KR20230165414A - Cold water generating apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A cold water generating device is disclosed. A cold water generating device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a housing having a space therein; a cold water tank accommodated inside the housing, communicated with the outside, and configured to receive purified water and cool it; and a flow rate adjuster provided on one side of the cold water tank and configured to allow or block communication between the cold water tank and the outside, wherein the cold water tank is formed as a space with a predetermined volume inside the outside. A fluid space that communicates with and receives purified water; and a refrigerant pipe accommodated in the flow space and through which a refrigerant that exchanges heat with the delivered purified water and cools the purified water flows, wherein the flow rate adjusting portion is formed open, so that purified water in an amount exceeding the volume of the flow space flows to the outside. A discharge passage can be formed.

Description

Cold water generating apparatus}

The present invention relates to a cold water generating device, and more specifically, to a cold water generating device with a structure that can seal and cool supplied purified water while preventing damage due to supercooling of the purified water.

As interest in the cleanliness of water for drinking increases, the number of households equipped with devices for filtering water is increasing. In particular, a filtration device called a purifier is connected to a tap supplied to a home and filters the supplied tap water to make it suitable for drinking.

Recently, water purifiers that not only filter supplied tap water but also adjust the water to the user's desired temperature and dispense water have been popularly sold. The water purifier as described above filters supplied tap water, heats or cools the filtered tap water, adjusts it to the user's desired temperature, and then discharges the water.

Therefore, in the case of a water purifier capable of controlling temperature, the absence of a heater for heating or a cooler for cooling is essentially required. This may involve an increase in size and complexity of the internal structure compared to a water purifier configured to perform only a filtration process.

In addition, water purifiers that filter and discharge water immediately according to the user's request without storing filtered water are gaining popularity. This type of water purifier, referred to as the so-called “direct water type,” can minimize the time that filtered water stays inside the water purifier, thereby improving reliability of water cleanliness compared to the storage type.

In the case of a direct water purifier, members such as a tank for storing filtered water are not required, so the volume is reduced and the internal structure can be formed simply. Accordingly, recently, water purifiers that add a temperature control function to direct water purifiers are attracting attention.

However, in order to adjust the temperature, the water must be heated or cooled for a certain period of time, and a heater or cooler may be required for this. However, if the volume of the heater or cooler increases too much, there is a risk that the advantages of the direct water purifier will be diluted. Accordingly, in an effort to minimize the volume of the heater or cooler and improve the efficiency of temperature control, a closed-type cooling tank is used.

A closed cooling tank has a space inside it to receive and store filtered water, that is, purified water. The closed cooling tank is equipped with various members such as a chiller for cooling purified water, so that heat can be exchanged with the purified water. However, depending on the usage condition, there is a possibility that the member provided for cooling or the sensor for detecting the cooling state may malfunction, resulting in overcooling of the purified water.

In this case, the purified water produced as ice has a larger volume compared to the liquid state, so the pressure inside the closed cooling tank increases, and there is a risk of damage to the closed cooling tank.

Accordingly, technologies have been introduced to prevent damage to the tank while constructing a sealed tank for cold water production.

Korean Patent Document No. 10-1890055 discloses a pressure increase prevention device for a closed cooling tank for a water purifier. Specifically, a pressure rise prevention device is disclosed in which a pressure rise prevention means including a sealing spring and an elastic means is fixed through a sealed cooling tank, and the pressure can be discharged by deformation of the elastic means when the pressure rises.

However, the device for preventing pressure rise in a sealed cooling tank for a water purifier disclosed in the above-described prior literature may have reduced operational reliability when the elasticity of the sealing spring or elastic means decreases. Moreover, when purified water is supercooled and ice is formed, it is difficult to rule out the possibility that the sealing spring or elastic means may be frozen by the ice.

Korean Patent Document No. 10-1421155 discloses a sealed cold water tank and a cold water and purification system using the same. Specifically, a sealed cold water tank configured to supply only an amount of purified water corresponding to the volume of the cooling water tank to the cooling water storage tank using a second solenoid valve to adjust the amount of purified water flowing into the cooling water tank. Begin.

However, the sealed cold water tank and the cold water and purified water system using the same disclosed in the prior literature adjust the pressure inside the sealed cold water tank by directly supplying the amount of purified water flowing into the inside. In other words, the prior literature does not disclose a method for compensating for the increase in volume and resulting pressure when purified water already supplied to the sealed cold water tank is supercooled and turns into ice.

Korean Patent Document No. 10-1890055 (2018.08.20.) Korean Patent Document No. 10-1421155 (2014.07.22.)

The present invention is intended to solve the above problems, and the purpose of the present invention is to provide a cold water generating device with a structure that can effectively cool filtered purified water.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a cold water generating device with a structure that can prevent damage caused by supercooling of filtered purified water.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a cold water generating device that can effectively cool filtered purified water and be miniaturized.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a cold water generating device with a structure that can prevent damage due to supercooling without a separate member for detecting whether supercooling has occurred.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a cold water generating device that can prevent filtered purified water from being contaminated during the cooling process.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a cold water generating device having a structure in which the generated cold water can be easily discharged.

The problems of the present invention are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a housing having a space therein; a cold water tank accommodated inside the housing, communicated with the outside, and configured to receive purified water and cool it; and a flow rate adjuster provided on one side of the cold water tank and configured to allow or block communication between the cold water tank and the outside, wherein the cold water tank is formed as a space with a predetermined volume inside the outside. A fluid space that communicates with and receives purified water; and a refrigerant pipe accommodated in the flow space and through which a refrigerant that exchanges heat with the delivered purified water and cools the purified water flows, wherein the flow rate adjusting portion is formed open, so that purified water in an amount exceeding the volume of the flow space flows to the outside. A cold water generating device is provided, forming a discharge passage.

At this time, the cold water tank includes: a water intake portion located on one side adjacent to the flow rate adjustment portion and communicating with the flow space and the outside to form a passage through which external purified water flows; and a water outlet located on the other side, communicating with the flow space and the outside to form a passage through which the cooled purified water flows out. A cold water generating device may be provided.

In addition, the one side of the cold water tank is the upper side, and the other side of the cold water tank is located lower than the one side, so that the purified water flows into the upper side of the flow space and then flows downward and is cooled, A cold water generating device may be provided in which purified water in excess of the volume of the flow space is discharged to the upper side of the flow space.

At this time, the cold water tank is located on the other side, communicates with the flow space and the outside, and includes a discharge portion that forms a passage through which the purified water contained in the flow space is discharged. A cold water generating device may be provided. .

In addition, a cold water generating device may be provided in which the other side of the cold water tank is a lower side, and the discharge portion is located lower than the water outlet portion.

At this time, the cold water tank includes a plurality of partition members that are accommodated in the flow space and are spaced apart from each other in the height direction to partition the flow space into a plurality, and the plurality of partition members include a plurality of partitioned flow spaces. A cold water generating device may be provided in which a communication portion communicating between a pair of the flow spaces located adjacent to each other in the space is formed by a recess.

In addition, the partition member is provided in a plate shape extending in a direction different from the height direction, and the refrigerant pipe extends along the extension direction of the partition member, is provided in plural numbers, and is positioned between the plurality of partition members. horizontal part; and a plurality of curved portions that are each continuous with the plurality of horizontal portions and accommodated in the communicating portion. A cold water generating device may be provided.

At this time, each of the plurality of partition members extends in the width direction of the cold water tank, and in one of the pair of partition members disposed adjacent to each other, the communication part is formed biased at one end of the extension direction. , the communication part is formed in one of the pair of partition members disposed adjacent to each other with a bias toward the other end in the extension direction, and the communication part is formed in a plurality of the partition members along the height direction of the cold water tank. and a cold water generating device in which the partition members are alternately disposed.

Additionally, a cold water generating device may be provided in the flow space, in which purified water equal to the volume of the flow space is introduced and cooled by the refrigerant pipe.

At this time, the flow rate adjuster is located on the upper side of the cold water tank and communicates with the upper side of the flow space and the outside, and the cold water tank is located on the upper side of the cold water tank and communicates with the flow space and the outside to purify the outside. An intake portion that forms a passage through which the gas flows in; and a water outlet located on the other side of the cold water tank and communicating with the flow space and the outside to form a passage through which the cooled purified water flows out. A cold water generating device may be provided.

In addition, a cold water generating device may be provided in which purified water flowing into the flow space through the water intake part stays in the flow space for a preset temperature, is cooled, and then is discharged through the water outlet part.

According to the above configuration, the cold water generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention can effectively cool filtered purified water.

The cold water tank provided in the cold water generating device includes a flow space that communicates with the outside at a plurality of points. Purified water flows into the flow space from the outside, and the introduced purified water flows in the flow space and can be cooled by heat exchange with the refrigerant.

At this time, a plurality of points where the flow space communicates with the outside may be selectively opened or closed. That is, the cold water tank may be provided as a closed type and configured to cool and store incoming purified water.

Therefore, compared to the case where the cold water tank is always open and purified water flowing in from the outside is cooled and then immediately discharged, cooling efficiency can be improved.

Additionally, according to the above configuration, damage due to supercooling of filtered purified water can be prevented in the cold water generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The cold water generating device is provided with a flow rate adjustment unit. The flow rate adjustment unit penetrates the tank body that forms the outer shape of the cold water tank and communicates with the flow space and the outside. When the cold water contained in the flow space is supercooled to create ice and the volume of ice and cold water contained in the flow space exceeds the volume of the flow space, cold water equivalent to the excess volume may be discharged to the outside through the flow rate adjuster.

In one embodiment, the flow rate regulator may be located on the top of the cold water tank. That is, the cold water located at the upper part of the flow space is configured to be discharged to the outside through the flow rate adjustment unit. Therefore, if volume excess does not occur, cold water is not discharged to the outside through the flow rate adjuster.

Therefore, even when cold water is supercooled, an amount of cold water in excess of the volume is discharged to the outside to adjust the pressure of the flow space, thereby preventing damage to the cold water tank or cold water generating device due to supercooling of the cold water.

Additionally, according to the above configuration, the cold water generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be miniaturized while effectively cooling filtered purified water.

As described above, in one embodiment, the cold water tank may be configured as a closed type. Purified water flowing into the flow space flows along the flow space and can be cooled by heat exchange with the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant pipe. The generated cold water is not immediately discharged to the outside, but stays in the flow space and is continuously cooled.

The flow space is provided with a partition member to form a flow path for purified water. The partition wall member divides the flow space into a plurality of flow spaces, and a communication part that communicates the flow spaces adjacent to each other is recessed.

In one embodiment, communication portions formed in adjacent partition members may be disposed biased on different sides along the longitudinal direction of the partition members. Accordingly, the plurality of partition members and the communicating portions formed in each partition member form a zigzag-shaped flow path inside the flow space. The introduced purified water flows in a zigzag shape through the flow space and can exchange heat with the refrigerant.

Accordingly, the cold water tank is configured as a closed type, thereby simplifying the volume, and the heat exchange time and amount of heat exchange between purified water and the refrigerant can be increased. As a result, the heat exchange efficiency of the refrigerant can be improved.

Additionally, according to the above configuration, damage due to supercooling can be prevented in the cold water generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention without a separate member for detecting whether supercooling has occurred.

As described above, when supercooling occurs and the sum of the volumes of cold water and ice contained in the flow space exceeds the volume of the flow space, cold water equal to the excess volume may be discharged to the outside through the flow rate adjuster. The emission may proceed without a separate detection process or a control process based on the detection results.

In other words, a separate member for detecting whether supercooling has occurred or a separate member for discharging cold water using the detected result is not required.

Accordingly, the structure of the cold water generating device is simplified, and when a supercooling state occurs, cold water equal to the excess volume is immediately discharged, thereby resolving the overpressure state in the flow space.

Additionally, according to the above configuration, the cold water generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention can prevent a situation in which filtered purified water is contaminated during the cooling process.

As described above, the cold water tank may be provided as a closed type. That is, the flow space formed inside the cold water tank is filled with introduced purified water and cold water, and other fluids such as air do not arbitrarily flow in.

In one embodiment, the flow rate control unit may be provided with a flow rate control valve. The flow control valve may be configured to allow cold water to flow only in an outward direction from the flow space, and to be opened only when the pressure of the flow space changes.

Accordingly, air does not flow into the flow space, and microorganisms or dust present in the air also do not flow into the flow space. Accordingly, filtered purified water or produced cold water is not contaminated.

Additionally, according to the above configuration, the cold water generating device according to the embodiment of the present invention can easily discharge the generated cold water.

A discharge control unit is coupled to the cold water tank. The discharge adjustment portion penetrates the upper side of the tank body and is provided to be openable on the discharge operation member. When the discharge control unit is opened, the flow space communicates with the outside and air can be introduced.

A discharge portion is provided on the lower side of the cold water tank. When the discharge part is opened, the flow space communicates with the outside. When both the discharge control unit and the discharge unit are opened, the pressure is compensated by the air flowing in through the discharge control unit, and the cold water contained in the flow space can be discharged to the outside through the discharge unit.

Therefore, when maintenance or cleaning of the cold water generating device is required, the discharge unit and the discharge control unit can be manipulated to easily discharge the refrigerant contained in the flow space.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and should be understood to include all effects that can be inferred from the configuration of the invention described in the detailed description or claims of the present invention.

1 is a perspective view showing a cold water generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the cold water generating device of FIG. 1.
Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a cold water tank and an adjustment unit provided in the cold water generating device of Figure 1.
FIG. 4 is a front view showing the cold water tank and control unit of FIG. 3.
Figures 5 and 6 are exploded perspective views showing the cold water tank and control unit of Figure 3.
FIG. 7 is an exploded front view showing the cold water tank and control unit of FIG. 3.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the electricity supply relationship between the cold water tank and the adjustment unit of FIG. 3.
FIG. 9 is a front cross-sectional view showing a process in which fluid is supplied to the cold water generating device of FIG. 1, cooled, and then discharged.
FIG. 10 is a front cross-sectional view showing a state in which the cold water generating device of FIG. 1 is full of fluid.
FIG. 11 is a front cross-sectional view showing the process of discharging the fluid when the fluid supplied to the cold water generating device of FIG. 1 is supercooled.
FIG. 12 is a front cross-sectional view showing a state in which the discharge control unit provided in the cold water generating device of FIG. 1 is rotated.
FIG. 13 is a front cross-sectional view showing a process in which the discharge control unit provided in the cold water generating device of FIG. 1 is separated, the cold water tank communicates with the outside, and fluid is discharged through the discharge unit.

Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. The present invention may be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In order to clearly explain the present invention, parts not related to the description have been omitted in the drawings, and identical or similar components are given the same reference numerals throughout the specification.

The words and terms used in this specification and claims are not to be construed as limited in their usual or dictionary meanings, but according to the principle that the inventor can define terms and concepts in order to explain his or her invention in the best way. It must be interpreted with meaning and concepts consistent with technical ideas.

Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configuration shown in the drawings correspond to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and do not represent the entire technical idea of the present invention, so the configuration may be replaced by various alternatives at the time of filing of the present invention. Equivalents and variations may exist.

In the following description, in order to clarify the characteristics of the present invention, descriptions of some components may be omitted.

The term “communication” used in the following description means that one or more members are connected to each other in fluid communication. In one embodiment, the communication channel may be formed by a member such as a conduit, pipe, or piping.

The term “conducting” used in the following description means that one or more members are connected to each other to transmit current or electrical signals. In one embodiment, electricity may be formed in a wired form using a conductor member, or in a wireless form such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or RFID.

The term "purified water" used in the following description means any fluid produced by filtering raw water by any member. In one embodiment, purified water may be produced by being filtered by a single or plural filter element.

As used in the following description, the term "cold water" means any fluid produced by cooling still water. In one embodiment, cold water may be formed to have a relatively low temperature compared to purified water.

The term “refrigerant” used in the following description refers to any type of substance that can exchange heat with purified water and receive the heat of the purified water. In one embodiment, the refrigerant may be a fluid phase material such as R-134.

The terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “right”, “anterior side” and “posterior side” used in the following description will be understood with reference to the coordinate system shown in FIG. 1.

1 to 8, a cold water generating device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

The cold water generating device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured to communicate with the outside to receive purified water. The cold water generating device 10 is configured to accommodate the received purified water inside and block any communication with the outside. That is, the cold water generating device 10 of the present invention is provided as a closed type.

In the following description, the cold water generating device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is explained on the assumption that it is provided in a water stream type water purifier. Alternatively, it will be understood that the cold water generating device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention can also be applied to a type of water purifier that has a separate water reservoir for storing purified water.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the cold water generating device 10 includes a housing 100, a cold water tank 200, and an adjustment unit 300.

The housing 100 forms the external shape of the cold water generating device 10. The housing 100 is in communication with the outside and can receive filtered purified water. Although not shown, the housing 100 is in communication with a filter member provided in the water purifier, and can receive purified water that has been filtered through the filter member.

A cold water tank 200 is accommodated inside the housing 100. The housing 100 can protect the cold water tank 200 from external shock by physically separating the cold water tank 200 from the outside. Additionally, the housing 100 can thermally separate the cold water tank 200 from the outside, thereby preventing the cold water tank 200 from arbitrarily exchanging heat with the outside. Accordingly, the cold water generation efficiency and the stability of the cold water tank 200 can be effectively maintained.

The housing 100 is coupled to the adjustment unit 300. When the control unit 300 is manipulated, communication between the cold water tank 200 located inside the housing 100 and the outside may be permitted or blocked. A detailed description of the above process will be provided later.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 , the housing 100 includes a cover member 110, a frame member 120, an insulating member 130, and a sealing member 140.

The cover member 110 forms part of the outer shape of the housing 100. In the illustrated embodiment, cover member 110 forms the front side of housing 100 .

The cover member 110 covers the cold water tank 200 and is coupled to the frame member 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover member 110 is disposed to face the frame member 120 with the cold water tank 200 interposed therebetween.

An insulating member 130 and a sealing member 140 may be positioned between the cover member 110 and the cold water tank 200. Accordingly, direct contact between the purified water or cold water stored inside the cold water tank 200 and the cover member 110 can be prevented.

An insulating member 130 and a sealing member 140 may be positioned between the cover member 110 and the cold water tank 200. The cover member 110 sequentially covers the insulation member 130, the sealing member 140, and the cold water tank 200 and may be coupled to the frame member 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover member 110, the heat insulating member 130, the sealing member 140, the cold water tank 200, and the frame member 120 are positioned sequentially in the direction from the front side to the rear side.

The cover member 110 may be of any shape capable of being combined with the frame member 120 to seal the cold water tank 200 and block any heat exchange with the outside. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover member 110 is a rectangular plate shape with a rectangular cross-section and a thickness in the front-to-back direction. It will be understood that the shape of the cover member 110 may change depending on the shape of the frame member 120 or the cold water tank 200.

A frame member 120 is located on the other side opposite to the cover member 110, the rear side in the illustrated embodiment.

The frame member 120 forms another part of the exterior shape of the housing 100. In the depicted embodiment, frame member 120 forms the rear side of housing 100 .

The frame member 120 is coupled to the cover member 110. At this time, the frame member 120 is coupled to the cover member 110, forming a space therebetween. An insulating member 130 and a sealing member 140 are located in the space.

The frame member 120 accommodates the cold water tank 200. The frame member 120 may be formed to surround at least one of each side of the cold water tank 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame member 120 is formed to surround the upper, lower, left, right, and rear sides of the cold water tank 200, respectively. It will be understood that the front side of the open cold water tank 200 is closed by the cover member 110, the insulation member 130, and the sealing member 140.

The frame member 120 accommodates the cold water tank 200 and is of any shape capable of sealing the cold water tank 200 by being combined with the cover member 110, the insulation member 130, and the sealing member 140, respectively. You can. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame member 120 has a rectangular pillar shape with a rectangular cross-section and a height in the front-to-back direction. The shape of the frame member 120 may change depending on the shape of the cover member 110 or the cold water tank 200.

A plurality of parts of the frame member 120 may communicate with the outside. Any one of the plurality of parts may communicate with an external filter member (not shown) and function as a passage through which purified water flows. Another part of the plurality of parts may communicate with an external water outlet (not shown) and function as a passage through which cold water flows out.

In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of openings are formed in the upper portion of the frame member 120. Any one of the plurality of openings may function as a passage through which purified water flows. Another one of the plurality of openings is coupled with the flow rate adjustment unit 310 of the adjustment unit 300, which will be described later, and may function as a vent for adjusting the external pressure and the pressure inside the cold water tank 200.

Meanwhile, the cover member 110 and the frame member 120 may be made of a lightweight yet highly rigid material. This is to prevent random damage caused by external forces and to stably accommodate the cold water tank 200.

Additionally, the cover member 110 and the frame member 120 may be formed of a material with low thermal conductivity. This is to prevent a situation where the generated cold water is heated again by external heat transferred to the cover member 110 or the frame member 120.

In one embodiment, the cover member 110 and the frame member 120 may be formed of a synthetic resin material such as plastic with low thermal conductivity.

In the illustrated embodiment, the frame member 120 includes a refrigerant pipe opening 121 and a tank receiving portion 122.

The refrigerant pipe opening 121 is a portion through which the refrigerant pipe 240 provided in the cold water tank 200 penetrates the frame member 120. The refrigerant pipe opening 121 is formed through one side of the frame member 120 and communicates with the tank receiving portion 122 and the outside. In the illustrated embodiment, the refrigerant pipe opening 121 is formed through the right side of the frame member 120.

The refrigerant pipe opening 121 may be of any shape through which the refrigerant pipe 240 can pass. In the illustrated embodiment, the refrigerant pipe opening 121 is formed to have a circular cross-section. The shape of the refrigerant pipe opening 121 may change depending on the shape of the refrigerant pipe 240.

A plurality of refrigerant pipe openings 121 may be formed. Refrigerant may flow in through a portion of the refrigerant pipe 240 coupled to one of the plurality of refrigerant pipe openings 121. Refrigerant may flow out through a portion of the refrigerant pipe 240 coupled to another one of the plurality of refrigerant pipe openings 121.

In the illustrated embodiment, two refrigerant pipe openings 121 are provided and arranged to be spaced apart in the height direction of the frame member 120, that is, in the vertical direction.

Although reference numerals are not assigned, the refrigerant pipe opening 121 may be provided with a sealing member such as an O-ring. The sealing member may be configured to seal the inner circumference of the refrigerant pipe opening 121 and the outer circumference of the refrigerant pipe 240 inserted therein. Accordingly, any leakage of purified water or cold water inside the cold water tank 200 accommodated in the tank receiving portion 122 can be prevented.

The refrigerant pipe opening 121 communicates with the tank receiving portion 122.

The tank receiving portion 122 is a space formed inside the frame member 120. The tank receiving portion 122 is defined and surrounded by the inner surface of the frame member 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the tank receiving portion 122 is formed surrounded by the inner surface of the frame member 120 on its upper, lower, left, right, and rear sides.

Insulating members (not shown) may be provided on each side of the tank receiving portion 122 surrounded by the frame member 120. This is to improve the insulation efficiency of the cold water tank 200 and prevent the temperature of the generated cold water from increasing. Alternatively, the inner surface of the frame member 120 surrounding the tank receiving portion 122 may itself be formed of an insulating material.

The cold water tank 200 is accommodated in the tank receiving portion 122. The tank receiving portion 122 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the cold water tank 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the tank receiving portion 122 has a rectangular cross-section and is formed as a space with a depth in the front-back direction.

The tank receiving portion 122 communicates with the outside. Specifically, the tank receiving portion 122 communicates with the outside through the refrigerant pipe opening 121. Accordingly, the refrigerant pipe 240 of the cold water tank 200 accommodated in the tank receiving portion 122 may also communicate with the outside through the refrigerant pipe opening 121.

The insulation member 130 covers the tank receiving portion 122 and the cold water tank 200 accommodated therein on one side, in the illustrated embodiment, and is coupled to the frame member 120. The open portion of the cold water tank 200, in the illustrated embodiment, the front side is surrounded and sealed by the insulation member 130.

The insulation member 130 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the cold water tank 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the insulation member 130 has a square plate shape with a square cross-section and a thickness in the front-to-back direction.

In one embodiment, the insulation member 130 may be directly coupled to the cold water tank 200. In the illustrated embodiment, each corner of the insulation member 130 is provided at each corner of the tank body 210 of the cold water tank 200, and a through hole (not referenced) is aligned with a coupling hole (not referenced) provided at each corner of the tank body 210 of the cold water tank 200. grant) can be formed. A screw member, etc. may penetrate the through hole and the coupling hole to couple the insulation member 130 and the cold water tank 200.

Accordingly, it will be understood that the insulation member 130 may be viewed as a component of the cold water tank 200.

The insulation member 130 may be made of a material with low thermal conductivity. Additionally, the insulation member 130 may be formed of a corrosion-resistant material. The insulation member 130 is in direct contact with cold water flowing inside the cold water tank 200, and this is to prevent unnecessary heat exchange or corrosion caused by cold water.

In one embodiment, the insulation member 130 may be formed by combining synthetic resin materials such as stainless steel (SUS) and plastic, or members made of the materials. In the above embodiment, the part of the insulation member 130 exposed to the inside of the cold water tank 200 may be made of stainless steel, and the part adjacent to the cover member 110 may be made of plastic.

A sealing member 140 is positioned between the insulation member 130 and the cold water tank 200.

The sealing member 140 is located at a portion where the insulation member 130 and the cold water tank 200 are coupled and is configured to seal the portion. The insulation member 130 and the cold water tank 200 are hermetically coupled by the sealing member 140, so that cold water does not arbitrarily leak out through this part.

The sealing member 140 may be made of an elastic material. In the above embodiment, as the insulation member 130 presses the sealing member 140 and is coupled to the cold water tank 200, the sealing member 140 is deformed in shape and can store elastic force. A sealed state between the insulation member 130 and the cold water tank 200 can be stably maintained by the elastic force. In one embodiment, the sealing member 140 may be formed of a rubber material.

The sealing member 140 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the insulation member 130 and the cold water tank 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing member 140 is formed in a square ring shape with an opening formed therein and an outer circumference surrounding the opening.

The cold water tank 200 communicates with the outside to receive purified water. The cold water tank 200 cools the received purified water to generate cold water and stores it. The cold water tank 200 is in communication with the outside and can discharge the generated cold water to the outside. Accordingly, the user can dispense cooled cold water and drink it.

The cold water tank 200 is coupled to the housing 100. Specifically, the cold water tank 200 is accommodated in the tank receiving portion 122 formed inside the frame member 120. The cold water tank 200 communicates with the outside through a plurality of openings formed in the frame member 120 and the refrigerant pipe opening 121.

The cold water tank 200 is surrounded and sealed by the housing 100. Specifically, the cold water tank 200 is surrounded by a plurality of sides surrounding the tank receiving portion 122, in the illustrated embodiment, the upper, lower, left, right, and rear sides. As described above, the front side of the cold water tank 200 is sealed by being combined with the insulation member 130 and the sealing member 140.

The cold water tank 200 may be made of a material with low thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance. Additionally, the cold water tank 200 may be made of a high-rigidity material. This is to prevent heat exchange or corrosion caused by cold water flowing inside the cold water tank 200 and to prevent the cold water tank 200 from being damaged by the pressure of the cold water contained therein.

In one embodiment, the cold water tank 200 may be formed by combining synthetic resin materials such as stainless steel (SUS) and plastic, or members made of the materials. In the above embodiment, the interior of the cold water tank 200 may be made of stainless steel, and the portion located adjacent to the cover member 110 may be made of plastic material.

The cold water tank 200 may communicate with the outside in a plurality of parts. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper, lower, left, and right sides of the cold water tank 200 communicate with the outside.

3 to 8, the cold water tank 200 includes a tank body 210, a flow space 220, a partition member 230, a refrigerant pipe 240, and a fluid communication portion 250. do.

The tank body 210 forms the body of the cold water tank 200. The tank body 210 is accommodated in the tank receiving portion 122 and is not exposed to the outside. A space (flow space 220) communicating with the outside is formed inside the tank body 210. Purified water may flow into the flow space 220, be cooled, and then be stored and discharged.

The tank body 210 may be of any shape that is coupled to the housing 100 and communicates with the outside to receive purified water, cool it, store it, and discharge it. In the illustrated embodiment, the tank body 210 is shaped like a square pillar with a square cross-section and a depth in the front-to-back direction.

At this time, one side of each side of the tank body 210 that is not surrounded by the frame member 120, the front side in the illustrated embodiment, is formed open. One side of the tank body 210, the front side in the illustrated embodiment, may be covered and sealed by a cover member 110, an insulating member 130, and a sealing member 140.

The outer periphery of the tank body 210, that is, the upper, lower, left, and right edges surrounding the flow space 220, are combined with the insulation member 130 and the sealing member 140. To this end, a groove (not given a reference number) for accommodating the sealing member 140 and a plurality of coupling holes (not given a reference number) for coupling with the insulation member 130 are formed on the outer periphery of the tank body 210. It can be.

The flow rate control unit 310 and the discharge control unit 320 of the control unit 300 are located on one side where the tank body 210 communicates with the outside, in the illustrated embodiment, on the upper side. A refrigerant pipe 240 is coupled to the tank body 210 and the other side in communication with the outside, on the right side in the illustrated embodiment.

A flow space 220 is formed inside the tank body 210 where purified water flows in, is cooled, and is stored.

The flow space 220 is in communication with the outside and purified water flows in. The communication is achieved by the water intake portion 251 disposed on one side of the tank body 210, in the illustrated embodiment, on the upper side. External purified water flows into the upper part of the flow space 220.

A refrigerant pipe 240 through which refrigerant flows is disposed in the flow space 220. Purified water flowing into the flow space 220 flows in the flow space 220, exchanges heat with the refrigerant, and is cooled to produce cold water. The introduced purified water flows from the top to the bottom of the flow space 220 and is cooled.

The flow space 220 is in communication with the outside and the generated cold water flows out. The communication is achieved by the water outlet 252 disposed on the other side of the tank body 210, on the lower left side in the illustrated embodiment. The cold water generated by cooling the purified water flows out through the lower left side of the flow space 220.

The flow space 220 communicates with the outside and the stored cold water flows out. The communication is achieved by the discharge portion 253 disposed on the other side of the tank body 210, in the illustrated embodiment, on the lower side. Cold water stored in the flow space 220 is discharged through the lower side of the flow space 220.

The flow space 220 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the tank body 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the flow space 220 is formed as a space with a rectangular cross-section and a depth in the front-back direction.

The flow space 220 communicates with the outside at a plurality of points. As described above, purified water flows in through the upper side of the flow space 220, flows downward, and is cooled. Cooled purified water, that is, cold water, fills from the bottom of the flow space 220. Cold water flows out to the outside through the lower left side of the flow space 220. This corresponds to the case where the user proceeds to extract water for drinking.

Additionally, the stored purified water is discharged to the outside through the lower side of the flow space 220. This corresponds to the case where all the cold water stored in the flow space 220 is discharged for movement or maintenance of the cold water generating device 10.

The flow space 220 may be divided into a plurality of partition members 230 . The plurality of flow spaces 220 communicate with each other, but the communicating positions may be formed differently.

In the illustrated embodiment, the flow space 220 includes a first flow space 221, a second flow space 222, a third flow space 223, and a fourth flow space 220 that are stacked side by side in the height direction, that is, in the vertical direction. It is divided into six sections, including the flow space 224, the fifth flow space 225, and the sixth flow space 226.

The refrigerant pipe 240 is at least partially accommodated in each flow space (221, 222, 223, 224, 225, and 226). Accordingly, the introduced purified water is cooled in each flow space (221, 222, 223, 224, 225, and 226) and can be generated as cold water.

The first flow space 221 is located at the uppermost side of the plurality of flow spaces 220. The first flow space 221 is in communication with the water intake unit 251, and purified water flows in from the outside. The sixth flow space 226 is located at the bottom of the plurality of flow spaces 220. The sixth flow space 226 is in communication with the water outlet 252 and the discharge part 253, and cold water flows out to the outside.

Between the first flow space 221 and the sixth flow space 226, there are a second flow space 222, a third flow space 223, a fourth flow space 224, and a fifth flow space in the direction from the top to the bottom. The flow spaces 225 are arranged sequentially.

The direction in which the first to sixth flow spaces 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, and 226 are sequentially arranged, that is, from the top to the bottom, is the direction in which purified water flowing into the flow space 220 is cooled and flows. The same will be understood. Accordingly, it will also be understood that the temperature of the cold water (ie, cooled purified water) flowing in the sixth flow space 226 is lower than that of the purified water flowing in the first flow space 221.

The first to sixth flow spaces 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, and 226 may be formed to have similar shapes. In the illustrated embodiment, the first to sixth flow spaces 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, and 226 extend in the width direction of the tank body 210, that is, in the left and right directions, and are formed in the left and right directions of the tank body 210. It is formed to have a height in the height direction, that is, in the vertical direction. At this time, the length of the first to sixth flow spaces 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, and 226 in the width direction (i.e., left and right direction) is formed to be longer than the length in the height direction (i.e., up and down direction).

Among the first to sixth flow spaces 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, and 226, a pair of flow spaces 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, and 226 located adjacent to each other communicate with each other. The communication is achieved by communication portions 231a, 232a, 233a, 234a, and 235a formed in the partition member 230 that divides the flow space 220 into a plurality of parts.

As will be described later, each communication portion (231a, 232a, 233a, 234a, 235a) is alternately biased at different positions along the extending direction of the partition member 230, that is, the width direction of the flow space 220. It is placed. Accordingly, the first to sixth flow spaces 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, and 226 form a zigzag-shaped flow path along the height direction.

Accordingly, the time for purified water flowing into the flow space 220 to flow and cool in the first to sixth flow spaces 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, and 226 is maximized, thereby improving cooling efficiency. . A detailed description of this will be provided later.

The partition member 230 divides the flow space 220 into a plurality of parts. Recessed communication portions 231a, 232a, 233a, 234a, and 235a are formed in the partition member 230, so that a pair of flow spaces 220 located adjacent to each other among the divided flow spaces 220 communicate.

The partition member 230 extends along the width direction of the flow space 220. In the illustrated embodiment, the partition member 230 extends in the left and right directions. Each end in the extension direction of the partition member 230 is continuous with the inner peripheral surface of the tank body 210 surrounding the flow space 220.

The partition member 230 extends in the depth direction of the flow space 220, in the front-back direction in the illustrated embodiment. The front end of the partition member 230 may be in contact with the insulation member 130. The rear end of the partition member 230 is in contact with the rear inner peripheral surface of the tank body 210.

Therefore, purified water flowing into the first flow space 221 can flow to other flow spaces 222, 223, 224, 225, and 226 only through communication parts 231a, 232a, 233a, 234a, and 235a, which will be described later. .

A plurality of partition members 230 may be provided. The plurality of partition members 230 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the height direction of the flow space 220, in the vertical direction in the illustrated embodiment. Accordingly, the flow space 220 may be divided into a plurality of flow spaces 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, and 226 formed between the plurality of partition members 230.

In the illustrated embodiment, the partition wall member 230 includes a first partition wall member 231, a second partition wall member 232, a third partition wall member 233, a fourth partition wall member 234, and a fifth partition wall member 235. There are a total of five, including The first to fifth partition members 231, 232, 233, 234, and 235 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a direction from the upper side to the lower side of the flow space 220.

Accordingly, the flow space 220 is formed by the first flow space 221 and the fifth partition wall member 235 and the tank body 210 surrounded by the upper inner periphery of the first partition member 231 and the tank body 210. It is partitioned to include a sixth flow space 226 surrounded by the lower inner periphery. Additionally, second to fifth flow spaces 222, 223, 224, and 225 are formed between the first to fifth partition members 231, 232, 233, 234, and 235, respectively.

At this time, the first to sixth flow spaces 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, and 226 are physically separated by the first to fifth partition members 231, 232, 233, 234, and 235. Therefore, a separate structure is required in order for the first to sixth flow spaces 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, and 226 to communicate. For this purpose, a plurality of communication portions 231a, 232a, 233a, 234a, and 235a are formed in the partition member 230.

A plurality of communication portions (231a, 232a, 233a, 234a, 235a) are recessed in each partition member (231, 232, 233, 234, 235). Each flow space (221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226) partitioned by each partition member (231, 232, 233, 234, 235) is connected by communication portions (231a, 232a, 233a, 234a, 235a). They can communicate with each other.

A plurality of communication parts (231a, 232a, 233a, 234a, 235a) are flow spaces (221, 222, 223, 224, 225) located adjacent to each other among the flow spaces (221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226) , 226) can be formed in any shape that can communicate. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of communication parts (231a, 232a, 233a, 234a, 235a) are on one side, that is, the front, of the corners of each partition member (231, 232, 233, 234, 235) facing the insulation member 130. A depression is formed at the side edge.

The communicating portions 231a, 232a, 233a, 234a, and 235a arranged adjacently are located biased toward different ends of the ends in the direction in which each partition member (231, 232, 233, 234, and 235) extends, and the flow space ( 220) may be positioned alternately along the height direction.

That is, in the illustrated embodiment, the first communication portion 231a formed in the first partition member 231 is located biased at the left end of the first partition member 231. The first communication part 231a communicates the first flow space 221 and the second flow space 222 at a position biased to the left. The curved part 244 located at the uppermost part among the curved parts 244 of the refrigerant pipe 240 penetrates the first communication part 231a.

Accordingly, the purified water flowing into the first flow space 221 through the water intake unit 251, which is relatively biased to the right, flows sufficiently to the left along the first partition member 231 and, after cooling, is transferred to the first communication unit. It may flow out into the second flow space 222 through (231a).

The second communication portion 232a formed in the second partition member 232 is located biased at the right end of the second partition member 232. The second communication part 232a communicates the second flow space 222 and the third flow space 223 at a position biased to the right. The curved portion 244, which is located at the uppermost position among the curved portions 244, penetrates the second communication portion 232a.

Accordingly, the purified water flowing into the second flow space 222 through the first communication part 231a, which is located relatively to the left, flows sufficiently to the right along the second partition member 232, cools, and then flows into the second flow space 222. It may flow out into the third flow space 223 through the communication part 232a.

The third communication portion 233a formed in the third partition member 233 is located biased at the left end of the third partition member 233. The third communication part 233a communicates with the third flow space 223 and the fourth flow space 224 at a position biased to the left. A curved portion 244 located at a middle height among the curved portions 244 penetrates the third communication portion 233a.

Accordingly, the purified water flowing into the third flow space 223 through the second communication part 232a, which is located relatively to the right, flows sufficiently to the left along the third partition member 233, cools, and then flows into the third flow space 223. It may flow out into the fourth flow space 224 through the communication part 233a.

The fourth communication portion 234a formed in the fourth partition member 234 is located biased at the right end of the fourth partition member 234. The fourth communication part 234a communicates the fourth flow space 224 and the fifth flow space 225 at a position biased to the right. The curved part 244, which is located in the lower order of the curved parts 244, penetrates the fourth communication part 234a.

Accordingly, the purified water flowing into the fourth flow space 224 through the third communication part 233a, which is located relatively to the left, flows sufficiently to the right along the fourth partition member 234, cools, and then flows into the fourth flow space 224. It may flow out into the fifth flow space 225 through the communication part 234a.

The fifth communication portion 235a formed in the fifth partition member 235 is located biased at the left end of the fifth partition member 235. The fifth communication part 235a communicates with the fifth flow space 225 and the sixth flow space 226 at a position biased to the left. The curved portion 244 located at the lowest position among the curved portions 244 penetrates the fifth communication portion 235a.

Accordingly, the purified water flowing into the fifth flow space 225 through the fourth communication part 234a located on the relatively right side flows sufficiently to the left along the fifth partition member 235 and, after being cooled, flows into the fifth communication space 225. It may flow out into the sixth flow space 226 through the portion 235a.

That is, as described above, the partition member 230 may divide the flow space 220 into a plurality of flow spaces and allow the plurality of divided flow spaces 220 to communicate with each other. At this time, the plurality of communication parts 231a, 232a, 233a, 234a, and 235a dividing the plurality of flow spaces 220 are biased toward each end in the extension direction of each partition member 231, 232, 233, 234, and 235. Although positioned, the ends that are biased along the stacking direction (i.e., up and down direction) are alternately changed.

Accordingly, purified water flowing in through the water intake unit 251 may flow in a zigzag shape and be cooled. Accordingly, the heat exchange efficiency between purified water and the refrigerant is increased, and the generation efficiency of cold water can also be increased.

The refrigerant pipe 240 extends from the plurality of partitioned flow spaces 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, and 226.

The refrigerant pipe 240 forms a path through which the refrigerant that exchanges heat with purified water flowing into the flow space 220 flows. The refrigerant pipe 240 is disposed in the flow space 220 and is configured to exchange heat with introduced purified water. In one embodiment, the refrigerant pipe 240 may be in contact with introduced purified water and exchange heat.

The refrigerant pipe 240 communicates with the outside and can receive low-temperature refrigerant. Additionally, the refrigerant pipe 240 is in communication with the outside and can discharge refrigerant that has exchanged heat with purified water, that is, refrigerant that has received heat from the purified water.

The refrigerant pipe 240 may extend across a plurality of flow spaces 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, and 226. That is, purified water flowing in the plurality of flow spaces 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, and 226 may be configured to exchange heat with the refrigerant pipe 240 at least once.

A hollow is formed inside the refrigerant pipe 240. The hollow is formed to extend along the extension direction of the refrigerant pipe 240, and each end in the extension direction may be open to communicate with the outside. Refrigerant flows in the hollow.

One end and the other end of the refrigerant pipe 240 are located outside the tank body 210 and the frame member 120. Additionally, a portion between the one end and the other end of the refrigerant pipe 240 is located in the flow space 220.

In the illustrated embodiment, the refrigerant pipe 240 includes an inlet end 241, an outlet end 242, a horizontal portion 243, and a curved portion 244.

The inlet end 241 forms one end of the refrigerant pipe 240 in the extending direction. The inlet end 241 is open and communicates with the outside. The refrigerant may flow into the hollow formed inside the refrigerant pipe 240 through the inlet end 241.

The inlet end 241 penetrates the tank body 210 and the frame member 120, respectively, and is exposed to the outside. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet end 241 penetrates the right side of the tank body 210 and the refrigerant pipe opening 121, respectively. As described above, a plurality of refrigerant pipe openings 121 are formed, and the inflow end 241 may penetrate the refrigerant pipe opening 121 located on the upper side.

The outlet end 242 forms the other end of the refrigerant pipe 240 in the extending direction. The outflow end 242 is formed open and communicates with the outside. The refrigerant that has exchanged heat with purified water may be discharged to the outside through the outlet end 242.

The outlet end 242 penetrates the tank body 210 and the frame member 120, respectively, and is exposed to the outside. In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet end 242 penetrates the refrigerant pipe openings 121 located on the right and lower sides of the tank body 210, respectively.

A plurality of horizontal portions 243 and curved portions 244 are located between the inlet end 241 and the outlet end 242.

The horizontal portion 243 may be defined as a portion of the refrigerant pipe 240 that is accommodated in the flow space 220 and extends straight. Additionally, the curved portion 244 may be defined as a portion of the refrigerant pipe 240 that is accommodated in the flow space 220 and is curved and extended. The horizontal portion 243 and the curved portion 244 are continuous and communicate with each other.

The horizontal portion 243 is located on the flow space 220, specifically a plurality of flow spaces 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, and 226 partitioned by the partition member 230. The horizontal portion 243 extends in the width direction of the plurality of flow spaces 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, and 226, in the left and right directions in the illustrated embodiment.

The curved portion 244 extends between a plurality of partitioned flow spaces 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, and 226 located adjacent to each other. One end of the curved portion 244 is located in one flow space (221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226), and the other end is located in another flow space (221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226). is located. A portion between the one end and the other end of the curved portion 244 is located in the communication portions 231a, 232a, 233a, 234a, and 235a.

A plurality of horizontal portions 243 and curved portions 244 may be formed. At this time, the number of horizontal portions 243 may be equal to the number of divided flow spaces 220, and the number of curved portions 244 may be equal to the number of communication portions 231a, 232a, 233a, 234a, and 235a. In the illustrated embodiment, six horizontal portions 243 and five curved portions 244 are formed.

The curved portion 244 is continuous with a pair of horizontal portions 243 located adjacent to each other. In other words, the horizontal portion 243 is continuous with a pair of curved portions 244 located adjacent to each other. Accordingly, it will be understood that along the inlet end 241 to the outlet end 242, the horizontal portions 243 and curved portions 244 are arranged alternately.

In one embodiment, the curved portion 244 may be formed to be round and convex toward the direction in which the communicating portions 231a, 232a, 233a, 234a, and 235a that accommodate it are biased.

That is, in the illustrated embodiment, the curved portion 244 accommodated in the first communication part 231a, the third communication part 233a, and the fifth communication part 235a is formed to be round and convex to the left. Additionally, the curved portion 244 accommodated in the second communication portion 232a and the fourth communication portion 234a is formed to be round and convex to the right.

The fluid communication part 250 is a part where the flow space 220 communicates with the outside. The fluid communication unit 250 is located at various parts of the tank body 210 and communicates the flow space 220 with the outside at various positions.

A plurality of fluid communication units 250 may be provided. The plurality of fluid communication parts 250 may form an inflow passage for purified water, an outflow passage for cold water, and an discharge passage for cold water, respectively. At this time, as described above, the outflow of cold water can be performed for the purpose of drinking, and the discharge of cold water can be performed for the purpose of draining for maintenance, etc.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid communication part 250 includes an inlet part 251, an outlet part 252, and a discharge part 253.

The water intake unit 251 functions as a passage through which filtered purified water flows into the flow space 220. The water intake portion 251 penetrates the tank body 210 and communicates with the flow space 220 and the outside. In one embodiment, the water intake unit 251 may be configured to communicate with the flow space 220 and an external filter (not shown).

The water intake unit 251 may be located on one side of the tank body 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the water intake unit 251 may be located on the upper side of the tank body 210. In the above embodiment, even if a separate transfer force is not applied to the purified water flowing into the flow space 220, the purified water may flow due to gravity.

At this time, the water intake unit 251 is located in a direction opposite to the first communication unit 231a, biased to the right in the illustrated embodiment. Accordingly, purified water flowing in through the water intake unit 251 does not fall vertically, but flows along the first partition member 231 and then enters the first communication unit 231a.

In the illustrated embodiment, the water intake portion 251 includes a water intake fitting member 251a.

The water intake fitting member 251a is provided in the water intake part 251 and is configured to communicate with the water intake part 251 and the outside. The water intake fitting member 251a is formed with a hollow interior, and communicates the water intake unit 251 with a component for filtration such as a filter member provided on the outside of the cold water generating device 10 (not shown). The water intake fitting member 251a may be respectively combined with the filtration component (not shown) and the water intake unit 251.

In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet fitting member 251a is directly coupled to the inlet portion 251 and positioned adjacent to the tank body 210. At this time, when the cold water tank 200 is coupled to the housing 100, the water intake fitting member 251a may be disposed to be exposed to the outside of the housing 100 (see Figure 1).

The water outlet 252 functions as a passage through which the generated cold water, that is, the purified water generated by cooling the purified water, flows out of the flow space 220. It will be understood that the cold water flowing out through the water outlet 252 flows out when the user proceeds to dispense water for purposes such as drinking. In one embodiment, the water outlet 252 may be configured to communicate with the flow space 220 and an external water outlet cock (not shown).

The water outlet 252 may be located on the other side of the tank body 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the water outlet 252 may be located on the left side of the tank body 210, biased downward. Therefore, as described above, even if no separate conveying force is applied, the flow path of the inflowed purified water can be formed in a direction from the upper side to the lower side.

In the illustrated embodiment, the water outlet portion 252 includes a water outlet fitting member 252a.

The water outlet fitting member 252a is provided in the water outlet part 252 and is configured to communicate with the water outlet part 252 and the outside. The water outlet fitting member 252a is formed with a hollow interior, and communicates the water outlet unit 252 with a component for water outlet (not shown), such as a cock member provided on the outside of the cold water generating device 10. The water outlet fitting member 252a may be combined with the water outlet component (not shown) and the water outlet unit 252, respectively.

In the illustrated embodiment, the water outlet fitting member 252a is directly coupled to the water outlet 252 and positioned adjacent to the tank body 210. At this time, when the cold water tank 200 is coupled to the housing 100, the water outlet fitting member 252a may be disposed to be exposed to the outside of the housing 100.

The discharge unit 253 functions as a passage for discharging cold water contained in the flow space 220 when movement or maintenance of the cold water generating device 10 is required. It will be understood that the cold water discharged through the discharge portion 253 is discharged for drain purposes.

The discharge portion 253 may be located on the other side of the tank body 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the discharge portion 253 is located on the lower side of the tank body 210. Accordingly, cold water stored in the flow space 220 can be discharged through the discharge unit 253 without a separate conveying force.

At this time, the discharge unit 253 is located in a direction opposite to the fifth communication unit 235a, biased to the right in the illustrated embodiment. Therefore, even if the discharge fitting member 253a, which will be described later, is arbitrarily opened, cold water passing through the fifth communication portion 235a does not fall vertically.

In the illustrated embodiment, the discharge portion 253 includes an discharge fitting member 253a.

The discharge fitting member 253a is provided in the discharge portion 253 and communicates with the discharge portion 253 and the outside. The discharge fitting member 253a is formed with a hollow interior, and communicates the discharge portion 253 with a component (not shown) for discharging cold water stored in the cold water generating device 10, such as a hose member. The discharge fitting member 253a may be combined with a component (not shown) for discharging the stored cold water and a discharge portion 253, respectively.

In the illustrated embodiment, the discharge fitting member 253a is directly coupled to the discharge portion 253 and positioned adjacent to the tank body 210. At this time, when the cold water tank 200 is coupled to the housing 100, the discharge fitting member 253a may be disposed to be exposed to the outside of the housing 100.

In one embodiment, the inlet fitting member 251a, the outlet fitting member 252a, and the outlet fitting member 253a may be provided in the form of a valve. In the above embodiment, the inlet fitting member 251a, the outlet fitting member 252a, and the outlet fitting member 253a can open or close the inlet part 251, the outlet part 252, and the outlet part 253, respectively. It may be provided in any form.

In the above embodiment, the inlet fitting member 251a, the outlet fitting member 252a, and the outlet fitting member 253a are connected to the control unit 340 and may be operated by an electrical signal. The control unit 340 controls the operation of the inlet fitting member 251a, the outlet fitting member 252a, and the outlet fitting member 253a using information detected by the sensor unit 330 or information input by the user. Information can be calculated.

The adjustment unit 300 is configured to adjust the inflow, outflow, and pressure of cold water generated by flowing into the cold water tank 200. The adjustment unit 300 detects information about the cold water tank 200 or the state of cold water contained in the cold water tank 200, and calculates control information to perform inflow, outflow, and pressure adjustment of cold water according to the detected information. can do.

In addition, the control unit 300 operates other components of the cold water generating device 10, for example, the inlet fitting member 251a, the outlet fitting member 252a, and the discharge fitting member 253a, according to the calculated control information. You can control it. The adjusting unit 300 is connected to the above-described configuration of the cold water generating device 10.

In the illustrated embodiment, the control unit 300 includes a flow rate control unit 310, a discharge control unit 320, a sensor unit 330, and a control unit 340.

The flow rate adjustment unit 310 is configured to adjust the flow rate of cold water contained in the flow space 220, regardless of the inlet fitting member 251a, the outlet fitting member 252a, or the discharge fitting member 253a.

For example, when a situation such as a malfunction of the sensor unit 330, which will be described later, occurs and the cold water contained in the flow space 220 is supercooled, a portion of the cold water is phase transferred to ice. As is known, the volume of ice is larger than the volume of water. Accordingly, the total volume of cold water and ice generated in the flow space 220 becomes larger than the volume of the flow space 220.

As described above, the cold water tank 200 is provided as a sealed type. Therefore, if the cold water does not flow out as much as the difference between the total volume of cold water and the generated ice and the volume of the flow space 220, the pressure of the flow space 220 may increase excessively. In this case, damage to the cold water tank 200 may occur, resulting in malfunction or damage to the cold water generating device 10.

Accordingly, the cold water generating device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a flow rate adjuster 310, so that cold water equal to the volume increase due to supercooling of cold water can be discharged to the outside. Accordingly, even if a malfunction of the sensor unit 330 or the like occurs, a situation in which the pressure of the flow space 220 is excessively increased can be prevented. As a result, malfunction or damage to the cold water tank 200 or the cold water generating device 10 can also be prevented.

The flow rate adjuster 310 is coupled to one side of the tank body 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the flow rate adjustment unit 310 is coupled to the upper side of the tank body 210, similar to the water intake unit 251. At this time, the flow rate adjustment unit 310 is located in a direction adjacent to the water intake unit 251, biased to the right in the illustrated embodiment.

The flow rate adjusting unit 310 is coupled through one side of the tank body 210, the upper side in the illustrated embodiment. The flow rate adjusting unit 310 is configured to communicate with the flow space 220 and the outside.

As the flow rate adjuster 310 is disposed on the upper side of the tank body 210, cold water equal to the volume increase can be discharged to the outside through the flow rate adjuster 310 only when the pressure of the flow space 220 increases. That is, when the pressure of the flow space 220 is maintained constant, cold water does not flow out through the flow rate adjuster 310.

Therefore, when the cold water generating device 10 operates normally, unnecessary outflow of cold water does not occur.

In one embodiment, the flow rate adjusting unit 310 may be maintained in an always open state. That is, whenever the volume of cold water contained in the flow space 220 exceeds the volume of the flow space 220, cold water equivalent to the excess volume may be discharged to the outside through the flow rate adjuster 310.

In the above embodiment, the volume of cold water and ice generated in the flow space 220 may be maintained below the volume of the flow space 220 at all times.

At this time, the flow rate adjusting unit 310 may be provided with a flow rate fitting member 311. The flow fitting member 311 is formed with a hollow interior, and communicates with a component (not shown) for discharging cold water stored in the cold water generating device 10, such as a hose member, to the flow rate adjusting unit 310. The flow fitting member 311 may be combined with a component (not shown) for discharging the stored cold water and a flow rate adjusting unit 310, respectively.

In the illustrated embodiment, the flow fitting member 311 is directly coupled to the flow rate adjusting unit 310 and positioned adjacent to the tank body 210. At this time, when the cold water tank 200 is coupled to the housing 100, the flow fitting member 311 may be disposed to be exposed to the outside of the housing 100.

Alternatively, the flow fitting member 311 may be provided in the form of a valve. In the above embodiment, the flow fitting member 311 may be provided as a check valve so that cold water flows only in an outward direction in the flow space 220.

Additionally, in the above embodiment, the flow fitting member 311 is a safety valve, relief valve, or safety-relief valve that opens or closes according to changes in the pressure of the flow space 220. It may be configured in the form of a relief valve, etc.

Accordingly, in an embodiment in which the flow fitting member 311 is provided, when the pressure in the flow space 220 increases, the flow fitting member 311 is opened without separate manipulation, and cold water equivalent to the excess volume is supplied to the flow rate adjusting unit 310. It will be understood that it can be discharged to the outside through .

A detailed description of the process by which an amount of cold water in excess of the volume is discharged to the outside through the flow rate adjuster 310 to maintain the pressure in the flow space 220 will be described later.

The discharge control unit 320 forms a passage through which air flows when the cold water contained in the flow space 220 must be discharged for movement or maintenance of the cold water generating device 10.

That is, the cold water tank 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured as a sealed type, and if the pressure is not compensated due to the inflow of air or additional purified water, the discharge fitting member 253a separates the discharge portion 253 from the outside. Even if it communicates, the cold water contained in the flow space 220 is not discharged.

Accordingly, in the above case, the discharge control unit 320 is opened and configured to communicate with the outside and the flow space 220. Accordingly, air for pressure compensation may flow into the flow space 220, and the received cold water may be discharged through the discharge unit 253.

The discharge control unit 320 is coupled to one side of the tank body 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the discharge control unit 320 is coupled to the upper side of the tank body 210, similar to the intake unit 251 and the flow rate control unit 310. At this time, the discharge control unit 320 is located on the left side in the illustrated embodiment, in a direction opposite to the water intake unit 251 or the flow rate control unit 310.

Accordingly, sufficient space is secured between the water intake unit 251 or the flow rate control unit 310 and the discharge control unit 320, so that a communication structure with other external members can be simply formed.

The discharge control unit 320 is coupled through one side of the tank body 210, the upper side in the illustrated embodiment. The discharge control unit 320 is configured to communicate with the flow space 220 and the outside.

As the discharge control unit 320 is disposed on the upper side of the tank body 210, when the cold water contained in the flow space 220 is required to be discharged, the flow space 220 can be filled with air from the upper side.

The discharge control unit 320 is provided with a discharge operation member 321.

The discharge operation member 321 is configured to open or close the discharge control unit 320 to allow or block communication between the flow space 220 and the outside.

The discharge operation member 321 may be provided in any shape that can open or close the discharge control unit 320. In one embodiment, the discharge operation member 321 may be configured to be operated by an external force or an electrical signal. In the illustrated embodiment, the discharge operation member 321 may be rotated to open or close one end, that is, the upper end, of the discharge control unit 320.

A detailed description of the process in which the discharge operation member 321 is manipulated to open the discharge control unit 320 and thus the cold water contained in the flow space 220 is discharged will be described later.

The sensor unit 330 is configured to detect various information about the state of cold water contained in the cold water tank 200 or the flow space 220. The sensor unit 330 is coupled to the cold water tank 200 and may be connected to the control unit 340.

The sensor unit 330 may be configured to detect arbitrary information about the state of cold water contained in the cold water tank 200 or the flow space 220. As an example, the sensor unit 330 may be configured to sense the temperature of the flow space 220 or the pressure of the flow space 220.

Various information detected by the sensor unit 330 is transmitted to the control unit 340 and used to calculate control information for controlling each component of the cold water generating device 10.

The control unit 340 calculates control information for controlling each component of the cold water generating device 10 using information detected by the sensor unit 330 or a control signal applied by the user. The control unit 340 is connected to the sensor unit 330.

Additionally, the control unit 340 may be configured to control each component of the cold water generating device 10 according to the calculated control information. In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the control unit 340 is energized with the inlet fitting member 251a, the outlet fitting member 252a, and the discharge fitting member 253a of the fluid communication unit 250, respectively, to control their operation. It is configured to control. It will be understood that the above embodiment is an embodiment in which the inlet fitting member 251a, the outlet fitting member 252a, and the outlet fitting member 253a are each provided in the form of a valve.

The control unit 340 may be provided in any form capable of inputting, calculating, and outputting information. In one embodiment, the control unit 340 may be equipped with a microprocessor, CPU, etc.

Hereinafter, a purified water flow path (shown by a bold arrow) formed in the cold water generating device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 9.

As described above, the flow space 220 of the cold water tank 200 is divided into a plurality of partition members 230. At this time, the flow spaces (221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226) adjacent to each other have communication portions (231a, 232a, 233a, 234a) formed in the partition members (231, 232, 233, 234, 235) located between them. , 235a) are connected to each other.

At this time, each communication portion (231a, 232a, 233a, 234a, 235a) formed in the partition members (231, 232, 233, 234, 235) adjacent to each other is biased to different sides along the extension direction of the partition member (230). is formed

Referring to Figure 9, first, purified water flows into the first flow space 221 located at the upper side through the water intake unit 251. The water intake unit 251 is located biased on the right side of the tank body 210, and purified water also flows into the right side of the first flow space 221.

At this time, the first communication part 231a that communicates the first flow space 221 and the second flow space 222 is located in a direction opposite to the water intake part 251, that is, on the left side in the illustrated embodiment. Accordingly, purified water flowing into the first flow space 221 flows to the left along the first partition member 231 and is cooled.

Purified water flows into the left side of the second flow space 222 through the first communication part 231a. At this time, the second communication part 232a, which communicates the second flow space 222 and the third flow space 223, is located in a direction opposite to the first communication part 231a, that is, on the right side in the illustrated embodiment. . Accordingly, purified water flowing into the second flow space 222 flows to the right along the second partition member 232 and is cooled.

Afterwards, the purified water is cooled by flowing back and forth in the width direction of the flow space 220, in the left and right directions in the illustrated embodiment, as described above. That is, the constant flow path formed in the flow space 220 has a zigzag shape.

Therefore, the heat exchange time and heat exchange amount between purified water and the refrigerant can be maximized, and the cooling efficiency of purified water can be improved.

With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, when the cold water contained in the cold water generating device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is supercooled, the process in which cold water in excess of the volume of the flow space 220 is discharged to the outside will be described in detail. do.

Referring to FIG. 10, a state in which cold water is stored in the flow space 220 is shown. As described above, the cold water tank 200 of the cold water generating device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be provided as a sealed type. In the illustrated state, the flow space 220 is filled with cold water and does not accommodate other fluids such as air. That is, in the above state, the volume of cold water accommodated in the flow space 220 is equal to the volume of the flow space 220.

Referring to FIG. 11, a process in which cold water in excess of volume is discharged to the outside is shown. When the stored cold water is supercooled due to a malfunction of the sensor unit 330 or excessive supply of refrigerant, some of the cold water changes phase into ice. Accordingly, the total volume of cold water and ice accommodated in the flow space 220 exceeds the volume of the flow space 220.

At this time, the flow rate adjustment unit 310 communicating with the upper side of the flow space 220 and the outside is in an open state. Accordingly, cold water equal to the excess volume of the flow space 220 may be discharged to the outside through the flow rate adjuster 310.

As described above, the flow rate adjusting unit 310 may include a flow rate fitting member 311. Even in this case, the flow fitting member 311 opens the flow rate adjusting unit 310 without separate manipulation according to the change in pressure in the flow space 220, so that cold water equivalent to the excess volume can be discharged to the outside through the flow rate adjusting section 310. there is.

Meanwhile, as the flow rate adjusting unit 310 is located on the upper side of the tank body 210, it will be understood that the cold water contained in the upper side of the flow space 220, specifically the first flow space 221, is sequentially discharged.

Accordingly, even when cold water is supercooled and ice is generated, cold water equivalent to the excess volume can be actively discharged. Accordingly, the pressure of the flow space 220 is maintained constant and damage to the cold water tank 200 and the cold water generating device 10 can be prevented.

With reference to FIGS. 12 and 13 , the process of draining cold water contained in the cold water generating device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

Referring to FIG. 12, a state in which cold water is stored in the flow space 220 is shown. As described above, the cold water tank 200 of the cold water generating device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be provided as a sealed type. In the illustrated state, the flow space 220 is filled with cold water and does not accommodate other fluids such as air.

In the above state, when the discharge operation member 321 is operated and the discharge control unit 320 is opened, the flow space 220 and the outside communicate with each other. However, in the above state, the discharge portion 253 is not yet open, so cold water does not freely flow out.

Referring to FIG. 13, cold water is discharged through the discharge fitting member 253a and the discharge portion 253 in communication therewith. As described above, the pressure is compensated by the air flowing in through the discharge control unit 320, and the cold water contained in the flow space 220 can be discharged to the outside through the discharge unit 253.

In an embodiment in which the discharge fitting member 253a is operated by an electrical signal, the above process may be performed using control information calculated by the control unit 340. In an embodiment in which the discharge fitting member 253a is operated by an external force, the above process may be performed by an external force applied by a user or worker.

Meanwhile, as the discharge unit 253 is located on the lower side of the tank body 210, it will be understood that the cold water contained in the lower side of the flow space 220, specifically the sixth flow space 226, is sequentially discharged.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described, the spirit of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments presented in this specification, and those skilled in the art who understand the spirit of the present invention can add or change components within the scope of the same spirit. , deletion, addition, etc., other embodiments can be easily proposed, but this will also be said to be within the scope of the present invention.

10: cold water generating device 100: housing
110: cover member 120: frame member
121: Refrigerant pipe opening 122: Tank receiving portion
130: insulation member 140: sealing member
200: cold water tank 210: tank body
220: flow space 221: first flow space
222: second flow space 223: third flow space
224: fourth flow space 225: fifth flow space
226: sixth flow space 230: partition member
231: first partition member 231a: first communication part
232: second partition member 232a: second communication part
233: Third partition member 233a: Third communication part
234: fourth partition member 234a: fourth communication portion
235: Fifth partition member 235a: Fifth communication portion
240: refrigerant pipe 241: inlet end
242: outflow end 243: horizontal portion
244: curved portion 250: fluid communication portion
251: Intake part 251a: Inlet fitting member
252: outlet 252a: outlet fitting member
253: Discharge portion 253a: Discharge fitting member
300: adjusting unit 310: flow adjusting unit
311: Flow fitting member 320: Discharge adjustment unit
321: discharge operation member 330: sensor unit
340: Control unit

Claims (11)

A housing with a space formed inside;
a cold water tank accommodated inside the housing, communicated with the outside, and configured to receive purified water and cool it; and
It is provided on one side of the cold water tank and includes a flow rate adjustment unit configured to allow or block communication between the cold water tank and the outside,
The cold water tank is,
A flow space formed as a space with a predetermined volume inside and communicating with the outside to receive purified water; and
It is accommodated in the flow space and includes a refrigerant pipe through which a refrigerant that exchanges heat with the delivered purified water and cools the purified water flows,
The flow rate adjuster is formed open and forms a passage through which purified water equivalent to the excess volume of the flow space is discharged to the outside.
Cold water generating device. According to paragraph 1,
The cold water tank is,
a water intake unit located on one side adjacent to the flow rate adjustment unit and communicating with the flow space to the outside to form a passage through which external purified water flows; and
It is located on the other side and includes a water outlet part that communicates with the flow space and the outside to form a passage through which the cooled purified water flows out,
Cold water generating device. According to paragraph 2,
The one side of the cold water tank is at the upper side, and the other side of the cold water tank is located at the lower side compared to the one side,
The purified water flows into the upper side of the flow space and then flows downward and is cooled,
Purified water equal to the excess volume of the flow space is discharged to the upper side of the flow space,
Cold water generating device. According to paragraph 2,
The cold water tank is,
It is located on the other side and communicates with the flow space and the outside, and includes a discharge part that forms a passage through which the purified water contained in the flow space is discharged.
Cold water generating device. According to paragraph 4,
The other side of the cold water tank is the lower side, and the discharge portion is located lower than the water outlet portion,
Cold water generating device. According to paragraph 1,
The cold water tank is,
It is accommodated in the flow space and includes a plurality of partition members that are spaced apart from each other in the height direction and divide the flow space into a plurality of partition members,
In the plurality of partition members,
A communication portion connecting a pair of the flow spaces located adjacent to each other among the plurality of partitioned flow spaces is recessed,
Cold water generating device. According to clause 6,
The partition member is provided in a plate shape extending in a direction different from the height direction,
The refrigerant pipe is,
a plurality of horizontal portions extending along the extension direction of the partition member and positioned between the plurality of partition members; and
Each of the plurality of horizontal parts is continuous and includes a plurality of curved parts accommodated in the communicating part,
Cold water generating device. According to clause 6,
Each of the plurality of partition members extends in the width direction of the cold water tank,
In any one of the pair of partition members arranged adjacent to each other, the communication portion is formed with a bias toward one end of the extending direction,
In the other one of the pair of partition members disposed adjacent to each other, the communication portion is formed with a bias toward the other end in the extending direction,
Along the height direction of the cold water tank, the communicating portions and the partition members formed on the plurality of partition members are alternately arranged,
Cold water generating device. According to paragraph 1,
In the flow space,
Purified water equal to the volume of the flow space is introduced and cooled by the refrigerant pipe,
Cold water generating device. According to clause 9,
The flow rate adjustment unit,
It is located on the upper side of the cold water tank and communicates with the upper side of the flow space and the outside,
The cold water tank is,
a water intake unit located on the upper side of the cold water tank and communicating with the flow space and the outside to form a passage through which external purified water flows; and
It is located on the other side of the cold water tank, and includes a water outlet part that communicates with the flow space and the outside to form a passage through which the cooled purified water flows out.
Cold water generating device. According to clause 10,
Purified water that flows into the flow space through the water intake part stays in the flow space for a preset temperature and is cooled and then discharged through the water outlet part.
Cold water generating device.

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