KR102150387B1 - Water purifier - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a water purifier configured to be able to supply cooling water without opening a cold water tank cover, and to determine whether cooling water has been supplied to a reference level without a water level sensor. The water purifier of the present invention comprises: a filter unit formed to generate purified water by filtering raw water supplied from the raw water supply unit; A cooling water receiving portion formed to receive the raw water or cooling water composed of the purified water, and a cold water generating passage immersed in the cooling water, and cooling the purified water passing through the cold water generating passage with the cooling water filled in the cooling water receiving portion A cold water tank assembly configured to generate cold water; A refrigeration cycle device comprising a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator installed inside the cold water tank assembly, and configured to maintain the cooling water filled in the cooling water receiving portion at a low temperature; A cooling water passage connected to the cold water tank assembly to supply the raw water or purified water to the cooling water receiving unit; A flow 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 part through the cooling water flow path; A stirrer installed so as to protrude from the inner upper wall of the cold water tank assembly and rotatably formed to stir the cooling water filled with the cooling water receiving part; And a control unit configured to stop supply of raw water or purified water to the cooling water receiving unit based on the water supply amount measured by the flow sensor, and determine whether the cooling water is filled to the reference water 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 of a water purifier that generates cold water using cooling water and a normal water supply confirmation structure.

In general, a water purifier is a device that converts into safe and hygienic drinking water by filtering various harmful components harmful to the human body included in raw water such as tap water or groundwater by means of several filters installed inside the body.

For this purpose, a water purifier is a device that forms a cold water passage, a hot water passage, and a purified water passage so that purified water that has passed through the filter can be supplied to the water outlet according to the user's selection, and controls the flow of water with a mechanical or electronic valve. .

The water purifier may be classified into a storage tank type and a direct water type depending on whether or not a storage tank is provided. The water tank type water purifier is configured to store purified water in the water storage tank and provide the purified water stored in the water storage tank when the user operates the water outlet. In contrast, the direct 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 water purifiers are recognized as being hygienic and capable of saving water compared to water tank water purifiers, and in recent years, users' preference for direct water purifiers is increasing.

In addition to room temperature water, water purifiers also provide hot and cold water. A water purifier that provides hot and cold water has separate heating and cooling devices therein. The heating device is configured to heat purified water to generate hot water, and the cooling device is configured to cool the purified water to generate cold water.

There may be several ways the cooling device produces cold water. As one of them, cooling water with a lower temperature than purified water can be used. When cooling water having a lower temperature than purified water receives heat from the purified water, the purified water is cooled to become cold water. Since cold water can be quickly generated by cooling purified water using cooling water, a cooling method using cooling water may be particularly adopted for direct water purifiers.

In order to generate cold water, the coolant tank must always be filled with coolant. However, because the coolant does not flow and is stagnant, it needs to be replaced periodically for hygiene. In addition, if cooling water is insufficient, the cooling water tank must be replenished. In the case of replacing or replenishing the cooling water in this way, water supply must be provided to the standard level in the cooling water tank, etc.

Conventional water purifiers are formed to allow an operator or user to directly open a cover such as a cooling water tank to provide water, and to determine whether water has been supplied to a reference water level using a water level sensor.

In the method of supplying water by opening a cover such as a cold water tank by a professional service agent or a user, it is inconvenient to open the cover of the cold water tank every time. Also, this method may not be able to supply water normally depending on who works. Unlike professional service personnel, there is also the possibility that ordinary users will complete tasks incompletely.

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

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

The first object of the present invention is to solve the problem of the background art and to supply cooling water to a reference level for normal operation of a water purifier in a cooling water tank, etc. in an improved manner, and to measure the amount of cooling water supplied in an improved manner. It is to suggest a water purifier that is available.

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

A third object of the present invention is to provide a water purifier configured to determine whether water has been supplied to a reference water level for normal operation of the water purifier by using only parts basically provided in the water purifier without a water level sensor.

A fourth object of the present invention is to propose a water purifier that is formed to solve the problem of incompletely completing work depending on the operator.

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

According to an example related to the present invention, the water purifier includes: a drain valve installed in the cold water tank assembly to form an entry flow path for the cooling water filled in the cooling water receiving portion, 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 part of the cooling water passage is formed by a hose exposed to the outside of the water purifier body, The hose has one end connected to the water outlet and the other end connected to the drain valve so as to supply purified water discharged through the water outlet to the cooling water receiving part.

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 formed to receive a control command from a user, and when a control command is applied through the input unit after the hose is coupled to the water outlet unit and the drain valve , Supply of purified water to the cooling water receiving unit is started through the water outlet 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 invention, the drain valve includes a hollow portion, a housing having a first locking jaw formed in the hollow portion and a second locking jaw formed upstream of the first locking jaw ; A pressing operation unit disposed in the hollow portion of the housing and including a first portion formed to be caught by the first locking jaw and a second portion exposed to the outside to receive a pressing operation for opening and closing the drain valve; And an elastic member installed at a position supported by the second locking jaw and providing an elastic force for bringing the first portion of the pressing operation portion into close contact with the first locking jaw.

According to another example related to the present invention, the hose is formed in a hollow portion of the hose, the pressing portion configured to press the pressing operation portion when the hose is coupled to the drain valve; And connecting portions formed radially around the pressing portion and connecting the pressing portion 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 includes raw water supplied from the raw water supply unit or purified water generated by the filter unit. One end is connected to the raw water supply unit or the filter unit, and the other end is connected to the cold water tank assembly so as to be supplied to the cooling water receiving unit.

According to another example related to the present invention, the water purifier supplies raw water or purified water to the coolant receiving unit based on the replacement cycle of the coolant, the degree of contamination of the coolant filled in the coolant receiving unit, or the rotational speed per unit time of the agitator. It is made to initiate.

According to another example related to the present invention, the water purifier includes an output unit configured to display status information of the water purifier, and the output unit is supplied with raw water or purified water to the cooling water receiving unit based on a rotational speed per unit time of the agitator. It can be indicated that watering should be started.

According to the present invention having the above-described configuration, it is possible to fill the cooling water receiving portion with cooling water through a drain valve basically provided in the direct water purifier without opening the cold water tank cover. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to solve the problem of the inconvenience of opening 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 cooling water is supplied to the reference water level through the agitator provided in the direct water purifier. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the cooling water has been supplied to the reference level for normal operation of the water purifier without the water level sensor of the cold water tank assembly. Therefore, the water purifier may not include a water level sensor, and the present invention can fundamentally solve the problem of malfunction of the water purifier due to a failure of the water level sensor.

In addition, according to the present invention, since the same result can be obtained no matter who does the cooling water supply operation, it is possible to solve the problem of incompletely completing the operation depending on the operator.

1 is a perspective view showing a water purifier of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the internal configuration of the water purifier shown in FIG. 1.
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.
5 is a detailed cross-sectional view showing a drain valve of a water purifier according to a first-first embodiment.
6 is a conceptual diagram in which a water outlet and a drain valve are connected with a hose to supply coolant to the coolant receiving unit of the water purifier according to the first-first embodiment.
7 is a conceptual diagram of a hose connected to a drain valve of a water purifier related to the first-first embodiment.
8 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration in which a drain valve and a hose of the water purifier related to the first embodiment are connected to each other.
9 is a conceptual diagram in which a water outlet and a drain valve are connected with a hose to supply coolant to the coolant receiving unit of the water purifier according to the 1-2 embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing a water purifier according to an embodiment 1-1 and an embodiment 1-2.
11 is a conceptual diagram showing a water purifier according to the second embodiment.
12 is a conceptual diagram showing a water purifier according to a 2-2 embodiment.

Hereinafter, a water purifier according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. In the present specification, the same or similar reference numerals are assigned to the same and similar configurations even in different embodiments, and the description is replaced with the first description. Singular expressions used in the present specification include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In addition, the suffixes "module" and "unit" for constituent elements used in the following description are given or used interchangeably in consideration of only the ease of preparation of the specification, and do not themselves have distinct meanings or roles.

The present invention will be described by being divided into a first embodiment and a second embodiment according to the configuration of supplying cold water to the cooling water receiving unit for ease of writing the specification. The first embodiment has a configuration in which a hose is manually connected to the outside of a water purifier body to supply coolant. The second embodiment has a configuration in which cooling water is automatically supplied using a pipe installed inside a water purifier body. Further, the first embodiment is divided into a first-first embodiment and a 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 cooling water is formed by purified water or raw water, the second embodiment is divided into a second embodiment and a second embodiment.

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

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

The cover 1010 forms the exterior of the water purifier 1000. The exterior of the water purifier 1000 formed by the cover 1010 may be referred to as the main body of the water purifier 1000. Parts for filtering raw water are mostly installed inside the cover 1010. A cover 1010 wraps the parts to protect them. The name of the cover 1010 may be changed to a case or a housing to be called. Any name corresponds to the cover 1010 described in the present invention if it forms the exterior of the water purifier 1000 and covers parts that filter raw water.

The cover 1010 may be formed as a single part, but may be formed by combining several parts. For example, as shown 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 a direction in which the water outlet 1020 is viewed from the user's line of sight to the front. However, since the concept of the front and rear of the water purifier 1000 is not absolute, it may vary according to the method of describing the water purifier 1000.

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 a side surface 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 higher position than the front cover 1011. The water outlet portion 1020 is exposed to the space between the upper cover 1012 and the front cover 1011. The upper cover 1012 forms the exterior of the front surface of the water purifier 1000 together with the front cover 1011.

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 control command from the user. The method in which the input unit receives the control command from the user may include all or selectively including touch input, physical pressure, and the like. The output unit is configured to provide audio and visual information on the state of the water purifier 1000 to the user.

The water outlet (outlet or cock assembly, 1020) functions to provide purified water 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 main body of the water purifier 1000 to supply water. In particular, in the water purifier 1000 configured to provide purified water at room temperature, cold water cooler 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 outlet 1020 according to a control command approved by the user. Can be.

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

The base 1030 forms the bottom of the water purifier 1000. The internal parts of the water purifier 1000 are supported by the base 1030. When the water purifier 1000 is placed on a floor or shelf, the base 1030 faces the floor or 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. When the water purifier 1000 is installed as illustrated 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 outlet 1020. In addition, the tray 1040 is formed to receive the residual water falling from the water outlet 1020. When the tray 1040 receives and receives residual water falling from the water outlet 1020, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of contamination due to residual water around the water purifier 1000.

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

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an internal configuration of the water purifier 1000 shown in FIG. 1.

The filter unit 1060 is installed inside the front cover 1011. The filter unit 1060 is configured to generate purified water by filtering raw water supplied from the raw water supply unit. Since it may be difficult to generate purified water suitable for a user to drink with only one filter, the filter unit 1060 may include a plurality of unit filters 1061 and 1062. The unit filters 1061 and 1062 are, for example, a carbon block, a prefilter such as an adsorption filter, a HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air filter), an UF filter (Ultra Filteration or Ultra Filteration filter), etc. And high-performance filters. 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 according to a preset order. The preset order means an order suitable for the filter unit 1060 to filter water. Raw water may contain various foreign substances. Since large particles such as hair or dust cause deterioration in filtration performance of high-performance filters such as HEPA filters and UF filters, the high-performance filters must be protected from large particles such as hair or dust. Therefore, in order to protect the high-performance filters, the pre-filter should be installed upstream of the high-performance filters.

The pre-filter is made to remove large particles from the water. If the pre-filter is disposed upstream of the high-performance filters to first remove large particles contained in the raw water, raw water containing no large particles is supplied to the high-performance filter, so that high-performance filters can be protected. The raw water that has passed through the pre-filter is then filtered by a HEPA filter or a UF filter.

The purified water generated by the filter unit 1060 may be directly provided to the user through the water outlet 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 configured to measure the flow rate of raw water or purified water according to the installation location. When the sensor for measuring the flow rate of raw water is referred to as a first flow sensor, the first flow sensor is installed on the downstream side of the raw water supply unit and upstream of the filter unit 1060. If the sensor for measuring the flow rate of purified water is a second flow sensor, the second flow sensor is installed on the downstream side of the filter unit 1060. The water purifier 1000 may include both a first flow sensor and a second flow sensor, but it is also possible to include only one of them.

The flow sensor 1063 may be formed to measure the flow rate of the cooling water 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 is configured to fill the inside of the cold water tank assembly 1200 with cooling water as much as a predetermined flow rate using the flow sensor 1063. A more detailed configuration for this will be described later.

The filter bracket assembly 1070 is a structure that fixes the unit filters 1061 and 1062 of the filter unit 1060 and fixes components such as a water outlet flow path such as purified water or cold water, a valve, and a sensor.

The lower portion 1071 of the filter bracket assembly 1070 is coupled to the tray 1040. The lower portion 1071 of the filter bracket assembly 1070 is formed to receive the protruding coupling 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 coupled.

The lower portion 1071 and the tray 1040 of the filter bracket assembly 1070 have curved surfaces corresponding to each other. The lower portion 1071 of the filter bracket assembly 1070 may be rotated independently with respect to the rest of the filter bracket assembly 1070.

The upper portion 1072 of the filter bracket assembly 1070 is formed to support the water outlet 1020. The upper portion 1072 of the filter bracket assembly 1070 forms a rotation path of the water outlet 1020. The water outlet 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 on the upper portion 1072 of the filter bracket assembly 1070. The top 1072 of the filter bracket assembly 1070 can be rotated independently with respect to the rest of the filter bracket assembly 1070.

The lower portion 1071 and the upper portion 1072 of the filter bracket assembly 1070 may be connected to each other by the upper and lower connecting portions 1073. The lower portion 1071 and the upper portion 1072 of the filter bracket assembly 1070 connected to each other by the upper and lower connection portions 1073 may be rotated in the same direction. If the user rotates the water outlet portion 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 outlet portion 1020 It can be rotated with 1020.

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

*58 A support base 1075 protruding toward the rear of the water purifier 1000 is formed on the opposite side of the filter installation area 1074. The support 1075 is configured to support the control unit 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 the heat generated by the heating device 1100 from being conducted to the compressor 1051 or the like.

The control unit 1080 is configured to implement overall control of the water purifier 1000. Various printed circuit boards for controlling the operation of the water purifier 1000 may be embedded in the control unit 1080.

The heating device 1100 is formed to generate hot water by heating the purified water generated by the filter unit 1060. The heating device 1100 includes components such as an induction heating module to heat purified water. 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 outlet unit 1020.

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

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

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

The condenser 1052 is configured to condense the refrigerant. The refrigerant compressed by the compressor 1051 flows into the condenser 1052 through a refrigerant flow path, and is condensed by the condenser 1052. The refrigerant condensed in the condenser 1052 flows to the expansion device 1053 through the refrigerant flow path.

The expansion of the refrigerant is implemented by the expansion device 1053. The expansion device 1053 is configured to expand the refrigerant, and a capillary tube or a throttling valve may constitute the expansion device 1053 according to a design. The capillary tube may be rolled in a coil shape to ensure sufficient length within a narrow space.

The evaporator 1054 (see FIG. 3) is configured 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, the side panels 1013a and 1013b on both sides, the filter bracket assembly 1070, the condenser 1052 and the fan 1033. Is formed to be It is preferable that the base 1030 has high rigidity to support these components.

The condenser 1052 and the fan 1033 may be installed at the rear side of the water purifier 1000, and continuous air circulation is required for heat dissipation of the condenser 1052. An intake port 1034 may be formed at the bottom of the base 1030 for circulation of air. The air sucked through the intake port 1034 flows by the fan 1033. Air flows toward the condenser 1052 and implements air-cooled cooling. A duct structure surrounding the fan 1033 and the condenser 1052 may be fixed to the base 1030 in order to increase the heat dissipation efficiency of the condenser 1052. A pedestal 1031 made to support the cold water tank assembly 1200 may be installed on the top of the condenser 1052.

The pedestal 1031 has a first hole 1031a on 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 cooling water therein. The cold water tank assembly 1200 receives purified water generated by the filter unit 1060. In particular, in the case of the direct water purifier 1000 without a separate storage tank, the cold water tank assembly 1200 may directly receive purified water from the filter unit 1060.

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

Since the cooling water is stored in the cold water tank assembly 1200 and is not circulated, the degree of contamination of the cooling water increases after a long time. For hygiene, the coolant stored in the cold water coolant assembly is periodically discharged to the outside, and new coolant must be filled in the coolant 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 includes a cooling water receiving portion 1220 formed to accommodate cooling water. The cooling water receiving part 1220 is formed in the form of a storage tank, and the cooling water is filled therein. Even if the cooling water receiving part 1220 is formed in the form of a storage tank, the water purifier is still classified as a direct water purifier. This is because the cooling water for generating cold water is stored in the cooling water receiving unit 1220, not purified water to be provided to the user.

The upper end of the cooling water receiving part 1220 is opened, and the upper edge is formed to be coupled to the cold water tank cover 1201. As the cold water tank cover 1201 is coupled to the cooling water receiving portion 1220, the inner space of the cooling water receiving portion 1220 may be sealed.

The insulating material 1210 of the cold water tank assembly 1200 is formed through a foaming process made in a foaming jig, and a barrier 1221 is formed on the top of the cooling water receiving part 1220 to prevent overflow of the foaming liquid during the foaming process. do. As for the barrier 1221, the barrier 1221 protrudes along the outer peripheral surface of the upper portion of the cooling water receiving portion 1220. The barrier 1221 abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the foam jig to prevent overflow of the foaming liquid injected into the foaming jig.

The heat insulating material 1210 is formed to surround the cooling water receiving portion 1220. Specifically, the insulating material 1210 is formed to surround the outer circumferential surface and the bottom surface of the cooling water receiving portion 1220. The 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 cooling water receiving portion 1220 has a structure that is inserted into the heat insulating material 1210, the heat insulating material 1210 has a structure that accommodates the cooling water receiving portion 1220.

The heat insulating material 1210 is configured to suppress heat transfer between the coolant filled in the coolant receiving portion 1220 and the outside air. When the heat insulating material 1210 suppresses heat transfer between the cooling water and the outside air, there is an effect of saving power consumption and preventing dew formation.

First, the cooling water must be kept at a low temperature in order to generate cold water, but if the cooling water continuously exchanges heat with outside air, the temperature of the cooling water may gradually increase. When the temperature of the cooling water rises, the refrigeration cycle device requires additional operation to keep the cooling water at a low temperature, and power is consumed in the additional operation of the refrigeration cycle device. Therefore, if the heat insulating material 1210 has sufficient heat insulation performance, power consumed in the refrigeration cycle device can be saved.

In addition, the heat insulating material 1210 prevents dew from forming on the outer circumferential surface of the cooling water receiving portion 1220. Dew is formed by condensing water vapor in the air at a temperature lower than the dew point. Therefore, condensation can be prevented by suppressing the surrounding air from being lower than the dew point by the cooling water. The heat insulator 1210 suppresses heat transfer between the coolant and the surrounding air to prevent dew from forming on the coolant receiving portion 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 insulating material 1210 and the cooling water receiving portion 1220 inserted into the heat insulating material 1210. The cold water tank cover 1201 is coupled to the upper end of the cold water tank assembly 1200. In the conventional water purifier, there is an inconvenience that the cold water tank cover 1201 must be opened each time to fill the cooling water in the cold water tank or the cooling water receiving part 1220. However, the water purifier of the present invention is formed to be able to fill the cooling water into the cooling water receiving portion 1220 without opening the cold water tank cover 1201, as described later, and is formed to check whether the cooling water is filled to the reference level.

A hole 1201 ′ is formed in the cold water tank cover 1201 to accommodate the inlet 1241 and the outlet 1242 of the cold water generating flow path 1240. The inlet 1241 and the outlet 1242 of the cold water generating flow path 1240 are disposed in the hole 1201'. The inlet 1241 is formed at one end of the cold water generating flow path 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 flow path 1240 and is connected to the water outlet 1020 (see FIG. 2 ).

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

Like the cold water generating passage 1240, the evaporator 1054 may have a shape such as a coil or a spring. The coil shape refers to a shape in which the evaporators 1054 are stacked while drawing a concentric circle. The reason that the evaporator 1054 has a coil-like shape is to secure a sufficient heat exchange area, similar to the cold water generation flow path 1240.

The evaporator 1054 is configured to evaporate the refrigerant. The evaporation of the refrigerant takes place through heat exchange with the cooling water. Heat is transferred from the coolant to the refrigerant. The refrigerant that has received heat from the cooling water is evaporated, and the cooling water that has transferred the heat to the refrigerant can be maintained at a low temperature. The refrigerant evaporated by heat exchange with the coolant flows back to the compressor through the refrigerant flow path and circulates through the refrigeration cycle device.

Since the cold water generation flow path 1240 and the evaporator 1054 are formed in a coil-like shape, a hollow part is formed inside the cold water generating flow path 1240 and the evaporator 1054. A stirrer to be described later is installed in the hollow part. The stirrer is rotated by a motor. The cold water tank assembly 1200 includes a motor protection unit 1250 formed to surround the motor and a motor cover 1255 formed to cover the motor. The motor cover 1255 is coupled to the upper side of the motor protection unit 1250.

A plate 1202 may be disposed between the cold water generating flow path 1240 and the evaporator 1054. A plurality of support parts 1204 are installed between the plate 1202 and the motor protection part 1250. The plurality of support parts 1204 is made to support the motor protection part 1250, and the plurality of support parts 1204 are themselves supported by the plate 1202. The plurality of support portions 1204 are spaced apart from each other and configured to pass cooling water therebetween. Position fixing portions 1203a configured to fix the positions of the cold water generation passage 1240 and the evaporator 1054 may be formed on both surfaces of the plate 1202. The position fixing part 1203a has a groove, and the cold water generation flow path 1240 and the evaporator 1054 may be respectively disposed in the grooves of the position fixing part. The position fixing part 1203a also serves to support the motor protection part 1250.

The thermistor (thermistor) 1260 is installed inside the cold water tank assembly (1200). The thermistor 1260 is configured to measure the temperature of an object to be measured using a characteristic in which a resistance value changes according to temperature. The thermistor 1260 measures the temperature of the cooling water, and the temperature of the cooling water measured by the thermistor 1260 serves as a basis for determining the operation of the refrigeration cycle device.

The cold water tank assembly 1200 is formed to generate cold water by cooling the purified water passing through the cold water generating flow path 1240 with the cooling water filled in the cooling water receiving part 1220. The purified water supplied from the filter unit is cooled while passing through the cold water generation flow path 1240. Since the cold water generating flow path 1240 is immersed in the cooling water filled in the cooling water receiving part 1220, the purified water flowing through the cold water generating flow path 1240 continuously heats and cools with the cooling water to become cold water.

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

In order to generate cold water, the temperature of the cooling water must be maintained at a low temperature, and the low temperature may be described as between a first reference temperature and a second reference temperature.

When the cooling water temperature is high, it is difficult to generate cold water. Therefore, whenever the temperature of the cooling water increases, the refrigeration cycle device must be operated to lower the temperature of the cooling water to the range of possible cold water generation. At this time, the temperature at which the refrigeration cycle device operates is set as the first reference temperature.

Conversely, the lower the temperature of the cooling water is, the more advantageous it is to generate cold water, but excessive operation of the refrigeration cycle device causes power consumption of the water purifier. Therefore, it is sufficient to lower the temperature of the cooling water only to a low temperature sufficient to generate cold water, and lowering it to less than that is not preferable from the viewpoint of power consumption saving. At this time, the temperature of the cooling water sufficient to generate cold water is set as the second reference temperature.

If the temperature of the cooling water measured by the thermistor 1260 is equal to or higher 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 refrigerant is expanded in the expansion device 1053. The expanded refrigerant passes through the evaporator 1054 installed inside the cold water tank assembly 1200. The cooling water stored in the cooling water receiving part 1220 is cooled by heat exchange with the refrigerant passing through the evaporator 1054. Therefore, the cooling water can be maintained at a low temperature by the mutual operation 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 formed to be rotatable about an axis to stir the cooling water filled in the cooling water receiving portion 1220. The agitator 1270 is a device that promotes heat exchange between fluids in the cold water tank assembly 1200. Since the fluid in the cold water tank assembly 1200 corresponds to refrigerant, cooling water, and purified water, the agitator 1270 promotes heat exchange between the cooling water and the refrigerant, and 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 fixed stator 1271b, 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 a shaft 1272, and when the rotor 1271 rotates, the stirrer 1270 also rotates.

The thermistor 1260 continuously measures the temperature of the cooling water. When the temperature of the cooling water measured by the thermistor 1260 is below the second reference temperature, the refrigeration cycle device stops operating. The second reference temperature is lower than the first reference temperature. The first reference temperature and the second reference temperature respectively set a reference for operating and stopping the refrigeration cycle device. 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 temperature measurement by the thermistor 1260 and operation of the refrigeration cycle device.

The rotational speed of the agitator 1270 per unit time varies depending on the level of the cooling water filled in the cooling water receiving part 1220. If the water level of the coolant corresponds to h1, the stirrer 1270 is not immersed in the coolant, so the rotation of the stirrer 1270 does not receive resistance by the coolant. Therefore, if the water level of the cooling water corresponds to h1, the stirrer 1270 can rotate the fastest.

If the water level of the coolant corresponds to h2, the stirrer 1270 is immersed in the coolant, and the rotation of the stirrer 1270 receives resistance by the coolant. Therefore, the rotational speed per unit time of the stirrer 1270 becomes slower than when the water level of the coolant is h1. However, since the water level of the cooling water corresponding to h2 is a water level in which the evaporator 1054 is not immersed in the cooling water, the water level is insufficient for generating cold water.

If the water level of the coolant corresponds to h3, the stirrer 1270 is deeply immersed in the coolant than h2, and the rotation of the stirrer 1270 receives a greater resistance from the coolant than h2. Therefore, the rotational speed per unit time of the stirrer 1270 becomes slower than when the water level of the cooling water is h2. In addition, since the water level of the cooling water corresponding to h3 is the level at which the evaporator 1054 is immersed in the cooling water, it corresponds to a level sufficient to generate cold water.

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

In FIG. 4, the flow paths from the cross section of the flow path indicated by reference numeral 1240 to the bottom surface 1207 correspond to the cold water generating flow path 1240. The purified water passing through the cold water generation flow path 1240 heats up heat with the cooling water. Heat is transferred from the purified water to the cooling water, and the purified water becomes cold water in 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.

The plate 1202 is located at the boundary between the evaporator 1054 and the cold water generating flow path 1240. A stepped step 1222 is formed along the rim on the inner circumferential surface of the cooling water receiving part 1220, and the plate 1202 is supported by the stepped step 1222. Position fixing parts 1203a and 1203b are formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the plate 1202, respectively, and the evaporator 1054 and the cold water generation flow path 1240 are disposed in the grooves of the position fixing part.

The cold water generation channel support part 1207a is formed to support the lower portion of the cold water generation channel 1240. The cold water generation channel support part 1207a protrudes toward the cold water generation channel 1240 from the inner bottom surface 1207 of the cold water tank assembly 1200. A groove having a size corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of the cold water generating passage 1240 is formed in the cold water generating passage support part 1207a. The cold water generation flow path 1240 is mounted in 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.

The cooling water stored in the cold water tank assembly 1200 must be periodically replaced for hygiene. The cooling water is drained through a drain valve 1280 forming a drain passage.

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 for cooling water 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.

The cold water tank assembly 1200 includes a protruding drain passage 1206. The protruding drain passage 1206 protrudes from the lower portion of the cooling water receiving portion 1206 and is connected to the drain valve 1280. The protruding drainage passage 1206 is inserted into the drain valve 1280. Since the drain valve 1280 is configured to discharge coolant to the outside of the water purifier 1000, when the protruding drainage passage 1206 is inserted into the drain valve 1280, a passage 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. A detailed description of the drain valve 1280 and the fixing unit 1205 will be described later.

The inner bottom surface 1207 of the cold water tank assembly 1200 may be formed to be inclined for smooth drainage. Since the coolant is drained by natural force, if the inner bottom surface 1207 of the cold water tank assembly 1200 is flat, coolant may accumulate in some areas. If cooling water accumulates in a portion of the inner bottom surface 1207, it is not hygienic. However, as illustrated in FIG. 4, if 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 accumulating.

In addition, the cold water tank assembly 1200 may include a drainage portion 1208 to prevent accumulation. The accumulation prevention drain unit 1208 forms a drain passage along with the drain valve 1280. The anti-seize drain 1208 is formed by indentation (or depression) of the inner bottom surface 1207 of the cold water tank assembly 1200. The anti-coldness drain 1208 forms a bottom surface lower than the inner bottom surface 1207 of the cold water tank assembly 1200 and may have an inclination in at least some areas.

The anti-coldness drain unit 1208 is configured to collect the coolant filled in the cold water tank assembly 1200 and drain it to the drain valve 1280. Since the anti-coldness drain 1208 forms a bottom surface lower than the inner bottom surface 1207 and has an inclination, the cooling water does not accumulate on the inner bottom surface 1207. The coolant is collected in the anti-coldness drain 1208 and discharged through the drain valve 1280.

The reason why the heat insulating material 1210 surrounds the cooling water receiving part 1220 is to cool the cooling water receiving part 1220. Without the heat insulator 1210, the temperature of the cooling water filled in the cooling water receiving part 1220 gradually approaches room temperature by natural heat transfer. The heat insulator 1210 serves to reduce the rate at which the temperature of the cooling water approaches room temperature by suppressing the transfer of heat from the cooling water to the air.

The insulating material 1210 surrounds the drain valve 1280 to prevent condensation from forming on the drain valve 1280. The reason why the insulating material 1210 surrounds the drain valve 1280 is to block contact between the drain valve 1280 and air. Dew is formed by condensation of water vapor in the air, so condensation of dew can be prevented by blocking contact with air. The heat insulating material 1210 blocks the contact between the drain valve 1280 and air, and prevents dew from forming on the outer circumferential surface of the drain valve 1280.

The insulating material 1210 covers not only the cooling water receiving part 1220 but also the drain valve 1280. Therefore, the heat insulating material 1210 may cool the cooling water receiving portion 1220 and prevent dew from forming on the drain valve 1280. Accordingly, 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 cooling water receiving portion 1220.

The heat insulating material 1210 may be made of PU (polyurethane, polyurethane), and is formed by a foaming process. Therefore, the insulating material 1210 may be referred to as a foam PU foam. A conventional insulation material 1210 called EPS (Expandable Polystrene) has also been used for cold insulation such as a water purifier. However, since a gap exists in the EPS, the contact between the drain valve 1280 and the air cannot be blocked with the EPS. On the other hand, since there is no gap in the heat insulating material 1210 made of PU and formed by the foaming process, contact between the drain valve 1280 and the air can be blocked.

The foaming process may be performed in a foaming jig, and 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 cooling water receiving part 1220 and the drain valve 1280 are assembled, and the assembled cooling water receiving part 1220 and the drain valve 1280 are put into the foam jig. Subsequently, an undiluted solution of the insulating material 1210 (for example, a foaming solution composed of a mixture of polyurethane and a foaming agent) is added to the foaming jig, and the foaming process is performed. When the foaming process is completed, an insulating material 1210 surrounding the outer circumferential surface of the cooling water receiving portion 1220 is formed. The heat insulating material 1210 formed by the foaming process covers not only the cooling water receiving part 1220 but also the drain valve 1280.

The cooling water receiving unit 1220 includes a barrier 1221 for preventing overflow of the foaming liquid during the foaming process. The barrier 1221 protrudes along the outer peripheral 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 injected into the foaming jig.

When the foaming process is completed, the cooling water receiving portion 1220, the drain valve 1280, and the heat insulating material 1210 are integrally formed. The insulating material 1210 is disposed at a position spaced apart from the cover 1010. The cover 1010 herein 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 in 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 cooling of the cold water tank assembly 1200. The structure in which the air gap 1230 separates the heat insulator 1210 and the rear cover 1014 from the structure in which the heat insulation material 1210 abuts the rear cover 1014 is more advantageous for cold insulation of the cold water tank assembly 1200. This is because the air gap 1230 limits heat conduction.

The air gap 1230 may additionally cool the cold water tank assembly 1200, but when the drain valve 1280 is exposed to the air gap 1230, condensation cannot be prevented from forming on the drain valve 1280. In order to prevent condensation from condensing on the drain valve 1280, the outer peripheral 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 the air gap 1230 exists between the rear cover 1014 and the heat insulator 1210, the drain valve 1280 is 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 separates the heat insulating material 1210 and the rear cover 1014 from each other to form an air gap 1230. In addition, to prevent condensation from forming on the drain valve 1280, the outer circumferential surface of the drain valve 1280 may be continuously wrapped by an insulating material 1210, a pedestal 1031, and a cover 1010.

Even if the air gap 1230 exists, (1) the drain valve 1280 is continuously wrapped by the insulation material 1210 and the cover 1010, but (2) the drain valve 1280 is the insulation material 1210 , The drain valve 1280 may not be exposed to the air gap 1230 through a structure continuously wrapped by the pedestal 1031 and the cover 1010. Therefore, according to the present invention, even if the air gap 1230 is provided, it is possible to prevent dew from forming on the outer peripheral surface of the drain valve 1280.

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

The cooling water receiving portion 1220 includes a protruding drain passage 1206 connected to the drain valve 1280. The protruding drainage passage 1206 protrudes from the lower portion of the cooling water receiving portion 1220. The direction in which the protruding drainage passage 1206 protrudes is a direction toward the outside of the cooling water receiving portion 1220.

Based on the flow through which the coolant is drained, the anti-sagging drain unit 1208, the protruding drain passage 1206, and the drain valve 1280 form a continuous drain passage for the coolant. When the cooling water is drained, the cooling water is discharged to the outside by passing through the drainage part 1208, the protruding drainage passage 1206, and the drain valve 1280 in order.

The drain valve 1280 includes housings 1281a and 1281b, a pressing operation part 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. In FIG. 5, the exteriors of the housings 1281a and 1281b are shown in the form of a cylinder having a step on the 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 a hollow portion. The hollow part corresponds to a drain passage for draining the cooling water and corresponds to a space accommodating the pressing operation part 1282, the elastic member 1283, and the like.

As described above, the housings 1281a and 1281b are wrapped by an insulating material 1210. Since the heat insulating material 1210 surrounds the housing, contact between the housings 1281a and 1281b and air may be blocked. Therefore, even if the cold coolant is drained through the hollow portion, the housings 1281a and 1281b do not contact the air. Condensation of dew on the drain valve 1280 may be prevented through such a structure.

The housings 1281a and 1281b are formed by combining the first housing 1281a and the second housing 1281b. When either 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, it is shown that the second housing 1281b is inserted into the first housing 1281a.

The first housing 1281a corresponds to an outlet through which cooling water is discharged from the drain valve 1280. On the other hand, the second housing 1281b corresponds to an inlet receiving cooling water from the cooling water receiving part 1220. Accordingly, the first housing 1281a is disposed on the downstream side of the second housing 1281b based on the flow of the cooling water discharged from the cooling water receiving part 1220.

The pressing operation part 1282 is disposed inside the housings 1281a and 1281b. The inside of the housings 1281a and 1281b means a hollow part. The pressing operation unit 1282 receives a pressing operation from a user or the like. The user's pressing operation is for opening and closing the drain passage 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 pressing 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 drain passage can be closed.

The elastic member 1283 provides an elastic force for bringing the pressing operation part 1282 into close contact with 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.

The end of the protruding drainage 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 peripheral surface of the protruding drainage passage 1206. The second housing 1281b is formed to receive an end portion of the protruding drain passage 1206 and surrounds the outer circumferential surface of the protruding drain passage 1206. The second housing 1281b is limited in movement due to a step difference in the protruding drainage passage 1206. Accordingly, the step difference of the protruding drainage passage 1206 serves to set the position of the second housing 1281b.

Referring to FIG. 5, the fixing part 1205 is formed to partially cover the outer circumferential surface of the drain valve 1280 instead of surrounding both the protruding drain passage 1206 and the drain valve 1280. Accordingly, the drain valve 1280 is visually exposed at the bottom of the cold water tank assembly 1200.

Specifically, the outer bottom surface 1207 ′ of the cooling water receiving portion 1220 partially surrounds the protruding drain passage 1206 at a position spaced apart from the outer peripheral surface of the protruding drain passage 1206. The outer bottom surface 1207 ′ of the cooling water receiving part 1220 refers to a surface opposite to the inner bottom surface 1207 indicated by reference numeral 1207 in FIG. 5.

When looking at the cold water tank assembly 1200 from the direction in which the drain valve 1280 is coupled to the protruding drain passage 1206, the outer bottom surface 1207 ′ of the cooling water receiving part 1220 partially covers the protruding drain passage 1206. It can have a partially arcuate cross section to wrap it with. The outer bottom surface 1207 ′ is spaced apart from the protruding drainage passage 1206 to form a space for the arrangement of the drain valve 1280 and the sealing member 1290 therebetween. In addition, the outer bottom surface 1207 ′ partially surrounds the protruding drainage passage 1206 rather than the entirety to expose the protruding drainage passage 1206 through the remaining portion not wrapped by the outer bottom surface.

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

The fixing part 1205 surrounds the drain valve 1280 at a position that does not block the connection portion between the protruding drain passage 1206 and the drain valve 1280. Since the protruding drainage passage 1206 and the drain valve 1280 can be wrapped by the sealing member 1290, it is understood that the fixing part 1205 surrounds the drain valve 1280 at a position not covering the sealing member 1290. I can. The hole formed by the outer bottom surface 1207 ′ of the cooling water receiving part 1220 and the arcuate fixing part 1205 faces the outlet of the protruding drain passage 1206.

The structure of exposing the connection portion between the protruding drain passage 1206 and the drain valve 1280 is to determine whether the connection between the protruding drain passage 1206 and the drain valve 1280 and sealing the sealing member 1290 is properly performed before the foaming process. Makes it possible to visually check. After the foaming process is completed, the sealing member 1290 is covered by the insulating material 1210.

The first housing 1281a and the second housing 1281b may be coupled to each other by screw fastening, force fitting, hook fastening, or the like. The other outer circumferential surface may be wrapped around any one of the first housing 1281a and the second housing 1281b. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the first housing 1281a surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the second housing 1281b.

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

The first housing 1281a includes a first locking protrusion 1281a'. The second housing 1281b includes a second locking protrusion 1281b'. Since the first housing 1281a is disposed on the downstream side of the second housing 1281b based on the drainage flow of the cooling water, the first locking projection 1281a' is named as the downstream locking projection 1281a', and the second The locking projection 1281b' may be referred to as an upstream locking projection 1281b'.

The first locking jaw 1281a' is formed to protrude from the inner circumferential surface of the first housing 1281a. The first locking jaw 1281a' protrudes along the inner circumferential surface and is formed in a substantially annular shape.

The pressing operation unit 1282 includes a first portion 1282a and a second portion 1282b. When the drain valve 1280 is closed, the flow of coolant is blocked at the first locking jaw, so that the inside and the outside of the drain valve 1280 can be divided based on the first locking jaw 1281a'. Under this classification, the first part 1282a of the pressing operation part 1282 refers to a part disposed inside the drain valve 1280, and the second part 1282b is a part exposed to the outside of the drain valve 1280 Means.

The first portion 1282a is formed to be caught on the first locking jaw 1281a'. The first part 1282a may be formed in a substantially plate shape. However, any shape of the first portion 1282a may be selected. For example, the first portion 1282a may be formed as a disk or a polygonal plate.

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

The second part 1282b is exposed to the outside to receive a pressing operation. The pressing operation means physical pressure for opening and closing the drain valve 1280. The second portion 1282b protrudes from the first portion 1282a toward the outside of the drain valve 1280. The second part 1282b is visually exposed to the outside. The second portion 1282b is wrapped by the first locking jaw 1281a'. The second portion 1282b may or may not contact the first locking jaw 1281a'.

A first O-ring 1284 is installed between the first locking jaw 1281a' and the pressing operation part 1282. The first O-ring 1284 is coupled to the outer peripheral surface of the pressing operation unit 1282. The pressing operation part 1282 has a circular groove 1282c formed along an outer circumferential surface between the first part 1282a and the second part 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 locking jaw 1281a'. When the first O-ring 1284 is in close contact with the first locking protrusion 1281a', the drain valve 1280 is closed. If the user applies an external force to the second part 1282b to press the pressing operation part 1282 toward the elastic member 1283, the first O-ring 1284 in close contact with the first locking jaw 1281a' is first caught. It is spaced apart from the jaw 1281a' and the drain valve 1280 is opened. Opening of the drain valve 1280 is implemented by an external force applied to the pressing operation unit 1282, and 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 having a relatively large circumference and a relatively small region. The size of the hollow portion of the second housing 1281b is different 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 locking protrusion 1281b' of the second housing 1281b. The pressing operation 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 peripheral surface of the boss portion 1282d. Since the movement of the elastic member 1283 is restricted by the boss portion 1282d, the boss portion 1282d can prevent the elastic member 1283 from being separated from the original position.

The first portion 1282a of the pressing operation unit 1282 has a first surface and a second surface. The first side and the second side face substantially opposite directions. The elastic member 1283 is in close contact with the first surface side, and the first O-ring 1284 is coupled to the second surface side. When the elastic member 1283 presses the first surface, the first O-ring 1284 is pressed by the second surface to come into close contact with the first locking jaws 1281a'.

The mechanical drain valve 1280 is a concept distinguished from an electromagnetic valve. Electronic valves, for example solenoid valves, are actuated by the input of an electrical signal. In contrast, the mechanical drain valve 1280 is operated by applying a physical force.

Electronic valves may operate abnormally or fail when exposed to water. In order to apply the electronic valve to the water purifier, the electronic valve should be arranged in a position as far as possible from the water. However, when the electromagnetic valve is disposed at a position far from water, dew is formed on the surface of the electromagnetic valve and a pipe connected to the electromagnetic valve.

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

In order to cover both the cold water tank assembly 1200 and the drain valve 1280 with the insulation material 1210, the cold water tank assembly 1200 and the drain valve 1280 should not be far apart from each other. If the electronic valve is applied to the water purifier, since the separation between the cold water tank assembly 1200 and the electronic valve is inevitable, it is not possible to wrap both the cold water tank assembly 1200 and the electronic valve with an insulating material 1210.

However, by applying the mechanical drain valve 1280, the cold water tank assembly 1200 and the drain valve 1280 can be disposed adjacent to each other, and both the cold water tank assembly 1200 and the drain valve 1280 are used as an insulating material 1210. Can be wrapped. Wrapping the drain valve 1280 with the heat insulating material 1210 means that it is possible to block contact with air and ultimately prevent condensation of dew.

Since the cold water tank assembly 1200 and the drain valve 1280 are directly connected to each other, the water purifier does not require a pipe for connecting the cold water tank assembly 1200 and the drain valve 1280. Dew condensation may occur in the pipe through which the cooling water flows, but the fact that the pipe is not required means that the cause of condensation of dew can be fundamentally eliminated.

6 is a hose 1300 with a discharge water 1020 and a drain valve 1280 to supply cooling water to the cooling water receiving part 1220 (refer to FIGS. 3 to 5) of the water purifier 1000 related to the first-first embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram connected with ).

The water purifier 1000 includes a cooling water 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 cooling water receiving part 1220. In the present invention, the embodiments are classified according to how the cooling water is to be supplied, and the configuration of the cooling water flow path may vary according to the embodiments.

The water purifier shown in FIG. 6 is divided into a first-first embodiment. In the embodiment 1-1, at least a part of the cooling water flow path is formed by a hose 1300 exposed to the outside of the body of the water purifier 1000.

The hose 1300 is configured to supply purified water discharged through the water outlet 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, and 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 cooling water receiving 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 discharging cold water or hot water from the water purifier 1000 or supplying the cooling water to the cooling water receiving unit 1220.

For example, when a user presses a certain amount of cold/hot water, a control command to discharge a certain amount of cold/hot water is input to the water purifier 1000, and a certain amount of cold/hot water is discharged from the water purifier 1000. Similarly, when the user presses the continuous button of cold/hot water, a control command to continuously discharge cold/hot water is input to the water purifier 1000, and in the water purifier 1000, press the continuous button of cold/hot water again or a separate control command. Cold/hot water continues to flow until is entered.

In addition, when the user presses the button for supplying cooling water, a control command to discharge a preset amount of cooling water is input to the water purifier 1000, and in the water purifier 1000, a preset amount of purified water (normal temperature, cold or hot water ) Is discharged. In the present invention, the cooling water may be made of raw water or purified water, but since the cooling water is supplied through the outlet water 1020 in the first-first embodiment, the cooling water in the first-first embodiment is made of purified water. In particular, when considering that the cooling water is for cooling purified water, the cooling water in Embodiment 1-1 is made of cold water among cold water and hot water.

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

The hose 1300 is unnecessary for the normal operation of the water purifier. However, in the case of replacing the coolant, in the water purifier of the 1-1 embodiment, an operation of first connecting the hose 1300 to the outlet water 1020 and the drain valve 1280 must be preceded. This is because a cooling water flow path is required for the cooling water supply, and at least a part of the cooling water flow path is formed by the hose 1300. Furthermore, since the existing cooling water filled in the cooling water receiving part 1220 must be discharged before supplying the cooling water, the connection of the hose 1300 must be made after discharging the existing cooling water.

Even if the cooling water is made of purified water (more specifically, cold water), it is not preferable that the cooling water is discharged by pressing the cooling water supply button in a state where the hose 1300 is not connected. This is because the amount of cold water/hot water discharged when a certain amount of cold/hot water button is pressed and the amount of purified water (normal temperature purified water, cold water or hot water) discharged when the cooling water supply button is pressed are different. 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, even if the user unknowingly presses the coolant supply button, the coolant does not drain. 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 coolant supply button while the hose 1300 is not connected, the coolant is not discharged. Alternatively, after the coolant supply button is activated, the coolant supply button must be pressed so that the water purifier 1000 can discharge the coolant. Even in this case, the cooling water is not discharged unless the user sequentially executes the operation of connecting the hose 1300> activating the cooling water supply button> pressing the cooling water supply button.

7 is a conceptual diagram showing the other end 1320 of the hose 1300 connected to the drain valve 1280 of the water purifier related to the 1-1 embodiment.

A coupling portion 1321 such as a thread or a protrusion may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the other end 1320 of the hose. When a thread is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the other end 1330 of the hose, the drain valve 1280 also has a threaded hole corresponding to the thread. Accordingly, the hose 1300 and the drain valve 1280 may be screwed. When a protrusion is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the other end 1320 of the hose 1300, it is possible to prevent the hose 1300 from being arbitrarily separated from the drain valve 1280 after being combined with the drain valve 1280 due to frictional force by the protrusion. .

The drain valve 1280 described in FIG. 5 is made to be opened only when the pressing operation unit 1282 (refer to FIG. 5) is physically pressed. When the hose 1300 is connected to the drain valve 1280, the pressing operation unit is connected to the hose 1300. Because it is concealed by the user, the user cannot arbitrarily press the pressing operation unit. Therefore, in order to open the drain valve 1280 of this type, a hose 1300 having a structure capable of pressing the pressing operation portion must be provided.

The hose 1300 having a structure capable of pressing the pressing operation unit includes a pressing unit 1322 and connection parts 1323.

The pressing part 1322 is formed in the hollow part 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 unit means opening the drain valve 1280 by moving the pressing operation unit to the inside of the drain valve 1280.

The connection parts 1323 are formed radially around the pressing part 1322 to connect the pressing part 1322 to the inner circumferential surface of the hose 1300. Since the connection parts 1323 are formed in a radial shape, there is a gap between the inner circumferential surface of the hose 1300 and the pressing part, and cooling water can be supplied through this gap.

8 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration in which the drain valve 1280 and the hose 1300 of the water purifier related to the 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 part 1282 at a position facing the pressing part 1282 of the drain valve 1280. 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 operation unit 1828, the pressing operation unit 1282 moves in the direction of compressing the elastic member 1283. do.

When the pressing operation part 1282 moves and is spaced apart from the first locking jaw 1281a', a gap is formed between the pressing operation part 1282 and the first locking jaw 1281a', through which the cooling water coolant receiving part Ready to be supplied to (1220).

In the structure of Embodiment 1-1 described above, after the cooling water is discharged from the cooling water receiving portion 1220, the preparation for supply of cooling water is completed by coupling the hose 1300 to the drain valve 1280.

9 is a conceptual diagram in which the outlet water 1020 ′ and the drain valve 1280 ′ are connected with a hose 1300 ′ to supply cooling water to the cooling water receiving part of the water purifier according to the 1-2 embodiment of the present invention.

The drain valve 1280' of the 1-2 embodiment is exposed to the outside of the main body of the water purifier 1000', unlike the drain valve 1280 described in the 1-1 embodiment. The drain valve 1280 exposed to the outside of the body of the water purifier 1000' is made to be opened by an external force applied by a user or the like. For example, the drain valve 1280 ′ may be formed of a manually opened and closed gate valve or a cock valve. In the 1-2 embodiment, the structure of the drain valve 1280' and the hose 1300' described in FIGS. 4 to 5 and 7 to 8 is unnecessary.

The structures of the drain valve 1280' and the hose 1300' in the 1-2 embodiment are different from those of the 1-1 embodiment. Therefore, unlike the first-first embodiment, in the first-second embodiment, after the operation of connecting the hose 1300' to the drain valve 1280', the drain valve 1280' is additionally operated to open the drain valve 1280'. The cooling water supply preparation is completed only when the opening operation is added.

10 is a conceptual diagram showing a water purifier 1000 according to the first and second embodiments. The water purifier 1000 of the first-first embodiment and the water purifier 1000 of the first-second embodiment differ only in the structures of the drain valve 1280 and the hose 1300, and the rest are the same, so they will be described together with reference to FIG. Can be.

(1) Cold water and hot water outlet

The water purifier 1000 receives 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. Water in a state before being filtered by the water purifier 1000 may be referred to as raw water regardless of the type. If raw water is supplied, regardless of its type, all may be referred to as raw water supply unit 10.

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

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

A raw water valve 1065 may be installed on an upstream side or a downstream side of the pre-filter 1064. In FIG. 10, the raw water valve 1065 is installed on the downstream side of the pre-filter 1064, but according to the design of the water purifier 1000, the raw water valve 1065 may be installed on the upstream side of the pre-filter 1064. .

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

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

The unit filters 1061 and 1062 are configured to filter contaminants from raw water to generate purified water. Water flowing upstream of the unit filters 1061 and 1062 based on the unit filters 1061 and 1062 may be classified as raw water, and water flowing downstream of the unit filters 1061 and 1062 may be classified as purified water.

The second flow sensor 1063b is configured to measure the flow rate of purified water supplied from the unit filters 1061 and 1062. It is also possible that only one of the first flow sensor 1063a and the second flow sensor 1063b is installed. This is because the flow rate of raw water measured by the first flow sensor 1063a and the flow rate of purified water measured by the second flow rate sensor 1063b are theoretically the same in the flow path configuration of FIG. Therefore, if only the flow sensors 1061a and 1063b are not classified as the first flow sensor 1063a or the second flow sensor 1063b, it refers to any one of the first flow sensor 1063a and the second flow sensor 1063b. Can be understood. The first flow sensor 1063a and/or the second flow sensor 1063b are used to measure the amount of cooling water to be filled in the cooling water receiving portion 1220.

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

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 installed on the downstream side of the filter unit 1060. The heating device 1100 includes equipment capable of heating purified water, such as an induction heating module 1110. The heating device 1100 is formed to generate hot water by heating purified water. The purified water is heated to a high temperature for a short time passing through the heating device 1100.

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

Similarly, the cold water tank assembly 1200 is also installed on the downstream side of the filter unit 1060. The cold water tank assembly 1200 includes a cooling water receiving portion 1220 formed to accommodate cooling water. The cooling water receiving part 1220 is filled with cooling water.

An evaporator 1054, an agitator 1270, and a cold water generating 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, and the refrigerant is circulated to maintain the coolant at a low temperature.

The cooling water cooled by the refrigerant cools the purified water passing through the cold water generation flow path 1240, and the purified water is cooled within a short time while passing through the cold water generation flow path 1240. The purified water cooled by the cooling water becomes cold water. The agitator 1270 rotates while being immersed in the cooling water to promote heat exchange between the refrigerant and the cooling water and between the cooling water 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 on the downstream side 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 receiving unit 1220, the coolant already filled in the coolant receiving unit 1220 must be drained. When a professional service person or user (hereinafter, a user, etc.) opens the drain valve 1280, it is drained through the coolant drain valve 1280 filled in the coolant receiving unit 1220.

When the hose 1300 is connected to the outlet water 1020 and the drain valve 1280 by a user or the like after completing the cooling water drainage, purified water or cold water discharged through the outlet water 1020 is cooled through the drain valve 1280 Preparation to be introduced into the receiving portion 1220 is completed.

Subsequently, when a coolant supply control command is applied to the input unit 1016a, purified water or cold water is supplied to the coolant receiving unit 1220 through the coolant flow path. In FIG. 10, the cooling water flow path is formed by a flow path that extends 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.

When the refrigeration cycle device 1050 is operated while the purified water discharged from the filter unit 1060 passes through the cold water generation flow path 1240, cold water is generated, so that the cold water is transferred to the cooling water receiving unit 1220 through the hose 1300. Is supplied. In contrast, if the refrigeration cycle device 1050 does not operate while the purified water discharged from the filter unit 1060 passes through the cold water generation flow path 1240, the normal temperature purified water is transferred to the cooling water receiving unit 1220 through the hose 1300. Is supplied as. Therefore, the cooling water to be filled in the cooling water receiving part 1220 is made of purified water or cold water at room temperature. Unless specifically classified as room temperature water, the concept of water purification includes both room temperature water, cold water, and hot water.

The flow rate of the cooling water to be filled in the cooling water receiving portion 1220 is designated as a pulse value to the first flow sensor 1063a and/or the second flow sensor 1063b. 10, the flow rate of the cooling water is designated as a pulse value to the second flow rate sensor 1063b. When the flow rate corresponding to the specified 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 is configured to stop the supply of purified water based on the water supply amount measured by the flow sensor. Accordingly, the cooling water having a predetermined flow rate may be supplied to the cooling water receiving part 1220.

The predetermined flow rate refers to a flow rate corresponding to a water level at which all of the cold water generation flow path 1240, the stirrer 1270, and the evaporator 1054 installed inside the cold water tank assembly 1200 can be immersed. The supply of purified water to the cooling water receiving unit 1220 is stopped based on the water supply amount measured by the flow sensor. The operation of the water purifier 1000 may be controlled by the controller 1080.

The control unit 1080 is formed to determine whether the coolant is filled to the reference water level based on the rotational speed per unit time of the stirrer 1270. The reference water level corresponds to a water level at which all of the cold water generation flow path 1240, the stirrer 1270, and the evaporator 1054 installed inside the cold water tank assembly 1200 can be immersed, like a preset flow rate.

It has been previously described that the rotational speed of the stirrer 1270 per unit time varies depending on the water level of the cooling water receiving portion 1220. Since the agitator 1270 is connected to the motor 1271 by a shaft, the rotational speed per unit time of the agitator 1270 is the same as the rotational speed per unit time of the motor 1271. Accordingly, 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.

The stirrer 1270 rotates the fastest at a water level lower than the level at which the stirrer 1270 is immersed in the cooling water. From the moment the stirrer 1270 is immersed in the coolant, the rotational speed per unit time of the agitator 1270 is slowed down due to the resistance formed by the coolant, and the rotational speed per unit time of the agitator 1270 increases as the level of the coolant increases. It gets slower. Therefore, the rotational speed of the stirrer 1270 corresponding to the reference water level (a water level that can be immersed all up to the cold water generation flow path 1240, the stirrer 1270 and the evaporator 1054) is set to the reference speed, and the controller 1080 When the rotational speed of the stirrer 1270 is slowed down to the reference speed, it may be determined whether the coolant has been filled to the reference water level.

When cooling water consisting of purified water is supplied to the cooling water receiving part 1220 through the drain valve 1280, the cooling water receiving part 1220 can be filled with cooling water 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 up to the reference water level based on the rotation per unit time of the stirrer 1270, it is possible to determine whether or not the water supply is normal without a level sensor.

If it is determined that the coolant is filled to the reference water level based on the rotational speed of the stirrer 1270 per unit time, it may be displayed as the completion of normal water supply of the coolant through the output unit 1016b. Then, the water purifier 1000 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, it may be indicated that the coolant needs to be additionally supplied through the output unit 1016b. The pulse value corresponding to the flow rate to be additionally supplied is input again to the first flow sensor 1063a and/or the second flow sensor 1063b to provide additional water supply, and the controller 1080 is the unit time of the agitator 1270 It is judged again whether or not the coolant has been filled to the reference level based on the per 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 the supply of raw water or purified water to the cooling water receiving unit 1220 should be started 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, it means that the water level of the cooling water has decreased.

11 is a conceptual diagram showing a water purifier 2000 of the second embodiment.

Since the operation of supplying cold water and hot water of the water purifier 2000 overlaps with that described in FIG. 10, only the supply of cooling water will be described below.

At least a part 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 part 2060 and the other end connected to the cold water tank assembly 2200 so as to supply the purified water generated in the filter part 2060 to the cooling water receiving part 2220. The pipe 2300 may be branched between the filter unit 2060 and the cold water generation flow path 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 FIG. 10, the cold water generation flow path 2240 or the drain valve 2280 are not included in the cooling water flow path. From this, it can be seen that in Example 2-1, the cooling water will be made of purified water at room temperature.

The cooling water is preferably made of purified water for hygiene. In Embodiment 1-1 and Embodiment 1-2, the coolant must be connected to the hoses 1300 and 1300' to the outlet waters 1020 and 1020' and the drain valves 1280 and 1280' through active operation of the user, etc. While the supply of can be made, there is a difference in that such an active operation is not required in the second embodiment.

In order to supply the cooling water, first, the cooling water already filled in the cooling water receiving unit 2220 must be drained. The cooling water may be drained by a user or the like by directly manipulating 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 cooling water supply control command through the input unit 2016a, the raw water valve 2065 is opened, and the raw water flows along the cooling water flow path and becomes purified water in the filter unit 2060 to the cooling water receiving unit 2220. Is supplied. Therefore, in Embodiment 2-1, the cooling water is made of purified water at room temperature.

The flow rate of the cooling water (normal temperature constant) filled in the cooling water receiving portion 2220 is designated as a pulse value to the first flow sensor 2063a and/or the second flow sensor 2063b. When the flow rate corresponding to the specified 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 sensor 2063a or the second flow sensor 2063b, and supplies purified water based on the water supply amount measured by the first flow sensor 2063a or the second flow sensor 2063b. It is made to stop. Accordingly, cooling water having a predetermined flow rate may be supplied to the cooling water receiving unit 2220.

Drainage and water supply of the cooling water may be performed automatically. For example, the water purifier 2000 includes (1) a preset cooling water replacement cycle, (2) the degree of contamination of the cooling water measured through a sensor, or (3) the cooling water determined from the rotational speed per unit time of the stirrer 2270. Depending on the level of water, the cooling water is drained and water supplied.

In order to automatically drain the coolant, the drain valve 280 is preferably formed of an electronic type that is opened and closed by an electric signal rather than a mechanical type. For example, a solenoid valve can be opened or closed by an electric signal. In addition, in order to automatically drain the cooling water, it is preferable that a separate flow path is formed on the downstream side of the drain valve 2280 so that the cooling water discharged from the drain valve 2280 can be discarded into a sewer.

When the drain valve 2280 is opened by an electric signal to complete the drainage of the cooling water, the water supply of the cooling water described above is then performed. After the water supply is completed, it is determined whether the normal cooling water has been supplied from the rotational speed per unit time of the stirrer 2270 to the reference water level.

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

12 is a conceptual diagram showing a water purifier 3000 according to the second embodiment.

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

The configuration of Embodiment 2-2 shown in Fig. 12 is similar to Embodiment 2-1. However, they differ only in the cooling water flow path.

At least a part of the cooling water passage 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 so as 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 branches off the downstream side of the first flow sensor 3063a, and is 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 passage. Therefore, it can be seen that the cooling water in Example 2-2 will be made of raw water at room temperature.

What differentiates the 2-2 embodiment from the 2-1 embodiment is that the cooling water is made of raw water. The cooling water is preferably made of purified water for hygiene, but since it is not mixed with purified water or cold water, it is not necessarily made of purified water. 12 shows a configuration in which raw water forms the cooling water.

In order to supply the cooling water, first, the cooling water already filled in the cooling water receiving part 3220 must be drained. The cooling water may be drained by a user or the like by 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 is supplied to the cooling water receiving unit 3220 while flowing along the cooling water flow path. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the cooling water is made of raw water at room temperature.

The flow rate of the cooling water (raw water at room temperature) filled in the cooling water receiving portion 3220 is designated as a pulse value by the first flow sensor 3063a. When the flow rate corresponding to the specified pulse value passes through the first flow rate sensor 3063a, the supply of raw water is stopped. The control unit 3080 controls the first flow sensor 3063a, and is configured to stop supply of raw water based on the amount of water supplied by the first flow sensor 3063a. Accordingly, cooling water having a predetermined flow rate may be supplied to the cooling water receiving unit 3220.

As described with reference to FIG. 11, the cooling water may be drained and supplied automatically.

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

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

Claims (18)

A base forming a bottom surface of the water purifier;
Both side panels coupled to the base;
A front cover having a round curved shape in a forward direction that is detachably coupled to the both side panels;
A tray having a protruding coupling portion detachably coupled to the base;
A filter for water purification disposed behind the front cover; And
A filter bracket assembly defining a space for accommodating the water filter;
A concave portion disposed below the filter bracket assembly and formed toward the rear of a portion formed in a round shape corresponding to the front cover; And
And a space formed between the front cover and the filter bracket assembly to enable exchange of the filter for water purification when the front cover is separated while the tray is separated from the base,
A water purifier, characterized in that the lower portion of the filter bracket assembly and the tray have curved surfaces corresponding to each other, and the lower portion of the filter bracket assembly independently rotates with respect to the rest of the filter bracket assembly. The method of claim 1,
A rear cover disposed at the rear of the filter bracket assembly;
An upper cover installed at a position higher than the front cover; And
And a water outlet installed in the space between the front cover and the upper cover. The method of claim 2,
The water purifier, characterized in that the side panels are disposed and coupled between the front cover and the rear cover. The method of claim 2,
The water purifier, wherein the water outlet has a rotation region formed between the front cover and the upper cover so as to be rotatable according to a user's manipulation. The method of claim 2,
The water purifier, characterized in that the water outlet provides purified water to the user according to the user's control command. The method of claim 2,
Further comprising a top cover forming an upper surface,
And an input/output unit including an input unit and an output unit in front of the top cover. The method of claim 6,
The water outlet unit is rotated based on a control command applied by a user to the input/output unit,
The input/output unit, wherein when the water outlet is rotated, the water purifier is implemented to rotate together with the water outlet. The method of claim 2,
The water purifier, wherein at least one of normal temperature purified water, cold water, and hot water is discharged through the water outlet according to a control command approved by a user. The method of claim 1,
A water purifier, characterized in that the protruding coupling portion of the tray is inserted into and received under the filter bracket assembly to form a coupling between the filter bracket assembly and the tray. The method of claim 2,
The tray is a water purifier, characterized in that the tray faces the water outlet in an up-down direction, supports a container or the like for containing purified water discharged through the water outlet, and receives and receives residual water falling from the water outlet. delete The method of claim 2,
An upper portion of the filter bracket assembly supports the water outlet and forms a rotation path of the water outlet. The method of claim 2,
The water outlet part is divided into a first part protruding to the outside of the water purifier and a second part disposed inside the water purifier, and the second part is formed in a circular shape and disposed above the filter bracket assembly, and the filter bracket assembly The upper portion of the water purifier, characterized in that rotated independently with respect to the rest of the filter bracket assembly. The method of claim 13,
A water purifier, characterized in that the lower and upper portions of the filter bracket assembly are connected to each other by upper and lower connecting portions. The method of claim 14,
A water purifier, characterized in that the lower and upper portions of the filter bracket assembly connected to each other by the upper and lower connecting portions rotate in the same direction. The method of claim 14,
When the user rotates the water outlet, an upper portion, an upper and lower connection portion, a lower portion, and a tray of the filter bracket assembly connected to the water outlet rotate together with the water outlet. The method of claim 1,
A water purifier, characterized in that the filter installation region formed between the lower and upper portions of the filter bracket assembly has an installation space for accommodating the unit filters of the filter unit. The method of claim 17,
A support that protrudes toward the rear of the water purifier is formed on the opposite side of the filter installation region, and the support supports the control unit and the heating device,
The support is disposed between the heating device and the compressor to block the heat generated by the heating device from being conducted to the compressor.

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