KR20230166205A - Faucet assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A water outlet assembly is disclosed. A water outlet assembly according to one aspect of the present invention includes a flow path that communicates with the outside and forms a path through which filtered purified water flows; A cap portion coupled to the flow path portion and communicating with the flow path portion; and a tip portion that is removably coupled to the cap portion and communicates with the cap portion, wherein the flow path portion is in communication with the outside and extends in one direction; and a base on one side of which is coupled to an end in an extension direction of the flow path and on the other side of which is coupled with the cap portion, wherein the tip portion covers the cap portion and is coupled to the base, with the cap portion interposed therebetween. It can be placed facing the base.

Description

Faucet assembly}

The present invention relates to a water outlet assembly, and more specifically, to a water outlet assembly in which the length of a member that guides water to be discharged can be varied and the member can be easily removed.

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.

For this purpose, the water purifier is equipped with a filter to filter foreign substances or suspended substances present in raw water. A filter filters raw water by removing foreign substances or suspended substances from the raw water using physical or chemical methods.

The filtered water is discharged to the outside by the user's operation. Water purifiers, which are widely used these days, are configured to dispense not only purified water but also hot or cold water. At this time, when purified water, cold water, or hot water is discharged along the same flow path, the temperature of the purified water, cold water, or hot water may change unintentionally due to residual water remaining on the flow path.

In the above case, there is a risk that the user's satisfaction will be reduced because the user is not provided with water at the intended temperature. Accordingly, the water purifier having the above structure is configured to have a plurality of outlet water passages so that hot water, cold water, or purified water can flow separately. Accordingly, members for guiding the discharged water must also communicate with each of the plurality of water discharge passages.

At this time, a portion of the discharged water may remain in the member, or a portion of the discharged water that collides with or reflects an external container may remain. Remaining water may cause contamination of the member and water discharged through the member. Therefore, the member requires relatively frequent cleaning compared to other components of the water purifier. Accordingly, the member is generally provided to be removable.

However, in a water purifier with a general structure, the member is provided in a plurality of configurations. In other words, it is difficult to simply perform the process of attaching or separating the member from the water purifier. In addition, it is difficult to reliably seal between the plurality of components of the member, leading to a problem of water leakage.

Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2018-0110837 discloses a water discharge device. Specifically, a water discharge device is disclosed that includes a tip member that is removably connected to an outlet and blocks the inflow of external foreign substances, and a tip connection separator that connects or separates the tip member and the outlet. The prior literature discloses the effect that the tip member can be separated, cleaned, and replaced by the tip connection separator.

However, the tip connection separator disclosed in the prior literature does not disclose a method for preventing water leakage when the tip member and the tip connection separator are coupled. In addition, the tip connection separator disclosed in the above-described prior literature has a structure that is coupled to the water discharge unit so as to protrude to the outside of the water purifier, and may cause an excessive increase in the overall size of the water discharge device.

Korean Patent Document No. 10-1621873 discloses a coke sterilization device for a water purifier and a method of coke sterilization using the same. Specifically, a cork sterilizing device capable of sterilizing the cork without separation by supplying hot water to the inside and outside of the cork to perform sterilization, and a method for sterilizing the cork using the same are disclosed.

However, the cork sterilization device and the cork sterilization method using the same disclosed in the above-described prior literature presuppose that sterilization of the cork is completely performed using only hot water. In other words, if sterilization with hot water is incompletely performed, there is no way to separate the cork for additional sterilization.

Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2018-0110837 (2018.10.11.) Korean Registered Patent Document No. 10-1621873 (2016.05.17.)

The present invention is intended to solve the above problems, and the purpose of the present invention is to provide a water outlet assembly with a structure that can be easily assembled and separated.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a water outlet assembly with a structure that can minimize leakage of water flowing inside.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a water outlet assembly having a structure in which the effect of coupling and separation of one component on the coupled state of other components can be minimized.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a water outlet assembly with a structure that allows maintenance to be performed simply.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a water outlet assembly with a structure that can minimize the occurrence of a situation where the discharged water splashes again.

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 flow path part that communicates with the outside and forms a path through which filtered purified water flows; A cap portion coupled to the flow path portion and communicating with the flow path portion; and a tip portion that is removably coupled to the cap portion and communicates with the cap portion, wherein the flow path portion is in communication with the outside and extends in one direction; and a base on one side of which is coupled to an end in an extension direction of the flow path and on the other side of which is coupled with the cap portion, wherein the tip portion covers the cap portion and is coupled to the base, with the cap portion interposed therebetween. An outlet assembly is provided, which is disposed facing the base.

At this time, the tip portion includes a tip extending toward the base from one side facing the base, and the base includes a tip through hole formed therein and into which the tip is inserted and coupled. and a flow path coupling part surrounding the outside of the tip through hole and extending in a direction toward one end of the flow path and a direction toward the tip portion.

In addition, the flow path portion may be provided with a water outlet assembly including a packing member accommodated in the tip through hole, surrounding the tip on the outside, and surrounded on the outside by the flow path coupling portion.

At this time, the cap portion includes a cap body formed to cover the flow path coupling portion; A water outlet assembly may be provided, including a cap through-hole formed through the cap body and disposed to overlap the tip through-hole along one direction, through which the tip penetrates.

In addition, the base includes a coupling opening formed through a radial outer side of the flow path coupling portion, and the cap portion extends from the outer periphery of the cap body toward the base and is removably coupled to the coupling opening. A water outlet assembly may be provided, including a member.

At this time, the plurality of coupling openings are formed, the plurality of coupling openings are arranged to be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined angle with respect to the center of the base, and the plurality of coupling members are provided, and the plurality of coupling members are Water outlet assemblies may be provided that are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined angle with respect to the center of the cap body.

In addition, a water outlet assembly may be provided in which the flow path coupling part is located between a pair of coupling openings arranged to face each other among the plurality of coupling openings.

At this time, the tip portion includes a tip body extending in the one direction and having a hollow interior; a tip base coupled to the tip body and located at one end of the end in the extension direction of the tip body facing the flow path; and a tip extending from the outside of the tip base to the hollow of the tip body and coupled to the tip base.

Additionally, the flow path portion may include a tip through hole formed therein, into which the tip is inserted and coupled; a flow path coupling portion extending along the outer circumference of the tip through hole; and a packing member accommodated in the tip through-hole and configured to seal the space between the tip through-hole and the tip, wherein the cap portion is formed through the interior and is arranged to align with the tip through-hole so that the tip Perforated cap through hole; And a water outlet assembly may be provided, including a packing member accommodating part that communicates with the cap through-hole and has an open side on one side facing the flow path part to receive the flow path coupling part and the packing member.

At this time, the packing member includes a packing hollow formed through the interior and having a cross-section with a smaller diameter than the tip, and the tip is a water outlet assembly that fits into the packing member. can be provided.

Additionally, a water outlet assembly may be provided, which is removably coupled to the tip portion, extends along the one direction, and includes an extension portion whose interior is in communication with the tip portion.

At this time, the tip portion includes a tip extending between the flow path portion and the extension portion and communicating with the flow path portion; and a locking protrusion that protrudes outward from the outer periphery of the tip base supporting the tip and is coupled to the extension portion.

In addition, the extension portion includes an extension head located adjacent to the tip portion and coupled to and communicating with the tip portion; and an extension body that is continuous with the extension head, communicates with the extension head, and extends along the one direction.

At this time, the extension head includes an insertion opening recessed on one surface facing the tip portion to receive the locking protrusion; And a water outlet assembly may be provided, including a rotation space part that communicates with the insertion opening and is recessed in the radial direction on the inner peripheral surface of the extension head.

In addition, the extended body includes a body hollow formed through the interior and communicating with the head hollow formed inside the extended head; a discharge opening disposed inside the body hollow, extending in the one direction to communicate with the body hollow and the outside; an extending inner periphery surrounding the discharge opening radially outwardly; an extended outer periphery located radially outwardly of the extended inner periphery and surrounding the body hollow radially outwardly; and a valve portion extending radially outward of the discharge opening and configured to block external communication with a space between the inner periphery of the extension and the outer periphery of the extension.

According to the above configuration, the water outlet assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention can be simply assembled and separated.

The flow path portion, cap portion, tip portion, and extension portions constituting the water outlet assembly may be coupled to and communicate with each other. The flow path portion and the cap portion may be coupled in the form of a snap coupling. The tip portion may be inserted into the cap portion and inserted into the flow path portion in the form of a fitting. Furthermore, the extension portion may be inserted into the tip portion and then rotated to couple with the tip portion.

In one embodiment, the extension portion and the tip portion may be coupled to or separate from the flow path portion or the cap portion. That is, when the extension part is inserted into the tip part and then rotated, the extension part and the tip part may move together.

Accordingly, when an external force is applied after the extension part, which is relatively easy to grip, is gripped, the extension part and the tip part coupled thereto may be combined with the flow path part or the cap part or separated from the flow path part or the cap part.

As a result, each component that makes up the water outlet assembly can be combined or separated from each other in an intuitive manner. Accordingly, the assembly and separation process of the water outlet assembly can be performed simply.

Additionally, according to the above configuration, leakage of water flowing inside the water outlet assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention can be minimized.

A plurality of tips of the tip portion inserted into the flow path portion are surrounded by a packing member. The packing member includes a plurality of packing cavities through which a plurality of tips each penetrate. The plurality of packing hollows are formed in a shape corresponding to the plurality of tips, and the cross-sectional diameter thereof is formed to be less than or equal to the cross-sectional diameter of each of the plurality of tips.

Accordingly, the packing member can be tightly coupled to a plurality of tips. Accordingly, while the number of members for packing is minimized, airtightness between the flow path portion, cap portion, tip portion, and extension portion can be stably secured.

In addition, according to the above configuration, in the water outlet assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, the influence of coupling and separation of one component on the coupled state of the other components can be minimized.

As described above, the flow path portion, cap portion, tip portion, and extension portion may be combined with or separated from other components by applying external forces in different directions. Accordingly, the external force applied to couple or separate any one of the components of the water outlet assembly does not affect the coupled state of the other components.

Accordingly, the coupling state between the components of the water outlet assembly can be stably maintained.

In addition, according to the above configuration, maintenance of the water outlet assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention can be performed simply.

As described above, the flow path portion, cap portion, tip portion, and extension portion are each detachably coupled. If maintenance of some of the components of the water outlet assembly is required, only the corresponding components can be separated and maintenance performed.

Accordingly, maintenance of each component of the water outlet assembly can be performed simply and easily.

In addition, according to the above configuration, the water outlet assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention can minimize the occurrence of a situation in which the discharged water splashes again.

In one embodiment, the tip portion is coupled with the extension portion. The extension part communicates with the tip part and receives purified water, cold water, or hot water flowing to the tip part. The extension portion is formed to extend along the direction in which purified water, cold water, or hot water flows. The distance that purified water, cold water, or hot water discharged from the extension part travels from being discharged to falling into a container, etc. can be minimized.

Accordingly, a situation where the discharged water splashes again after colliding with a container, etc. can be prevented.

In one embodiment, the extension part may be provided with a valve part. The valve portion physically divides the body cavity through which purified water, cold water, or hot water flows before being discharged, and the buffer space, which is a space exposed to the outside. Even if the discharged water splashes again, the inflow into the body cavity may be blocked by the valve part.

Accordingly, water once discharged does not flow back into the water outlet assembly. Accordingly, the cleanliness of the water flowing inside the water outlet assembly can be stably maintained.

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 water outlet assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a partially cut away perspective view showing the configuration of the water outlet assembly of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the water outlet assembly of Figure 1.
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the flow path portion, cap portion, and tip portion provided in the water outlet assembly of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view from another angle showing the flow path portion, cap portion, and tip portion provided in the water outlet assembly of FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 is a bottom view showing a flow path portion provided in the water outlet assembly of FIG. 1.
FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a cap provided in the water outlet assembly of FIG. 1.
FIG. 8 is a bottom view showing a tip portion provided in the water outlet assembly of FIG. 1.
Figure 9 is a perspective view from various angles showing an extension provided in the water outlet assembly of Figure 1.
Figure 10 is a partially cut-away perspective view at various angles showing an extension of Figure 9;
FIG. 11 is a plan view showing an extension of FIG. 9.
FIG. 12 is a front view (a) and a plan cross-sectional view (b) showing an extension of FIG. 9.
Figures 13 to 15 are use state diagrams showing the process of assembling the water outlet assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 16 and 17 are side cross-sectional views showing the connection relationship between the extension part provided in the water outlet assembly and other components according to an embodiment of the present invention.

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 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 2, a water outlet assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The water outlet assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided in a purifier and is configured to sterilize discharged purified water. Alternatively, the outlet assembly 10 may be installed in any device where sterilization of water or fluids is to be performed.

The water outlet assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention can communicate with another component provided in the water purifier, for example, a filter member (not shown) to receive previously filtered purified water. The water outlet assembly 10 is in communication with the outside and can discharge the received purified water to the outside according to the user's operation.

At this time, the water outlet assembly 10 is formed by combining a plurality of components, and each component can be easily and reliably combined. Accordingly, even if an additional member for sealing or ensuring airtightness is not provided, water leakage can be prevented at the joining portion of each component of the water outlet assembly 10.

In one embodiment, the water outlet assembly 10 may include a sterilization unit (not shown) configured to sterilize the discharged purified water and remove microorganisms remaining therein. The sterilizing unit (not shown) may be configured to sterilize the filtered purified water on the flow path through which it flows for discharge. Accordingly, purified water can be delivered to the user immediately after sterilization, thereby improving sterilization efficiency and reliability.

In the illustrated embodiment, the water outlet assembly 10 includes a flow path portion 100, a cap portion 200, a tip portion 300, and an extension portion 400.

3 to 6, a flow path portion 100 provided in the water outlet assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

The flow path portion 100 communicates with other components of the water purifier, such as a filter member (not shown), a heating member (not shown), or a cooling member (not shown), and supplies filtered purified water, heated hot water, or cooled cold water. It is delivered. The flow path unit 100 may be configured to communicate with the outside and discharge received purified water, hot water, or cold water. That is, the flow path portion 100 forms a path for filtered purified water to be discharged to the outside.

The flow path portion 100 is coupled to the cap portion 200. The flow path portion 100 may be coupled to and communicate with the tip portion 300 through the cap portion 200. In the illustrated embodiment, one end of the passage portion 100 in its extending direction, that is, the lower portion, is coupled to the cap portion 200.

The flow path portion 100 is coupled to and communicates with the tip portion 300. As described above, the flow path portion 100 is coupled to and communicates with the tip portion 300 by the cap portion 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the tip portion 300 covers the cap portion 200 from the lower side and is coupled to and communicates with the lower end of the flow path portion 100. Purified water, hot water, or purified water delivered to the flow path unit 100 may be discharged through the tip unit 300 and provided to the user.

The flow path portion 100 is coupled to the extension portion 400. Specifically, the flow path portion 100 is coupled to the extension portion 400 through the tip portion 300.

At this time, the flow path portion 100 may be detachably coupled to the cap portion 200, the tip portion 300, and the extension portion 400, respectively. As will be described later, the cap portion 200 may be snap fit or hook fitted to the flow path portion 100. Additionally, the tip portion 300 may be fitted into the flow path portion 100 or the cap portion 200, and the extension portion 400 may be rotationally coupled to the tip portion 300.

That is, each component constituting the water outlet assembly 10 may be combined with other components in different forms. Accordingly, an external force applied to separate one component does not affect the bonding state between other components. In other words, the flow path portion 100, cap portion 200, tip portion 300, and extension portion 400 of the water outlet assembly 10 may be independently coupled or separated by external forces in different directions.

Accordingly, the coupled state of the water outlet assembly 10 can be stably maintained.

In the illustrated embodiment, the flow path portion 100 includes a main flow path 110, a sub flow path 120, a sterilizing flow path 130, a coupling arm 140, a base 150, and a packing member 160.

The main flow path 110 communicates with the outside and is configured to receive filtered purified water or filtered and then cooled cold water. The main flow path 110 communicates with the outside and forms a flow path through which received purified water or cold water is discharged to the outside.

That is, the main passage 110 functions as one of the plurality of points of the water outlet assembly 10 described above and the other point. To this end, the main flow path 110 communicates with the outside at a plurality of locations.

The main flow path 110 is formed as a separate flow path from the sub flow path 120. That is, the main flow path 110 and the sub flow path 120 are physically spaced apart and do not communicate with each other. Accordingly, the purified water or cold water flowing in the main flow path 110 and the hot water flowing in the sub flow path 120 do not mix with each other, and water of the user's desired temperature can be discharged.

The main flow path 110 communicates with the sterilization flow path 130. Purified water or cold water flowing into the main flow path 110 may flow along the sterilization flow path 130 and then be discharged to the outside. At this time, a portion of the outer circumference of the sterilizing passage 130 is open, so that light emitted from the sterilizing unit (not shown) can be directly transmitted. Accordingly, purified water or cold water flowing along the sterilization passage 130 may be discharged after being sterilized by a sterilization unit (not shown).

In the illustrated embodiment, the main flow path 110 includes a first main flow path 111 and a second main flow path 112.

The first main flow path 111 is configured to communicate with a filter member (not shown) of the water purifier to receive filtered purified water. The downstream side of the first main flow path 111 communicates with the sterilization flow path 130.

The first main flow path 111 may be of any shape capable of communicating with the filter member (not shown) of the water purifier to receive filtered purified water and communicating with the sterilization flow path 130 to deliver the received purified water. In the illustrated embodiment, the first main flow path 111 extends in the left and right directions.

The outer end of the first main flow path 111, that is, the left end in the illustrated embodiment, is formed open, and the inner end, that is, the right end in the illustrated embodiment, is the downstream end of the second main flow path 112 and It is coupled to and communicates with the upstream end of the sterilization flow path 130.

A first valve member 111a is provided at the outer end, that is, the left end, of the first main passage 111. The first valve member 111a may be configured to allow or block communication between the first main passage 111 and the filter member (not shown). In one embodiment, the first valve member 111a is provided in the form of a check valve, so that a flow path of constant water can be formed only in the direction in which the water flows into the first main flow path 111.

Adjacent to the first main flow path 111, a second main flow path 112 that is physically spaced apart from the first main flow path 111 is disposed.

The second main flow path 112 is configured to communicate with a cooling member (not shown) of the water purifier to receive filtered and cooled purified water. The downstream side of the second main flow path 112 communicates with the sterilization flow path 130, respectively.

The second main flow path 112 is configured to communicate with a cooling member (not shown) of the water purifier to receive filtered and cooled cold water. The downstream side of the second main flow path 112 communicates with the sterilization flow path 130.

The second main flow path 112 communicates with the cooling member (not shown) of the water purifier to receive filtered and cooled cold water, and communicates with the sterilization flow path 130 to deliver the received cold water. It may be of any shape. . In the illustrated embodiment, the second main flow path 112 extends in the vertical direction.

The outer end of the second main flow path 112, the upper end in the illustrated embodiment, is formed open, and the inner end, that is, the lower end in the illustrated embodiment, is the downstream end of the first main flow path 111 and the sterilization It is coupled to and communicates with the upstream end of the flow path 130.

A second valve member 112a is provided at the outer end, that is, the upper end, of the second main passage 112. The second valve member 112a may be configured to allow or block communication between the second main passage 112 and the cooling member (not shown). In one embodiment, the second valve member 112a is provided in the form of a check valve, so that a cold water flow path can be formed only in the direction in which it flows into the second main flow path 112.

The first valve member 111a and the second valve member 112a may be configured to be operated by external force or electrical signals. In one embodiment, the first valve member 111a and the second valve member 112a are provided in the form of solenoid valves and may be operated by an applied electrical signal. In the above embodiment, the first valve member 111a and the second valve member 112a may be connected to a control unit (not shown).

In the above description, it was assumed that purified water flows in the first main flow path 111 and cold water flows in the second main flow path 112. Alternatively, cold water may flow in the first main flow path 111 and purified water may flow in the second main flow path 112. In the above case, the first main flow path 111 may be coupled to and communicate with the cooling member (not shown), and the second main flow path 112 may be coupled to and communicate with the filter member (not shown).

In any case, it is sufficient if the main flow path 110 is configured to allow purified water or cold water to flow.

Adjacent to the main flow path 110, a sub flow path 120 forming a flow path separate from the main flow path 110 is disposed.

The sub flow path 120 communicates with the outside and is configured to receive filtered and heated hot water. The sub flow path 120 communicates with the outside and forms a flow path through which the received hot water is discharged to the outside.

That is, the sub passage 120 functions as another point among the plurality of points of the water outlet assembly 10 described above. To this end, the sub flow path 120 communicates with the outside at a single location.

The sub flow path 120 is formed as a flow path separate from the main flow path 110. That is, the sub flow path 120 and the main flow path 110 are physically spaced apart and do not communicate with each other. Accordingly, the hot water flowing in the sub flow path 120 and the purified water or cold water flowing in the main flow path 110 do not mix with each other, and water of the user's desired temperature can be discharged.

The sub flow path 120 communicates with the outside. One end of the sub flow path 120 in the extending direction communicates with the heating member (not shown), and the other end in the extending direction communicates with the second tip 340 of the tip portion 300.

The sub flow path 120 may be divided into a plurality of parts. Any one of the plurality of parts may communicate with the heating member (not shown) to receive hot water. Another part of the plurality of parts may be in communication with the one part and the second tip 340 to form a flow path for the received hot water.

In the illustrated embodiment, the sub-passage 120 includes a first portion extending in the left-right direction and a second portion extending in the vertical direction.

A third valve member 121 is provided at the outer end of the first portion of the sub-passage 120, that is, at the right end in the illustrated embodiment. The third valve member 121 may be configured to allow or block communication between the sub passage 120 and the heating member (not shown). In one embodiment, the third valve member 121 is provided in the form of a check valve, so that a flow path for hot water can be formed only in the direction in which it flows into the sub flow path 120.

The downstream end of the second portion of the sub passage 120, in the illustrated embodiment, the lower end, is coupled to and communicates with the second tip 340 of the tip portion 300.

The above-described first valve member 111a, second valve member 112a, and third valve member 121 may be configured to be operated by external force or electrical signals. In one embodiment, the first valve member 111a, the second valve member 112a, and the third valve member 121 are provided in the form of solenoid valves and can be operated by an applied electrical signal. there is.

In the above embodiment, the first valve member 111a, the second valve member 112a, and the third valve member 121 may be connected to a control unit (not shown).

The sterilization flow path 130 is in communication with the main flow path 110 and receives purified or cold water. The sterilization flow path 130 communicates with the first tip 330 of the tip portion 300 to form a flow path through which delivered purified water or cold water is discharged.

In one embodiment, an opening may be formed on one side of the outer circumference of the sterilization passage 130, or in the illustrated embodiment, on the rear side. The opening communicates with a sterilizing unit (not shown), so that light can be irradiated toward the sterilizing passage 130. Purified water or cold water flowing in the sterilization passage 130 may be sterilized by the light and then discharged and provided to the user.

The sterilizing flow path 130 extends between the main flow path 110 and the first tip 330. In the illustrated embodiment, the sterilizing flow path 130 extends in the vertical direction, and its upstream end, that is, the upper end, is coupled to and communicates with the downstream end of the main flow path 110. Additionally, the downstream end of the sterilization passage 130, in the illustrated embodiment, the lower end, is coupled to and communicates with the upstream end of the first tip 330.

In the above embodiment, the sterilizing flow path 130 is located adjacent to the sub flow path 120 and extends in the same direction as the sub flow path 120. In other words, the sterilization flow path 130 is arranged in parallel with the sub flow path 120.

The sterilizing flow path 130 is physically spaced apart from the sub flow path 120. That is, the sterilizing flow path 130 and the sub flow path 120 do not communicate with each other. Therefore, cold water or purified water flowing in the sterilization flow path 130 and hot water flowing in the sub flow path 120 do not mix with each other.

The coupling arm 140 is a part where the flow path portion 100 is coupled with other components provided in the water purifier. The coupling arm 140 extends rearward in the illustrated embodiment, in the direction in which the first valve member 111a, the second valve member 112a, and the third valve member 121 extend.

The coupling arm 140 is coupled to the main flow path 110, the sub flow path 120, and the sterilization flow path 130. Additionally, the coupling arm 140 is coupled to the base 150 and the tip portion 300 through the sub passage 120 and the sterilization passage 130.

A plurality of coupling arms 140 may be provided. The plurality of coupling arms 140 may be respectively coupled to the sub flow path 120 and the sterilizing flow path 130 at different positions. In the illustrated embodiment, two coupling arms 140 are provided. One coupling arm 140 is located on the left and is coupled with the sterilizing flow path 130. The other coupling arm 140 is located on the right side and is coupled to the sub flow path 120.

A pair of coupling arms 140 may extend to form a space therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, the pair of coupling arms 140 extend in a direction opposite to the sub flow path 120 or the sterilization flow path 130, that is, outward, and then extend obliquely outward toward the rear. In the space formed between the pair of coupling arms 140, the above-described sterilizing unit (not shown) or another structure coupled to the water outlet assembly 10 may be placed.

The base 150 supports the sub flow path 120 and the sterilization flow path 130. Additionally, the cap portion 200 and the tip portion 300 are detachably coupled to the base 150. By the above coupling, the sub flow path 120 and the sterilizing flow path 130 may be coupled to and communicate with the tip portion 300.

The base 150 is coupled to the downstream ends of the sub flow path 120 and the sterilization flow path 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper portion of the base 150 is coupled to the lower ends of the sub passage 120 and the sterilization passage 130.

The base 150 is coupled to the sub flow path 120, the sterilizing flow path 130, and the tip portion 300, and is capable of supporting the sub flow path 120 and the sterilizing flow path 130 in communication with the tip portion 300. It can be of any shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 150 has a circular cross-section and extends in the vertical direction, and a recessed space is formed below it.

In the illustrated embodiment, the base 150 includes a base outer periphery 151, a base space 152, a flow path engaging portion 153, a tip through hole 154, a coupling opening 155, and a fitting protrusion 156. do.

The base outer periphery 151 forms the outer periphery of the disk-shaped base 150. The base outer periphery 151 extends in the thickness direction of the base 150, in the vertical direction in the illustrated embodiment. Accordingly, it will be understood that the cross section of the base outer periphery 151 is formed in a ring shape.

The base outer periphery 151 partially surrounds the base space 152 formed inside the base 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the base outer periphery 151 is formed to surround the base space 152 radially on the outside.

An identification depression 151a is formed on one side of the base outer periphery 151, the front side in the illustrated embodiment. The identification depression 151a is formed as a depression in a radial inner direction of the base outer periphery 151, toward the rear side in the illustrated embodiment.

A user can easily identify the directions of the base 150 and the flow path portion 100 through the identification recess 151a. Accordingly, the direction in which the cap portion 200, tip portion 300, and extension portion 400 are coupled to the flow path portion 100 can also be easily identified.

Base space 152 is a space formed inside the base 150. The base space 152 accommodates the flow path coupling portion 153 and the tip through hole 154 formed therein.

The base space 152 is partially surrounded by one side of the base 150 and the base outer periphery 151. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper side of the base space 152 is surrounded by the upper surface of the base 150, and its radial direction is surrounded by the base outer periphery 151. Accordingly, the lower side of the base space 152 is open.

The base space 152 may have any shape that can at least partially accommodate some components of the base 150, the cap portion 200, the tip portion 300, and the extension portion 400. In the illustrated embodiment, the base space 152 is formed as a cylindrical space with a circular cross-section and a height in the vertical direction.

The base space 152 communicates with the outside. Specifically, the base space 152 communicates with the outside through the open lower side. The cap portion 200, tip portion 300, and extension portion 400 may be at least partially received or extracted from the base space 152 through the lower side.

The base space 152 is physically spaced apart from the tip through-hole 154 and the main flow path 110, sub flow path 120, and sterilization flow path 130 that communicate therewith. That is, purified water, cold water, or hot water flowing from the main flow path 110, sub flow path 120, sterilization flow path 130, and tip through hole 154 does not flow into the base space 152.

The base space 152 communicates with the coupling opening 155. The coupling member 240 provided in the cap portion 200 may be inserted and coupled to the coupling opening 155. Accordingly, the cap portion 200 can be at least partially inserted into the base space 152.

A custom protrusion 156 is provided in the base space 152. The fitting protrusion 156 is arranged to align with the cap portion 200 and is configured to limit the direction of the cap portion 200 inserted into the base space 152.

A flow path coupling portion 153 is disposed in the base space 152.

The flow path coupling portion 153 is accommodated in the packing member receiving portion 220 of the cap portion 200. A tip through-hole 154 is formed through the inside of the flow path coupling portion 153 to accommodate the first tip 330 and the second tip 340 of the tip portion 300.

The flow path coupling portion 153 supports the coupled packing member receiving portion 220 and the first tip 330 and the second tip 340 in the radial direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the flow path coupling portion 153 supports the packing member receiving portion 220 on the radial inner side, and supports the first tip 330 and the second tip 340 on the radial outer side.

That is, the flow path coupling portion 153 is located between the outer periphery surrounding the packing member receiving portion 220 and the first tip 330 and the second tip 340, and is configured to support them in different directions. Accordingly, the flow path coupling portion 153 may also be referred to as a “passage support portion.”

The flow path coupling portion 153 is located in the base space 152. The flow path coupling portion 153 extends from one side of the base 150 surrounding the base space 152, the upper side in the illustrated embodiment, in the opposite direction, that is, toward the lower side. In other words, the flow path coupling portion 153 protrudes from one side surrounding the base space 152 in the horizontal direction.

The flow path coupling portion 153 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the packing member receiving portion 220. In the illustrated embodiment, the flow path coupling portion 153 has a cross-section of ∞, that is, a Lemniscate shape, and extends in the vertical direction. In other words, the flow path coupling portion 153 is formed to have a cross section in the form of a pair of circles partially overlapping.

In the above embodiment, the pair of circles constituting the flow path coupling portion 153 may be formed to have different diameters. Accordingly, the cross-sectional diameter of the tip through hole 154 formed therein may also be formed differently. The first tip 330 and the second tip 340, which are formed to have cross-sections of different diameters, may be respectively inserted and coupled to the tip through-hole 154 formed to have cross-sections of different diameters.

The flow path coupling portion 153 may be disposed to correspond to the positions of the packing member receiving portion 220, the first tip 330, and the second tip 340. In the illustrated embodiment, the flow path coupling portion 153 is located adjacent to the center of the base 150 having a circular cross-section. A plurality of coupling openings 155 are arranged to face each other with the flow path coupling part 153 interposed therebetween.

A tip through hole 154 is formed through the inside of the flow path coupling portion 153.

The tip through hole 154 is a space into which the first tip 330 and the second tip 340 of the tip portion 300 are inserted. The tip through hole 154 is formed through the inside of the base 150 and communicates with the sterilization flow path 130 and the sub flow path 120, respectively. Through the communication, the first tip 330 and the second tip 340 may be in communication with the sterilization flow path 130 and the sub flow path 120, respectively.

The tip through-hole 154 is located inside the flow path coupling portion 153. The tip through-hole 154 is formed through an end surface in the extending direction of the flow path coupling portion 153, or, in the illustrated embodiment, a lower surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the tip through-hole 154 extends from the upper surface of the base 150 to the lower end of the flow path coupling portion 153, and each end in the extending direction, in the illustrated embodiment, the upper end and The lower end is formed open.

Among the ends in the extension direction of the tip through hole 154, one end faces the sterilization flow path 130 and the sub flow path 120, and in the illustrated embodiment, the upper end is each end of the sterilization flow path 130 and the sub flow path 120. It is combined with and communicates with. Among the ends in the extension direction of the tip through hole 154, the other end facing the cap part 200 or the tip part 300, in the illustrated embodiment, the lower end is coupled to the first tip 330 and the second tip 340, It connects.

A plurality of tip through-holes 154 may be formed. One of the plurality of tip through-holes 154 may be coupled to and communicate with the sterilization flow path 130 and the first tip 330, respectively. Another one of the plurality of tip through-holes 154 may be coupled to and communicate with the sub flow path 120 and the second tip 340, respectively.

In the illustrated embodiment, two tip through-holes 154 are provided, including a first tip through-hole 154a and a second tip through-hole 154b. The first tip through hole 154a and the second tip through hole 154b are disposed skewed in different directions. In the illustrated embodiment, the first tip through-hole 154a is located relatively to the left, and the second tip through-hole 154b is located relatively to the right.

The first tip through hole 154a and the second tip through hole 154b may be formed in different shapes. In the illustrated embodiment, the first tip through-hole 154a and the second tip through-hole 154b each have a circular cross-section and a cylindrical shape with a height in the vertical direction. At this time, the cross-sectional diameter of the first tip through-hole 154a may be larger than the cross-sectional diameter of the second tip through-hole 154b.

This is due to the fact that the first tip 330, which is located relatively on the left side and has a cross-section of a larger diameter, is inserted and coupled to the first tip through-hole 154a. That is, the shape and arrangement method of the first tip through hole 154a and the second tip through hole 154b may change depending on the structure and arrangement method of the first tip 330 and the second tip 340.

Meanwhile, the first tip through hole 154a and the second tip through hole 154b are physically spaced apart. That is, the first tip through-hole 154a and the second tip through-hole 154b do not communicate with each other. Accordingly, the sterilization flow path 130 and the first tip 330 in communication with the first tip through hole 154a, the sub flow path 120 and the second tip 340 in communication with the second tip through hole 154b does not communicate with

Accordingly, the flow path through which purified water or cold water flows for discharging water and the flow path through which hot water flows for discharging water can be separated from each other.

The coupling opening 155 is a portion where the base 150 is coupled to the cap portion 200. The coupling opening 155 is formed through one side of the base 150, the upper side in the illustrated embodiment. The coupling member 240 provided in the cap portion 200 is coupled through the coupling opening 155.

In one embodiment, the coupling member 240 inserted into the coupling opening 155 may be hook-fitted with the base 150. That is, unless an external force is applied to the coupling member 240, the base 150 and the cap portion 200 are not separated.

The coupling opening 155 is disposed adjacent to the flow path coupling portion 153. Additionally, a plurality of coupling openings 155 may be formed, and the plurality of coupling openings 155 may be disposed at different positions.

In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling openings 155 are spaced apart from each other in the front-back direction and are arranged to face each other with the flow path coupling part 153 in between, and are spaced apart from each other in the left and right directions to form the flow path coupling part 153. A total of four pairs are formed, including another pair placed facing each other in between.

The number and arrangement of the coupling openings 155 may vary depending on the number and arrangement of the coupling members 240.

The custom protrusion 156 is accommodated in a space formed inside the cap portion 200. The fitting protrusion 156 is in contact with the inner circumferential or engaging protrusion 250 surrounding the packing member receiving portion 220, and maintains the cap portion 200 at a position and angle coupled with the base 150.

The custom protrusion 156 is located in the base space 152. The custom protrusion 156 extends downward from one side of the base space 152, the upper side in the illustrated embodiment. That is, the fitting protrusion 156 extends in the same direction as the flow path coupling portion 153.

A plurality of custom protrusions 156 may be formed. The plurality of custom protrusions 156 may be disposed at different positions and each may be accommodated in a space formed inside the cap portion 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the fitting protrusions 156 are provided as a pair arranged to face each other with the flow path coupling portion 153 interposed therebetween.

The packing member 160 is configured to seal the first tip 330 and the second tip 340 coupled to the flow path coupling portion 153. The packing member 160 is configured to seal the space between the first tip 330 and the second tip 340 and the inner periphery of the flow path coupling portion 153 to prevent any outflow of purified water, cold water, or hot water.

The packing member 160 is accommodated in the tip through-hole 154 formed inside the flow path coupling portion 153. The packing member 160 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the tip through hole 154 and fit into the tip through hole 154. That is, the packing member 160 inserted into the tip through-hole 154 does not fall out of the tip through-hole 154.

In one embodiment, the outer circumference of the packing member 160 may be surrounded by the outer circumference of the end of the flow path coupling portion 153, or in the illustrated embodiment, the lower outer circumference. In the above embodiment, the lower end surface of the flow path coupling portion 153 may be recessed and positioned above the lower outer periphery. The packing member 160 may be accommodated in a space formed by a depressed lower end surface.

The packing member 160 may be formed of a flexible material or an elastic material. The packing member 160 is pressed by the flow path coupling portion 153, the first tip 330, and the second tip 340, deforms in shape, and stores a restoring force, and the flow path coupling portion 153 and the second tip 340 are formed by the stored restoring force. It may be tightly coupled to the first tip 330 and the second tip 340.

In one embodiment, the packing member 160 may be made of rubber, polyurethane (PU), silicone, or a mixture thereof.

The packing member 160 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the flow path coupling portion 153 or the tip through hole 154 formed therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the packing member 160 has a cross-section in which a plurality of circles partially overlap, and is formed to have a thickness in the direction in which the passage coupling portion 153 extends, that is, in the vertical direction.

In the above embodiment, the packing member 160 includes a first portion 161 having a cross-section of a relatively large diameter and a second portion 162 having a cross-section of a relatively small diameter.

The first part 161 is disposed to overlap the first tip through-hole 154a and supports the first tip 330 penetrating the first tip through-hole 154a in the outer circumferential direction. In other words, the first part 161 seals the space between the first tip 330 and the inner periphery of the flow path coupling portion 153.

The first portion 161 is inserted and coupled to an end in the extending direction of the first tip through hole 154a, or, in the illustrated embodiment, to a lower end. In other words, the first part 161 covers the first tip through hole 154a from the lower side and is coupled to the base 150.

A first packing hollow 161a is formed through the inside of the first portion 161. The first packing hollow 161a is formed through the packing member 160 in the thickness direction. The first tip 330 is coupled through the first packing hollow 161a.

Among the sides of the first packing hollow 161a, one side facing the base 150, in the illustrated embodiment, the upper side is open and communicates with the first tip through hole 154a. Among the sides of the first packing hollow 161a, the other side opposite to the base 150, and in the illustrated embodiment, the lower side, is also open and communicates with the outside.

The first tip 330 is inserted into the lower side of the sterilization passage 130 through the first packing hollow 161a and the first tip through-hole 154a through the other side, that is, the lower side of the first packing hollow 161a. can be combined

The first packing hollow 161a may have any shape through which the first tip 330 can penetrate. In the illustrated embodiment, the first packing hollow 161a is formed to have a circular cross-section and a thickness in the vertical direction, corresponding to the shape of the first tip 330, which has a circular cross-section. In one embodiment, the first packing hollow 161a may be formed to have a diameter less than or equal to the diameter of the cross section of the first tip 330.

The first part 161 is continuous with the second part 162.

The second portion 162 is disposed to overlap the second tip through-hole 154b and supports the second tip 340 penetrating the second tip through-hole 154b in the outer circumferential direction. In other words, the second part 162 seals the space between the second tip 340 and the inner periphery of the flow path coupling portion 153.

The second portion 162 is inserted and coupled to an end in the extending direction of the second tip through-hole 154b, in the illustrated embodiment, to a lower end. In other words, the second portion 162 covers the second tip through hole 154b from the lower side and is coupled to the base 150.

A second packing hollow 162a is formed through the inside of the second portion 162. The second packing hollow 162a is formed through the packing member 160 in the thickness direction. The second tip 340 is coupled through the second packing hollow 162a.

Among the sides of the second packing hollow 162a, one side facing the base 150, in the illustrated embodiment, the upper side is open and communicates with the second tip through hole 154b. Among the sides of the second packing hollow 162a, the other side opposite to the base 150, and in the illustrated embodiment, the lower side, is also open and communicates with the outside.

The second tip 340 is inserted into the lower side of the sub passage 120 through the second packing hollow 162a and the second tip through hole 154b through the other side, that is, the lower side of the second packing hollow 162a. can be combined

The second packing hollow 162a may have any shape through which the second tip 340 can penetrate. In the illustrated embodiment, the second packing hollow 162a is formed to have a circular cross-section and a thickness in the vertical direction, corresponding to the shape of the second tip 340, which has a circular cross-section. In one embodiment, the second packing hollow 162a may be formed to have a diameter less than or equal to the diameter of the cross section of the second tip 340.

As will be described later, the sterilizing passage 130 through which purified water or cold water flows is formed to have a cross-section with a larger diameter than the sub passage 120 through which hot water flows. Accordingly, it will be understood that the cross-sectional diameter of the first packing hollow (161a) is formed to be larger than the cross-sectional diameter of the second packing hollow (162a).

Referring to Figures 4 to 7, the cap part 200 provided in the water outlet assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

The cap portion 200 couples the flow path portion 100 and the tip portion 300. Inside the cap portion 200, a through hole (i.e., a cap through hole 230 to be described later) is formed that communicates with the flow path portion 100 and the tip portion 300, respectively. Purified water, cold water, or hot water flowing in the flow path portion 100 may flow to the tip portion 300 through the cap through-hole 230.

The cap portion 200 is coupled to the flow path portion 100. The cap portion 200 is located between the flow path portion 100 and the tip portion 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the cap portion 200 is located below the flow path portion 100, and the tip portion 300 is coupled to the flow path portion 100 and the cap portion 200 in a direction from the bottom to the top.

That is, the flow path portion 100 and the tip portion 300 are arranged to face each other with the cap portion 200 interposed therebetween. The cap portion 200 is coupled to the base 150. Specifically, the cap portion 200 covers the flow path coupling portion 153 and the tip through hole 154 formed therein and is partially accommodated in the base space 152.

The cap portion 200 is coupled to the flow path portion 100 in a removable manner. As will be described later, in one embodiment, the cap portion 200 may be coupled to the flow path portion 100 in the form of a hook coupling. Accordingly, the cap portion 200 and the flow path portion 100 remain coupled unless an external force is applied, but the cap portion 200 and the flow path portion 100 may be separated by the application of an external force.

The cap portion 200 is coupled to the tip portion 300. The first tip 330 and the second tip 340 provided in the tip portion 300 may be coupled through the cap through hole 230 of the cap portion 200. The cap portion 200 is configured to support the through-coupled first tip 330 and the second tip 340 in the radial direction.

The cap portion 200 is coupled to the tip portion 300 in a removable manner. The first tip 330 and the second tip 340 provided in the tip portion 300 may be forcibly fitted into the cap through hole 230. Accordingly, the cap portion 200 and the tip portion 300 remain coupled unless an external force is applied, but the cap portion 200 and the tip portion 300 may be separated by the application of an external force.

As described above, coupling and separation of the flow path portion 100, cap portion 200, and tip portion 300 are achieved by external forces applied in different directions. Accordingly, the coupling or separation of any one of the components of the water outlet assembly 10 does not affect the coupled state of the other components, and a detailed description of this will be provided later.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cap portion 200 includes a cap body 210, a packing member receiving portion 220, a cap through-hole 230, a coupling member 240, and a coupling protrusion 250.

The cap body 210 forms the body of the cap portion 200. The cap body 210 is a portion where the cap portion 200 coupled to the base 150 covers the flow path coupling portion 153 and the tip through hole 154.

The cap body 210 is coupled to the tip portion 300. Specifically, the first tip 330 and the second tip 340 of the tip portion 300 are coupled through the cap through hole 230 formed through the inside of the cap body 210.

A space is formed inside the cap body 210. The spaces are in communication with the flow path portion 100 and the tip portion 300, respectively, so that purified water, cold water, or hot water can flow from the flow path portion 100 to the tip portion 300 through the cap body 210.

The cap body 210 may be of any shape that can be coupled to the base 150 and communicate with the flow path portion 100 and the tip portion 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the cap body 210 has a cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section and a height in the vertical direction.

At this time, one side of the cap body 210 opposite to the base 150, in the illustrated embodiment, the lower side is depressed to form a space. Accordingly, it will be understood that the overall shape of the cap body 210 is similar to the shape of the base 150.

The cap body 210 includes a plurality of components surrounding the space. In the illustrated embodiment, cap body 210 includes a first side 211 and a second side 212.

The first surface 211 is formed to surround a space formed inside the cap body 210 on one side in the height direction of the cap body 210, in the illustrated embodiment, on the lower side. In other words, the first surface 211 forms the lower surface of the cap body 210. The first surface 211 is disposed to face the upper surface of the base 150 across a space formed inside the cap body 210.

The first surface 211 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the cap body 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the cap body 210 is formed to have a circular cross-section, and the first surface 211 may also be formed to have a circular cross-section.

A cap through hole 230 is formed through the inside of the first surface 211. The first tip 330 and the second tip 340 of the tip portion 300 may be coupled through the cap through hole 230.

The first side 211 is continuous with the second side 212.

The second surface 212 extends along the outer periphery of the cap body 210 and surrounds the space formed inside the cap body 210 from the radial outside. The second surface 212 is continuous with the outer periphery of the first surface 211. In the illustrated embodiment, the second surface 212 extends from the outer periphery of the first surface 211 in a direction toward the base 150, that is, upward.

A coupling member 240 is provided on one side of the extending direction of the second surface 212 toward the base 150, at the upper end in the illustrated embodiment.

The packing member receiving portion 220 is a space that accommodates the packing member 160 of the flow path portion 100 and the flow path coupling portion 153 in which the tip through hole 154 accommodating the packing member 160 is formed. The packing member receiving portion 220 is defined by dividing the space formed inside the cap body 210.

Specifically, the packing member accommodating portion 220 is located inside the cap body 210, and is formed in a closed curve protruding upward from the inside of the first surface 211 in a direction toward the base 150, in the illustrated embodiment. It is a space defined by a (closed curve).

The packing member receiving portion 220 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the flow path coupling portion 153. As described above, the flow path coupling portion 153 has a cross-section in the shape of circles of different diameters partially overlapping and extends in the vertical direction. Accordingly, the packing member receiving portion 220 also has a cross-section in a shape in which circles of different diameters partially overlap and is formed to extend in the vertical direction.

At this time, the diameter of each circle forming each cross-sectional portion of the packing member accommodating portion 220 may be formed to be greater than or equal to the diameter of the circle forming the cross-sectional portion of each portion forming the flow path coupling portion 153. Accordingly, the flow path coupling portion 153 may be accommodated in the packing member receiving portion 220, and its radially outer portion may be supported by the closed curve.

The packing member receiving portion 220 communicates with the outside. Specifically, one side in the height direction of the packing member accommodating part 220, the upper side in the illustrated embodiment, is formed open, and the flow path coupling portion 153 can be accommodated in the packing member accommodating part 220 through this one side. .

The other side in the height direction of the packing member accommodating portion 220, in the illustrated embodiment, the lower side, communicates with the outside through the cap through hole 230. The first tip 330 and the second tip 3400 of the tip portion 300 penetrate the packing member receiving portion 220 through the cap through hole 230 and are inserted and coupled to the sterilization passage 130 and the sub passage 120. It can be.

A cap through-hole 230 is formed through the inside of the packing member receiving portion 220.

The cap through hole 230 is a space through which the first tip 330 and the second tip 340 of the tip portion 300 pass. The cap through-hole 230 is formed inside the packing member receiving portion 220. The cap through hole 230 is formed through the first surface 211 of the cap body 210.

The cap through-hole 230 communicates with the tip through-hole 154 of the flow path portion 100. The first tip 330 and the second tip 340 penetratingly coupled to the cap through hole 230 may extend to the tip through hole 154 and thereby be penetratingly coupled to the tip through hole 154 .

The cap through-hole 230 communicates with the sterilization flow path 130 and the sub flow path 120. The first tip 330 and the second tip 340 penetratingly coupled to the cap through hole 230 may be inserted into and communicate with the sterilizing flow path 130 and the sub flow path 120.

A plurality of cap through-holes 230 may be formed. The plurality of cap through-holes 230 are spaced apart from each other to block communication between them. The first tip 330 and the second tip 340 are respectively coupled to the plurality of cap through-holes 230 .

In the illustrated embodiment, two cap through-holes 230 are provided, including a first cap through-hole 231 and a second cap through-hole 232.

The first tip 330 is coupled through the first cap through hole 231. The first cap through-hole 231 communicates with the sterilization flow path 130, the first tip through-hole 154a, and the first packing hollow 161a, respectively. The first tip 330 coupled through the first cap through-hole 231 may sequentially penetrate the first packing hollow 161a and the first tip through-hole 154a and extend to the lower side of the sterilization passage 130. there is.

The first cap through-hole 231 is formed inside a circle having a relatively large diameter among the plurality of circles constituting the packing member receiving portion 220. In the illustrated embodiment, the first cap through-hole 231 is located biased on the left side of the packing member receiving portion 220.

The first cap through-hole 231 communicates with the sterilization flow path 130, the first tip through-hole 154a, and the first packing hollow 161a, and may have any shape through which the first tip 330 can penetrate. You can. In the illustrated embodiment, the first cap through-hole 231 has a circular cross-section corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the first tip 330 and is formed to have a thickness in the vertical direction.

The first cap through hole 231 is physically spaced apart from the second cap through hole 232. In other words, communication between the first cap through hole 231 and the second cap through hole 232 is blocked.

The second cap through hole 232 is positioned to be spaced apart from the first cap through hole 231.

The second tip 340 is coupled through the second cap through hole 232. The second cap through-hole 232 communicates with the sub flow path 120, the second tip through-hole 154b, and the second packing hollow 162a, respectively. The second tip 340 coupled to the second cap through hole 232 may extend to the lower side of the sub flow path 120 by sequentially penetrating the second packing hollow 162a and the second tip through hole 154b. there is.

The second cap through-hole 232 is formed inside a circle having a relatively small diameter among the plurality of circles constituting the packing member receiving portion 220. In the illustrated embodiment, the second cap through-hole 232 is located biased on the right side of the packing member receiving portion 220.

The second cap through hole 232 communicates with the sub flow path 120, the second tip through hole 154b, and the second packing hollow 162a, and may have any shape through which the second tip 340 can penetrate. You can. In the illustrated embodiment, the second cap through-hole 232 has a circular cross-section corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the second tip 340 and is formed to have a thickness in the vertical direction.

The coupling member 240 is a part where the cap portion 200 is coupled to the flow path portion 100. The coupling member 240 is inserted and coupled to the coupling opening 155 formed in the base 150. In one embodiment, the coupling member 240 may be hook-coupled to the base 150.

The coupling member 240 is coupled to the cap body 210. Specifically, the coupling member 240 is formed to protrude toward the base 150 from one end of the extending direction of the second surface 212 facing the base 150, or from the upper end in the illustrated embodiment.

A plurality of coupling members 240 may be provided. The plurality of coupling members 240 may be arranged along the second surface 212 to be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined angle. In the illustrated embodiment, four coupling members 240 are provided and arranged at right angles to the center of the cap body 210 and spaced apart from each other. In other words, the coupling members 240 may be provided in two pairs arranged to face each other with the center of the cap body 210 sandwiched between them.

The number and arrangement of the coupling members 240 may vary depending on the number and arrangement of the coupling openings 155.

The coupling member 240 may be inserted into the coupling opening 115 and provided in any shape that can be hooked to the base 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling member 240 is continuous with the one end of the second surface 212 and is continuous with the first extension portion 241 and the first extension portion 241 extending toward the base 150. and includes a second extension portion 242 that extends obliquely radially outward.

The first extension 241 penetrates the coupling opening 155. The first extension 241 extends perpendicularly from the end of the second side 212 . The first extension part 241 is continuous with the second extension part 242.

The second extension part 242 extends radially outward at a predetermined inclination with respect to the first extension part 241. In one embodiment, the predetermined slope may be a right angle. The second extension portion 242 penetrates the coupling opening 155 and is disposed to protrude outward or inward in the radial direction of the coupling opening 155. In the illustrated embodiment, the second extension 242 is seated on the upper surface of the base 150, radially outside the coupling opening 155.

Therefore, unless an external force directed radially inward is applied to the coupling member 240, the second extension portion 242 is caught on the upper surface of the base 150 and the cap portion 200 and the flow path portion 100 are not arbitrarily separated. It won't happen.

The coupling protrusion 250 is accommodated in a space formed inside the base 150. The coupling protrusion 250 contacts the base outer periphery 151 or the flow path coupling portion 153 surrounding the base space 152 to prevent the cap portion 200 from being rotated relative to the base 150.

The coupling protrusion 250 is located in a space formed inside the cap body 210. The engaging protrusion 250 is located radially inside the second surface 212 and radially outside the cap through hole 230. In other words, the engaging protrusion 250 is located between the second surface 212 and the cap through-hole 230 along the radial direction.

The coupling protrusion 250 extends in a direction toward the base 150, upward in the illustrated embodiment. That is, the coupling protrusion 250 extends in the same direction as the coupling member 240.

A plurality of coupling protrusions 250 may be provided. The plurality of coupling protrusions 250 may be disposed at different positions and accommodated at different positions in the base space 152. In the illustrated embodiment, the engaging protrusion 250 is located biased toward the rear side of the cap body 210.

Referring again to FIGS. 4, 5, and 8, the water outlet assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a tip portion 300.

The tip portion 300 is coupled to and communicates with the flow path portion 100. The tip portion 300 receives purified water, cold water, or hot water flowing into the flow path portion 100 and discharges it to the outside. The user can be provided with purified water, cold water, or hot water discharged through the tip unit 300.

Therefore, it can be said that the tip portion 300 forms the most downstream side of the flow path through which purified water, cold water, or hot water is discharged.

As will be described later, the extension portion 400 may be detachably coupled to the tip portion 300. The extension part 400 is in communication with the tip part 300, and is configured to receive purified water, cold water, or hot water flowing along the tip part 300 and discharge it. In the above embodiment, the user can receive purified water, cold water, or hot water through the extension part 400. A detailed description of this will be provided later.

The tip portion 300 is coupled to and communicates with the cap portion 200. Among the components of the tip portion 300, the first tip 330 and the second tip 340 are penetratingly coupled to the cap through hole 230 formed through the cap portion 200. In the above embodiment, the tip portion 300 may be fitted or hooked to the cap portion 200.

At this time, the tip portion 300 may be hermetically coupled to the flow path portion 100 and the cap portion 200. Accordingly, any leakage of purified water, cold water, or hot water flowing from the flow path portion 100 and the tip portion 300 can be prevented.

The tip portion 300 is located on the downstream side of the flow path portion 100 and the cap portion 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the tip portion 300 is located below the flow path portion 100 and the cap portion 200.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tip portion 300 includes a tip body 310, a tip base 320, a first tip 330, a second tip 340, and a locking protrusion 350.

The tip body 310 forms the body of the tip portion 300. The tip body 310 is formed to have a height in the direction in which purified water, cold water, or hot water flows, and in the vertical direction in the illustrated embodiment. It will be understood that the height direction of the tip body 310 is the same as the extension direction of the flow path portion 100 or the height direction of the cap portion 200.

The tip body 310 is a part of the tip portion 300 that is held by the user. The user can hold the tip body 310 and couple it to or separate it from the flow path portion 100 and the cap portion 200. In one embodiment, the user may hold the outer periphery of the tip body 310 to couple or separate the tip portion 300.

The tip body 310 supports different configurations of the tip portion 300 and may have any shape that can be held by a user. In the illustrated embodiment, the tip body 310 has an annular cross-section with a hollow interior, and has a cylindrical shape with a height in the vertical direction.

Among the height direction ends of the tip body 310, the surface of one end opposite to the passage portion 100, in the illustrated embodiment, the surface of the lower end is depressed. Accordingly, a space with an open lower side is formed inside the tip body 310. The space may be divided into a plurality of spaces by the first tip 330 and the second tip 340. A portion of the space surrounded by the first tip 330 and the second tip 340 is in communication with the flow path portion 100, so that purified water, cold water, or hot water can flow.

At this time, the portion of the space surrounded by the first tip 330 and the second tip 340 is physically spaced apart and communication between them is blocked. In addition, other parts of the space other than the above part are physically separated from the above part, and communication between them is blocked. Accordingly, purified water, cold water, or hot water does not flow into the other part of the space.

When the extension part 400, which will be described later, is coupled to the tip part 300, the outer circumference of the tip body 310 is arranged to be surrounded by the extension part 400. A detailed description of this will be provided later.

The tip body 310 is coupled to the tip base 320.

The tip base 320 covers the other end in the height direction of the tip body 310, the upper end in the illustrated embodiment, and is coupled to the tip body 310. The tip base 320 is a portion where the tip portion 300 coupled to the cap portion 200 is disposed to face the first surface 211 of the cap body 210.

In one embodiment, when the tip portion 300 and the cap portion 200 are coupled, the tip base 320 may be in contact with the first surface 211. Due to the above arrangement, the length at which the tip portion 300 is inserted into the flow path portion 100 and the cap portion 200 may be limited.

The tip base 320 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the tip body 310. In the illustrated embodiment, the tip base 320 has a circular cross-section corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the tip body 310 and has a disk shape with a thickness in the vertical direction. At this time, the diameter of the cross section of the tip base 320 may be larger than the outer diameter of the cross section of the tip body 310.

Accordingly, the tip base 320 may be formed to protrude more in the radial direction than the tip body 310.

A plurality of hollow holes are formed through the tip base 320. A first tip 330 and a second tip 340 are respectively penetrated into the hollow. In other words, the first tip 330 and the second tip 340 may surround the hollow areas and extend outward from the upper and lower surfaces of the tip base 320, respectively.

A locking protrusion 350 is formed on the outer periphery of the tip base 320 to protrude in the radial direction. The locking protrusion 350 may be inserted and coupled to the extension head 410 provided on the extension part 400. A detailed description of this will be provided later.

With the tip base 320 in between, the first tip 330 and the second tip 340 are directed toward the flow path 100 (i.e., upward direction) and in a direction opposite to the flow path 100 (i.e., each extends in the downward direction.

Cold water or purified water that has passed through the sterilization flow path 130 flows into the first tip 330. Cold water or purified water may be discharged to the outside through the first tip 330.

The first tip 330 is coupled to and communicates with the sterilization flow path 130. The first tip 330 penetrates the first tip through hole 154a formed in the base 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the first tip 330 is inserted into and communicates with the lower end of the sterilizing passage 130.

The first tip 330 may have any shape that can be combined with and communicate with the sterilization flow path 130. In the illustrated embodiment, a hollow extending in the vertical direction is formed inside the first tip 330. The hollow communicates with the sterilization flow path 130.

The cross section of the first tip 330 is formed to have an outer diameter less than the inner diameter of the cross section of the sterilizing passage 130, so that the upper end of the first tip 330 can be inserted and coupled to the lower end of the sterilizing passage 130. .

The first tip 330 is coupled to the cap portion 200. Specifically, the first tip 330 is coupled through the first cap through hole 231 of the cap portion 200.

The first tip 330 is continuous with the tip base 320. The first tip 330 may extend between the outer sides of the tip base 320 in the thickness direction. In the illustrated embodiment, one end in the extending direction of the first tip 330 is located on the upper side of the tip base 320, and the other end in the extending direction of the first tip 330 is located on the lower side of the tip base 320. do. In one embodiment, the first tip 330 may be coupled to the tip base 320 through penetration.

The second tip 340 is disposed adjacent to the first tip 330. The first tip 330 and the second tip 340 are physically spaced apart and do not communicate with each other.

Hot water passing through the sub flow path 120 flows into the second tip 340. Hot water or purified water may be discharged to the outside through the second tip 340.

The second tip 340 is coupled to and communicates with the sub flow path 120. The second tip 340 penetrates the second tip through hole 154b formed in the base 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the second tip 340 is inserted into and communicates with the lower end of the sub flow path 120.

The second tip 340 may have any shape that can be combined with and communicate with the sub flow path 120. In the illustrated embodiment, a hollow extending in the vertical direction is formed inside the second tip 340. The hollow communicates with the sub flow path 120.

The cross section of the second tip 340 is formed to have an outer diameter less than the inner diameter of the cross section of the sub passage 120, so that the upper end of the second tip 340 can be inserted and coupled to the lower end of the sub passage 120. .

The second tip 340 is coupled to the cap portion 200. Specifically, the second tip 340 is coupled through the second cap through hole 232 of the cap portion 200.

The second tip 340 is continuous with the tip base 320. The second tip 340 may extend between the outer sides of the tip base 320 in the thickness direction. In the illustrated embodiment, one end of the second tip 340 in the extension direction is located on the upper side of the tip base 320, and the other end of the second tip 340 in the extension direction is located on the lower side of the tip base 320. do. In one embodiment, the second tip 340 may be coupled to the tip base 320 through penetration.

In one embodiment, the first tip 330 and the second tip 340 may be formed so that their cross-sectional areas are reduced along a direction toward the passage portion 100, or upward in the illustrated embodiment. In the above embodiment, the first tip 330 and the second tip 340 can be easily inserted into or penetrated into the sterilization passage 130, the sub passage 120, and the cap through-hole 230, respectively.

Additionally, as the insertion length of the first tip 330 and the second tip 340 increases, the amount of force required to move the first tip 330 and the second tip 340 may increase. . Accordingly, the user can easily recognize that the first tip 330 and the second tip 340 have been sufficiently inserted.

Furthermore, the cross-sectional diameter of the portion of the first tip 330 and the second tip 340 that penetrates the packing member 160 is the cross-sectional diameter of the first packing hollow 161a and the second packing hollow diameter. It can be formed to be larger than the diameter of the cross section of (162a).

In the above embodiment, the first tip 330 and the second tip 340 may be fitted into the first part 161 and the second part 162 of the packing member 160, respectively. Accordingly, the packing member 160 is tightly coupled to the first tip 330 and the second tip 340, respectively, so that water leakage at that location can be prevented.

The locking protrusion 350 is a portion where the tip portion 300 is coupled to the extension portion 400. The locking protrusion 350 is inserted and coupled to the insertion opening 413 of the extension portion 400. When the extension part 400 is rotated, the locking protrusion 350 moves along the rotation space 414 and is positioned in the head penetrating part 415. Accordingly, the extension part 400 may be coupled to the tip part 300.

The locking protrusion 350 is continuous with the tip base 320. The locking protrusion 350 is formed on the outer periphery of the tip base 320 and extends radially outward.

The locking protrusion 350 may be of any shape that can be inserted and coupled to the insertion opening 413 and moved toward the rotation space 414 and the head penetrating portion 415. In the illustrated embodiment, the stopping protrusion 350 has the shape of an arc whose center is located inside the tip base 320.

A plurality of locking protrusions 350 may be formed. The plurality of locking protrusions 350 may be disposed at different positions and each may be coupled to the extension portion 400. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of locking protrusions 350 are provided and arranged to face each other with the center of the tip base 320 sandwiched between them.

Referring again to Figures 1 to 3 and Figures 9 to 12, the water outlet assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an extension part 400.

The extension part 400 forms a flow path through which purified water, cold water, or hot water discharged through the tip part 300 flows additionally. The extension portion 400 reduces the distance at which purified water, cold water, or hot water discharged from the tip portion 300 falls while exposed to the outside, so that purified water, cold water, or hot water bounces back after colliding with a container, etc. The amount decreases.

Accordingly, contamination of components provided in the water outlet assembly 10, such as the tip portion 300, can be prevented. In addition, a situation in which discharged purified water, cold water, or hot water bounces back and spreads out to the outside of the water purifier can also be prevented.

Additionally, purified water, cold water, or hot water that bounces back is mainly moved toward the extension portion 400. Accordingly, only the easily detachable extension part 400 can be separated from the tip part 300 and cleaned. Accordingly, user convenience can be improved.

The extension part 400 is disposed on the downstream side of a flow path formed by purified water, cold water, or hot water flowing from the tip part 300. It is removably coupled to the tip portion 300 and communicates with the tip portion 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the extension portion 400 is coupled to and communicates with one side of each side of the tip portion 300 that is opposite to the flow path portion 100, that is, the lower side.

A space is formed inside the extension portion 400. The space is in communication with the first tip 330 and the second tip 340 of the tip portion 300, so that purified water, cold water, or hot water can be introduced. The space is in communication with the outside, so that incoming purified water, cold water, or hot water can be discharged.

The extension portion 400 extends in the direction in which purified water, cold water, or hot water flows along the flow path portion 100, in the vertical direction in the illustrated embodiment. In other words, the extension portion 400 extends along a direction in which the flow path portion 100, the cap portion 200, the tip portion 300, and the extension portion 400 are coupled.

At this time, each end in the extension direction of the extension portion 400 is formed open so that the space formed therein can communicate with the outside.

The extension portion 400 is removably coupled to the tip portion 300. Specifically, the extension portion 400 may be inserted into the tip portion 300 in one direction and then rotated in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to be coupled to the tip portion 300.

As described above, the flow path portion 100 and the cap portion 200 are snap coupled, so that the flow path portion 100 and the cap portion 200 are separated only when an external force in the radial direction is applied to the coupling member 240 of the cap portion 200. It can be.

In addition, the tip portion 300 is fitted into the flow path portion 100 and the cap portion 200, so that the tip portion 300 is only activated when an external force is applied to the tip portion 300 in the direction in which it extends, in the illustrated embodiment, in a downward direction. It can be separated from the flow path portion 100 and the cap portion 200.

Furthermore, the extension part 400 is inserted into the tip part 300 and then rotated in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to be coupled. Accordingly, the extension part 400 may be separated from the tip part 300 through a process of being rotated in one of the clockwise and counterclockwise directions and then being pulled out from the tip part 300.

Accordingly, each component of the water outlet assembly 10 is separably coupled to each other, but the direction of the external force applied for the separation is configured to be different from each other. Accordingly, combination or separation of one component does not affect the combined state of the other components.

In the illustrated embodiment, extension 400 includes an extension head 410, an extension neck 420, and an extension body 430.

The extension head 410 forms part of the external shape of the extension portion 400. The extension head 410 is a part where the extension part 400 is coupled to the tip part 300. The extension head 410 forms one end facing the tip part 300 among the ends in the extension direction of the extension part 400, or an upper end in the illustrated embodiment.

The extension head 410 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the tip body 310 or the tip base 320 of the tip portion 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the extension head 410 has an annular cross-section and is formed to have a height in the vertical direction. At this time, the cross-sectional diameter of the extension head 410 may be formed to decrease downward in the direction opposite to the tip portion 300, in the illustrated embodiment.

The extension head 410 accommodates the tip body 310 of the tip portion 300. The extension head 410 partially accommodates the tip base 320 and is coupled to the locking protrusion 350. At this time, the extension head 410 is coupled to the tip portion 300 only when rotated by a preset angle, and can be separated from the tip portion 300 only when rotated by another preset angle.

In the illustrated embodiment, the extended head 410 includes a head outer periphery 411, a head hollow 412, an insertion opening 413, a rotation space 414, and a head penetrating portion 415.

The head outer periphery 411 forms the outer periphery of the extended head 410, which is formed to have an annular cross-section. The head outer periphery 411 is formed to surround the head hollow 412 formed inside the extended head 410 in the radial direction.

The head outer circumference 411 may change in diameter along its extension direction. That is, as shown in FIG. 11, the cross-section of the head outer circumference 411 may not be completely circular, but may include protruding portions that are symmetrically disposed in the left-right direction or front-back direction. By this part, the user can easily recognize the angle at which the extension part 400 must be rotated to engage and separate from the tip part 300.

The head outer periphery 411 may be formed to have a predetermined thickness along the radial direction. That is, one side of the head outer periphery 411 facing the tip portion 300 is formed to have a predetermined thickness. An insertion opening 413 is recessed on one side of the head outer periphery 411.

A rotation space 414 is formed on the inside of the head outer periphery 411 in the thickness direction, or in the radial direction in the illustrated embodiment. In addition, a head penetrating portion 415 is formed through a portion of the head outer periphery 411 in the thickness direction in the thickness direction, that is, in the radial direction.

A head hollow 412 is formed inside the head outer circumference 411.

The head hollow 412 is a space formed inside the extended head 410. The head hollow 412 extends in the height direction of the extended head 410, or in the vertical direction in the illustrated embodiment. A portion of the tip body 310, a tip base 320, a portion of the first tip 330, and a portion of the second tip 340 are accommodated in the head hollow 412. The head hollow 412 communicates with the first tip 330 and the second tip 340, respectively.

Among the ends in the extension direction of the head hollow 412, one end facing the tip portion 300, in the illustrated embodiment, the upper end is open and communicates with the first tip 330 and the second tip 340, respectively. Among the ends in the extension direction of the head hollow 412, the other end opposite to the tip portion 300, in the illustrated embodiment, the lower end, is formed open and communicates with the neck hollow 421.

The radial direction of the head hollow 412 is surrounded by the head outer periphery 411. As described above, the outer circumference of the head 411 is formed so that its outer diameter decreases in the direction opposite to the tip portion 300. Accordingly, the head hollow 412 is also formed to have its diameter decreased along the direction opposite to the tip portion 300. In other words, the inner surface of the head outer circumference 411 surrounding the head hollow 412 is inclined toward the lower inner side.

Accordingly, purified water, cold water, or hot water flowing into the head hollow 412 may be guided toward the center of the head hollow 412 and flow downward.

The insertion opening 413 is a space into which the locking protrusion 350 of the tip portion 300 is inserted. The insertion opening 413 is recessed on one side of the head outer circumference 411, the upper side in the illustrated embodiment. In other words, the insertion opening 413 is recessed in the inner surface of the head outer periphery 411 surrounding the head hollow 412.

The insertion opening 413 communicates with the head hollow 412. Other configurations of the tip base 320 coupled with the locking protrusion 350 inserted into the insertion opening 413 and the tip portion 300 coupled thereto may be accommodated in the head hollow 412. In this state, the extension part 400 can be rotated relative to the tip part 300.

The insertion opening 413 communicates with the rotation space 414. The locking protrusion 350 inserted into the insertion opening 413 may be relatively moved along the rotation space 414 by rotation of the extension portion 400.

The insertion opening 413 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the locking protrusion 350. As described above, the locking protrusion 350 is formed to have the shape of a portion of a circular arc with its center inside the tip base 320, and the insertion opening 413 also has the shape of a circular arc with its center in the head hollow 412. It may be of some shape.

A plurality of insertion openings 413 may be formed. The plurality of insertion openings 413 may be respectively coupled to different locking protrusions 350 at different positions. In the illustrated embodiment, two insertion openings 413 are formed and are located on the front and rear sides of the head outer periphery 411, respectively.

The shape, number, and arrangement method of the insertion openings 413 may vary depending on the shape, number, and arrangement method of the stopping protrusions 350.

As the insertion opening 413 is formed at a specific position of the head outer periphery 411, the extension portion 400 has a locking protrusion 350 of the tip portion 300 along the extension direction, that is, the vertical direction, to form the insertion opening 413. It can be coupled to or separated from the tip portion 300 only in the direction in which it is inserted or withdrawn.

At this time, when the extension part 400 is moved upward and the external force is released while the locking protrusion 350 is inserted into the insertion opening 413, the extension part 400 is separated from the tip part 300. Therefore, in order to prevent arbitrary separation of the extension portion 400 and the tip portion 300, the extension portion 400 must be rotated.

For this purpose, a rotation space 414 is formed inside the extension head 410.

The rotation space 414 is radially recessed in the inner surface of the head outer circumference 411, and communicates the insertion opening 413 and the head penetrating portion 415. The locking protrusion 350 inserted into the insertion opening 413 may be moved to the head penetrating portion 415 along the rotation space 414. Likewise, the locking protrusion 350 accommodated in the head penetrating portion 415 may be moved to the insertion opening 413 along the rotation space 414.

The rotation space 414 extends between the insertion opening 413 and the head penetration portion 415. As best shown in FIG. 12, the rotation space 414 extends in the outer circumferential direction of the head hollow 412, with one end in the extension direction communicating with the insertion opening 413 and the other end in the extension direction. The end communicates with the head penetrating portion 415.

The rotation space 414 communicates with the head hollow 412. Another configuration of the tip portion 300 accommodated in the head hollow 412 may be rotated together with the locking protrusion 350.

In the illustrated embodiment, the upper and lower sides of the rotation space 414 in the height direction are supported by the head outer periphery 411. Accordingly, when the locking protrusion 350 enters the rotation space 414, the extension part 400 is not separated from the tip part 300.

A plurality of rotation spaces 414 may be formed. The plurality of rotation spaces 414 may communicate between the plurality of insertion openings 413 and the head penetration part 415. In the illustrated embodiment, two rotation spaces 414 are provided, located at the front side and the rear side, respectively. Each rotation space 414 communicates with the insertion opening 413 and the head penetrating portion 415 located adjacent to each other.

The head penetrating portion 415 is a space that accommodates the catching protrusion 350 when the extension portion 400 is coupled to the tip portion 300. The head penetrating portion 415 is formed along the thickness direction of the head outer circumference 411, that is, along the radial direction in the illustrated embodiment.

The head penetrating portion 415 communicates with the insertion opening 413 through the rotation space 414. The locking protrusion 350 may be moved from one of the head penetrating portion 415 and the insertion opening 413 to the other along the rotation space 414.

A plurality of head penetrating portions 415 may be formed. The plurality of head penetrating portions 415 may be formed at different positions and communicate with different rotation spaces 414. In the illustrated embodiment, the head penetrating portions 415 are formed on the front side and the rear side, respectively.

In the illustrated embodiment, the upper and lower sides of the head penetrating portion 415 in the height direction are supported by the head outer periphery 411. Accordingly, when the catching protrusion 350 enters the head penetrating portion 415, the extension portion 400 is not separated from the tip portion 300.

The head penetrating portion 415 communicates with the head hollow 412. Another configuration of the tip portion 300 accommodated in the head hollow 412 may be rotated together with the locking protrusion 350.

Meanwhile, while the catching protrusion 350 is accommodated in the rotation space 414 or the head penetrating portion 415, the extension portion 400 moves downward in the direction opposite to the flow path portion 100, in the illustrated embodiment. In this case, the tip part 300 coupled to the cap part 200 may be separated together with the extension part 400.

Likewise, in a state in which the catching protrusion 350 is accommodated in the rotation space 414 or the head penetrating portion 415, the extension portion 400 may be moved in a direction toward the passage portion 100, upward in the illustrated embodiment. In this case, the tip portion 300 and the extension portion 400 may be coupled to the cap portion 200.

Accordingly, the process of combining and separating the tip portion 300 or the tip portion 300 and the extension portion 400 can be easily performed.

One side of the extension head 410 opposite the tip portion 300, in the illustrated embodiment, the lower side is continuous with the extension neck 420.

Extension neck 420 is located between extension head 410 and extension body 430. The extension neck 420 is continuous with and communicates with the extension head 410 and the extension body 430, respectively. The extension neck 420 extends in the same direction as the extension head 410, in the vertical direction in the illustrated embodiment. The extension neck 420 accommodates a portion of the tip portion 300.

The extension neck 420 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the extension head 410. In the illustrated embodiment, the extension neck 420 is formed to have an annular cross-section. At this time, the outer diameter of the cross section of the extension neck 420 is formed to be less than the diameter of the cross section of the extension head 410, and is formed to be reduced in a direction opposite to the extension head 410, in the illustrated embodiment, in a downward direction. You can.

A neck hollow 421 is formed inside the extended neck 420.

The neck hollow 421 is a space formed inside the extended neck 420. The neck hollow 421 extends in the same direction as the extension direction of the extension neck 420, in the vertical direction in the illustrated embodiment. Each end in the extending direction of the neck hollow 421, in the illustrated embodiment, the upper end and the lower end, is formed open and communicates with the head hollow 412 and the body hollow 431, respectively.

The neck hollow 421 accommodates a portion of the tip portion 300. In the depicted embodiment, neck hollow 421 accommodates different portions of tip body 310, different portions of first tip 330, and different portions of second tip 340. The neck hollow 421 communicates with the first tip 330 and the second tip 340.

The neck hollow 421 may be formed to correspond to the shape of the extended neck 420. In the illustrated embodiment, the neck hollow 421 has a circular cross-section and a height in the vertical direction, but the diameter of the cross-section decreases as it goes in the direction opposite to the extension head 410, that is, downward. At this time, the cross-sectional diameter of the neck hollow 421 may be formed to be larger than or equal to the cross-sectional diameter of the tip body 310.

The extension body 430 forms the remaining portion of the external shape of the extension portion 400. The extension body 430 is continuous with the extension neck 420 and is positioned opposite to the extension head 410. In the depicted embodiment, extension body 430 forms the lower portion of extension 400.

The extension body 430 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the extension head 410 or the extension neck 420. In the illustrated embodiment, the extension body 430 has a circular cross-section and extends in the vertical direction. At this time, the cross-sectional diameter of the extension body 430 is formed to decrease in a direction opposite to the extension neck 420, that is, toward the bottom.

Accordingly, the inner surface of the extended body 430 surrounding the body hollow 431 is inclined toward the lower inner side, so that purified water, cold water, or hot water can flow toward the center of the body hollow 431.

The extension body 430 may extend to a relatively long length compared to other components of the extension part 400, that is, the extension head 410 and the extension neck 420. Accordingly, the user can hold the extension body 430 to couple or separate the extension portion 400 and the tip portion 300.

Additionally, the extension body 430 functions as the downstream end of the outlet flow path for purified water, cold water, or hot water. Accordingly, as the extension body 430 is formed to extend longer, the distance through which purified water, cold water, or hot water discharged from the extension body 430 falls until it is accommodated in the container is reduced. Accordingly, the occurrence of a situation in which purified water, cold water, or hot water splashes back can be minimized.

In the illustrated embodiment, the extended body 430 includes a body hollow 431, an extended outer periphery 432, an extended inner periphery 433, a valve portion 434, a discharge opening 435, and a buffer space 436. .

The body hollow 431 is a space formed inside the extended body 430. Purified water, cold water, or hot water flowing along the tip portion 300 may flow into the body hollow 431. The body hollow 431 communicates with the first tip 330 and the second tip 340, respectively.

The body hollow 431 extends in the direction in which the extension body 430 extends, in the vertical direction in the illustrated embodiment. One end of the body hollow 431 in the extending direction, in the illustrated embodiment, an upper end, communicates with the first tip 330 and the second tip 340, respectively. The other end in the extending direction of the body hollow 431, in the illustrated embodiment, the lower end, communicates with the discharge opening 435.

The body hollow 431 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the extended body 430. In the illustrated embodiment, the body hollow 431 extends in the vertical direction and has a cross-sectional diameter that decreases as it goes downward.

The radial outer side of the body hollow 431 is surrounded by an extended outer periphery 432.

The extension outer periphery 432 forms the outer periphery of the extension body 430. The extended outer periphery 432 surrounds the body hollow 431 and the buffer space 436 radially outwardly. The extension outer periphery 432 extends in the direction in which the extension body 430 extends, in the vertical direction in the illustrated embodiment.

One end of the extension outer periphery 432 in the extension direction, in the illustrated embodiment, an upper end, is continuous with the extension head 410. The other end of the extended outer periphery 432 in the extending direction, in the illustrated embodiment, the lower end, is located adjacent to the lower end of the extended inner periphery 433.

The extended inner periphery 433 surrounds the discharge opening 435. In other words, the extended inner periphery 433 forms the outer periphery of the discharge opening 435. The extended inner periphery 433 extends between the body hollow 431 and the buffer space 436. The extended inner periphery 433 may be extended shorter than the extended length of the extended outer periphery 432.

The upper end of each end in the extension direction of the extended inner periphery 433 is located in the body hollow 431 and adjacent to the valve portion 434. The lower end of each end in the extension direction of the extended inner periphery 433 is located adjacent to the lower end of the extended outer periphery 432.

The extended inner periphery 433 is spaced apart from the extended outer periphery 432 and is located radially inside the extended outer periphery 432. A valve portion 434 extends between the inner periphery of the extension 433 and the outer periphery of the extension 432.

The valve portion 434 extends between the extended outer periphery 432 and the extended inner periphery 433. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve portion 434 extends radially from the extended inner periphery 433 and is continuous with the extended outer periphery 432.

The valve portion 434 partitions the body hollow 431 and the buffer space 436. A body hollow 431 is located on the upper side of the valve portion 434, and a buffer space 436 is located on the lower side of the valve portion 434. The valve portion 434 blocks communication between the body hollow 431 and the buffer space 436.

Accordingly, even if purified water, cold water, or hot water discharged through the discharge opening 435 bounces back, the valve portion 434 blocks the inflow into the body hollow 431. Accordingly, purified water, cold water, or hot water once discharged does not flow into the water outlet assembly 10 again, and contamination of the purified water, cold water, or hot water flowing from the water outlet assembly 10 can be prevented.

A discharge opening 435 penetrates the inside of the valve portion 434.

The discharge opening 435 is a passage through which purified water, cold water, or hot water flowing into the body hollow 431 is discharged to the outside of the water outlet assembly 10. The discharge opening 435 communicates with the body hollow 431 and the outside, respectively.

The discharge opening 435 is defined by being surrounded by an extended inner periphery 433. The radially outer side of the discharge opening 435 is surrounded by an extended inner periphery 433. The discharge opening 435 extends in the direction in which the extended inner periphery 433 extends, in the vertical direction in the illustrated embodiment.

One end of the discharge opening 435 in the extending direction, in the illustrated embodiment, the upper end, is open and communicates with the body hollow 431. The other end in the direction in which the discharge opening 435 extends, in the illustrated embodiment, the lower end, is open and communicates with the outside. Purified water, cold water, or hot water may flow into the discharge opening 435 through one end of the discharge opening 435 and be discharged to the outside through the other end.

The discharge opening 435 is spaced apart from the buffer space 436 by an extended inner periphery 433.

The buffer space 436 is a space that accommodates purified water, cold water, or hot water that bounces back after being discharged. The buffer space 436 is physically spaced apart from the body cavity 431 and the discharge opening 435. The buffer space 436 is blocked from communicating with the body hollow 431 and the discharge opening 435.

The buffer space 436 is defined by the extended outer periphery 432 and the extended inner periphery 433 being spaced apart. In the illustrated embodiment, the buffer space 436 is located between the extending outer periphery 432 and the extending inner periphery 433 along the radial direction.

The buffer space 436 extends in the same direction as the extended inner periphery 433. In the illustrated embodiment, the buffer space 436 extends in the vertical direction. The upper end of the buffer space 436 is closed by the valve portion 434. The lower end of the buffer space 436 is formed open.

Each component of the water outlet assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be separably coupled to each other. At this time, the number of each component of the water outlet assembly 10 can be minimized, so that the number of members that must be combined to form the water outlet assembly 10 can be minimized. Accordingly, the number of parts where water leakage may occur, that is, the number of parts where each member is joined, can also be minimized.

In addition, the water outlet assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured to have different directions of external force applied for coupling or separating each component. Accordingly, an external force applied to couple or separate one component does not affect the coupled state of the other components.

Furthermore, among each configuration of the water outlet assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the configuration that requires frequent maintenance is hooked or fitted, so that it can be easily separated compared to the configuration that requires relatively less maintenance, can be combined

Hereinafter, the process of assembling each component of the water outlet assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 13 to 17.

Referring to FIG. 13, the flow path portion 100, cap portion 200, tip portion 300, and extension portion 400 are shown separated from each other and arranged side by side. For convenience of understanding, one side on which the flow path portion 100 is biased will be defined as the upper side, and the other side on which the extension portion 400 is biased will be defined as the lower side.

In this state, the cap portion 200 is moved toward the flow path portion 100 and the cap portion 200 and the flow path portion 100 are coupled. Specifically, the coupling member 240 of the cap portion 200 is inserted into the coupling opening 155 formed in the base 150 of the flow path portion 100. At this time, the second extension portion 242 of the coupling member 240 penetrating the coupling opening 155 moves radially outward and is snap-coupled with the surface of the base 150.

In the above state, the packing member accommodating portion 220 accommodates the flow path engaging portion 153 and the packing member 160 partially accommodated therein. In addition, the first cap through-hole 231 of the cap portion 200 is connected to the first tip through-hole 154a and the first packing hollow 161a, and the second cap through-hole 232 is connected to the second tip through-hole 154b. ) and the second packing hollow (162a), respectively.

Referring to FIG. 14, the tip portion 300 is moved toward the flow path portion 100 and the cap portion 200, so that the tip portion 300 is coupled to the flow path portion 100 and the cap portion 200, respectively.

Specifically, the first tip 330 of the tip portion 300 penetrates the first tip through-hole 154a, the first packing hollow 161a, and the first cap through-hole 231 to the lower side of the sterilization passage 130. It is inserted and joined at the end. In addition, the second tip 340 of the tip portion 300 penetrates the second tip through-hole 154b, the second packing hollow 162a, and the second cap through-hole 232 to the lower end of the sub passage 120. is inserted and combined.

Accordingly, the first tip 330 communicates with the sterilization flow path 130, and the second tip 340 communicates with the sub flow path 120, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 15 , the extension part 400 is moved toward the tip part 300 and then rotated so that the extension part 400 is coupled to the tip part 300.

Specifically, the extension portion 400 is moved toward the tip portion 300 so that the locking protrusion 350 is inserted into the insertion opening 413. The insertion opening 413 is formed on one side facing the tip portion 300, and in the illustrated embodiment, the upper side is open. In this state, when the extension portion 400 is moved opposite to the tip portion 300, the extension portion 400 and The tip portion 300 is separated.

Therefore, in order to completely couple the extension part 400 to the tip part 300 or to separate the extension part 400 coupled to the tip part 300, a process of rotating the extension part 400 must be performed.

Referring to Figure 16(a) and Figure 17(a), the extension part 400 coupled to the tip part 300 is shown rotated counterclockwise (direction a shown). In this state, the locking protrusion 350 accommodated in the head penetrating portion 415 moves along the rotation space 414 and enters the insertion opening 413. Accordingly, the extension part 400 can be separated from the tip part 300.

Referring to Figure 16 (b) and Figure 17 (b), the extension part 400 inserted into the tip part 300 (i.e., before being coupled) is rotated clockwise (direction b shown). is shown. In this state, the locking protrusion 350 accommodated in the insertion opening 413 moves along the rotation space 414 and enters the head penetrating portion 415. Accordingly, the extension part 400 is combined with the tip part 300 and is not separated at any time.

As described above, when the extension portion 400 is pressed in the direction opposite to the flow path portion 100 in the above state, the extension portion 400 and the tip portion 300 coupled thereto are together with the cap portion 200 or the flow path portion. It can be separated from (100).

Additionally, it will be understood that the rotation of the above-described locking protrusion 350 can be achieved by rotating the extension portion 400 relative to the tip portion 300.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described, the spirit of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments presented in the present 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: outlet assembly 100: flow path unit
110: Main Euro 111: First Main Euro
111a: first valve member 112: second main flow path
112a: second valve member 120: sub flow path
121: third valve member 130: sterilization flow path
140: combined arm 150: base
151: Base outer periphery 151a: Identification depression
152: Base space 153: Flow path coupling part
154: tip through hole 154a: first tip through hole
154b: second tip through hole 155: coupling opening
156: Custom protrusion 160: Packing member
161: first portion 161a: first packing hollow
162: second portion 162a: second packing hollow
200: Cap portion 210: Cap body
211: side 1 212: side 2
220: Packing member receiving portion 230: Cap through hole
231: first cap through-hole 232: second cap through-hole
240: Coupling member 241: First extension portion
242: second extension 250: coupling protrusion
300: tip portion 310: tip body
320: tip base 330: first tip
340: Second tip 350: Hooking protrusion
400: extension 410: extension head
411: Head outer circumference 412: Head hollow
413: insertion opening 414: rotation space
415: head penetration part 420: extension neck
421: Neck hollow 430: Extended body
431: Body hollow 432: Extension outer periphery
433: extension inner periphery 434: valve portion
435: discharge opening 436: buffer space

Claims (15)

A flow path part that communicates with the outside and forms a path through which filtered purified water flows;
A cap portion coupled to the flow path portion and communicating with the flow path portion; and
It is removably coupled to the cap portion and includes a tip portion that communicates with the cap portion,
The euro section,
A flow path that communicates with the outside and extends in one direction; and
One side is coupled to one end in the extending direction of the passage, and the other side includes a base coupled to the cap portion,
The tip portion covers the cap portion and is coupled to the base, and is disposed to face the base with the cap portion interposed therebetween.
Outlet assembly. According to paragraph 1,
The tip part,
It includes a tip extending toward the base on one side facing the base,
The base is,
a tip through hole formed therein, into which the tip is inserted and coupled; and
Surrounding the outside of the tip through hole, comprising a flow path coupling portion extending in a direction toward one end of the flow path and in another direction toward the tip portion,
Outlet assembly. According to paragraph 2,
The euro section,
Comprising a packing member accommodated in the tip through hole, surrounding the tip on the outside, and surrounded on the outside by the flow path engaging portion,
Outlet assembly. According to paragraph 2,
The cap part,
a cap body formed to cover the flow path coupling portion;
A cap through-hole formed through the interior of the cap body and disposed to overlap the tip through-hole along the one direction, through which the tip penetrates,
Outlet assembly. According to paragraph 4,
The base is,
It includes a coupling opening formed through a radial outer side of the flow path coupling portion,
The cap part,
Comprising a coupling member extending from the outer periphery of the cap body toward the base and removably coupled to the coupling opening,
Outlet assembly. According to clause 5,
A plurality of coupling openings are formed, and the plurality of coupling openings are arranged to be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined angle with respect to the center of the base,
A plurality of coupling members are provided, and the plurality of coupling members are arranged to be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined angle with respect to the center of the cap body.
Outlet assembly. According to clause 6,
The flow path coupling portion is located between a pair of the coupling openings arranged to face each other among the plurality of coupling openings,
Outlet assembly. According to paragraph 1,
The tip part,
a tip body extending in the one direction and having a hollow interior;
a tip base coupled to the tip body and located at one end of the extension direction of the tip body toward the flow path; and
A tip extending from the outside of the tip base to the hollow of the tip body and coupled to the tip base,
Outlet assembly. According to clause 8,
The euro section,
a tip through hole formed therein, into which the tip is inserted and coupled;
a flow path coupling portion extending along the outer circumference of the tip through hole; and
A packing member accommodated in the tip through hole and configured to seal the space between the tip through hole and the tip,
The cap part,
a cap through-hole formed therein and aligned with the tip through-hole through which the tip passes; and
Comprising a packing member accommodating part that communicates with the cap through-hole and has an open side on one side facing the flow path part to accommodate the flow path coupling part and the packing member.
Outlet assembly. According to clause 9,
The packing member is,
Including a packing hollow formed through the interior and having a cross-section with a smaller diameter than the tip,
The tip is fitted into the packing member,
Outlet assembly. According to paragraph 1,
An extension portion is removably coupled to the tip portion, extends along the one direction, and includes an extension portion whose interior is in communication with the tip portion,
Outlet assembly. According to clause 11,
The tip part,
a tip extending between the flow path portion and the extension portion and communicating with the flow path portion; and
Comprising a locking protrusion that protrudes outward from the outer periphery of the tip base supporting the tip and is coupled to the extension portion,
Outlet assembly. According to clause 12,
The extension part,
an extension head located adjacent to the tip portion and coupled to and communicating with the tip portion; and
Continuous with the extension head, comprising an extension body that communicates with the extension head and extends along the one direction,
Outlet assembly. According to clause 13,
The extension head is,
an insertion opening recessed on one surface facing the tip portion to receive the locking protrusion; and
It communicates with the insertion opening and includes a rotating space portion that is recessed in the radial direction on the inner peripheral surface of the extension head,
Outlet assembly. According to clause 13,
The extended body is,
a body hollow formed therethrough and communicating with the head hollow formed inside the extended head;
a discharge opening disposed inside the body hollow, extending in the one direction to communicate with the body hollow and the outside;
an extending inner periphery surrounding the discharge opening radially outwardly;
an extended outer periphery located radially outwardly of the extended inner periphery and surrounding the body hollow radially outwardly; and
A valve portion extending radially outward of the discharge opening and configured to block external communication with the space between the inner periphery of the extension and the outer periphery of the extension,
Outlet assembly.

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