WO2009041751A1

WO2009041751A1 - Device for purifying water

Info

Publication number: WO2009041751A1
Application number: PCT/KR2007/006345
Authority: WO
Inventors: Young-Soo Moon
Original assignee: Young-Soo Moon
Priority date: 2007-09-28
Filing date: 2007-12-07
Publication date: 2009-04-02

Abstract

Provided is a device for purifying water capable of reducing an installation area to effectively use an installation place and readily exchange a filter. The device for purifying water includes: a plurality of filter units for filtering raw water supplied from the exterior; coupling means for directly connecting the filter units to each other such that the filter units are disposed in a single direction; and discharge means for discharging purified water filtered through the filter units to the exterior.

Description

DEVICE FOR PURIFYING WATER

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a device for purifying water, and more particularly, to a device for purifying water capable of filtering raw water to obtain purified water. Background Art

[2] A device for purifying water is a device for filtering raw water to obtain purified water. In recent times, with the seriousness of environmental pollution and the increase in importance of clean water, water purifying devices are widely used.

[3] The water purifying device is configured to filter raw water through a plurality of filters. In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the respective filters are inserted into housings 11 ', and the housings 11' are connected in parallel to each other. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, couplings C are coupled to opposite ends of each housing 11', and pairs of couplings adjacent to each other are connected to each other by hoses H.

[4] However, since the housings 11' having the filters therein are connected in parallel to each other as shown in FIG. 1, it is difficult to reduce a space in which the water purifying device is installed. In particular, in recent times, in order to improve water purifying capacity, a larger number of filters 11' are used. Therefore, due to this tendency, a larger water purifying device requires a larger installation area. As described above, when the water purifying device occupies a larger installation area, a space in which the water purifying device is installed, for example, a kitchen cannot be effectively used.

[5] In addition, since the housings 11' are connected to each other by the couplings C and the hoses H, a user of the water purifying device, for example, a housekeeper cannot readily exchange the housings 11 accommodating the filters by oneself. In particular, as the number of filters is increased, a larger number of hoses H and couplings C are needed. In this case, since the arrangement of the hoses H is complicated, it is difficult for a user to exchange the housings in the complicated hoses H. In this respect, the exchange of the housings 11' accommodating the filters needs the assistance of an expert, thereby increasing maintenance costs.

[6] Further, use of the couplings C and the hoses H in connection between the housings increases risk of leakage of water. That is, water may be leaked between the couplings C and the housings 11' and between the couplings C and the hoses H. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[7] In order to solve the foregoing and/or other problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved device for purifying water capable of reducing an installation area to effectively use an installation place and readily exchanging a filter. Technical Solution

[8] One aspect of the present invention provides a device for purifying water including: a plurality of filter units for filtering raw water supplied from the exterior; coupling means for directly connecting the filter units to each other such that the filter units are disposed in a single direction; and discharge means for discharging purified water filtered through the filter units to the exterior. Advantageous Effects

[9] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce an installation area, effectively use an installation place, and readily exchange a filter.

[10] In addition, filter units of a water purifying device are directly coupled to each other to reduce the number of components constituting the water purifying device, thereby economically producing the water purifying device. Description of Drawings

[11] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[12] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an internal configuration of a conventional device for purifying water;

[13] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a device for purifying water in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[14] FIG. 3 is a detail view of a filter unit shown in FIG. 2;

[15] FIGS. 4 and 5 are schematic views showing places at which the water purifying device of FIG. 2 is installed;

[16] FIG. 6 is a detail view of a filter unit of a device for purifying water in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[17] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 6; and

[18] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a device for purifying water in accordance with still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Mode for Invention

[19] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[20] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5, a device for purifying water in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes filter units 10, coupling means, and discharge means.

[21] A plurality of filter units 10 are provided to filter raw water supplied from the exterior. Each filter unit 10 includes a housing 11 and a filter 12.

[22] The housing 11 has a hollow structure. An inlet port 111 and an outlet port 112 are respectively formed at opposite ends of the housing 11. The inlet port 111 and the outlet port 112 are in communication with the interior of the housing 11, and raw water introduced into the inlet port 111 is discharged through the outlet port 112.

[23] The filters 12 for filtering raw water are disposed in the housing 11. The filters 12 provided in the filter units 10 have different filtering capabilities. For example, one filter 12 filters a fine particle, another filter 12 reduces a heavy metal, and other 12 removes odor.

[24] The coupling means detachably couples the plurality of filter units 10 to each other.

That is, the filter units 10 are directly coupled in series to each other by the coupling means, and then straightly disposed in a single direction, e.g., a vertical direction. The coupling means includes a projection 21, and an insertion groove 22.

[25] The projection 21 projects from one side of the housing 11, and a male thread is formed on an outer periphery of the projection 21. In addition, the outlet port 112 passes through the projection 21 in a projection direction thereof.

[26] The insertion groove 22 is concavely formed on the other side of each housing 11. A female thread is formed on an inner periphery of the insertion groove 22. In addition, the male thread of the projection 21 is threadedly engaged with the female thread of the insertion groove 22. At this time, the projection 21 is inserted into the insertion groove 22. As shown in FIG. 3, the concave direction of the insertion groove 22 and the projection direction of the projection 21 are vertically disposed in the same direction. Further, the inlet port 111 passes through a bottom surface of the insertion groove 22.

[27] In addition, the housing 11 of the filter unit 10 disposed at the lowermost side of the filter units 10 is threadedly engaged with a support member 30. That is, a male thread 31 of the support member 30 is screwd to the female thread of the housing 11. Further, a raw water introduction passage 32 formed at the support member 30 is in communication with the inlet port 111 of the housing 11. The support member 30 may have the same area as the housing 11 to minimize an installation area. Furthermore, in order to prevent leakage of water, a sealing member (not shown) such as an O-ring may be installed upon coupling of the housing 11.

[28] The discharge means functions to discharge purified water filtered through the filter units 10 to the exterior, and includes a discharge pipe 41 and a valve 42.

[29] The discharge pipe 41 has a hollow structure, both ends of which are open. The purified water filtered is discharged through the discharge pipe 41. As shown in FIG. 2, the discharge pipe 41 is threadedly engaged with the housing 11 of the filter unit 10 disposed at the uppermost side of the filter units. [30] The valve 42 is coupled to the discharge pipe 41. The valve 42 controls discharge of the filtered water. Since the structure of the valve 42 is already known, a description of the structure of the valve will be omitted.

[31] In the water purifying device 100 of the embodiment constituted as described above, since the filter units 10 are directly coupled in series to each other in a threaded manner, the filter units 10 can be readily assembled and disassembled. Therefore, the general public can also readily assemble and disassemble the filter units 10 without the assistance of an expert. In particular, in contrast to the conventional art, the filter units 10 can be readily assembled or disassembled without a special tool.

[32] In addition, since the housings 11 of the filter units are coupled strongly to each other as shown in FIG. 2, it is possible to prevent the filter units 10 from being distorted or deformed after coupling.

[33] Further, since the filter units 10 are vertically disposed to require an installation area corresponding to an area of a single filter unit 10, it is possible to effectively use the installation place. In particular, the water purifying device 100 can be installed at a narrow place such as beside a bathroom washstand, beside a kitchen sink, a schoolyard water-service pipe, a school corridor, or the like.

[34] For example, FIG. 4 illustrates the water purifying device 100 installed beside a bathroom washstand. Here, the water purifying device 100 is surrounded by fastening strips 50 fixed to a wall 1. Therefore, it is possible to install the water purifying device by using an unused-space in the bathroom, and to prevent reduction in the bathroom area due to the water purifying device and interference in an activity area.

[35] In addition, FIG. 5 illustrates the water purifying device 100 which is horizontally installed. This installation method can be effectively used in a position where an installation bottom area of the water purifying device cannot be readily obtained, for example, the wall beside a sink or a bathroom washstand. In this case, the water purifying device 100 is surrounded by fastening strips 50 fixed to the wall. When the water purifying device 100 is installed on tiles 2 or a mirror, adsorbers 3 are installed on the tiles or mirrors to fix the water purifying device.

[36] Further, since the housings are directly connected to each other in the embodiment, the number of connection parts is reduced in comparison with the conventional connection structure. Therefore, it is possible to minimize risk of leakage of water and to decrease the number of components constituting the water purifying device, thereby decreasing manufacturing costs of the water purifying device.

[37] Coupling means of a water purifying device 100a shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is different in configuration from the water purifying device 100 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. That is, the coupling means of the embodiment further includes a coupling groove 23, a straight moving member 24, and an elastic member 25. In addition, a projection 21a and an insertion groove 22a don't have a male thread and a female thread, respectively.

[38] The coupling groove 23 is formed on an inner surface of the insertion groove 22a and is concave in a diameter direction of the insertion groove 22a. In addition, one side of the coupling groove 23 is connected to an inner surface of the insertion groove 22a by a curved surface 26 having a large radius of curvature.

[39] The straight moving member 24 is inserted into an installation groove 27 formed at the projection 21a, and can be straightly moved in a diameter direction of the insertion groove 22a by a length corresponding to a depth of the installation groove 27. In addition, the straight moving member 24 is blocked by a stopper member 28 coupled to the projection 21a to prevent separation from the installation groove 27.

[40] The straight moving member 24 can be straightly moved between an insertion position shown as a solid line in FIG. 6 and a separation position shown as an imaginary line in FIG. 6. In the insertion position, the straight moving member 24 projects from an outer periphery of the projection 21a, and can be inserted into the coupling groove 23. In the separation position, the straight moving member 24 is extracted from the insertion position such that the straight moving member 24 can be separated from the coupling groove 23.

[41] The elastic member 25 is installed in the installation groove 27 to elastically bias the straight moving member 24 toward the insertion position. The elastic member 25 is in contact with an inner surface of the installation groove 27 at its one side and in contact with the straight moving member 24 at the other side.

[42] In the water purifying device 100a constituted as described above, when the projection 21a of one housing is inserted into the insertion groove 22a of another housing, the straight moving member 24 is pushed by the inner surface of the insertion groove 27 to overcome an elastic force of the elastic member 25, so that it is inserted into the insertion groove 27 at the separation position. In addition, as soon as the straight moving member 24 is located at a position shown as an imaginary line in FIG. 6, the straight moving member 24 by an elastic force of the elastic member 25 to be inserted into the coupling groove 23. As a result, straight moving member 24 is inserted into the insertion groove 22a to couple the housings 11 of the filter units 10 to each other. As described above, when the projection 21a of the housing 11 is only inserted into the insertion groove 22a of another housing 11, the straight moving member 24 is automatically inserted into the coupling groove 23 to readily couple the housings 11 to each other.

[43] Meanwhile, when a user intends to separate the housing 11, the user can simply rotate the housing 11 to an appropriate angle to separate the housing 11 in a reverse direction of the coupling direction. This separation can be done because the straight moving member 24 is pressed by the curved surface 26 and thus automatically moved to a separation position to be separated as shown as an imaginary line in FIG. 7 during the rotation of the housing 11.

[44] Discharge means of a water purifying device 100b shown in FIG. 8 further includes a swivel joint 43, different from the water purifying device 100 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

[45] The swivel joint 43 connects a discharge pipe 41 to a filter unit 10 disposed at the uppermost side of filter units, and functions to couple the discharge pipe 41 to a projection 21 of a housing in a state that a rotation position of the discharge pipe 41 is fixed to a desired position. The swivel joint 43 is coupled to the discharge pipe 41 and the projection 21 of the housing in a relatively rotatable manner.

[46] The swivel joint 43 has a hollow structure, both ends of which are open. The swivel joint 43 has an inward flange 431 inserted into an annular groove 411 of the discharge pipe, and the discharge pipe 41 has an outward flange 412 stopped by the inward flange 431. Therefore, the swivel joint 43 can be relatively rotatable with respect to the discharge pipe 41 and prevent separation from the discharge pipe 41.

[47] In addition, a sealing member 44, such as an O-ring, is disposed in the swivel joint

43. The sealing member 44 is in contact with the outward flange 412 and an inner surface of the swivel joint 43.

[48] Further, the swivel joint 43 has a female thread 432 engaged with a male thread of the projection 21. Furthermore, when the swivel joint 43 is threadedly engaged with the projection 21, the projection 21 presses the sealing member 44 to closely adhere the sealing member 44 to the outward flange 412.

[49] In this embodiment, the discharge pipe 41 comprises elements El, E2 that are screwed each other in order to couple the swivel joint 43 to the discharge pipe 41 as shown FIG 8. And the annular groove 411 and the outward flange 412 are formed in the element E2.

[50] Since the above-described embodiment further includes the swivel joint 43, the discharge pipe 41 can be coupled to the housing 10 by rotating the swivel joint 43 with maintaining the discharge pipe 41 at its desired position.

[51] While exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[52] For example, the water purifying device of the embodiment may further include a cover such that a plurality of filter units can be disposed in the cover to prevent the filter units from being exposed to the exterior.

[53] In addition, a swivel joint of a different type from the embodiment may be installed.

Claims

[1] A device for purifying water, comprising: a plurality of filter units for filtering raw water supplied from the exterior; coupling means for directly connecting the filter units to each other such that the filter units are disposed in a single direction; and discharge means for discharging purified water filtered through the filter units to the exterior.

[2] The device for purifying water according to claim 1, wherein each of the filter units comprises: a housing having an inlet port and an outlet port; and a filter disposed in the housing to filter the raw water, wherein the coupling means comprises: a projection projecting from one side of the housing; and an insertion groove concaved at the other side of the housing such that the projection is inserted, and wherein the inlet port passes through one of an inner surface of the insertion groove and the projection, and the outlet port passes through the other of a bottom surface of the insertion groove and the projection.

[3] The device for purifying water according to claim 2, wherein the projection has a male thread formed on its outer periphery, and the insertion groove has a female thread formed on its inner periphery and engaged with the male thread of the projection.

[4] The device for purifying water according to claim 2, wherein the coupling means further comprises: a coupling groove concaved at the inner surface of the insertion groove; a straight moving member coupled to the projection so as to straightly movable between an insertion position inserted into the coupling groove and a separation position separated from the coupling groove; and an elastic member for elastically biasing the straight moving member toward the insertion position.

[5] The device for purifying water according to claim 1, wherein the discharge means comprises: a discharge pipe having a hollow structure, both ends of which are open,; a valve coupled to the discharge pipe and controlling discharge of the filtered water; and a swivel joint for connecting the discharge pipe to the filter unit to discharge the filter water through the discharge pipe, and rotatably coupled to the discharge pipe and the filter unit.