sealing member are formed to surround different portions of the drain valve. The method of claim 9,
The foam heat insulating material is characterized in that the water purifier is formed so as to surround the sealing member. The method of claim 10,
The drain valve is disposed under the outer bottom surface of the coolant receiving portion,
The foam insulation surrounds the outer bottom surface of the cooling water receiving portion and the drain valve,
The cold water tank assembly further comprises a pedestal surrounding the foam insulation in the lower side of the foam insulation. The method of claim 1,
The cold water tank assembly further includes a cover formed to surround the foam insulation,
And the cover wraps the foam insulation in a position spaced apart from an outer circumferential surface of the foam insulation to form an air gap around the foam insulation. The method of claim 12,
The cold water tank assembly further includes a pedestal formed to surround the lower portion of the foam insulation,
And the pedestal is disposed between the foam insulation and the cover to form the air gap so as to separate the foam insulation and the cover from each other. The method of claim 13,
The pedestal is in close contact with the foam insulation and the cover to define the thickness of the air gap, respectively. The method of claim 1,
The inner circumferential surface of the foam insulation is formed so as to be in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the cooling water receiving portion, the drain valve.

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